Baking can be a really fun endeavor, but it can become very tricky when you are a novice with the oven. This doesn’t mean that you cannot make something at home that tastes and looks like the work of a pro. Whether you are new to the world of baking, or just don’t know the hacks, Ido Fishman has recommended some baking tips here for every home cook. Read on to find out what they are:
- Make sure all ingredients are at the right temperature
There is no doubt that baking is a great hobby, but Ido Fishman says that it is also a science that can be greatly affected by temperature. If the recipe calls for your ingredients to be chilled, at room temperature, warm or cooled, you need to ensure that’s exactly what they are. If it hasn’t been specified, it is best to keep them at room temperature, as mixing them is easier when they have a uniform consistency.
- Use a rolling pin for softening butter
Lots of recipes ask for butter to be at room temperature. In case you forget, Ido Fishman blog says that you can soften the stick of butter by putting it in a sealed bag and then using a rolling pin on it. You can scoop out the soft butter with a rubber spatula.
- Go with flour on everything
If all the ingredients in your recipe are sticking together, you can simply flour all the tools. Use flour for dusting your work surface and this will prevent the dough from sticking to it. You can do the same to your hands and rolling pin. Likewise, flour will help you speed things when you are using a cookie cutter or a knife.
- Allow the dough to rest after kneading
If you are baking your own bread, allow the dough to rest after kneading it. This gives the dough enough time to relax and makes it easier for you to work with it.
- Learn how to measure dry ingredients
One thing Ido Fishman believes you should bear in mind is that measuring dry ingredients is not the same as measuring liquids. When you are baking something that requires a lot of dry ingredients, such as pancakes, you should scoop things in the measuring cup and use a knife to tap across the surface for leveling it off.
- Learn how to measure liquid ingredients
When you know how to measure dry ingredients, it is time to learn how to measure liquid ones as well. If you are working with things like water or eggs, pour them on a flat surface at eye level or in a clear measuring cup. Ido Fishman says that you should learn the expiration date of the ingredients, whether they are dry or wet.
- Use cooking spray when dealing with sticky ingredients
Similar to when you are cooking eggs in a pan, any spoons or measuring cups should be sprayed with oil before you use them for baking. Tipping ingredients out of them becomes easier and also ensures that no sticky ingredients like honey are wasted.
- Go with unsalted butter
While there are a few things that require a lot of salt, Ido Fishman says that baking is different. When you are baking, you want to be able to control the amount of salt in the recipe where possible. Using unsalted butter is a good way to go, unless it is specified otherwise.
- Be prepared
Not being prepared is a really bad cooking habit and one you need to stop. Reading the recipe beforehand and laying out all the ingredients before you begin is a must. This will be immensely helpful in case anything has to be set overnight or if you need to preheat the oven.
With these tips from Ido Fishman, you can have a good time baking at home.
