What's in the Pantry?

I've been hard at work on my latest book all about desserts. As I was writing down 157 recipes- some of which have been saved for later publications- I came to a fun realization. Having your pantry stocked with the following items allows you to whip up that birthday cake for a friend, cupcakes for your child's class, biscuits for supper or that special goodie tray for the bake sale- without going out to the market for anything. This list can be accumulated over time. Many of the ingredients have an extended shelf life. The perishables listed at the end are those that you probably have on hand in the fridge anyway. This list is helpful when you're getting started as a baker. Lots of the items can be found in the bulk section of your local health food store. Rising Tide is my favorite local shop in Damariscotta. They carry many different types of flour and sugar to suit whatever recipes I can think up.

In the Pantry
Baking uses many of the same items to create a myriad of different recipes. Here are some things to keep on hand in your pantry to make baking a snap. You can gather them over time to have the staples necessary to whip something up when you need it.
Flour- white, wheat, soy...
Pastry or cake flour
Oats
Wheat germ
White sugar
Brown sugar- light and dark
Sucanat
Baking powder
Baking soda
Bakewell Cream- cream of tartar
Sea Salt
Cocoa powder
Confectioners sugar
Corn starch
Buttermilk powder
Egg white powder
Espresso powder
Dry milk
Molasses
Corn syrup
Crisco or other vegetable shortening
Peanut butter
Vanilla
Various pure extracts- lemon, anise…
Spices
Cinnamon
Ginger
Cardamom
Nutmeg- whole and ground
Mace
Cloves
Black pepper
Chocolate- bits, bars and unsweetened squares- white and dark
Dried fruit
Seeds and nuts- flax, sesame, poppy, caraway, etc...
Vinegars
Unflavored gelatine
Vanilla bean
Liqueurs
Coffee beans
Jams and jellies of assorted flavors
Food coloring

In the icebox:
Milk
Butter
Eggs
Cream
Buttermilk
Sour cream
Cream cheese
Fresh citrus fruit
Pastor Chuck's applesauce and apple butter
Savor,Linger, Enjoy! -Cynthia

Fiddlefest and Spicy Five-Bean Salad

We went dancing last night and I've got to tell you- Sherwood was on FIRE! He was stylin'! It was my favorite night of dancing ever!! Paul and Daniel did a great job with the DJ-ing- they kept us on our feet all night long. What a night! I live for this feeling. Dancing gives me such joy! I hope that all of you can find and actually do that thing that makes you smile from the inside out...and do it often. Every time I dance I add a few months ON to my life. Seriously. Thank goodness for Sherwood and his magic feet!
Sunday, May 20, 2007-It's time for Fiddlefest! Slow Food Portland holds this annual event featuring local chefs, delicious food and live music. It's going to rain, so it will be the perfect afternoon family activity. I'll be bringing Maine Antipasto with marinated fiddleheads (from Rising Tide Market), smoked shrimp, smoked scallops, miniature mozzarella balls and smoked salmon, Broccoli Apple Salad with Maple Garlic Dressing, Gorgonzola dressing with fresh arugula from Morning Dew Farm, Spicy Five Bean Salad and Herbed Chevre spread with crackers. I'm just about ready to fall into bed so I can get up early and be early to arrive at Fiddlefest. Hope to see you there.
Spicy Five-Bean Salad
This tangy salad is an ideal accompaniment for grilled chicken, sure to please your palate!
Serves8-10
Salad:
2 c black beans
2 c navy beans
2 c garbanzo beans
1 c broad beans
2 c edamamme (soybeans)
1 bunch fresh parsley, washed and chopped
4 scallions, washed and chopped
Dressing:
1 c olive oil
3⁄4 c red wine vinegar
2 T cumin
2 limes, zested and juiced
1 T fresh lemon juice
2 t sugar or Splenda sweetener
1 T fresh oregano, chopped
1 T chili powder
1 T fresh parsley, chopped
1⁄4 t Tabasco sauce (or more to your taste)
2 t salt
1 T white pepper
Toss all the beans together with parsley and scallions.
Whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing. Pour over beans and toss evenly.
Marinate the salad for at least an hour, or overnight.