Stocking
the Staples

CREAM OF TARTAR


    Cream of tartar is a natural, pure ingredient left behind after grape juice has fermented to wine. In baking, cream of tartar is used to stabilize egg whites when whipped. It is also a major ingredient in baking powder.

Points to remember
Ÿ Use 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar per egg white when whipping them to make soufflés, meringues and angel food cakes.
Ÿ
Use cream of tartar to clean brass and copper cookware. 

Storing
   When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, cream of tartar keeps indefinitely.

Equivalents and Substitutions
    Substitute 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar for each 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar called for to stabilize egg whites. Keep in mind that vinegar may alter the taste of the final product.
    When cream of tartar is used in a recipe with baking soda, it works like a double-acting baking powder. If cream of tartar is not available, substitute baking powder for both the baking soda and cream of tartar called for in the recipe. Use 1 teaspoon baking powder for every 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar.

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Baking Goods

Basics
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Bread flour
Brown sugar
Cocoa powder
Confectioners' sugar
Cornstarch
Granulated sugar
Semisweet chocolate chips
Yeast

Extras
Cake flour
Chocolate
Cornmeal
Corn syrup
Cream of tartar
Extracts (almond, lemon,
    orange, and vanilla)
Shredded or flaked coconut
Food coloring
Nuts
Self-rising flour

Unflavored gelatin

    As our lifestyles get busier, it becomes more important to have staples readily available in our homes to make it easier to resist convenience and takeout foods.
    This pantry list contains two parts. The basics help you prepare most recipes. Which extras you choose to include in your pantry depend upon the type of cooking you like to do. This list is simply a reference, and you should omit and add items as needed.

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