Cutting dried fruits with a knife is difficult because the fruits are so sticky. In the Martha White Kitchen, we find that kitchen shears come in handy for this task. It's easier to snip the fruit into uniform pieces because the scissors' motion keeps the fruit from sticking. Periodically dip the scissors' blades in water while snipping the fruit. Bits of dried fruits add lots of flavor to baked goods like muffins and quick breads.
Batters are liquid mixtures of flour, eggs and milk or water.
Breadings are dry ingredients used to coat fish such as cracker crumbs, bread crumbs, flour or corn meal. Usually the fish is dipped into an egg mixture and then into the dry mixture. Batters tend to result in a thicker, breadier coating after the fish is fried. Corn meal breading is the favorite way to prepare Southern favorites like catfish and crappie. For best quality, we recommend storing Martha White products in a cool dry place and using them within the stated guidelines below.