3 Chapter 3-How to Use Thickeners

Most thickeners are used in the same basic way.

1.  Start with boiling the liquid you would like to thicken.
2. Meanwhile, mix the starch with some cold liquid to form a smooth mixture (slurry).
3. Temper the hot mixture into the cold starch mixture and put the liquid back on the heat, whisking constantly.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly until thick.
5. Once boiling, continue to whisk for 1-3 minutes to fully gelatinize the starch molecules.

Why do you need to boil the cornstarch at the end of the gelatinization process?

1. To ensure the starchy flavor is cooked out of your product.
2. To ensure the product has a shine.
3. To fully thicken your product.