Unsalted Butter

Unsalted butter is a dairy product made from churning fresh cream, resulting in a smooth, rich texture without added salt. It offers a pure buttery flavor, making it ideal for recipes where you control the salt content.

Notes

Unsalted butter is preferred in baking and cooking to manage the exact amount of salt in a recipe. It should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few weeks for optimal freshness.

Uses

Baking cookies and pastries
Sautéing vegetables
Making roux for sauces
Spreading on warm bread
Creaming with sugar for cakes
Flavoring popcorn

Replacements

Salt-free margarine
Coconut oil (for a dairy-free option)
Vegetable shortening (for baking)
Olive oil (for sautéing)
Ghee (for a nutty flavor)

Whipping Cream

Rich and velvety, whipping cream is the epitome of indulgence. Its high fat content allows it to transform into fluffy peaks, perfect for crowning desserts or enriching sauces.

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.

Recipes to try

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this casserole is a cozy hug in every bite.

Sticky Honey Garlic Cocktail Meatballs

These bite-sized meatballs are drenched in a glossy, sweet-and-savory honey garlic glaze that'll have you popping them like candy.