Tag: Kitchen pantry

First, to clarify the query "Is cornstarch basically a flower?," the answer is no, as cornstarch is a pure, concentrated starch, not a flower in any sense. According to MasterClass, cornstarch is a gluten-free powder derived solely from the endosperm of corn, fundamentally differing from traditional flour, which is ground from entire grains like wheat and contains protein and fiber.

Angostura bitters contain 44.7% alcohol by volume, yet are not intended for drinking straight. While technically possible, consuming this concentrated liquid undiluted results in an overwhelmingly bitter, intense flavor profile that most people find unpalatable. This is because bitters are a flavoring agent, not a beverage.

Historically, ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans used mustard seeds for both culinary and medicinal purposes. So, what does mustard powder contain today? This fine, yellow spice is primarily made from ground mustard seeds, but its exact composition and flavor profile can vary depending on the type of seeds used and whether other ingredients are added.

According to culinary lore, the 'everything bagel' was invented in the 1980s by a baker using the leftover seeds and toppings from other bagels. Today, the popular 'Everything But the Bagel' seasoning is a versatile and much-loved blend that elevates countless dishes beyond just bagels.

Vanilla sugar, a staple in many European kitchens, is simply granulated sugar that has been infused with the flavor of vanilla beans. This key difference sets it apart from regular, unflavored sugar and influences its best use cases in baking and cooking.

While both are shelf-stable dairy products, a surprising 60% of evaporated milk's water content is removed, while non-fat dry milk has virtually all water and fat removed. Understanding the distinct properties of each is crucial for successful recipe outcomes, since non-fat dry milk is not the same as evaporated milk.

According to a 2025 market outlook report, organic whole wheat flour demand is accelerating due to a growing shift towards healthier eating habits, but it often comes with a significant price premium. For home bakers and health-conscious consumers, this raises a crucial question: is the added cost truly justified?

Recent studies suggest that garlic powder, though processed, retains many of the health benefits of its fresh counterpart, including antioxidants. Is garlic powder just as effective as fresh garlic, or does the fresh bulb still hold the crown for flavor and nutritional power? The answer depends on your cooking goals and desired flavor profile.

While most of our dietary components originate from once-living organisms, the modern kitchen is filled with non-living foods and ingredients. This may include everything from inorganic minerals to manufactured chemicals, proving that we eat that aren't alive is a surprisingly complex and common occurrence.

Since 1885, Pet® brand evaporated milk has been a household staple, which is likely where the confusion around the phrase 'pet milk' originates. This history leads many home cooks and pet owners to wonder: is pet milk and evaporated milk the same thing? While the Pet® brand is indeed a type of evaporated milk, the terms are not interchangeable, especially concerning modern products intended for animal consumption.