how sweet it is...

One of the most exciting kitchen activities for me is baking. For me, baking not only warms the kitchen but also the heart. Aside from having a sweet tooth, I love the sight of different delicious colors of cakes, pastries, cup cakes, breads and even candies. When I was assigned in the dessert section of the hotel I have worked with, I was amazed on how the baker’s did those beautiful desserts, from the stunning cake tower to the mouth watering finger lickin’ chocolate balls.

Through all these, I have discovered that for one to be a master of this art, you need to have the correct utensils. These are the most commonly used baking utensils, actually the most essential of all. Even if you have the right equipment, like an oven or a mixer, baking would still be impossible without these tools. If you have an experience in baking, you should already be familiar onto why these tools are needed in order for you to bake the most delicious cookies and cakes.

Rolling Pin- This is usually used for bread and rolled fondant mixtures. Rolling pins are one of the most essential baking tools.

Mixing Bowl- As the title describes it, it is a bowl, could be large or small, for mixing the ingredients needed.

Pie pans

 Baking Pans- Another essential baking tool; without this, you wouldn’t be able to create a shape for your cake or to actually have something to hold the mixture. Baking pans have a lot of different shapes, from hearts to circles to squares; you could even have one customized.

Muffin pan

Removable cake pan

Tube pan

Rectangular or square baking pan

                                       

Round baking pan 

Baking Sheets- You will need this to keep your baked goods (especially cake) from sticking into your wire rack or into the baking pan.

Spatula- The spatula is used mainly to decorate your cake. There are other types of spatula like the one with an inclined handle. 

Rubber Scraper- This is very important as you would use one to fold the mixture of your cake.

Wire Rack/Baking Rack- This is essential if you want to evenly balance the cooling 

Cookie cutters -  A cookie press is used with a simple dough recipe to make pressed or formed dainty cookies, more commonly enjoyed around the holidays. Presses are easy and fun to use, and results look amazing. Cutters and presses are economical to buy and very durable.

Dry measuring cups

Measuring Instruments- Without these handy tools, you won’t be able to perfect any baking recipe, as baking requires exact measurement of each ingredient. 

Liquid measuring cup

Minute timer - You can simply use the range timer if you are is so equipped, but having a small minute timer can be very practical.  It allows you to take the timer outdoors with you or to another room, so you can hear it and know that you should check or remove your baking.  There are various types of thermometers, but the most common one used in baking is a candy thermometer if you plan on making candies, chocolates or boiled frostings.

Electric stand mixer

Electric hand mixer

Electric mixers - A mixer is a kitchen appliance intended for mixing, folding, beating, and whipping food ingredients. Mixers come in two major variations, hand mixers and stand mixers. 

To summarize everything, you need baking utensils in order for you to actually begin to bake. These tools can be compared to kitchen utensils; only that they are used for baking rather than cooking. There are also a lot of tools and equipments that you could have for your baking needs, so as you improve in your skills, you should invest in those extra baking tools.

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Christmas may be the best time for different kinds of sweets and this time I will share with you a special chocolate cake that my daughter loves to eat. This is a special chocolate cake recipe that I have learned during my college days.

 ROCKY ROAD CHOCOLATE CAKE

Ingredients:

1 ¾ cake flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa

¾ cup sugar

1 ½ tsp. baking soda

¾ cup water + 1 tbsp salt

½ tbsp. vanilla

8 egg yolks

8 egg whites

1 tsp. cream of tartar

1 cup sugar

Procedure for cake:

Combine first seven ingredients. Blend well and set aside.  Beat egg whites until foamy, add cream of tartar and sugar gradually. Continue beating until stiff peak forms. Fold in the first mixture to the egg whites. Pour in tube pan and bake for 25 minutes. Invert in cake rack to cool completely.

Spread fillings and top with marshmallows and nuts.

Frostings:

1 6 oz. package or 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels

¼ cup butter

2 ½ cup sifted confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)

3 tbsp. scalded milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg

1 cup chopped nuts

Marshmallows

Procedure for frosting:

Melt chocolate over hot, not boiling water. Combine butter, sugar, milk and vanilla; beat in egg. Add chocolate, stirring until well blended. Stir in nuts and marshmallows.

happy eating! J