WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — The Consumer Price Index for baked foods and cereal merchandise rose zero.4% in May, in step with the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. The index for all food at home additionally improved, rising zero to 1%. Of the 18 items followed employing Milling & Baking News, a sister book of World Grain, eleven posted month-over-month profits, six finished decreases, and one turned unchanged.
The May index for Cereals and Bakery Products before seasonal adjustment becomes 277. Eight of the 1982-84 average, up 2.1% from 12 months in the past. The May index for all meals at home was 242.1, up 1.1% from May 2018. The CPI for cereals and cereal products in May became 228. Three, down 0.2% from April but up 0.6% from May 2018. The index for merchandise inside this category protected flour and prepared mixes, 238. Nine,
up 1.2% from April; however, down 1. Five from the preceding year; breakfast cereal, 222.8, down zero.6% from the prior month but up zero.Nine% from a year in the past; and rice, pasta, and cornmeal, 237.4, down 0.2% from April but up 1% from May 2018. The rate index for bakery merchandise in May turned to 306.4, up 0.7% from April and up 2.Eight from May 2018. The May index for bread turned to 184.1, down 0.2% from April but up 2.2% from May 2018. Under this heading, the CPI for white bread was 333.1, down 0.2% from April but up 2.
Four from May 2018. For bread apart from white, the index became 360, up to zero—three from April and up to 3% from a year ago. The rate index for clean biscuits, rolls, and desserts in May changed to 181.1, up 0.Nine from April and up 2.6% from May 2018. The May index for desserts, cupcakes, and cookies became 292. Three, up , zero 7% from April and up 3.1% from May 2018. Under this section, other charge indexes included sparkling desserts and cupcakes, 317. Eight, unchanged from April but up 2.Eight from May 2018; and cookies, 272.9, up 1.3% from the previous month and up 3.7% from the preceding year.
The CPI for other bakery products in May became 272. Eight, up 1.4% from April and 3.3% from May 2018. Under this heading, different price indexes in May protected: clean candy rolls, coffee desserts, and donuts, 314.2, up 1.2% from April and up to five.Four from May 2018; crackers and cracker merchandise, 310. Five, up to 2.Eight from April and up four.5% from May 2018; and frozen and refrigerated bakery merchandise, pies, truffles, and turnovers, 272.1, down 0.1% from April; however, up 0.5% from the previous year.
Most people associate a deep freeze with meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit. However, baked foods keep equally well below zero. Make full use of your deep freeze this year by preparing cakes, biscuits, pies, savories, and even bread for the busy Christmas or parties. If you expect visitors, think of the convenience of having morning and afternoon teas prepared in advance. No fuss or bother; take items from your freezer to thaw while you sit relaxed and enjoy your visitors’ company.
Cakes
Package unfilled, uniced cakes in plastic bags, seal well, label, and freeze. It is advisable to protect them with a double layer of plastic. Cake batter may be frozen in greased cake tins. Wrap and seal well and freeze. To bake, remove the packaging and place the frozen cake in the oven until cooked.
Cream filled cakes
Both fresh cream and synthetic cream may be deep-frozen successfully. If fresh cream is used, I suggest leaving it to stand in a refrigerator, after whipping, for at least 2-3 hours to allow the water content to settle at the bottom of the bowl, then fill cake sponges. This method prevents a wet base from thawing.
