Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Since the weather has decided to majorly cool down overnight here, it got me (Becca!) thinking about baking, something I always seem to do more of in the fall and winter months.  I thought today I would share some of my very favorite baking recipes, as well as some general baking tips.

Homemade Chocolate Cupcakes + Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Apple Cake

Whole Wheat Coffee Cake

Baked Peach French Toast

100% Whole Grain Pumpkin Muffins

Amazing Gluten Free Banana Bread

Delicious Blueberry Muffins (Gluten Free)

What are your favorite baking recipes?
 
 

Fall is the perfect time to make delicious baked treats and to fill your house with the warming sensation of the oven. While baking sometimes takes a magic touch, with a few simple tips and tricks, anyone can make gourmet homemade goodies. Utilize the following tips to make delicious fall and holiday baked goods with ease!

Tools & Techniques

Baking is a very precise process. Before baking, always carefully read the entire recipe so that you are sure you have every tool and ingredient that is needed. Also, always follow the recipe directly. 

Be sure to use the correct pan size called for in the recipe. 

When baking, spray baking sheets or parchment paper with PAM No-Stick Cooking Spray to keep the paper from sliding and to make removing the items an easy task. 

For light and fluffy cakes, remember to not over-mix your batter.

Make recipes healthier by replacing half of the oil that the recipe calls for with applesauce. Applesauce is healthier than oil, and makes baked items equally as moist.

Store baked goods in airtight containers to prolong their freshness. 

Wait for cakes to completely cool before removing them from the pan or icing them.

Remember that food continues to cook while it is in the hot pan. Take that into account when you are checking an item for doneness.
Measuring

Before measuring molasses, honey, or any sticky ingredient, spray the measuring cup or spoon with cooking oil to help it come out easier.
Incorrectly measuring flour can be detrimental to baking. Properly measure flour by lightly putting it in the measuring container and leveling it off with a knife or other flat tool.

Remember: one of the only ingredients that should be packed when measuring is brown sugar.

Baking

Always bake in a pre-heated oven. Don’t place anything in the oven until the oven has reaches its necessary temperature.

Avoid opening the oven door while baking. Opening the door causes the hot air to escape and will make the oven temperature fluctuate.

Place items on the oven’s middle rack unless the recipe states otherwise.

If you notice that your items are not baking properly, consider investing in an oven thermometer so that you can be sure of the oven’s internal temperature. 

Don't crowd the oven. Your baking pans should never touch each other or the sides of the oven, or be placed over or under each other on the racks.  Stagger the pans in the oven to allow for proper air circulation.

Use these cooking tips to bake like a pro this fall!

No comments:

Post a Comment