======================= 🌟 *Day 1 - Baking Week with Rumbie from ZimboKitchen* ======================= Hello everyone welcome to the *Baking Week*. It will be a mix of baking nuggets, insights & recipes. Let's start: ============ *#1 - Reading Recipes* ============ To do well in baking (& cooking in general) know how to read recipes properly. (a) 1 cup flour, (b) 1 cup flour, sifted. (a) & (b) are two *different* instructions. (a) measures flour as is, (b) you 1st sift the flour & then measure a cup. Sifting introduces air into the batter, all things being equal, this prevents the baked product from being dense. Common instruction when making certain cakes, muffins & cupcakes. ============ *#2 - Baking is a Science* ============ It involves precise measurements. Have the correct tools e.g. don't use a mug for a cup. Invest in proper baking measuring cups. How & when you add ingredients matters. e.g yeast must be added to lukewarm water vs hot or cold water to activate. Baking involves chemical reactions. The sequence of ingredients matters. *Stick to recipe instructions*. ============ *#3 - Baking Techniques* ============ Baking has techniques applied according to what you are baking. *The techniques:* creaming, folding-in, whisking, rubbing-in & kneading. e.g sponge cake (folding-in), scones & rock buns (rubbing-in), bread & doughnuts (kneading), etc ========================= *#4 - Avoiding Mushroom-Shaped Muffins* ========================= These are unappealing. *Causes:* Overfilling cupcake liners or muffin trays (when not using liners). Fill 3/4 way. The other 1/4 will be filled through rising in the oven. ========================= *#5 - Bottom Element Only* ========================= Hard to believe or accept for many, but when baking only the bottom element matters. *Baking is a science*. Heat is distributed evenly in the oven starting from the bottom, middle & then top. With correct ingredients measurements e.g. sugar, browning should occur. Finally, know your oven & adjust heat accordingly. *Above all, having the right attitude when baking is key* *Next up*...a baking recipe to follow later today. 😘😘