This Week's Q&A (Talking Pumpkin Pie Spice, Xanthum Gum, Rice Milk, Clothing & Miso)

Posted by:Lindsay S. Nixon Category: FAQ
You've got questions...

Q: The pumpkin pie recipe calls for brown sugar. Is that the moist brown sugar that comes in light brown or dark brown, or is that the brown turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw)?

A: Even though turbinado (raw) sugar is brown in color, it is not brown sugar. Brown sugar is different from other sugars, because it contains molasses. If a recipe calls for brown sugar, you need to buy light or dark brown sugar (I personally prefer light). You can alsomake brown sugar from turbinado (raw) sugar.

Q:Can xanthum gum be used in place of agar agar?

A: I have not worked with either, so I'm unsure, but based on my (limited) knowledge I have of the ingredients, I wouldn't think so. Xanthum gum
is a binder and agar agar works like a gelatin.

Q: Is all rice milk made from brown rice?

A: It depends on the company. Some companies use white rice, some use brown. You can also make rice milk at home.

Q: I was wondering where you get your clothing? I love your simple style, and was so inspired by your minimalist approach to shopping.Also, do you have any favorite boots/ shoes?

A: I shop all over the place. I do tend to buy most of my shoes at Payless, since the vast majority of their shoes are not made from leather. BUT I have also bought shoes at Target and other stores, plus Goodwill.

I buy clothes from a number of stores: Ann Taylor, LOFT, Target, Banana Republic, H&M, Forever21, Goodwill, Kohls, JCPenney. It really depends on where I am and what I have access to... (and often, what it is I'm looking for).

Q: Regarding the miso, is it the powdered miso soup mix? I'm miso-challenged, lol. 

A: It's a paste. See these posts: "What is miso?"

and "What are the different colors of miso?"


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