On the Trail of Buttermilk Powder

Question: Can you tell me where to find buttermilk powder?

Answer: Saco Buttermilk Powder is available at Alpha Beta Co. stores, Boy’s Markets, Gelson’s Markets, Hughes Markets, Ralphs Grocery Co. stores and Safeway Stores Inc. In some stores it is stocked in the dry milk section, in others it may be found with the baking supplies.

Q: How do you prepare a fruit pie for freezing?

A: In “Canning, Freezing & Drying” (Lane Publishing: 1981) the editors of Sunset magazine and books give the following recommendations:

“Prepare as usual, adding one tablespoon flour or tapioca or 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch to very juicy fillings. This will help prevent fillings from boiling over when pies are baked. Do not cut vents in top crust. Do not bake.

“Steam and let light-colored fruits cool before making pie. For apple pie, dip raw apple slices in mixture of 1/2 teaspoon ascorbic acid to 1 cup water. For peach pie, peel peaches without scalding. Dip raw peach slices in mixture of one tablespoon lemon juice or teaspoon ascorbic acid to 1 cup water for each pie.

“Freeze fruit pies in their own pans. Wrap in freezer paper or put in plastic bags. Store in carton, or cover with empty pan turned upside down and tape edges together.”

Recommended freezer storage time is three to four months. To serve, without thawing, cut vent holes in upper crust. Place on baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees 15 to 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375 degrees and bake 20 to 30 more minutes or until top crust is browned.