Sifting

Do you know the importance of using sifted flour when a recipe calls for it?  The success of your recipe really depends on it.  Because baking is a lot like chemistry, and it's important to follow the recipe closely.

If a recipe calls for 2 cups flour, sifted .... that means measure out the flour and then sift it.

If a recipe calls for 2 cups sifted flour .... that means sift the flour first and then measure it.

Believe it or not, it makes a big difference.

Comments

[cedaracrelady]

One just hopes that those writing out the recipes know those rules too, ha!

[Kristen McGuire]

I never knew that, I always just sift it after measuring - thanks for bringing to my attention the importance of "reading carefully" ;)

[Tammy Dellinger]

Thanks for the tip Serena! The cake looks so good I have to make one right away! I really LOVE your Blog, I'm new to Blogland and just can't get enough. My little blog is junkwild I hope you will visit it. I was so inspired by the Farm Chicks show and all the pics the vendors downloaded on their blogs! I'm planning my trip for the show next year...a bonus would be meeting you!
Thank you truly for all the inspiration you give us all!

[Bringing Pretty Back]

I usually make this from a box mix! But I think I need to go out of my comfort zone and make this!

[krys kirkpatrick]

I have a friend who comes from a family of 6 kids. They all had a different kind of cake on their birthdays. Sally's mom is a fabulous cook.....she made Sal...Red Velvet...to this day, and she is 45..it is still red velvet cake.

[Michelle@ScribblesnSuch]

Thanks for the post. I was making a cake the other day that did not call for the flour to be sifted and I was wondering why. I had no idea that the order in which the recipe calls for sifting ever mattered. Interesting...I will have to file this important information away!

[Carla Grytdal]

from: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_sifting_of_flour_physical_or_chemical_change

Physical Change: A physical change is when the product's outer appearance has changed but it's still the product.

Chemical Change: A chemical change is when the product has changed completely to a new product.

Answer: The flour stays chemically the same. Sifting mixes air with the flour and breaks up lumps. It's a physical change.

[Cass]

I love baking and I never knew there was difference between the two instructions. Thanks for the great advice!

[Shannon]

I guess I need to get a sifter. Maybe that's why somethings don't turn out right:)

[Dee]

I have to admit that I don't usually follow the directions on the sifting part...because I never thought it would mattter and I'm usually in a rush to get it done and EAT it, lol! But now I will have to take your advice and give it a try! I'm too curious.
Dee
http://farmhousecountrystyle.blogspot.com/

[Nia Sayers]

I always just figured it was a suggestion ; ) My grandma baked nearly every day of her life that I remember, anyway -- and still tries to even though she can barely stand for that long any more. Her sifter is probably from the 50's and still in perfect working order.

[Stacy]

Good things abound! I always just skipped over the "sifted" instructions of any recipe...not so now :) Lovely day to you and happy baking! Off to find my antique sifter.

[Wendy Taunton]

Same here...no sifter when my recipe called for it, so instead I just whisked the flour until it looked like sifter flour. Not sure it worked, but my cake was sure yummy! LOL

[tara]

Thank you! I've always wondered about that. Wish now that I had taken Home Ec. rather than Drama. Oh well!

[turtle]

lol, my mom and i were just discussing this the other day! guess i will have to go back and peek if the antique cool sifter is still there!

[The Wife of a Dairyman]

That's interesting that you've posted this....I just came across a recipe I wanted to try that calls for sifted flour, I do have a sifter but I don't think I've ever sifted for a recipe before. Thanks for the tips!

[joan v.]

I never knew that. Thanks.

[Maria in CT]

I learned that in Home Ec in school 30 years ago......Good reminder!

[Kim-HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs]

Thank you, Serena :)

[Erin @Home's Where My Heart is]

Note to self...get a sifter. Or, could a mesh hand strainer work?

Thanks for the great tip..

:)Erin

[KarenSue]

good advise! I figured that out the hard way.
Enjoy your day!
KarenSue