Hello there!
On this page, you’ll find out more on the ingredients that I use in my own pantry.
I usually try to choose ingredients that are wholesome, with lesser or no additives wherever possible.
Baking Needs
What is This: I like to use Prima flour because their range of flour is mainly unbleached. Other types of Prima flour include: plain flour, top flour, bread flour, superfine wholegrain flour.
Where to Buy: Large supermarket chains / Red Mart
Caster Sugar
What is This: Caster sugar is a type of refined white sugar, which is usually used in baking as it dissolves better.
Where to Buy: Large supermarket chains / Red Mart
Light Brown Sugar
What is This: Brown sugar is a partially refined sugar that has molasses added to it, with a slight caramel flavor. I use light brown sugar more commonly than dark brown sugar.
Where to Buy: Large supermarket chains / Red Mart
Baking Powder
What is This: Baking powder is not the same as baking soda. It is a mixture of baking soda, cream of tartar (a dry acid), and sometimes cornstarch. Personal choice, I like to get aluminum-free baking powder, as aluminum has been connected to some health issues.
Where to Buy: Phoon Huat / Red Mart / Cold Storage
Butter
What is This: French butter may not have a strong buttery scent, but I like the delicate taste and texture the butter imparts to the bakes. For reasonable price point for daily bakes, I like to use Paysan Breton. For a richer or creamier finish, I also enjoy using Elle & Vire occasionally.
Where to Buy: Cold Storage / Red Mart (PB) / Red Mart (EV)
Vanilla Extract
What is This: Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla pods in alcohol and/or water, along with a little sugar. It usually contains ethanol, and so is not halal. You can also replace vanilla extract with vanilla essence, but I find that I enjoy the purer taste from vanilla extract better.
Where to Buy: Phoon Huat / Red Mart
Instant Yeast
What is This: Instant yeast is a type of dry yeast that comes in smaller granules than active dry yeast. We do not need to re-hydrate or proof it before using. My bread recipes are mainly using this type of instant yeast.
Where to Buy: Large supermarket chains / Red Mart
Ground Almond
What is This: Ground almond is one of the essential ingredients for macarons. It is also used in cookies and cakes recipes. I like to use Phoon Huat’s extra fine or super fine ground almond as they are quite fine. Especially great for making macarons.
Where to Buy: Phoon Huat / Red Mart
Demerara Sugar
What is This: This is a type of unrefined sugar, and I used to use this often when my kids were younger. If you prefer “healthier” baking, try this sugar out. Just note the bakes may have a browner finishing and a slightly different texture.
Where to Buy: Large supermarket chains / Red Mart
Condiments
Soy Sauce
What is This: After being conscious of ingredients for home-cooking, I realised there are a lot of brands of soy sauce with many additives. This is one brand that contains very simple ingredients – water, soy beans, wheat, salt. Available in 1L / 600ml.
Look out for ingredients on label when you are purchasing sauces, if you are also concerned about the ingredients used 🙂
Where to Buy: Large supermarket chains / Red Mart
Sesame Oil
What is This: Sesame oil is usually added in dishes for additional fragrances, especially in steamed fish, and Asian dishes like sesame oil chicken.
Where to Buy: Large supermarket chains / Red Mart
Mirin
What is This: Mirin is widely used in Japanese recipes. It is a type of sweet cooking rice wine that is used for seasoning and/or glazing.
Where to Buy: NTUC Finest / Cold Storage / Don Don Donki / RedMart
