Creative Recipes with Flour, Sugar, Milk, and Oil

Using just flour, sugar, milk, and oil, you can explore a variety of delicious and versatile recipes. Whether you're in the mood for pancakes, a simple cake, or a traditional flatbread, these basic ingredients can come to life in many ways. Here, we'll delve into several recipes that highlight the range of culinary possibilities with just these four main components.

1. Pancakes

Starting with one of the most beloved breakfast items, here's a straightforward recipe for pancakes.

Ingredients:

1 cup flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons oil 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional) Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder (if using), and salt (if using) in a bowl. In another bowl, combine the milk and oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Heat a pan over medium heat and pour in some batter to form pancakes. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.

Feel free to adjust the quantities or add additional ingredients based on your preference.

2. Simple Cake

Another favorite baked treat can be made with just a few more touches to the classic pancake batter.

Ingredients:

1 cup flour 1 cup sugar 1 cup milk 1/4 cup oil 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional) Optional: vanilla extract or cocoa powder for flavoring

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl. Add the milk and oil, and mix until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

For a more decadent flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or cocoa powder to the batter.

3. Flatbread

For a savory option, flatbread is a great choice that requires minimal preparation.

Ingredients:

2 cups flour 1 tablespoon sugar 3/4 cup milk 2 tablespoons oil Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add the milk and oil, and knead until you have a smooth dough. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into flat discs. Cook on a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.

This simple flatbread can be served with a variety of savory toppings or as a base for various fillings.

Alternative Ideas

While these recipes cover the most basic and traditional uses of the ingredients, you can still get creative with them. For instance:

Shortbread without Butter: If you're adventurous, you can attempt to make a shortbread without butter, though the results might not be as desirable. A touch of vanilla extract or almond extract could help compensate for the missing richness. Vanilla or Almond Extract in Cake: For a more flavored cake, consider adding vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter, along with eggs and baking powder. This would result in a more complex and aromatic cake. Angel Food Cake: If you want to make a lighter, airier cake, take the simple cake recipe, separate the eggs, run the sugar through a food processor to make it superfine, and get rid of the baking powder. Add some cream of tartar to stabilize the protein in the egg whites, and you could create an angel food cake.

These recipes are adaptable, so feel free to experiment and adjust the quantities or add different flavors and textures to suit your taste.