Posts Tagged "Perfect Pantry"

My Perfect Pantry Essentials for Baking

Posted on Oct 4, 2013 in Baking Tips | 4 comments

When it comes to baking, I never know when the urge will hit to pop some cookies in the oven. Or when a hardworking husband asks to come home to a cupcake with plenty of cream cheese frosting.  That’s why I always try to keep the following pantry essentials for baking on hand, just in case.

Flour – I always try to have at least a few different types of flour on hand.  After all flour is not flour is not flour and different flours have different effects on your finished product.

• All Purpose Flour
• Whole Wheat Flour – for when I want to try to be a little bit healthier
• Bread Flour
• If you have a recipe that calls for Self Rising Flour or Cake Flour you can always create these with a few added ingredients to your All Purpose Flour. (See How to Make Self Rising Flour and How to Make Cake Flour)

Eggs – I buy Grade AA Large Eggs.
Most recipes call for large eggs and if no size is specified it typically assumes large eggs. Eggs sold in the supermarkets are either grade AA or grade A, both are acceptable and only slightly different in quality.

Sugars & Sweeteners – What’s a baked good without at least a little sweetness?

• White Sugar
• Dark Brown Sugar (this has more molasses than light brown sugar which makes cookies chewier and I like that)
• Confectioner’s or Powdered Sugar
• Honey (this lasts forever so I always try to keep some on hand)
• Corn Syrup
• Molasses

Shorteners & Fats – Haven’t you heard? Fat makes everything taste yummy, but in baking it also helps makes your finished product tender & moist.

• Unsalted Butter
• Canola Oil
• Butter Flavored Shortening
• Coconut Oil
• Applesauce (when I am reduced fat baking)

Leaveners – Essential to making your baked goods rise.

• Baking Soda
• Baking Powder
• Cream of Tartar
• Active Dry Yeast

Mix-Ins & Add Ins -This is where you can choose your own favorites. Here are mine.

• Chocolate Chips
• Dark Chocolate Baking Bars
• Peanut Butter
• Oatmeal
• Dried Cranberries
• Walnuts
• Golden Raisins
• White Chocolate Chips
• Coconut Flakes
• Cream Cheese
• Cocoa Powder

And there you have it.  All the things that are always in my pantry at all times for baking.