Pastry Flour

Pastry flour is a type of wheat flour milled to a fine consistency with a moderate protein content, typically ranging from 8 to 9.5%. Its origins are tied to the baking traditions of North America, where it is favored for its versatility in creating tender yet flaky pastries. This flour offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a fine, smooth texture that contributes to delicate baked goods. When used in cooking, pastry flour strikes a balance between cake flour's softness and all-purpose flour's robustness, allowing dough to hold its shape while remaining tender. It excels in recipes where a fine crumb is desired without the heaviness that higher protein flours can impart.

Notes

When selecting pastry flour, look for a fresh, unexpired product with a consistent texture. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months or in the freezer for extended storage. For optimal results, sift the flour before measuring to ensure an airy consistency. Though uncommon, those with gluten sensitivities should use caution, as pastry flour contains gluten. Consider measuring flour by weight for precision.

Uses

Pie crusts
Tarts
Shortbread
Biscuits
Scones
Cream puffs

Replacements

All-purpose flour
Cake flour blended with all-purpose flour
Whole wheat pastry flour for whole grain options
Self-rising flour (omit added leavening)
Bread flour (for a chewier texture)

Bread Flour

A robust, high-protein flour that boasts a golden hue, bread flour is the backbone of any hearty loaf. Its texture is finely milled, offering a silky feel that promises elasticity and strength in your dough.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus Mountains, where it has been consumed for centuries. It is made by inoculating cow, goat, or sheep milk with kefir grains, a combination of bacteria and yeast. The resulting beverage has a tangy, slightly sour flavor with a refreshing effervescence. Its texture is creamy and smooth, akin to drinkable yogurt, though often less thick. In cooking, kefir behaves similarly to yogurt; it can add a tangy depth to dishes, tenderize proteins when used in marinades, and contribute to the rise of baked goods due to its acidity. Its live cultures also make it a probiotic powerhouse, beneficial for gut health.

Recipes to try

Smoky BBQ Ground Beef and Cornbread Skillet

Imagine the rich smokiness of BBQ sauce mingling with tender ground beef atop golden, crumbly cornbread in a skillet.

Shrimp and Veggie Lo Mein

Silky noodles twirled with succulent shrimp and a colorful medley of veggies in a savory sauce that'll have you slurping for more.