Are you just starting off your baking journey? Then check our baking for beginners blog post.
Baking for Beginners: Must-Have Kitchen Accessories
If you're new to baking, you may be feeling overwhelmed with all the different tools and gadgets available for use in the kitchen. However, having the right equipment can make all the difference when it comes to creating delicious baked goods. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the must-have kitchen accessories for beginners, such as food processors, food mixers, blenders and other kitchen accessories.
Always measure and weigh your ingredients
Once you've read the recipe, reread it! The measurements for baking must be exact, even small variations can completely change the consistency and textures of your cakes and other treats. Always double check your measurements and be sure you are not accidentally counting in the weight of your bowl. If you are using a digital scale than be sure to reset the scales between measuring.
Let the butter get to room temperature
Have you ever tried spreading real butter on bread just after taking it out of the fridge? It's almost impossible. Combining rock hard butter can be difficult and you can end up with little lumps of butter through your batters or doughs. Take the butter out of the fridge an hour before baking and it will be far easier to work with.
Prep your ingredients before you start
Preparation is crucial in baking. Prepping well will ensure that you have all the correct measurements and they are ready to add as needed.
Clean as you go!
Keep your work surfaces clean while you are baking or cooking. After finishing your prep, tidy away anything you don't need. This will give you plenty of space to get creative and you won't be faced with a mountain to clean when you are finished.
Preheat your oven
Always preheat your oven before adding in your creations. You can invest in an oven thermometer if your oven does not have one built-in. This give you an extra temperature gauge which is crucial for baking items like soufflés or roasting meats. You should try not to open the oven, especially while your cakes and pastries are rising. As you open the oven you are letting cool air enter which alters the temperature. If you need to check on your creations quickly remove them from the oven, test and get it back in if needed. You want to try to keep the temperatures as consistent as possible while baking.
When purchasing your new oven be sure to ask our friendly staff about the different features, especially for baking. You can opt for SteamPlus to give extra crispy crusts, functions designed for making tasty pizzas and dough-proving settings. Drop in-store or check out the range online.
Baking is a fun and rewarding activity that anyone can enjoy, regardless of skill level. If you're a beginner baker looking to get started, there are plenty of easy and delicious recipes to try. In this blog post, we'll share some ideas for baking for beginners that you can try at home.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favourite that is perfect for beginner bakers. They are easy to make and require only a few ingredients. The basic recipe involves mixing butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and chocolate chips. You can add your own twist by using different types of chocolate or adding nuts.
Banana Bread
Banana bread is another simple recipe that's great for beginners. It's made with ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavour.
Brownies
Brownies are a crowd-pleaser and are incredibly easy to make. The recipe involves mixing melted chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. You can add nuts or other ingredients like caramel or peanut butter for added flavour.
Muffins
Muffins are another simple recipe that you can try at home. They are made with flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and milk. You can add fruit or chocolate chips for added flavour and texture.
Baking for beginners FAQs
What are some essential baking tools for beginners?
Some essential baking tools include measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a baking sheet, a mixing spoon, a whisk, a spatula, and an oven thermometer.
What are some easy recipes for beginners to try?
Some easy recipes for beginners include chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, brownies, and muffins. You can find many recipes online or in cookbooks specifically geared towards beginners.
What is the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
Baking soda is a basic compound that needs an acidic ingredient to activate it and create carbon dioxide, which helps baked goods rise. Baking powder, on the other hand, already contains an acid and a base, so it can be used in recipes without an additional acidic ingredient.
What is the importance of preheating the oven?
Preheating the oven is important because it allows the oven to reach the desired temperature before you begin baking. If you don't preheat the oven, your baked goods may not cook evenly or may take longer to bake than the recipe specifies.
How do I know when my baked goods are done?
Different recipes may have different indicators of doneness, such as a golden brown color or a clean toothpick when inserted into the center. Follow the recipe instructions closely and check the baked goods frequently towards the end of the baking time to ensure they don't overcook.
