Baking Tips For Newbies

Baking is a fun and tasty new hobby to pursue. However you don't want to rush into it without the proper know-how as failed breads and cakes can certainly be frustrating. Let's look at a few of the top baking tips for newbies which involve:

• Pre-preparation

• Properly mixing the ingredients and preparing the recipe for baking

• Cooking do's and don'ts

Here are each of these baking tips in more detail.

Top Baking Tip 1 - Make sure you are fully prepared for baking.

With baking there are some things you should do prior to scooping or pouring that first ingredient. First, you should only shop for the freshest and highest quality ingredients you can find. The quality of your ingredients will surely show through in the final product. Also, make sure you properly store your ingredients - keep them in enclosed spaces out of lighted and heated areas.

When getting ready to bake, you should first read and comprehend all the steps in the recipe beforehand. This will help prevent mistakes during the mixing process. Then you should gather all your ingredients and cookware that will be used. This will ensure that you have every ingredient available at the appropriate quantities prior to starting your batch.

Top Baking Tip 2 - Don't over or undermix your ingredients.

To help you make the highest quality baking product, you should start by using the exact amounts that the recipe calls for. Once you gain more experience you can adjust the ingredients to suit your personal tastes. You can also later get a feel for the quantity of ingredients by eyeballing them, but until then you should use measuring devices for each ingredient in your baking recipe. These include a scale, measuring cups and measuring spoons.

Once you have your ingredients mixed in the way that the recipe lays out, it's time to pour the batch into the cookware you will be using which leads us to our next tip. Ideally you want to use nonstick metal or glass baking pans and not those cheap thin aluminum disposable ones. You'll be less likely to burn the bottom and edges of the baked food and the heat will be distributed more evenly in a better quality baking pan.

Top Baking Tip 3 - Do not overbake your recipe.

When it comes to baking, undercooking is much better than overcooking. If you overbake your item, it will be dry or even worse burnt. If undercooked, you can simply put it back in the oven until it is done, and the problem is resolved.

Always use a timer that has some kind of alarm. Even if you have a good memory, no one's is perfect and there will always be that lapse when you forget about that cake or pie in the oven.

You should also be aware that oven times vary, so when it comes to cooking time you will want to monitor the baking process, especially if you are not yet used to your oven. Another tip is that if you are mixing a batch that is smaller than what the recipe calls for (for example making half a batch), then you can slightly reduce the baking time. Regardless, always periodically monitor your baking time until you are experienced enough to have it down to a science.

So these are the three top baking tips for newbies. The get the best possible final product, you don't want to skimp on ingredients or cookware. Get to know the nuances of your oven as well. With a little of practice and experience, you'll surprise even yourself and impress your family, guests and relatives with the superb quality of your breads, cakes, pies and other baked goods. Before you know it you'll be assigned as the designated dessert-bringer for all the parties and social gatherings you are invited to.

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