Baking Tips

The weekend is the perfect time to grab the apron and head into the kitchen to whip up a feast of comforting sweet treats. Whether baking cookies for the kids, or impressing the family with a delicious cake, a few simple techniques can save you time in the kitchen and help you avoid the common pitfalls.

Ingredients & equipments

1. Getting your quantities right makes all the difference so get started with measuring jugs, cups and spoons.
2. Sieves, a whisk, wooden spoon, spatula and electric mixer are essentials for getting the consistencies just right.
3. Most cake, cookie and pudding recipes call for the same basic ingredients, so be sure to stock the fridge and pantry with the following: butter, milk, vegetable oil, self raising flour, eggs, sugar and frosting mix or icing sugar.
4. If you're baking during the festive season, Christmas spices include cinnamon, cloves, ginger, allspice, nutmeg and cloves.
5. Carefully follow your recipe and be sure to use the correct ingredients, for example, plain flour vs. self-raising flour, or room temperature water vs. boiling water.
6. Always use eggs at room temperature unless otherwise listed. If in a hurry, the chill can be removed from eggs by dipping in a bowl of warm water.
7. Butter should also be at room temperature as it’s easier to mix when soft.

Baking

• Most recipes require that the oven to be preheated so check the oven instructions first.
• Use the correct sized baking pan or tray, and note whether the pans need to be greased and floured. 
• For the best heat distribution, place the pan or tray into the center of the oven, using the middle rack.
• To test if your cake, muffins or cupcakes are done, place a toothpick into the centre. If the toothpick comes out with just a few dry crumbs, the cake is done. If the toothpick is wet, continue to bake, checking at 2 minute intervals.

Cooling

• Baked desserts should be left to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from their pan or tray.
• Once removed, leave to cool completely on a wire rack.
• Make sure baked desserts are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and running.