Hi Betty: Why do some cake recipes call for sifted flour? How does it make a difference in the end result?
Thank you, Gigi
Hi Gigi! There are two reasons to call for sifted flour in a recipe. The first is to get rid of any clumps in the flour so it mixes evenly with the other ingredients. But more importantly, a recipe will say to sift the flour to make sure you get an accurate measurement. This is because all flour (even “presifted” flour) will become compacted in its package, so 1 cup of unsifted flour will actually be a little bit more (or maybe a lot more, depending on how compacted it is) than 1 cup of sifted flour. Sifting the flour and then measuring (if that is what the recipe says) means that your measurement will be the closest to what the recipe developer intends.
(And it’s important to note that “1 cup sifted flour” is not the same as “1 cup flour, sifted.” The first means that you should sift the flour, then measure out 1 cup. The second means that you should measure out 1 cup of flour and then sift it.)
Why isn’t my homemade cake as light and fluffy as a cake from a box?
–Lynn
Do you have any recipes for burritos and tacos with ground beef?
–Tina
Need a recipe for stuffed cabage rolls — also back in time called “pigs in a blanket.” Thank you.
–Rose
Please add Chicken Divan to your collection of recipes.
Thank you!
–Mila
I really enjoy cooking in my bread machine. Will you add any recipes in the future?
–Marlene
Do you have a good recipe for a batter mixture for frying chicken that turns out crispy? My husband cannot eat pepper and spices.
–Jean
I would love to have your fluffy triple-lemon pie recipe. Thank you.
–Jackie
About 10 years ago I bought your recipe cards, but have lost the absolute best recipe. It was a pork and stuffing recipe that had apples. Do you still have that? It was one of …
Click to read Betty's answerMy neighbor in her 90′s is looking for a vintage recipe that she remembers her mom making. It is for “angel biscuits.” Can you help me find this recipe? Thanks.
–LK
Could you add a recipe for chicken tenderloins?
–Denise