http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=236x81259Oh my.
Phentex (1000+ posts) Thu Oct-14-10 07:21 PM
Original message
I found an old cake mix...
I remember using a coupon to buy it but it's a specialty mix and I never got around to using it. It's old but unopened. Is it useless now?
This is embarrassing.
How old is too old?
franksolich, who likes dining upon antique foods, looks in the cupboards and finds he has a box if IGA (store brand) brownie mix with a "sell by" date of 08/31/98.
franksolich is going to bake brownies tomorrow (Sunday), to see what happens.
The empressof all (1000+ posts) Thu Oct-14-10 07:31 PM
THE IMPERIOUS PRIMITIVE, WHO DOESN'T LIKE US
Response to Original message
1. Look and see if it has a date on it somewhere
Most box mixes have them. Often it's a sell by date so you are fairly safe to use it for a few months after that IMO. Also check the ingredients. If they are all dry I'd probably open it up and give it a look. If there are no bugs in it or doesn't have an "off" odor or color I'd be tempted to bake it up.
But that's just me.
If you have any doubt....Throw it out.
Warpy (1000+ posts) Thu Oct-14-10 08:17 PM
THE DEFROCKED WARPED PRIMITIVE, #09 TOP PRIMITIVE OF 2009
Response to Original message
2. How old is old?
A month or two is fine. Five years down the road, it won't be deadly but it won't be any good.
Cake mixes in boxes contain things like oils and powdered eggs, both of which can go rancid over time. Insects can find their way into sealed boxes through cracks we can't even see. A lot of stuff can go very wrong with it.
If it's a year or so old, you can try sifting it to see if there are any insects in it. Then take a little on your tongue. A "hot" sensation means it's rancid, one of the early signs. If it passes both tests, go ahead and bake it. It won't be as good as fresh, but it will still be cake.
franksolich checked the box of 12+ years-old brownie mix.
No insectual penetration.
One has to add one's own oil and eggs, so it's probably okay.
Denninmi (167 posts) Thu Oct-14-10 09:26 PM
Response to Reply #2
3. The baking powder can go bad, too.
Even if it doesn't taste bad, it might not rise.
So, if the OP does want to bake it up, and it doesn't seem to taste bad in the batter stage, IMO it would be a good idea to add a teaspoon or so of fresh baking powder to the mix.
Phentex (1000+ posts) Fri Oct-15-10 05:34 PM
Response to Reply #2
4. I see you were in my pantry, Warpy...
Box says Aug 05. It doesn't seem like it could be that old but when I checked the Duncan Hines website, the product has been discontinued.
It's one of their "Signature Desserts" and the only one I ever bought!
I make cupcakes from a mix every once in a while but I usually bake from old recipes or magazines when something looks interesting.
I can't believe I have this.
Warpy (1000+ posts) Fri Oct-15-10 05:46 PM
THE DEFROCKED WARPED PRIMITIVE, #09 TOP PRIMITIVE OF 2009
Response to Reply #4
7. Toss it
Really.
It probably wasn't that great to begin with, cake mixes usually aren't since they're sweetened for kids, not adults.
What a wastrel warpy is.
