Yes, heavy whipping cream can be used as a substitute for milk, but it should be diluted with water because heavy cream has a much higher fat content (around 36-40%) compared to milk (usually about 3.5% fat). A common substitution ratio is to mix half a cup of heavy cream with half a cup of water to replace 1 cup of whole milk. This dilution helps mimic the consistency and fat content of milk while adding a rich creaminess to the recipe. If used undiluted, heavy cream will make the dish richer and thicker, which might or might not be desirable depending on the recipe.
For example, in baking or cooking where milk is required, substituting with diluted heavy cream works well, but for recipes that need milk's lower fat content and thinner consistency, failing to dilute heavy cream could alter the texture significantly.
In summary, heavy whipping cream can replace milk if mixed with water, approximately equal parts, to achieve a similar consistency and fat content to milk.
