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Does Anybody Even Use A Flour Sifter Anymore?
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Judy
Feb 26, 2015, 2:05:05 PM2/26/15
to
I still have a old flour sifter that belonged to
my grandma, in the back of my cupboard where I keep
measuring cups, mixing bowls, etc.. The only time I
use it is if I happen to make a 'scratch' cake using
cake flour, which isn't very often. I also have used it
to coat the top of a cake with powdered sugar.
When recipes call for sifted powdered sugar as a main
ingredient, I never do, which includes if I use it for
a frosting, and I have to wonder does anyone ever sift
powdered sugar before adding it to a recipe?
When I first learned to bake, I was taught to pre-sift
the flour and level it with the back of a table knife
lightly, so as not to pack it down. Anymore, I think
all flour for baking is -pre-sifted, so I no longer
need to sift it before using, but maybe some still do?
Judy
my grandma, in the back of my cupboard where I keep
measuring cups, mixing bowls, etc.. The only time I
use it is if I happen to make a 'scratch' cake using
cake flour, which isn't very often. I also have used it
to coat the top of a cake with powdered sugar.
When recipes call for sifted powdered sugar as a main
ingredient, I never do, which includes if I use it for
a frosting, and I have to wonder does anyone ever sift
powdered sugar before adding it to a recipe?
When I first learned to bake, I was taught to pre-sift
the flour and level it with the back of a table knife
lightly, so as not to pack it down. Anymore, I think
all flour for baking is -pre-sifted, so I no longer
need to sift it before using, but maybe some still do?
Judy
zxcvbob
Feb 26, 2015, 2:37:04 PM2/26/15
to
I do sift flour or powdered sugar, I use a wire mesh strainer instead of
a purpose-made sifter (although I do have an old sifter or two, somewhere)
Bob
Dave Smith
Feb 26, 2015, 2:42:25 PM2/26/15
to
On 2015-02-26 2:05 PM, Judy wrote:
> I still have a old flour sifter that belonged to
> my grandma, in the back of my cupboard where I keep
> measuring cups, mixing bowls, etc.. The only time I
> use it is if I happen to make a 'scratch' cake using
> cake flour, which isn't very often. I also have used it
> to coat the top of a cake with powdered sugar.
>
When I need something sifted I use a sieve. And yes, I do use it
> I still have a old flour sifter that belonged to
> my grandma, in the back of my cupboard where I keep
> measuring cups, mixing bowls, etc.. The only time I
> use it is if I happen to make a 'scratch' cake using
> cake flour, which isn't very often. I also have used it
> to coat the top of a cake with powdered sugar.
>
occasionally. The only problem I have with sifting is the salt. I had to
switch to a finer grain salt to pass through the sifter. I can use a
sieve for flour alone, flour with salt and baking powder or soda, sugar,
and for cocoa powder and icing sugar.
James Silverton
Feb 26, 2015, 2:58:52 PM2/26/15
to
volumetric measure. My wife always sifted flour but I have generally not
bothered since I can never find the sifter. It does not seem to make
much difference.
--
Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)
Extraneous "not." in Reply To.
graham
Feb 26, 2015, 3:00:06 PM2/26/15
to
bread dough or rolling pastry. I use one of 2 sieves (one of them
extra-fine) for sieving flour/icing sugar/cocoa/ground almonds.
Graham
Dave Smith
Feb 26, 2015, 3:14:29 PM2/26/15
to
that say to sift it. Others call for a volume of sifted flour, which
means sifting it first. The latter is probably more likely to result in
a more exact replication of the author's ingredients. Others go by weight.
I am a lot more careful with measuring for baking recipes than other
things, but sometimes things just aren't the same. Temperature and
humidity can cause subtle and no so subtle difference. When I used to
make chocolate chip cookies on a regular basis I could tell by the
consistency of the batter if they were going to be especially good and
could add a little more flour. The same goes for pie. Sometimes the
dough just isn't right and you have to use extra bench flour and roll it
in to get it just right. Bread makers develop a feel for the dough and
adjust.
It seems to be something of a science, but not an exact science.
Cindy Hamilton
Feb 26, 2015, 3:25:54 PM2/26/15
to
maybe once a year each. I don't sift the flour, but
I will push the baking powder through a tea strainer
to remove lumps.
If I genuinely wanted to sift flour or confectioner's
sugar, I'd use a sieve. I own two sieves, one a little
finer than the other.
Cindy Hamilton
John Kuthe
Feb 26, 2015, 3:55:52 PM2/26/15
to
On Thu, 26 Feb 2015 11:05:01 -0800 (PST), Judy <cook...@gmail.com>
wrote:
As a professional baker, I think I know why sifting flour was
preferred before measuring. Professional bakers do not measure flour
by volume but by weight. But home bakers almost always measure flour
by volume, so sifting the flour before measuring out a cup or whatever
(a volumeetric measure) insures a more even density fort the
volumetyric measuring, insuring more accuracy.
The proportions of ingredients can be very crucial to baked good
coming out as desired.
John Kuthe...
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
wrote:
preferred before measuring. Professional bakers do not measure flour
by volume but by weight. But home bakers almost always measure flour
by volume, so sifting the flour before measuring out a cup or whatever
(a volumeetric measure) insures a more even density fort the
volumetyric measuring, insuring more accuracy.
The proportions of ingredients can be very crucial to baked good
coming out as desired.
John Kuthe...
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
col...@gmail.com
Feb 26, 2015, 4:07:04 PM2/26/15
to
On Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 2:05:05 PM UTC-5, Judy wrote:
sf
Feb 26, 2015, 4:29:19 PM2/26/15
to
No. Mine is somewhere in the basement. When I want to sift
something, I use my sieve.
--
A kitchen without a cook is just a room
something, I use my sieve.
--
A kitchen without a cook is just a room
S Viemeister
Feb 26, 2015, 4:47:00 PM2/26/15
to
On 2/26/2015 2:59 PM, James Silverton wrote:
> I was told a long time ago that flour had to be sifted for a precise
> volumetric measure. My wife always sifted flour but I have generally not
> bothered since I can never find the sifter. It does not seem to make
> much difference.
>
I weigh flour, sugar, cocoa, but will sift the weighed ingredients
> I was told a long time ago that flour had to be sifted for a precise
> volumetric measure. My wife always sifted flour but I have generally not
> bothered since I can never find the sifter. It does not seem to make
> much difference.
>
together before adding liquids.
I have an old crank sifter which works very well.
Nancy2
Feb 26, 2015, 4:53:16 PM2/26/15
to
Yes. Even pre-sifted, so to speak, can become packed down in shipping and
handling. It is less messy for me than using a sieve.
N.
handling. It is less messy for me than using a sieve.
N.
Julie Bove
Feb 26, 2015, 5:44:27 PM2/26/15
to
"Judy" <cook...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:9002bbf4-f0dc-4cfa...@googlegroups.com...
Judy
Feb 26, 2015, 5:46:45 PM2/26/15
to
and joined a 4-H cooking group, flour was not
pre-sifted, but we were taught not to pack it
down when measuring, but to spoon it lightly
into the measuring cub and carefully level it
with the back of a table knife. That was embedded
in my mind, and made for a lighter "airier" cake.
I no longer do that since the commercial flour is
pre-sifted, except when using Softasilk cake flour,
and then will sift at least twice.
I never have used a sieve for sifting any
dry product.
Judy
Ophelia
Feb 26, 2015, 5:59:20 PM2/26/15
to
"S Viemeister" <firs...@lastname.oc.ku> wrote in message
news:cl9ii9...@mid.individual.net...
> On 2/26/2015 2:59 PM, James Silverton wrote:
>
>> I was told a long time ago that flour had to be sifted for a precise
>> volumetric measure. My wife always sifted flour but I have generally not
>> bothered since I can never find the sifter. It does not seem to make
>> much difference.
>>
> I weigh flour, sugar, cocoa, but will sift the weighed ingredients
> together before adding liquids.
That is just the way I do it:)
>
>> I was told a long time ago that flour had to be sifted for a precise
>> volumetric measure. My wife always sifted flour but I have generally not
>> bothered since I can never find the sifter. It does not seem to make
>> much difference.
>>
> I weigh flour, sugar, cocoa, but will sift the weighed ingredients
> together before adding liquids.
> I have an old crank sifter which works very well.
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/
Nunya Bidnits
Feb 26, 2015, 6:21:12 PM2/26/15
to
"Judy" wrote in message
news:9002bbf4-f0dc-4cfa...@googlegroups.com...
<clip>
I have a crank flour sifter that I use for brown sugar when I put it on
ribs. I'm looking for a medium-light coating that is nice and uniform and
that does the trick.
MartyB
news:9002bbf4-f0dc-4cfa...@googlegroups.com...
<clip>
I have a crank flour sifter that I use for brown sugar when I put it on
ribs. I'm looking for a medium-light coating that is nice and uniform and
that does the trick.
MartyB
Michel Boucher
Feb 26, 2015, 7:18:40 PM2/26/15
to
Judy <cook...@gmail.com> wrote in news:9002bbf4-f0dc-4cfa-84f0-
237f6d...@googlegroups.com:
> I still have a old flour sifter that belonged to
> my grandma, in the back of my cupboard where I keep
> measuring cups, mixing bowls, etc.. The only time I
> use it is if I happen to make a 'scratch' cake using
> cake flour, which isn't very often. I also have used it
> to coat the top of a cake with powdered sugar.
I have a recipe for fricadelles (aka ragoût de boulettes) which
calls for a sifter to distribute browned flour over water and bone
marrow gelatin, which was used to poach the meatballs, to make a
sauce. Doing it with a spoon would result in clumps and the object
is to have a silky smooth sauce. So I have a sifter for those
times I am moved to make ragoût de boulettes.
--
"If you are neutral in situations of injustice,
you have chosen the side of the oppressor " --
Desmond Tutu
237f6d...@googlegroups.com:
> I still have a old flour sifter that belonged to
> my grandma, in the back of my cupboard where I keep
> measuring cups, mixing bowls, etc.. The only time I
> use it is if I happen to make a 'scratch' cake using
> cake flour, which isn't very often. I also have used it
> to coat the top of a cake with powdered sugar.
calls for a sifter to distribute browned flour over water and bone
marrow gelatin, which was used to poach the meatballs, to make a
sauce. Doing it with a spoon would result in clumps and the object
is to have a silky smooth sauce. So I have a sifter for those
times I am moved to make ragoût de boulettes.
--
"If you are neutral in situations of injustice,
you have chosen the side of the oppressor " --
Desmond Tutu
Janet
Feb 26, 2015, 7:29:35 PM2/26/15
to
In article <9r1veat2mqf0qd9ie...@4ax.com>,
John...@gmail.com says...
> As a professional baker, I think I know why sifting flour was
> preferred before measuring. Professional bakers do not measure flour
> by volume but by weight. But home bakers almost always measure flour
> by volume, so sifting the flour before measuring out a cup or whatever
> (a volumeetric measure) insures a more even density fort the
> volumetyric measuring, insuring more accuracy.
Maybe in the USA, but not true in the UK where most recipes give
weights and home cooks use scales. I weigh flour before sifting.
Janet UK
John...@gmail.com says...
> As a professional baker, I think I know why sifting flour was
> preferred before measuring. Professional bakers do not measure flour
> by volume but by weight. But home bakers almost always measure flour
> by volume, so sifting the flour before measuring out a cup or whatever
> (a volumeetric measure) insures a more even density fort the
> volumetyric measuring, insuring more accuracy.
weights and home cooks use scales. I weigh flour before sifting.
Janet UK
Janet B
Feb 26, 2015, 7:40:45 PM2/26/15
to
>I still have a old flour sifter that belonged to
>my grandma, in the back of my cupboard where I keep
>measuring cups, mixing bowls, etc.. The only time I
>use it is if I happen to make a 'scratch' cake using
>cake flour, which isn't very often. I also have used it
>to coat the top of a cake with powdered sugar.
snip
>my grandma, in the back of my cupboard where I keep
>measuring cups, mixing bowls, etc.. The only time I
>use it is if I happen to make a 'scratch' cake using
>cake flour, which isn't very often. I also have used it
>to coat the top of a cake with powdered sugar.
>
>Judy
I do, occasionally, when I feel there is a specific need. Especially
when a recipe calls for x cups of sifted flour. Otherwise I use a
whisk. I've got an old squeeze-handle sifter like my mother had. I
can't find a picture of my flour sifter anywhere, not the 'Net or
Amazon.
Janet US
Cheri
Feb 26, 2015, 9:19:25 PM2/26/15
to
"Judy" <cook...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:9002bbf4-f0dc-4cfa...@googlegroups.com...
use a wire bowl sieve.
Cheri
jmcquown
Feb 26, 2015, 9:41:02 PM2/26/15
to
http://tinyurl.com/o9gpp9a
I think I bought it around 1980, not sure. I haven't used it decades
but for some reason I still have it. :)
Jill
Nancy2
Feb 26, 2015, 9:44:58 PM2/26/15
to
Michel, you could probably use Wondra flour instead of the sifting spoonful....
N.
N.
John Kuthe
Feb 27, 2015, 8:39:50 AM2/27/15
to
experiences. Yes, could be just another example of U.S. egocentricity.
Boron Elgar
Feb 27, 2015, 9:45:25 AM2/27/15
to
On Thu, 26 Feb 2015 17:40:42 -0700, Janet B <nos...@cableone.net>
wrote:
>I do, occasionally, when I feel there is a specific need. Especially
>when a recipe calls for x cups of sifted flour. Otherwise I use a
>whisk. I've got an old squeeze-handle sifter like my mother had. I
>can't find a picture of my flour sifter anywhere, not the 'Net or
>Amazon.
>Janet US
Like the old Foleys - shaped as a tapered bowl?
Boron
wrote:
>I do, occasionally, when I feel there is a specific need. Especially
>when a recipe calls for x cups of sifted flour. Otherwise I use a
>whisk. I've got an old squeeze-handle sifter like my mother had. I
>can't find a picture of my flour sifter anywhere, not the 'Net or
>Amazon.
>Janet US
Boron
sf
Feb 27, 2015, 10:38:38 AM2/27/15
to
On Fri, 27 Feb 2015 07:39:42 -0600, John Kuthe <John...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> On Fri, 27 Feb 2015 00:29:22 -0000, Janet <nob...@home.com> wrote:
>
> >In article <9r1veat2mqf0qd9ie...@4ax.com>,
> >John...@gmail.com says...
> >
> >> As a professional baker, I think I know why sifting flour was
> >> preferred before measuring. Professional bakers do not measure flour
> >> by volume but by weight. But home bakers almost always measure flour
> >> by volume, so sifting the flour before measuring out a cup or whatever
> >> (a volumeetric measure) insures a more even density fort the
> >> volumetyric measuring, insuring more accuracy.
> >
> > Maybe in the USA, but not true in the UK where most recipes give
> >weights and home cooks use scales. I weigh flour before sifting.
> >
> > Janet UK
>
> True. My only experience is with the U.S. Thank you for sharing your
> experiences. Yes, could be just another example of U.S. egocentricity.
>
Or you could call it European egocentricity.
wrote:
> On Fri, 27 Feb 2015 00:29:22 -0000, Janet <nob...@home.com> wrote:
>
> >In article <9r1veat2mqf0qd9ie...@4ax.com>,
> >John...@gmail.com says...
> >
> >> As a professional baker, I think I know why sifting flour was
> >> preferred before measuring. Professional bakers do not measure flour
> >> by volume but by weight. But home bakers almost always measure flour
> >> by volume, so sifting the flour before measuring out a cup or whatever
> >> (a volumeetric measure) insures a more even density fort the
> >> volumetyric measuring, insuring more accuracy.
> >
> > Maybe in the USA, but not true in the UK where most recipes give
> >weights and home cooks use scales. I weigh flour before sifting.
> >
> > Janet UK
>
> True. My only experience is with the U.S. Thank you for sharing your
> experiences. Yes, could be just another example of U.S. egocentricity.
>
Janet B
Feb 27, 2015, 10:51:13 AM2/27/15
to
handle comes off the top of the bowl. It doesn't have a name on it, I
just looked. I got some kitchen things from the grocery store when I
was a student at the Univ. of Wisc. I've never needed to replace
them. Just the other day my husband repaired my rolling pin. It has
handles with ball bearings inside and the bearings had gone to baking
heaven. He put in some 'sealed' bearings so that they would last
awhile. LOL It has now become an heirloom to be passed on to
following generations :))
Janet US
Michel Boucher
Feb 27, 2015, 11:10:22 AM2/27/15
to
Nancy2 <ellor...@gmail.com> wrote in
news:61aa2881-b925-475b...@googlegroups.com:
> Michel, you could probably use Wondra flour instead of the
> sifting spoonful....
I could if I lived in deepest darkest USAia, but I don't, and I
enjoy the process of creating the sauce slowly.
news:61aa2881-b925-475b...@googlegroups.com:
> Michel, you could probably use Wondra flour instead of the
> sifting spoonful....
enjoy the process of creating the sauce slowly.
Boron Elgar
Feb 27, 2015, 11:17:08 AM2/27/15
to
On Fri, 27 Feb 2015 08:51:12 -0700, Janet B <nos...@cableone.net>
>I got some kitchen things from the grocery store when I
>was a student at the Univ. of Wisc. I've never needed to replace
>them. Just the other day my husband repaired my rolling pin. It has
>handles with ball bearings inside and the bearings had gone to baking
>heaven. He put in some 'sealed' bearings so that they would last
>awhile. LOL It has now become an heirloom to be passed on to
>following generations :))
When I see the stuff that is in the backs of the cupboards or storage
shelves, I blanch thinking of how old some of it.
Boron
wrote:
>On Fri, 27 Feb 2015 09:44:59 -0500, Boron Elgar
><boron...@hootmail.com> wrote:
>
>>On Thu, 26 Feb 2015 17:40:42 -0700, Janet B <nos...@cableone.net>
>>wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I do, occasionally, when I feel there is a specific need. Especially
>>>when a recipe calls for x cups of sifted flour. Otherwise I use a
>>>whisk. I've got an old squeeze-handle sifter like my mother had. I
>>>can't find a picture of my flour sifter anywhere, not the 'Net or
>>>Amazon.
>>>Janet US
>>
>>
>>Like the old Foleys - shaped as a tapered bowl?
>>
>>Boron
>The bowl is round and tapers downward and the horizontal squeeze
>handle comes off the top of the bowl. It doesn't have a name on it, I
>just looked.
I have never seen one with a horizontal handle. Neat.
>On Fri, 27 Feb 2015 09:44:59 -0500, Boron Elgar
><boron...@hootmail.com> wrote:
>
>>On Thu, 26 Feb 2015 17:40:42 -0700, Janet B <nos...@cableone.net>
>>wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I do, occasionally, when I feel there is a specific need. Especially
>>>when a recipe calls for x cups of sifted flour. Otherwise I use a
>>>whisk. I've got an old squeeze-handle sifter like my mother had. I
>>>can't find a picture of my flour sifter anywhere, not the 'Net or
>>>Amazon.
>>>Janet US
>>
>>
>>Like the old Foleys - shaped as a tapered bowl?
>>
>>Boron
>The bowl is round and tapers downward and the horizontal squeeze
>handle comes off the top of the bowl. It doesn't have a name on it, I
>just looked.
>I got some kitchen things from the grocery store when I
>was a student at the Univ. of Wisc. I've never needed to replace
>them. Just the other day my husband repaired my rolling pin. It has
>handles with ball bearings inside and the bearings had gone to baking
>heaven. He put in some 'sealed' bearings so that they would last
>awhile. LOL It has now become an heirloom to be passed on to
>following generations :))
shelves, I blanch thinking of how old some of it.
Boron
col...@gmail.com
Feb 27, 2015, 11:43:41 AM2/27/15
to
Whatever became of the kitchen cabinet I remember as a kid with flour sifter? What happens to many things we remember like a lawnmower? Do they simply vanish at some point?
John Kuthe
Feb 27, 2015, 11:50:21 AM2/27/15
to
John Kuthe
Feb 27, 2015, 11:53:26 AM2/27/15
to
On Fri, 27 Feb 2015 08:43:38 -0800 (PST), col...@gmail.com wrote:
>Whatever became of the kitchen cabinet I remember as a kid with flour sifter? What happens to many things we remember like a lawnmower? Do they simply vanish at some point?
We eat out now, and farm out our lawn care to a service. Because we
>Whatever became of the kitchen cabinet I remember as a kid with flour sifter? What happens to many things we remember like a lawnmower? Do they simply vanish at some point?
are too busy Worshipping Mammon and serving our Owners!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP_62s9RW9E
itsjoan...@webtv.net
Feb 28, 2015, 2:48:32 AM2/28/15
to
On Friday, February 27, 2015 at 10:43:41 AM UTC-6, col...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Whatever became of the kitchen cabinet I remember as a kid with flour sifter? What happens to many things we remember like a lawnmower? Do they simply vanish at some point?
>
>
Are you asking about a Hoosier cabinet? And reel lawnmowers can still be purchased.
>
> Whatever became of the kitchen cabinet I remember as a kid with flour sifter? What happens to many things we remember like a lawnmower? Do they simply vanish at some point?
>
>
Kalmia
Feb 28, 2015, 11:00:32 AM2/28/15
to
Funny you should ask - I just sifted a 5 lb. bag of flour into my canister. I seems to lump up a bit otherwise. Besides, it makes me feel like I'm really 'cooking'.
I rarely use conf. sugar, but don't think I"ve ever sifted it. Hmmmm......
Brooklyn1
Feb 28, 2015, 11:12:51 AM2/28/15
to
used on golf courses the best homeowner reel mower is by Fiskars:
http://www2.fiskars.com/content/search?SearchText=reel+mower&x=17&y=16
col...@gmail.com
Feb 28, 2015, 11:42:50 AM2/28/15
to
I had a tricycle with a wagon attached, where is it now?
Brooklyn1
Feb 28, 2015, 12:18:17 PM2/28/15
to
I have a Radio Flyer trike and wagon in my barn... grands out grew
them... perhaps one day their kids will want them.
them... perhaps one day their kids will want them.
Dave Smith
Feb 28, 2015, 1:51:49 PM2/28/15
to
clumps up so it needs to be sifted. It is also helpful when using it as
a garnish. You can use a shaker can for the same purpose but that is
basically a sieve too.
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