Many years ago, I was watching a young child for a friend. After going into her kitchen to dig out the makings of a cookie making session, I was horrified to see that my dear friend didn't even OWN any flour! No staples at all in that home. I thought she was just struggling financially, but no. She didn't cook anything from scratch.
Certainly, no one has to be a homemade Betty Crocker, but a basic comfort in the kitchen is a good idea. The pantry is a good first step towards that goal.
Here are 5 things you should stock up on in your pantry. This week, Staples:
Without splitting hairs, this refers to all purpose flour. I buy unbleached as a personal preference, but until you delve deeper into the political and nutritional issues behind flour, stick with the basic all purpose variety.
For this basic staples list, sugar refers to plain, white, granulated sugar. If avoiding genetically modified foods, purchase only sugar that is marked CANE sugar.
Baking powder is a necessary staple for any pantry. It makes light as air baked goods, and gives lightness to most cookies, breads, pastry items. Available in aluminum free versions, baking powder is a must have.
Baking soda is used in many baking recipes. It is also used in natural cleaning products and as a tooth scrub. Inexpensive, purchase a few boxes to have on hand for a wide range of uses.
Baking or Active Dry Yeast, is used for leavening. I buy a large sack of it from a bulk store, and keep it in the freezer. Another inexpensive staple, if you are going to make your own bread, or yeast based pastry, you will need yeast.
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