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DIY Recipes: How to make cornstarch at home

Ever found yourself in the middle of cooking, reaching for the cornstarch, only to find an empty container? It's a kitchen mishap that can throw a wrench in your culinary plans.

Cornstarch

But before you throw in the towel or make a dash to the nearest store, did you know you can make your own cornstarch at home?

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It's simpler than you think, and we're here to guide you through it. So, let's turn this kitchen dilemma into a fun DIY project, shall we?

What you need:

  • Fresh sweet corn (as many cobs as you like, depending on how much cornstarch you want to make)
  • Water
  • Sharp knife
  • Blender
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Large bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
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Method:

  1. Prepare your corn: Begin by husking your corn cobs, and removing all the silk. Rinse them under cold water to ensure they're clean and ready for processing.
  2. Kernel removal: Stand a cob upright on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice down the sides, detaching the kernels from the cob. Repeat this process with all your corn cobs.
  3. Blend to create a slurry: Place the corn kernels in a blender. Add enough water to just cover the kernels and blend until you achieve a smooth slurry.
  4. Strain the mixture: Pour the blended slurry through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl. You're aiming to separate the liquid (which contains your cornstarch) from the solid bits of corn. Discard the solids.
  5. Settle and separate: Allow the liquid to sit undisturbed for a few hours until the starch settles at the bottom of the bowl. Once settled, gently pour off the water, leaving the starch behind.
  6. Dry the starch: Spread the wet cornstarch on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to dry completely in a warm, dry area. This could take a few hours.
  7. Final product: Once the starch is dry, it will have a crumbly texture. Break it up to create a fine powder. Your homemade cornstarch is ready to use!

Making cornstarch at home is a bit of an experiment, so don't be afraid to adjust the process as needed. Enjoy your homemade cornstarch in your cooking and baking!

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