The Most Overlooked Kitchen Ingredients: Spices

Those tiny jars in your spice cabinet might be the most powerful ingredients in your entire kitchen.

In this episode of the This Old Baker podcast, Kim talks about why spices are often overlooked and how just a pinch of the right seasoning can completely transform everyday meals.

You’ll also learn how to tell if your spices are still fresh and a simple trick that helps spices release more flavor while cooking.

Inside this episode:

• Why spices lose strength over time
• The easiest way to check if a spice is still good
• The simple trick that makes spices taste stronger in cooking
• Why a small group of spices can season dozens of meals

If you'd like to see the seasoning blends and pantry spice mixes Kim makes in her own kitchen, you can find them here:

➡️ https://thisoldbaker.com/category/seasonings-and-sauces/

These simple blends are designed to help turn pantry ingredients into flavorful meals.

Why Pantry Cooking Is the Secret to Easier Meals

Have you ever opened the refrigerator, stared for a moment… and still had no idea what to make for dinner?

The answer might not be in the fridge at all.

In this episode of the This Old Baker podcast, Kim shares why pantry cooking has quietly become one of the easiest ways to simplify everyday meals. When your pantry is stocked with a few dependable staples, dinner becomes less stressful, more flexible, and a lot more satisfying.

Inside this episode we talk about:

• Why pantry cooking makes weeknight meals easier
• The simple ingredients that form the backbone of a well-stocked pantry
• How spices and staples turn basic foods into full meals
• Why cooking from the pantry saves time, money, and frustration

Pantry cooking isn’t about complicated recipes or fancy ingredients. It’s about using what you already have in simple, practical ways that make the kitchen feel calmer.

If you'd like to see the pantry mixes and simple recipes Kim mentioned in this episode, you can find them here:

➡️ https://thisoldbaker.com/category/recipes/pantry/

From homemade soup blends to baking mixes and seasoning jars, these pantry recipes are designed to help you cook more easily with ingredients you already keep on hand.

From my kitchen to yours…
Kim from This Old Baker

In this episode of This Old Baker, Kim Artlip answers a common kitchen question: when you can safely substitute soy milk for regular milk in recipes. She breaks down where soy milk and soy milk powder work best, when a simple tweak helps, and when dairy still matters—giving you practical, pantry-friendly guidance for everyday cooking and baking.

In this episode of the This Old Baker Podcast, host Kim Artlip shares why a well-stocked pantry—especially one built around smart pantry mixes—matters more now than ever. With rising food costs, unpredictable weather, and uncertain times, pantry mixes offer comfort, flexibility, and peace of mind. Kim talks about how simple, homemade mixes help stretch budgets, reduce stress, and turn everyday ingredients into warm, familiar meals. This episode is a reminder that a thoughtful pantry isn’t about fear or stockpiling—it’s about confidence, comfort, and being able to feed your people no matter what life throws your way.

In this episode of This Old Baker Podcast, host Kim Artlip opens up about the emotional toll of online negativity on creators. From harsh insults to outright threats, she explores how hurtful words impact those who share their work with the world. Kim discusses the vulnerability of being a creator, the mental and emotional strain of constant criticism, and the importance of kindness and support in online spaces. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the power of words and how we can all contribute to a more positive and uplifting creative community.

In this episode ofThis Old Baker Podcast, we’re diving into the growing popularity of shelf-stable pantry mixes. From time-saving convenience to homemade quality, these mixes are transforming how we cook and bake. I’ll share why they’re making a comeback, the benefits of keeping them on hand, and how you can easily make your own at home. Whether you’re a busy home cook or just love having quick, homemade solutions at your fingertips, this episode is packed with tips to help you stock your pantry with ease. Tune in and get inspired to simplify your kitchen routine—without sacrificing flavor!

Ever wondered why some baked goods have a shiny, golden crust while others have a soft, matte finish? It all comes down to the wash! In this episode of This Old Baker, Kim breaks down the differences between an egg wash and a milk wash, explaining how each affects the color, texture, and overall look of your baked goods. Plus, she shares expert tips on when to use each one—and a few creative alternatives to take your baking to the next level. Whether you're baking pies, breads, or pastries, this quick but essential lesson will help you choose the perfect finish every time.

🎧 Tune in now and let’s get baking! 🍞🥐✨

In this episode ofThis Old Baker, host Kim Artlip dives into the surprising comeback of lard and beef tallow in modern kitchens. Once staples in cooking and baking, these traditional fats were pushed aside in favor of processed oils—but now, they’re making a well-deserved return.

Kim explores the history of these fats, their superior flavor, and their emerging health benefits compared to industrial seed oils. She also discusses how lard and tallow promote sustainability through nose-to-tail cooking while offering a budget-friendly alternative to expensive oils.

Listeners will learn practical ways to incorporate these fats into their everyday cooking, from making flaky pie crusts to frying the crispiest foods. Kim also shares her personal experiences using these old-school ingredients and how they’ve transformed her cooking.

If you’re curious about embracing traditional fats and rediscovering their culinary magic, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in and join the conversation about bringing back these flavorful, sustainable, and nutritious kitchen essentials.

In this episode ofThis Old Baker, hostKim Artlip explores why so many people are returning to the "grandma hobbies" of the past—baking from scratch, sewing, gardening, and more. She dives into the growing desire for connection, self-sufficiency, and creativity in an increasingly fast-paced, digital world.

From the joy of homemade bread to the meditative benefits of crafting, Kim shares how these time-honored skills bring comfort, fulfillment, and even a sense of community. Whether you're kneading dough or planting herbs, embracing these traditions is more than just a trend—it’s a return to something real and meaningful.

Tune in and be inspired to slow down, create with your hands, and rediscover the simple pleasures of life!

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In this episode of This Old Baker Podcast, Kim Artlip explores the rising popularity of scratch baking and why more people are embracing homemade treats over store-bought options. From the desire for better ingredients and richer flavors to the therapeutic joy of baking, Kim shares insights on why this movement is here to stay. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this episode will inspire you to roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and rediscover the magic of baking from scratch. Tune in for tips, personal stories, and plenty of warm, buttery goodness!