Challenge Ingredient: Flour

This week we are using an ingredient used in many different applications-- FLOUR. I knew there were a few different kinds of flour, but "Whoa, Nellie!". I had no idea how many different types of flour there were! For a list of flour types and uses, as well as info on how to store it, visit this article at What's Cooking America.net.

Types of Flour, How To Buy and Store Flour

One recipe I would like to share using flour is Paradise Bakery & Cafe's World Famous Sugar Cookies. These things are delish! We used this recipe to make sugar cookies to decorate for Easter, and they were a big hit.

World Famous Sugar Cookies
(from Paradise Bakery & Cafe)
Yield: approx. 3 dozen small cookies

Ingredients:
1 c. granulated sugar
1 c. powdered sugar
2 c. shortening
3/4 tsp. vanilla
1 egg, beaten
4 1/3 c. flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
sugar for decorating

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2) In a medium bowl, mix together the sugars and shortening (we substituted butter)using an electric mixer. Mix on slow speed 30 seconds, then scrape down the bowl with a spatula. increase speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes. Slowly add vanilla and beaten egg while mixing.
3) In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4) Gradually add the flour mixture to the mixing bowl, mixing on slow speed until just blended. Do not over mix!
5) Dough may be rolled out on a lightly floured board and cut with cookie cutters or scooped with an ice-cream scoop and placed directly on the cookie sheet. If scooped, flatten with palm of hand.
6) Bake at 375 degrees for 9-10 minutes. Cookies are done when small cracks appear. Ideally the edges do not brown. Sprinkle liberally with sugar after baking.


Enjoy coming up with some awesome things to make this week using flour. Remember to post by our new deadline, Sunday night. Happy Cooking (or Baking)!!