So, what's the big deal about evaporated milk anyway? Well, for starters, it's made by removing about 60% of the water from regular milk, which concentration the flavor and nutrients. This process also gives it a creamier texture and a longer shelf life, making it perfect for recipes like mac and cheese or creamy soups.
Now, you might be wondering, can't I just use regular milk and reduce it myself to get the same effect? The answer is, kind of. You can try reducing regular milk by cooking it down, but it's not going to be exactly the same. The flavor will be slightly different, and the consistency might not be as smooth. Think of it like trying to make a latte with regular milk instead of espresso - it's just not going to be the same.
In some cases, you can get away with using regular milk as a substitute, but it really depends on the recipe. If you're making something like a custard or a pudding, the evaporated milk is really essential to getting the right texture. But if you're making something like a smoothie or a sauce, you might be able to get away with using regular milk instead.
Substitute For Evaporated Coconut Milk at Gary Delariva blog
