Food Foundry

Kitchenaid Heavy Duty Plus Stand Mixer

Lest you think that professional bakers do not make mistakes, think again. They are just good at hiding them or remedying them or learning from them, all of which you can adopt in your own freshman efforts to bake cakes, cookies and other goodies. Just remember these tips and you should be alright.

Read the Recipe and Prepare the Ingredients

Keep in mind that a baked good recipe is only as good as the ingredients and equipment used to make it. Thus, you have to make sure that your ingredients are as fresh as can be, are what the recipe author recommended, and are of the right quality. If one of these criteria is missing, your efforts may fall flat especially if you have little to no knowledge of right ingredient substitution.

Also, you have to ensure that the pans, bowls and other mixing equipment are clean and dry. This is because the flavor, texture and consistency of the final product will be affected by the presence of dirt, grime, detergents and oils on the surface of the equipment. Plus, do ensure that you have adequate protection to keep you safe from the heat. Thick oven mitts, an apron and maybe a headband will keep your dough and work area as hygienic as possible.

Before starting to mix and knead, you have to pre-measure the ingredients in appropriate containers. That way, you can proceed from one step to the next in a smooth manner. Pus, it helps in the clean-up. This preparation also goes for using the right sizes of pans, the right oven temperature and the right space in the oven. You need to ensure that these factors are also in place. So, adjust the oven shelves and pre-heat the oven beforehand.

Follow Mixing Instructions, Rising Times and Baking Periods

Next comes the actual baking. You must carefully follow the mixing and kneading steps, from the correct order of addition of the ingredients to the speed and time necessary to mix in said ingredients. If possible, you should use a kitchen timer for this purpose although in time, you may be able to estimate the time from the looks of the dough alone.

An oven thermometer is the more important investment because your oven may be off by a few degrees as it grows older. Keep in mind that the right temperature is essential to achieve just the right degree of doneness in a baked goody. Of course, you must also let the dough rise. In this case, do follow instructions from covering it with either a clear plastic wrap or piece of clothe to letting it stand either at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

While the mixture is baking, you must avoid overcrowding the oven and opening it every so often. You might just end up with under-baked and/or unevenly baked food since the oven heat will significantly vary with either situation. Of course, you can employ your senses of sight and smell to tell if the baked goody is done just right. It will take time and practice but it is possible. Just ask the professional bakers for proof.

When you have successfully baked your cake, bread or any other food, you should pay attention to its finishing touches like a dollop of whipped cream, herb garnishing and even just chocolate sauce and sugar glaze.

Doug has been writing online articles about health and family topics for 4 years. Doug specializes in baby and kitchen products. You can read his latest articles Kitchenaid Professional 600 Series Mixers and Kitchen Artisan Mixers at KitchenArtisan.Org

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