Why should you stir baking soda before using it?
how can you prevent pudding and other thickened products from lumping?
To prevent lumping in a thickened mixture, keep stirring it as it heats and thickens.
Also, when you are mixing the ingredients, be sure to add the liquid to the dry to avoid lumps. Either stirring or a whisk is great as it's heating and thickening.
I found this tip on the Arm & Hammer website and it is possibly why you asked the first question!
- Anywhere that moisture is a problem, such as cupboards under sinks, place a bowl of baking soda to help control humidity. You'll need to occasionally stir the powder for maximum effective life.
If it has been sitting on the shelf long, absorbing moisture, that would be a good reason to stir it!
When using baking soda, it's recommended to stir it before using it because baking soda tends to settle and can become clumpy over time. Stirring it helps to redistribute the particles evenly, ensuring that it's not concentrated in one area. This leads to better and more consistent results when using baking soda in your recipes.
To prevent pudding and other thickened products from lumping, you can follow these steps:
1. Use a whisk or a spoon with a long handle to stir the mixture continuously while cooking. This will help distribute heat evenly and prevent the formation of lumps.
2. Before adding any thickening agent (such as cornstarch or flour) to the mixture, it's helpful to create a slurry. Mix the thickening agent with a small amount of cold liquid (like water or milk) to form a smooth mixture. This ensures that the thickener gets evenly distributed and prevents clumping.
3. Slowly add the slurry to the hot liquid, while continuously stirring. The gradual addition and constant stirring allow the thickener to disperse evenly and avoid the formation of lumps.
4. If you still notice any lumps, you can use a fine-mesh sieve or a whisk to break them up and create a smoother consistency.
By following these steps, you can achieve a smooth and lump-free texture in your pudding or any other thickened product.