If you love to riff on recipes while making healthy dinners or brunches recipes but avoid turning on the oven unless you need to roast some veggies or chicken, then perhaps it's time to expand your repertoire. Baking can seem intimidating to those who mostly only cook on the stove-top, where adjusting spices and flavors while things come together is a part of the process. Suddenly you can't taste it until it's all the way done! And woe to anyone who needs a baking powder substitute and just throws in baking soda instead, hoping it'll work (or vice versa).
But there's no need to be intimidated. There's a magic to pouring batter into a pan, popping it into a hot oven, and discovering a fully cooked, light and fluffy treat when the timer goes off. And not only is baking fun, but it can also be rewarding when you end up with delicious treats to eat or share with family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned pro just looking for something simple to make, or a newbie just starting to get flour on your apron, these recipes are great for when you're just starting out, or simply want to make something without a lot of fuss. From bars and brownies to cookies, simple cakes, tarts and muffins, to even an easy no-knead bread, these are the two dozen recipes every baker should have in his or her back pocket. Give them a whirl, and build your confidence!
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1
Fudgy Stout Brownies
The secret to really rich, super complex fudgy brownies? It starts with little dark beer.
This easy cupcake recipe tastes extra rich and tangy. The secret? Buttermilk. If you don't want to buy it, you can also make your own with a little vinegar or lemon juice.
A dusting of sea salt balances out the sweetness of chocolate in this pecan toffee.
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11
Pecan Slab Pie
This larger-than-life pecan slab pie feeds a crowd. It's welcome at tailgates and dinner parties, too.
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12
Gingerbread Pear Loaf
Though it makes a great holiday gift, this sweet, complex-tasting gingerbread loaf is also good to just keep on hand. Eat a slice with a cup of coffee.
You must read and re-read your recipes before beginning anything. Human error, even for the best bakers, can get in the way and ruin your entire endeavor.
Yes, when baking two cakes at once, you may need to increase the baking time slightly. However, the increase in time might not be significant; usually, it's just a few minutes more than the recommended time for baking a single cake. Keep an eye on both cakes and check for doneness using a toothpick or cake tester.
In a lot of baking recipes you will see the phrase, “Do not over mix.” This is because once you add flour into your ingredients, mixing will encourage the gluten to develop and create a chewy texture.
The Maillard reaction is known to happen at some point between 300° and 350°. Because ovens often fluctuate (or are incorrectly calibrated) a setting of 350° essentially ensures that the browning temperature is reached. Read: It's a clever way to make sure that all of those glorious flavors are formed.
Older kids can handle more complicated tasks, such as using an electric mixer or food processor, as well as putting food into the oven. This is a great age for longer baking projects, like baking bread from scratch or making and decorating a birthday cake with homemade frosting and fancy piping.
Baking isn't necessarily harder than cooking. It really comes down to your preferences in the kitchen. If you enjoy precision and consistency, then you may find baking to be easier for you. But if you enjoy flexibility and creative freedom in your dishes, you might find that cooking comes more naturally to you.
Since time is often of the essence in baking, smart bakers begin with this step so that they're not wasting time chopping or measuring when they're in the baking process. Start by reviewing the recipe and collecting your tools and ingredients. Set out anything that needs to be brought to room temperature.
Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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