Friday, May 13, 2011

Just What the Hell IS Cream of Tartar?


My mom had the same tin of cream of tartar for my entire childhood. It was made of actual tin, perhaps fabricated by peasants in Wales during the iron age. I remember thinking it was retro looking as a kid in the 1960's.I used to shuffle it around to get to the more popular spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Never knew what it was for, and I'm still not sure it's necessary for anything. Next time I need a wedding gift, I am going to give a tin of cream of tartar. I will attach a note saying, "I wanted to give you a gift that will stand the test of time, as I'm sure your marriage will. Think of me when you use this. I understand that will not happen very often!"

2 comments:

emily j. cole said...

It's used in sugar cookies! I know this because whenever I get the inspiration to make some, I get to the cabinet and realize I don't have any, thus deflating my baking bubble and propelling me back to the sofa.

P.S. It can't be ALL bad, it's a byproduct of wine-making!!

Anonymous said...

Bwah! It a thickener, isn't it? I have like two recipes that call for it. OMG, made by Welsh peasants in the iron age -- I have MISSED you!