| How to Substitute for Cake Flour in Recipes Posted: 12 Aug 2018 05:00 PM PDT Cake flour has a lower gluten and protein content, which makes it lighter than all-purpose flour. It adds lightness, structure, and sponginess to delicate baked goods, like cake and scones. You can replicate cake flour's effect by combining regular all-purpose flour with cornstarch, mixing organic cornstarch with oil or spelt flour, or using a smaller amount of all-purpose flour. Making your own cake flour also means it'll be cheaper, more natural, easy to make with common ingredients you're likely to have on hand, and fresher than store-bought flour. EditIngredients EditUsing All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch - 2 tbsp (20 g) cornstarch (normal or organic)
- 7/8 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
EditUsing Oat or Spelt Flour with Cornstarch - 1 tbsp (10 g) cornstarch (organic) or arrowroot powder
- 7/8 cup (78.75 g) oat, spelt, or white wheat flour
EditUsing All-Purpose Flour - 7/8 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
EditUsing All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch - Place 2 tbsp (20 g) of cornstarch into a 1 cup measuring cup. To make a cup of cake flour substitute, start with 2 tbsp (20 g) of cornstarch. Measure this ingredient out precisely with a measuring spoon and place the cornstarch in a 1 cup measuring cup.[1]
- The cornstarch will help mimic the lightness of cake flour, which is perfect for light, fluffy cakes that still need structure, such as chiffon or angel food cake.[2]
- Fill the rest of the 1 cup (130 g) with all-purpose flour. Use a spoon to transfer flour into the measuring cup, over top of the cornstarch. Keeping adding flour until the 1 cup measurement is full, then level the top off with the flat edge of a knife. This method helps prevent packing and gives you a more precise measurement.[3]
- Avoid the "digging" technique when measuring flour. Digging the cup into a bag of flour can pack extra flour into the measuring cup, which makes the cake denser.
- Combine the flour and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Dump the measuring cup's contents into a mixing bowl, then use a whisk or spoon to combine the flour and cornstarch. Mix well until the 2 ingredients are combined.
- Use another bowl and a strainer or sifter to sift the flour mixture 3-5 times. Place a strainer or sifter on top of another bowl that's about the same size as the first. Pour the flour and cornstarch mixture through, shaking and tapping the sides of the strainer or sifter until the mixture has fully sifted through.[4]
- Sifting will combine and aerate the flour mixture, which will help make the cake light and fluffy.[5]
- Scale the 1 cup measurement up and down for the recipe. Use this substitution for 1 cup of cake flour while baking. Scale it as needed, following the amount recommended by the recipe.
- For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup (70 g) of cake flour, use 1/2 (75 g) cup of all-purpose flour and replace (25 g) of flour with (10 g) of cornstarch.
EditUsing Oat or Spelt Flour with Cornstarch - Measure (10 g) organic cornstarch into a 1 cup measuring cup. Cornstarch will give you the best replica of cake flour. Using organic cornstarch will also give you the healthiest option.[6]
- You could also use of arrowroot powder as an even healthier alternative for organic cornstarch. However, arrowroot is harder to use if you haven't baked with it before, and it changes your cake's texture and cooking time.
- Fill up the rest of the 1 cup (78.75 g) with oat or spelt flour. Add spoonfuls of flour to top off the 1 cup, then level it off with the flat side of a knife. Oat and spelt flour are naturally lighter flours, which will help keep the cake fluffy.[7] They're also healthier options—oat flour helps stabilize blood sugar and spelt flour is good for people with gluten sensitivity.[8]
- You can also use white wheat flour, but then you'll need to add another (10 g) of cornstarch or arrowroot powder. This type of flour will also add a strong wheat flavor to whatever you're baking.[9]
- Dump the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them together. Combine the 2 ingredients completely in order to fully aerate the flour.[10]
EditUsing All-Purpose Flour - Measure out 1 cup (150 g) of all-purpose flour. Use a spoon to fill up the measuring cup and the back of a knife to level off the top.
- Scoop out (25 g) of the all-purpose. Use a measuring spoon to carefully remove the (25 g). The amount will affect the density of the cake, so try not to spill any of the 1 cup (150 g) of flour. Pour the (25 g) back into the bag of flour.[11]
- Removing 2 tbsp (25 g) from 1 cup (150 g) will leave 7/8 cup (125 g).
- Use it as a substitute for 1 cup (140 g) of cake flour. Because cake flour is lighter, you can mimic this effect by using only 7/8 cup (131.25 g) of all-purpose flour as a quick, simple substation for 1 cup (140 g) of cake flour. This technique is especially convenient if you don't have any cornstarch handy.
EditThings You'll Need - 1 cup
- 1 tablespoon
- Spoon
- Knife
- 2 mixing bowls
- Sifter or strainer
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Become a Brewmaster Posted: 12 Aug 2018 09:00 AM PDT Becoming a brewmaster can begin with something as simple as taking up brewing in your home. If you've brewed beers at home for a few years, you may be ready to take the next step. You can start by applying for a job in a brewery or by completing coursework through a brewing course. Then, you can work your way up through a brewery or start your own. EditGaining Experience - Find educational resources. One great way to get started on the way to becoming a brewmaster is to start the learning process in you kitchen or backyard. You can find guides online for the process or get a book. Your local library probably even has a book you can use to get started.[1]
- You can also visit a home brew shop in your area to learn more about the process.
- Learn to brew at home. Once you've researched the process, you can try your hand at brewing at home. Keep in mind, the process will include malting, milling, mashing, boiling, fermenting, conditioning, and filtering, so it's not for the faint of heart.
- Brewing at home also helps you learn if you like the different parts of the process. Some parts of the process smell strongly, for instance, and you may find you don't like the smell.[2]
- Gain knowledge in chemistry and biology. Brewing beer relies heavily on both of these sciences, so it can help to take a few classes in these areas. You'll use microorganisms to brew your beer (yeast), which is where biology comes into play. Chemistry will help you understand the brewing process better, as well as assist you in balancing the overall flavor.[3]
- You can take classes in high school or college, or you can sign up for some at your local community college. You can also look into free online courses like those from Coursera, Khan Academy, or Princeton.
- You'll also need at least some college mathematics to get you through a brewing course.[4]
- Network with other brewers in your area. As you start to brew, it will help to meet other like-minded folks. Try attending conferences on brewing or joining local brew clubs. You can pick up tips, share ideas, and meet other people in the field.
- Enter local brewing contests. Once you've started developing your own brews, enter them in local contests. You'll get valuable feedback and meet other people interested in brewing who live in your area. Plus, you'll get your name out there and get an idea of how your brews measure up to other beers.
- Apply for a job in a brewing pub. One way to learn about brewing is to simply get a job in a brewery. Apply for an entry-level position, such as the assistant to the brew master. That way, you can learn about brewing on the job.[5]
- You may need a certificate from a brewing school or a degree to get an entry-level position. It depends on the company.[6]
- If you can't land a gig in a brewing pub, try a related field. You could become a bartender, review beers for a blog or the local paper, or become a beer sales representative.
EditAttending Brewing School - Find a brewing program. You can attend either a standalone program or one associated with a university. See if there's a program nearby that you can attend by checking the list at https://www.brewersassociation.org/resources/schools-organizations/. This list has most of the schools in the U.S. and a few international schools, as well.
- Apply for the brewing program of your choice. How you apply depends on the school or university. For instance, at a university, you'll likely need to apply through the school's admission office. In that case, you'll need things like your transcripts from high school or other colleges, references, and a personal statement, as well as a completed application form.[7]
- Non-university programs will have a similar application process. You may be required to prove you've taken certain prerequisites, as well as describe the brewing experience you've had. You'll be required to fill out an application form, and you'll likely need to pay a fee.[8]
- Some programs have scholarships you can apply for.
- Complete your required coursework. The amount of coursework you'll need to complete varies widely by program. You might do a certificate program in a couple of semesters. Other programs might be as long as 4 years, or possibly longer if you continue on to graduate work.[9]
- In some cases, you may need to pass an exam at the end, though it depends on the program.
- In most programs, you'll be doing hands-on brewing in conjunction with what you're learning in the classroom.
EditWorking up to Brewmaster - Prepare for the demands of the job. Brewing beer is not the easiest task. It's physically demanding and requires a lot of cleaning. Also, you will often be working in warm to hot conditions when brewing, due to the process of heating and brewing the beer. Make sure you are in good physical health and able to withstand periods of heat.[10]
- Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week.
- Get hired at a brewery. If you haven't already been hired as a brewer's assistant, it's time to get that experience now. Look for positions in your area. When applying, use creative tactics to get your foot in the door. For instance, you could bring a bottle of your homebrew to the interview.[11]
- You could also bring a formula for 1 of your favorite beers or format your resume like it's a beer bottle label.
- Learn as much as you can about brewing on the job. Once you get hired, use your time wisely. Be ready and willing to learn all about the brewing process. Ask questions, and take notes if you have trouble remembering. You want to gain as much from the brewmaster's experience as you can.[12]
- Say yes to job offers that progress your career. The more experience you gain, the more likely you'll be offered jobs with more responsibility. In fact, other breweries may try to steal you away for a better position. Keep your eyes and ears open, and try to move up as you can.[13]
- Consider beginning your own brewery. If you can get financial backing and a good location, beginning your own brewery is a viable option. Of course, you'll want to have the knowledge and experience you need to run your own brewery. Don't jump in before you know that you're ready to take that responsibility on.[14]
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Reduce Your Gas Bill Posted: 12 Aug 2018 01:00 AM PDT If you use natural gas in your home, the bill can be quite expensive. Don't worry, though! There are several strategies you can use to reduce your gas bill, like cutting back on your energy usage and making your home more energy efficient. EditReducing Energy Use - Lower the thermostat. If your thermostat is set to a high temperature, your gas bill is bound to be expensive. Try lowering your thermostat a few degrees to reduce your bill by 5-10%.[1]
- For instance, turn the temperature from to .
- Turn off the heat when you're not home. Don't keep the heat on in your home when it's not necessary. Turn off the heat when you're at work or gone on the weekends. The energy saved will reduce the cost of your gas bill.[2]
- Save energy with radiator valves. Some areas in your home need to be warmer than others. For example, it may be important to you to keep the main floor warm, while the basement can be a bit cooler. You can control the heat by installing radiator valves on every radiator in your home.[3]
- These self-regulating valves allow you to control the temperature of each room by adjusting the amount of hot water goes to the radiator.
- Reduce the use of personal heaters. Personal, or space, heaters use up a lot of energy. Plus, they are an inefficient way of warming up large areas. Avoid using them and instead look for more efficient ways to keep warm—like improving your home's insulation.[4]
- If you want to warm a small space only, a personal heater may be more effective than heating the whole home with a furnace. Choose a radiant heater, which are more energy-efficient than other models.[5]
EditMaking Changes Around Your Home - Keep all vents and interior doors open if you have forced air. It is commonly thought that closing vents and doors to unused rooms will reduce energy use, but doing this actually drives up the cost of your gas bill. Keep all the vents and interior doors in your home open to promote airflow.[6]
- However, if you adjust a radiator valve to lower the temperature of a specific room, you can close the door to that room to prevent cooler air from leaking into warmer rooms.
- Close your windows and exterior doors. If you leave your windows or exterior doors open during cold months, the warm air will simply escape. Be sure to keep all your window and exterior doors closed. If there's a gap beneath a door, roll up a towel and place it against the bottom of the door to block out the cold air.[7]
- Keep your blinds open during the day and closed at night. During the day, keep your blinds, shades, or curtains open to let the sunlight in. This will help your house warm up. When the sun goes down, close all your blinds, shades, or curtains to keep the warm air in.[8]
- Use insulated panels to cover your windows. Insulated panels can keep cold air from seeping through your glass windows. These panels are typically made of foam board and can be found at home improvement stores. Measure your windows before heading to the store so you can purchase panels of the correct size. Press the panels against the windows, then use strips of magnetic tape to secure the panels to the window frame.[9]
- Cover your windows with plastic film insulation as an alternative. During the cold months, putting plastic film insulation over your windows can help prevent warmth from escaping your home. This film can be found at home improvement stores and is easy to install. Generally, the film comes in pre-cut sheets, so you may need to use multiple sheets and/or trim some of the sheets down to fit over your windows. Simply press the adhesive side of the film against the window glass.[10]
- Set your ceiling fans to run clockwise. Running ceiling fans clockwise will keep the air circulating throughout the room. This keeps the room warmer than running the fans counterclockwise. In the summer, you can switch the fans to counterclockwise keep the room cool.[11]
- Use cool water to wash clothes and hang them up to dry. When washing your clothes, use a cool water temperature to conserve energy. Whenever possible, dry your clothes on a line outside or hang them up to dry indoors.[12]
- Be sure to check the care tag on your clothing items to make sure washing them in cool water won't damage the fabric.
- Wear socks and sweaters to keep warm. Wearing thin clothes will make you want to turn the heat up. Also, your whole body will feel colder if your feet are cold. Wear thick socks and bundle up in a sweater or use a blanket to stay warm.[13]
EditDoing Regular Maintenance - Get your gas appliances serviced every year. Each year, you should have an HVAC technician inspect and service any gas appliances you have, such as a stove or heater. Properly maintaining your appliances can prevent breakdowns in addition to lowering your gas bill.[14]
- Make sure your home is well insulated. A home that is poorly insulated will be harder to keep warm, so your gas bill is likely to be more expensive. Though it's best to have your home professionally insulated, you can add insulation yourself if you want. However, you'll need to drill holes into the sheathing and spray foam insulation into the walls. Then, you'll need to repair the drywall.[15]
- Replace your furnace and air filters regularly. Clogged furnace filters can make your heating system less efficient. Air filters that are blocked also reduce air flow and can increase your gas bill. Be sure to replace any air filters in your home every 1-3 months.[16]
- Get your air ducts sealed by a professional. Warm air may be escaping through holes or cracks around your air ducts. Call in an HVAC professional and ask them to seal the air ducts in your home. This will help keep the warm air inside and reduce your gas bill.[17]
- If you've had the same provider for your gas for a long time, there's a chance that you're paying too much. Consider switching providers for a lower rate.
- When you're taking a shower, keep the door open. The steam will help heat up the other rooms in your home.[18]
- Although lowering the thermostat in your home will save money on the gas bill, don't lower it so much that you and your family members will be uncomfortably cold.
EditSources and Citations
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