The biggest challenge when making caramel is knowing the fine line between the desired deep amber color and a bitter burnt mess. When I teach my caramel classes, I always tell students this trick: Tip for Better Baking: When making caramel, keep an ice bath nearby. If your caramel is about to burn, simply dip
Tips for Better Baking: Always Sift Cocoa Powder (#38)
Cocoa powder is notoriously clumpy. If you add it straight to a recipe, it can be nearly impossible to break up the clumps and you’ll end up with dry spots in your finished product. In order to avoid this frustration, I always sift cocoa powder (at least once, sometimes twice!) before using it in a
Tips for Better Baking: Rescuing Over-Whipped Cream (#37)
I’ve made this mistake many times. I’m making whipped cream on a stand mixer and all is going well. The cream is still loose and far from the stiff peaks I desire so I step away and start something else. Of course, I get distracted and when I go back to my whipped cream, it’s
Cups to Grams Baking Conversion Chart (Tips for Better Baking #36)
The number one way to improve your baking is to start weighing your ingredients. Weighing ingredients is more accurate than measuring by volume — a cup of flour can vary up to 30% but the weight is always the weight. The increased accuracy provides a predictable result, and with it more success. Weighing ingredients is easy
Tips for Better Baking: Bake Pies on a Baking Sheet (#35)
It’s always a good idea to bake pies on a baking sheet. Not only does it make it easier to get the pies in and out of the oven, but a sheet pan will catch any filling that bubbles over. It’s much easier to clean a foil lined baking sheet than the bottom of your
Tips for Better Baking – Measuring Sticky Ingredients (#34)
Tips for Better Baking is a series where I share tricks and advice that make you a better baker and help make your kitchen life easier. Here’s this week’s tip: When measuring sticky ingredients such as honey or corn syrup, spray the measuring cup or spoon with cooking spray before adding the sticky ingredient. The
Tips for Better Baking – Secure Bowl with a Towel when Whisking (#33)
TIPS FOR BETTER BAKING – When whisking a mixture, be sure to secure the bowl by placing a towel underneath. This keeps the bowl steady and prevents it from slipping all over the counter top. This is especially helpful when it’s necessary to slowly stream in a hot liquid while continuously whisking, such as tempering eggs
Tips for Better Baking – Cutting Apples (#32)
Tips for Better Baking #32 – Cutting Apples When you need to slice apples for pie or even for a snack, use this easy method. If the recipe calls for the apples to be peeled, start by peeling the apple with a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Next, cut the apple into quarters by slicing on
Tips for Better Baking – Week Five
Every day in January I am sharing my best Tips for Better Baking. These are tips that have made my kitchen life easier and helped me become a better baker. Follow along on Facebook or check back here each Sunday for a roundup of the week’s tips. If you’re just joining us, be sure to
Tips for Better Baking – Week Four
Every day in January I am sharing my best Tips for Better Baking. These are tips that have made my kitchen life easier and helped me become a better baker. Follow along on Facebook or check back here each Sunday for a roundup of the week’s tips. If you’re just joining us, be sure to