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flour

flour

GrainsYear-round. Flour is a stable, shelf-stable ingredient produced and available consistently throughout the year due to grain storage and milling infrastructure.

Refined wheat flour is primarily carbohydrates (starch) with moderate protein content; whole wheat flour retains bran and germ, providing additional fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. Enriched flours have synthetic vitamins and minerals added to restore nutrients lost during refining.

About

Flour is a fine powder produced by grinding cereal grains, legumes, or other starchy plants into a meal and then refining it to remove coarser particles. Wheat flour, the most common variety in Western cuisines, derives from the endosperm of wheat berries (Triticum aestivum or related species) and contains the starch, proteins (particularly gluten), and nutrients that make it suitable for baking and cooking. The character of flour varies significantly based on the wheat variety used, milling process, and degree of refinement; whole wheat flour retains the bran and germ, while all-purpose and bread flours are refined endosperm products with varying protein content (typically 10-14% protein). Regional traditions employ flour from diverse sources: rice flour in East and Southeast Asian cuisines, corn flour in the Americas, rye flour in Northern Europe, and chickpea flour in South Asian cuisines.

Culinary Uses

Flour functions as a foundational ingredient across global cuisines, serving as the primary structural component in breads, pastries, pasta, and batters. In baking, the protein networks formed during hydration and kneading (particularly gluten in wheat flour) develop elasticity and strength essential to leavened breads, tender cakes, and crisp pastries. Flour thickens sauces, stews, and gravies through the starch gelatinization that occurs during cooking, and it serves as a coating for fried foods, providing crispness and sealing moisture. Different flour types are matched to specific applications: bread flour (high protein) for chewy loaves, cake flour (low protein) for tender crumbs, and all-purpose flour for versatile everyday cooking.

Used In

Recipes Using flour (2,355)

RCI-BR.004.0481.001

Spanish Bar Cake

Spanish Bar Cake

RCI-BR.004.0482.001

Spanish Cake

A rich loaf cake heavily spiced and studded with plump Raisins.

RCI-MT.004.0754.001

Spanish-style Chicken Paprika

Makes 2 servings

RCI-BR.004.0483.001

Spanish Walnut Cake

This is a simply delectable cake with a fine crumb and a rich, spicy flavor. The addition of walnuts make this cake a little more toothy and wholesome.

RCI-BR.005.0579.001

Special Occasion Orange Pecan Biscotti

Purchased from the O'Reilly Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1988. Marked as Bessie’s favorite biscotti “sells well at bake sales”. Notation indicates this came from a 1960’s Ladies Home Journal. Exact date unknown.

RCI-BR.001.0248.001

Spehovka

Bacon bread

RCI-MT.003.0091.001

Spice Braised Chicken with Dates and Almonds

Spice Braised Chicken with Dates and Almonds from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0487.001

SPICE CAKE

SPICE CAKE

RCI-BR.005.0581.001

Spice cookies

Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.005.0582.001

Spice Cookies

Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.005.0583.001

Spice Cookies I

Spice Cookies I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0584.001

Spice Cookies II

Spice Cookies II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0236.001

Spiced Chicken with Spinach

Contributed by Judi M. Phelps * Yield: 4 servings

RCI-SC.007.0289.001

Spiced flour

American cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine Holiday Recipes

RCI-BR.006.0312.001

Spiced Pumpkin Bars

.

RCI-SP.002.0203.002

Spiced Pumpkin Soup

Spiced Pumpkin Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0203.001

Spiced Pumpkin Soup

Soups

RCI-DS.004.0248.001

Spiced Raspberry Rhubarb Cobbler

Spiced Raspberry Rhubarb Cobbler from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0249.001

Spiced Rhubarb Bake

Spiced Rhubarb Bake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0488.001

Spice Fruitcake

Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe May be frozen.

RCI-SP.004.0281.001

Spicy Basque Chicken

Spicy Basque Chicken from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Cook Time: About 40 minutes Serves: 4

RCI-BR.003.0382.001

Spicy Carrot Bread

Spicy Carrot Bread

RCI-MT.004.0758.001

Spicy Chicken Cutlets

American cuisine | Meats

RCI-SP.004.0282.001

Spicy Chicken Stew

Tired of the same old stews? This will have your taste buds jumping right off your tongue!

RCI-BR.003.0383.001

Spicy Corn Bread

Bread

RCI-SN.002.0274.001

Spicy Fried Okra

This recipe is not for those of you that will call the fire department if you taste a chilli.

RCI-SP.002.0204.001

Spicy, Homestyle Cream of Cauliflower Soup

Spicy, Homestyle Cream of Cauliflower Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0645.001

Spicy Indian Soup

Spicy Indian Soup

RCI-BR.003.0384.001

Spicy Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread

RCI-BR.005.0587.001

Spicy Star Cookies

Spicy Star Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1319.001

Spinach Casserole

right|Spinach Casserole

RCI-BR.004.0490.001

Sponge Cake with Olive Oil

Makes 8 to 10 servings. At Jordan, slices of this light, golden sponge cake are accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream and served with a glass of late harvest dessert wine or port.

RCI-BR.004.0491.001

Spring Cupcakes

Makes: 16 cupcakes

RCI-BR.005.0589.001

Sprits

Sprits is one of those typically Dutch cookies that usually get served with a cup of coffee.

RCI-BR.005.0590.001

Spritskransar

Served at christmas time. This recipe has been handed down through my family and is made every Christmas. I can remember my Grandmother making these when I was a boy, as I waited for the beaters and so did my cat sebastian.

RCI-BR.005.0592.001

Spritzgeback

Spritzgeback is a type of German cookie.

RCI-BR.001.0251.001

Squash Rolls

Squash Rolls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0210.001

Squash Soup

Squash Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0385.001

Star of the East Fruit Bread

Star of the East Fruit Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0317.001

Steak and Ale Pie

Steak and Ale Pie

RCI-BR.006.0318.001

Steak and Guinness Pie

This Irish meat dish is best served and eaten with potatoes and vegetables.

RCI-VG.004.1334.001

Steak Skillet Dinner with Green Beans

Purchased from the McDonald Estate in Wylie, Texas in 1990. Dated 1926.

RCI-BR.003.0386.001

Steamed Pudding with Golden Syrup

Steamed Pudding with Golden Syrup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0387.001

Steep Estate Banana Nut Bread

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Steep Estate in Elmo, Texas in 1989.

RCI-SF.001.0349.001

Stewed Fish

Stewed Fish from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0290.001

Stewed Oysters

There are several ways to . Two recipes are given below.

RCI-SF.001.0350.001

Stewed Paua

4 servings Stewed Paua

RCI-SP.004.0292.001

Stewed Rabbit with Prunes

This recipe for stewed Rabbit with prunes requires a good preparation and timing, average cooking skills are required but the end result is like gold ! Enjoy !

RCI-VG.005.0216.001

Stir-fried Flavored Tempeh with Pickled Melons

Stir-fried Flavored Tempeh with Pickled Melons from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0253.001

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake

As a native St. Louisan who's been transplanted to the Seattle area, I can tell you that there's no finer breakfast, dessert, or any-time-of-day snack! This stuff is to die for! Available in almost every bakery and supermarket in the St.