thickening agents

[dowensrdu]

What can I use as a thickening agent other than cornstarch that would be inexpensive to purchase?
dowensrdu

[mouseissue]

Hi dowensrdu!

I use Guar Gum.

Like other thickening agents, it's best to add a little at a time.
Otherwise, you could end up with a jello-like substance (unless that's what your shooting for).

Also, before you add it to the recipe, mix it with a little hot water (in a separate container like measuring cup),
then slowly add it to your recipe while stirring.
Doing this helps prevent lumps.

Remember that it may take a couple of minutes for them to start working. So be patient with them.

[Doug Varrieur]

Try Glucomannan powder or Xantham Gum 

[millie]

 hello its millie

 where can i buy xantham gum or any other thickening agent to make
lemon meringue pie.

 please advise.

[umpa]

Grocery store in baking section Miss Millie.

[mdanziger]

I've seen Cream of Tartar mentioned as a thickening agent a few times here.  I saw it in with the spices at Walmart last night.  I have never used it.  Does it have a flavor and will it alter the flavor of foods it is added to?

[shawn116]

Hi Mdanzigner  I'm not sure I would use cream of tarter as a thickening agent.   Which recipes are you referring where it was used this way?  Maybe I'm not understanding what you mean by thickening?   Sometimes I'm easily confused.....  haha    It really doesn't have a taste that I have noticed.  You can mix it with baking soda to make yourself some homemade baking powder.  It is often used in baking to give baking soda an acid to react with (baking powder), to act as a leavening agent. It is also used to stabilize egg whites, particularly during the preparation of meringue or whipped cream. It is also used in the preparation of icing or frosting,  it helps to prevent the sugar from crystallizing.      

Here is a link about it:
http://chemistry.about.com/od/foodcookingchemistry/a/Cream-Of-Tartar.htm

If you are looking for something to use to thicken for soups, gravies etc..... I would use Glucomannan powder or Xantham Gum , gelatin or even heavy whipping cream depending on the dish.  I hope this helps 

[shawn116]

Millie  Umpa is right, you should be able to find it in the baking isle.  Not all of the groceries I have been in carry the xanthan gum though.  You may need to look in your local health food store or just order online.  More than likely if you see it in the store it will be the Bob's Red Mill brand.

http://www6.netrition.com/bobs_xanthan_gum.html
http://www.netrition.com/now_xanthan_powder_page.html

Just remember a little goes a long way 

[AliciaInTX]

I would just like to emphasize the "add a little bit at a time and give it a couple of minutes to work" advice that Tony gave you. Boy howdy, did I get some jello-y gravy!!! You really shouldn't have to chew gravy. It's just not right.

[shawn116]

   I'm envisioning that right now Haha Just remember   I'm laughing with you  

[umpa]

i have had the same bag of gluccoman powder for three years and it is still full! You crack me alicia but I have made the same mistake. My favorite use for gluccoman is oriental coating .It gives you that thin crispy coating that doesn't get soggy even after going in the fridge.Soo TooSweet when are you gonna open your low carb bakery??

[mouseissue]

A while back, I made gravy with guar gum and used a bit too much.

After sitting in the gravy boat on the table and cooling, it turned into a big jello-like brown Popsicle!

Tony

[shawn116]

Oh yum Tony!    Something tells me that isn't what you were going for.......

Soo TooSweet when are you gonna open your low carb bakery??

I tell ya Umpa if I could work again, I would do it in a skinny minute (pun intended)    I doubt I could keep up the way I would need to though, but you never know.......   

[umpa]

In the Bakeries here they are getting about $50 a cake. You could probably get the same for sugarfree

[suzanneT]

Hmmmm.... Gravy flavored jello WOULD be something different. I got the xanthan gum but haven't tried it yet.

Toosweet.... a bakery would be AMAZING! I just paid $9.97 for a seven ounce box of "Net Carb Free" cookies at my local Natural Foods market.