Okay, this one goes without saying. To thicken sauces and other liquids, mix a bit of cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create what’s called a “slurry.” Then whisk the slurry into the liquid you want to thicken as it simmers.
What’s the secret to a thick, almost gel-like pie filling? Cornstarch, of course. As the fruit cooks in pie, it releases juices. Without a little cornstarch, your pie would turn into a soupy mess. To avoid clumps, mix cornstarch with sugar before adding it to your filling.
Cornstarch is key in vegan baking, or anytime you don’t have an egg on hand: “I add it to my baked goods in place of egg,” says Penelope Wall, executive editor of EatingWell.com. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of warm water and you have a great egg substitute in cookies, cakes, or breads.
Kimberly Holland, senior editor at Allrecipes says, “A friend adds it to her waffle mix to cheat getting a really crispy waffle crust.” Three cheers for no more soggy waffles!
This trick for keeping fondant from sticking to the counter comes from Frances Crouter, a Culinary Institute of America-trained baker and a member of the Allrecipes content team. The great thing about cornstarch is it is virtually flavorless and colorless, so it won’t alter your fondant.
No cake flour? No problem. Allrecipes Recipe Manager Laura Fakhry suggests mixing cornstarch with a bit of all-purpose flour and baking powder to create this cake flour substitute when you’re in a pinch.
For fluffy omelets every time, mix a pinch of cornstarch with an egg, beat, and cook the omelet.
“I use it to ‘bread’ chicken, shrimp, or tofu to get it crispy instead of flour or breadcrumbs,” says Michelle Edelbaum, director of digital content strategy for Allrecipes, MyRecipes, and EatingWell. Get a gluten-free crispy coating on your meats and veggies just like that of your favorite take-out.
Any well-loved kitchen is bound to have a little wear and tear. Remove pesky grease splatters from your walls or kitchen backsplash by sprinkling a bit of cornstarch on a soft cloth and rubbing away the grease spot.
Return the sparkle and shine to your silverware without buying polish. Simply make a paste using cornstarch and water, and use a damp cloth to apply it to your silverware. Once the paste dries, rub it with a soft cloth. The cornstarch will buff away the dullness without being too abrasive.
Cornstarch will reduce friction between the fibers on a rope or shoelace, allowing you to untie even the tightest knot. Simply sprinkle a bit on the knot and rub it in.
A bit of cornstarch, water, and glitter or food coloring, makes a simple craft that kids will love. This “slime” can be stored in a plastic bag or airtight container for later use. Now you can keep the little ones entertained using a few pantry staples.
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