Ingredient: Flour
Periodically the Springdell Winter CSA is graced with the presence of freshly milled flour from our friends at Four Star Farms in western, MA. This is a treat to work with, especially compared to the run of the mill (pun intended) flour from the supermarket.
Cornmeal–
- Description-
Cornmeal is a coarse flour made from dried corn. It can be ground to different consistencies such as fine, medium, and coarse. Each type has different uses in the kitchen.
- Preparation-
Cornmeal has many uses but is popular used in baked goods and frying, as well as famously, polenta.
- Varieties-
Blue cornmeal, yellow cornmeal, white cornmeal
- Storage-
Store cornmeal in a cool, dry area. Once the package is open you need to store the cornmeal in an airtight container or ziplock bag to prevent insects, they love cornmeal. To make your cornmeal last longer keep it in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Nutrition-
Iron, Phosphorus, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin
Pastry Flour-
- Description-
Pastry flour is a high-starch, low-protein flour. The pastry flour from Four Star Farms is milled from Richland, Soft White Winter Wheat.
- Preparation-
Pastry flour is used in baking applications. This flour will make your baked goods very tender because it is lower in protein and will develop less gluten when it is worked. Pastry flour is great for homemade pancake mix, muffins, breads, cakes and of course, pastries.
- TIP-
You can make your own pastry flour in a pinch. Mix half cake flour and half all-purpose flour together, store in an airtight container.
- Storage-
Store flour in an airtight container. To lengthen the life of your flour store in the refrigerator or freezer.
In general, the differences in between the flours pertains to the protein content. Just wait until the summer when the berries are in season, to makes a mean rustic berry galette!
Don’t throw your empty flour bags away! When you are done with your flour and corn meal bags, you can re use them for storing snacks or ripening fruits.
Recipes Using Flour
Beef and Winter Vegetable Stew
Comfort food! When you need a hearty dinner turn to winter veggies and a hunk of crusty bread.
Spinach Squares
Home milled brown rice flour is a great addition to these squares, and regular flour works too. Your choice of cheeses and complimentary veggies (such as mushroom) are welcome. Some curry or chili spices would bring a new kind of flavor to these otherwise -speak for yourself- kind of squares.
