Cornstarch has various uses:
1. **Cooking and Baking:** Commonly used as a thickening agent in soups, sauces, gravies, and desserts.
2. **Breaded Coating:** It can be used to coat foods before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
3. **Gluten-Free Baking:** Ideal for gluten-free recipes, providing structure and moisture to baked goods.
4. **Puddings and Custards:** Used as a primary ingredient in making creamy puddings and custards.
5. **Gravy Thickener:** Used to thicken meat drippings into flavorful gravies.
6. **Laundry Starch:** Can be used as a natural alternative to starch clothes.
7. **DIY Cleaning Solutions:** Mixed with water, it can create a non-toxic cleaning paste for surfaces.
8. **Playdough:** A key ingredient in homemade playdough recipes.
Remember, always follow specific recipe instructions for the best results.