Stock the pantry for baking

From the Buffalo News
Dated: 9/20/2002

Stock the pantry for baking

Holiday baking is the one area where you should never skimp - either on cost or time. It's a treasured ritual - as long as you're prepared. Nothing will ruin an idyllic December cookie-baking session like a 10 p.m. trek into the cold for cream of tartar.

And don't assume you're well-stocked or that your ancient bottle of lemon extract still has any pucker left. Take an unflinching look at your pantry - and the recipes you'll be preparing - and assess your needs.

To buy now:

1. All-purpose flour
2. Granulated sugar
3. Confectioners' sugar
4. Light-brown sugar
5. Molasses
6. Semisweet chocolate chips
7. Unsweetened or bittersweet baking chocolate, depending on what your recipes call for
8. Whole walnuts, pecans, almonds
9. Baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt
10. Real vanilla, anise and lemon extracts
11. Cans of condensed milk

To buy a week before you bake:
1. Eggs
2. Butter (contrary to what you may have heard, previously frozen butter yields inferior baked goods)
3. Whole milk (this is no time for skim!)
4. Heavy cream, if needed