You are browsing the tag archive for baking.

Photo: wenday / Flickr

Portuguese custard tarts are made from egg custard and puff pastry – which tastes better if it is made with butter. If you buy frozen butter puff pastry then follow the instructions to ensure you defrost it correctly. When it comes to baking Portuguese custard tarts at home, it helps to have a baking stone or some unglazed tiles. The custard tarts should be grilled towards the end of baking to allow for distinctive brown or black patches. Here’s how to make them. (more…)

Photo: cwjoneill / Flickr

There’s nothing like the taste of good cheese with a freshly baked slice of bread or the smell of a cake baking in the oven made with wholesome butter and eggs – where would we be without dairy? While dairy brings flavour and richness to dishes, it’s best to use butter and cream in moderation if you’re in favour of following a healthy diet. That shouldn’t stop you from indulging in a fresh cream scone every now and then. (more…)

Photo: B Tal / Flickr

Baking is special since, regardless of your skill level or how much you enjoy cooking, it is always fun. From cakes to muffins to other treats, the value add from learning to bake well is obvious. Yet, even the most experienced bakers will tell you how frustrating it is learning to bake and not knowing which accessories the baking apprentice should start with. This guide will remove the veil of confusion surrounding essential baking accessories. (more…)

Photo: fd / Flickr

Want to make pies at home? The first step to a great homemade pie is getting the pastry right, and the good news is that it’s really easy. Puff pastry and shortcrust pastry form the basis for most pies and pasties, so master these basics and then try tasty pie recipes – your family and friends will be amazed at the delicious treats you’ve created from scratch! (more…)

Photo: Lori_NY / Flickr

There’s no smell quite as welcoming and delicious as a loaf of bread baking in the oven, and most people would agree that great homemade bread is better than anything you could get at the shops. Many people don’t try to make this simple staple because of the idea that it’s easier to just buy it, but once you learn to make bread and discover how quick and easy it is, you’ll be reluctant to ever go back. (more…)

Photo: peter pearson / Flickr

Some home bakers have used cooking chocolate all their lives and wouldn’t think of using anything else, while others say that there’s no point in cooking with chocolate if it’s not ‘real’. And just what is ‘the real thing’? It’s dark chocolate that contains more than 75 per cent cocoa – many chefs will tell you that the higher that percentage, the better. Read on to find out more about making your chocolate choice. (more…)

Photo: Shopping Diva / Flickr

When you’re cooking with younger kids, you might want to leave the oven out of the process entirely, keeping them safe and focusing on other easy kitchen lessons like the melting, mixing and stirring processes. Waiting for the cookies to cool requires some patience, but a spoonful or two of mixture should help the time pass quicker. Even if you end up doing most of the making, the kids will love these tasty treats – and so will you. (more…)

Photo: Pabo76 / Flickr

Are they cakes, or are they biscuits? Either way, this light and airy piece of confectionary is real treat at teatime – or any time – if it’s made properly. Bakeries and patisseries offer plenty of different varieties and flavours, but start off with a basic macaroon recipe and learn to do it just right before moving onto more complex things to impress your guests and treat yourself. (more…)

Photo: fensterbme / Flickr

You can make baking easier for yourself by following a few simple guidelines. To get started, work with ingredients that have been left at room temperature – a lot of people forget this hint for baking with eggs. If you’re whipping cream, it’s a different story: chill it first, along with the bowl and the beater you’ll be using. (more…)

Photo: redeye^ / Flickr

Fairy cakes are not only yummy, they’re beautiful too. They’re perfect for an afternoon tea, a children’s party, or when you just have to have something sweet. If you’re intimidated by baking but wish you could make fairy cakes yourself, don’t fret. Here’s a guide to the perfect fairy cakes, with tips on everything from ingredients, to getting them to rise, to chefs’ baking secrets. (more…)