Baking 101- Cupcakes
I believe that everyone can learn to bake. And this post is going to mention the essentials needed to begin baking. No one should be stressed when baking, you should be happy and confident because your mood will affect everything you make in the kitchen. All you have to do is read the recipe first, take out all the ingredients needed and make sure to measure them properly. Dry ingredients should be sifted and liquids should be measured separately and only combined if the recipe asks for it (such as making buttermilk from scratch).
The most important things to have in the kitchen is mixing bowls (invest in some all-metal bowls of varying sizes). Heat-proof rubber spatulas are a must. You don’t want melted plastic in in your cooking. A kitchen scale is a must have. It is one of the most useful tools. A book may list the ingredients in traditional cups and ounces, but it is best to measure it in grams so it is accurate (any good baker would tell you this. BEST ADVICE EVER!). Next to the kitchen scale, a digital/instant read candy thermometer is another important tool when cooking and baking (especially for a novice). Purchase one that has a clip so it attaches to the side of the pot. Every oven is different and the oven thermometer will help you get a guaranteed accuracy each time you bake. Lets not forget the stand mixer. It will be beneficial, even if you have a hand mixer already. Please make the investment because it will beat, whisk, and knead. You will be able to work hands-free and be able to work on another part of the recipe like a filling. A 4-gallon stand mixer will be a good size and it will save you money and prevent you from losing counter space. Some of the recipes I will post will be for cupcakes, so get cupcake liners and cupcake tins. To fill the cupcake liners, make sure to buy large squeeze bottles. It will not only help improve the quality of your baking life, but it will neatly squeeze the batter in the cupcake liners. Use the small squeeze bottles to fill the cupcakes. Also, buy piping bags. Whether you prefer disposable or reusable bags, its up to you. But if you want the perfect swirled frosting, invest in a set of pastry tips.
Some other tools that is needed in the kitchen is a chef’s chopping knife (a good one), cutting board, hand grater/microplane grater, coffee grinder (perfect for grinding spices and nuts), liquid measuring cup, measuring spoons, mesh strainer, saucepans (medium and large), sheet pans (also known as cookie sheets).
This will not be the only post about baking items. The list is far longer when it comes to baking tools, but with every recipe post I will mention the items needed and even add the link to baking items that can be purchased.
Things You Should Always Have on Hand
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Butter
Chocolate, bittersweet
Chocolate, milk
Cream of tartar
Eggs
Flour, all-purpose
Heavy Cream
Olive Oil
Salt
Shortening (vegetable based)
Sour cream (full fat)
Sugar, confectioners’ (Powdered or 10x)
Sugar, granulated
Sugar, light brown
Yogurt (full or 2 percent fat)
