plain or self raising?

[crisgal]

i've got two containers of flour, one of which should be plain. Is there anyway of knowing which is which?

What would happen if I made a bechamel sauce with self raising flour?!

[ineedahobby]

I dont think it will affect it too much, you only need a minimal amount of flour for bechemel, it will probably be fine....

[amarillis]

If you don't mind wasting a bit of flour...

Take a cup of each flour in separate bowls and add 1/4 cup of water. The plain flour will make a stiffer dough than the self raising, which will make a softer paste.

[gastwo]

I've always used SR flour for all varieties of white sauce, and they turn out great. If anything, SR seems to blend in more easily...

[LordyGeordie]

I can normally taste the difference. plan flour tastes, well plain, whereas self-raising has a kind of soda taste to it.

[woofgang]

was gonna post the same as LordyG. Self raising tastes slightly bitter

[Bearworld1]

a drop or two of vinegar placed on a teaspoon of self raising flour will bubble and fizz a wee bit due to the raising agents releasing co2.  Don't use sr flour for your bechamel, you will taste to difference.

[crisgal]

i tried the vinegar test, Bearworld1, and nothing happened.

I've got a sinking (no pun intended) feeling that they're both plain!!

I'll use one anyway and see how I go on.

Thanks everyone, for your help x