King Arthur Flour has been made in Vermont for more than one hundred years. This company makes nothing but utensils and ingredients for baking. It is still owned mainly by the descendants of the three men who started the company. I noticed a web address on some flour I had purchased and thought I would check it out. It is a wonderful resource for both new and experienced bakers.
The site opens with a simple and direct page with a list of options. These include Recipes, the Baker’s Catalogue, Baking Education, Baking Circle and more. There is also information about the company’s origin and vision. I have been using this site for over a year.
These are, for me, the most useful areas.
Our Favorite Recipes. If any kind of flour is in the ingredient list-chances are it’s here. From sourdough bread to Mulligatawny soup. Chili to Biscotti. The archive is searchable in several ways. You can search by result type -yeast bread, quick bread, pancakes, pies, soups and chilis, cookies etc. You can also search by ingredient(s).-what can I do with this bumper crop of zucchini etc. There are holiday and international selections(although these are mainly European). Many recipes will have several variations. One small negative is the lack of nutritional information for each recipe.
Baking Education If you are fortunate enough to live close to Norwich Vermont, you can go to the Baking Center and take classes. (demos or hands on). There are also demonstrations throughout the US and these are listed on the site. My favorite areas of the Bakers Education is the online classes and baking tips. These combine pictures and very clear instructions. They take you through a recipe step by step with nothing left out. This can be very useful if you are a new baker and also if you have a problem with a particular type of baking. There are also tips for common problems. If all else fails-there is a toll free number for baking questions.
The Baker’s Catalogue and the Flour for Home Bakers Every product you can imagine for baking-every type of flour, whole grains, mixes for specific items or bread machines, yeasts, gluten and other additives, pans, tools etc. The prices look high until you compare them with those in the health food or gourmet housewares stores. There is always a clearance section with great bargains.
There is a store locator to search for the more common flour types. At the present time, only stores in the US are listed and shipping rates are only listed for the US.
The last feature of King Arthur’s website that I enjoy is their ’’Round Table’’. Once you sign up at the site, you can elect to receive monthly emails. These usually include a short essay or commentary (the changing seasons etc) and a special recipe. There is also information about current sale items. This also gives you access to the Baker’s Circle message board where you can post questions about baking and/or recipes.
Now, as there is a hint of fall in the New England afternoon-I have to go bake.