Back to Basics Baking Bundle

Back to Basics Baking Bundle: How to Use Every Ingredient

Welcome to a return to real food, real flavor, and the timeless joy of baking from scratch. Our Back to Basics Baking Bundle is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients that form the backbone of traditional home baking. Inside this bundle, you’ll find three core ingredients: one dozen pasture-raised eggs, one jar of rendered beef tallow, and one jar of your choice of preserves (Strawberry, Peach, or Blackberry).

Each ingredient has its own story, nutritional benefits, and countless uses in the kitchen. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use every item in your bundle to its fullest — from flaky biscuits to rich, golden cornbread, and even sweet treats to share with your family.

Pasture-Raised Eggs: The Golden Foundation

Eggs are a staple in nearly every kitchen, but pasture-raised eggs bring something extra to the table — deep flavor, vibrant yolks, and nutritional density. Compared to conventional eggs, pasture-raised eggs contain more vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and a richer taste due to the hens’ varied diet and access to sunshine.

Ways to Use Your Eggs:

1. Baking Basics: Use eggs in cookies, muffins, pancakes, and cakes. They’re essential for binding, structure, and moisture.
2. Breakfast Staples: Scrambled, fried in tallow, or soft-boiled — eggs shine on their own.
3. Egg Wash: Beat an egg and brush over pastry dough to give your crusts a golden, glossy finish.
4. Custards & Quiches: Eggs create the creamy base for both savory and sweet dishes.
5. Mayonnaise & Aioli: Make your own condiments using yolks, oil, and a bit of mustard.

Recipe Highlight: Classic Buttermilk Biscuits

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup beef tallow (cold)
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Combine dry ingredients, cut in cold tallow until crumbly, add buttermilk, knead gently, and cut into rounds. Brush with egg wash and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes.

Rendered Beef Tallow: A Forgotten Gem

Beef tallow is a traditional fat that has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s shelf-stable, full of flavor, and an ideal fat for both baking and frying. Unlike modern vegetable oils and shortenings, tallow is minimally processed and naturally rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

Ways to Use Tallow in Baking and Cooking:

1. Pie Crusts: Swap tallow for shortening or butter for a flaky, flavorful crust.
2. Biscuits & Scones: Creates that sought-after tender, layered texture.
3. Skillet Cornbread: Adds a savory depth and crispy edges.
4. Greasing Pans: Use a bit of tallow to grease cast iron skillets or baking sheets.
5. Roasting Veggies: Toss root vegetables in melted tallow for a golden, crisp roast.

Recipe Highlight: Skillet Cornbread

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted tallow (plus extra for the pan)

Preheat a cast iron skillet with 1 tbsp tallow in a 425°F oven. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another. Combine, pour into hot skillet, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Homemade Preserves: A Sweet Touch

Our preserves — available in Strawberry, Peach, or Blackberry — are made the old-fashioned way, with simple ingredients and bold fruit flavor. They’re naturally sweet and perfect for spreading, baking, or adding into sauces and dressings.

Ways to Use Your Preserves:

1. Spread on Toast or Biscuits: The simplest and most satisfying use.
2. Jam Thumbprint Cookies: Use your favorite flavor for a chewy, fruit-filled treat.
3. Swirled in Muffins or Loaf Cakes: Adds moisture and bright pops of flavor.
4. Glazes for Meats: Combine with mustard or vinegar for a glaze on pork or chicken.
5. Topping for Yogurt or Oatmeal: An easy breakfast upgrade.

Recipe Highlight: Thumbprint Cookies

• 1/2 cup tallow or butter
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup flour
• Preserves (any flavor)

Cream fat and sugar, then add yolk and vanilla. Mix in flour, form small balls, press centers with your thumb, and fill with preserves. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Bringing It All Together: Meal Ideas Using the Full Bundle

With just these three ingredients — eggs, tallow, and preserves — you can create:

• Weekend Breakfast Spread: Scrambled eggs, skillet biscuits with jam, and fried potatoes in tallow.
• Homemade Pie Night: Use tallow for the crust, eggs for the custard filling, and preserves for glaze or fruit topping.
• Simple Snack Plate: Boiled eggs, sourdough toast with jam, and sautéed veggies in tallow.
• Giftable Treats: Bake thumbprint cookies or mini loaf cakes with jam swirls to share.

This bundle is ideal for health-conscious families, culinary hobbyists, and anyone who wants to reconnect with the joy of traditional cooking. It’s also a great introduction for those new to using rendered fats or looking for cleaner alternatives to seed oils.

Storage & Tips

• Eggs: Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Bring to room temperature before baking for best results.
• Tallow: Shelf-stable at room temp, or keep in the fridge for longer storage.
• Preserves: Refrigerate after opening. Use within 4–6 weeks for peak flavor.

The Back to Basics Baking Bundle is more than just a product — it’s a starting point for slow, meaningful cooking that connects you to the land, your kitchen, and your loved ones. These simple ingredients are time-tested, nutrient-dense, and delicious — and they reflect the values we hold close at Twisted V Market.

We hope this guide inspires you to try something new, revisit old favorites, and make your kitchen feel like home again.