Baking is something that many of us would love to do. We watch baking shows on TV, read baking blogs or admire show-stopping cakes on Instagram, knowing that we’d never be able to create the same gorgeous treats. We long to bake with our kids, or always have a kitchen that smells like homemade cake. But, it’s not something that comes naturally to all of us. In fact, sometimes, even the best cooks aren’t very good at baking.
There’s more of a science to baking, which is hard for some people to deal with. When you cook, you can go off recipe. You can taste your dish and add seasonings and spices to taste. If it isn’t quite right, you can experiment with additions until it is. It can be good fun. Baking is different. If a cake mix isn’t quite right, you can’t alter it to taste, and it might not work out. Even if you follow a recipe exactly, different brands and equipment can mean that yours doesn’t quite turn out the same. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get better. The first step is accepting the science of baking, but after that, there are plenty of tips to help you to become a better baker.
Find Easy To Follow Recipes
Some recipes are easier to follow than others, even for the same thing. Many amateur bakers find bloggers recipes easier to follow than professionals, as they are more honest and written with the home baker in mind. Try to find someone that you like and try out several of their recipes. You can find more great baking recipes at Preppy Kitchen, which are both yummy and easy to follow.
Invest In Good Equipment
You don’t need much to get started with home baking. But, it’s best if what you do have is good quality. Non-stick pans, silicone spatulas, reusable cake cases, a sturdy mixing bowl and a wooden spoon and a multifunctional stick blender can be a good start. Then, add more equipment when you need it, or when you come across something that you need that you haven’t already got. Remember, good equipment doesn’t need to be expensive, and what works for someone else might not be right for you and your kitchen.
Give Up on Perfection
We often get upset when our culinary creations aren’t perfect. But, will they ever be? For now, while you are learning, settle for good enough, and be proud of your achievements. Watch yourself getting better all of the time, and celebrate small successes, even if they aren’t perfect.
Don’t Be Scared to Make a Mess
Starting with a clean kitchen can be a great idea. Being organized with clean, close to hand equipment and weighed out ingredients is also a good idea, and cleaning as you go will make things easier too. But, that doesn’t mean that mess is bad. You are bound to make a bit of a mess, and often we make mistakes when we’re trying too hard to keep tidy. Be prepared, be organized, wipe and tidy when you’ve got a chance, but make your bake your priority, not a clean worktop.
Practice Makes Perfect
One of the best things about becoming a better baker is that you have to do more of it. Practice really does make perfect, and the more you bake, the better and more confident you will become. Start with simple recipes, and keep baking until you’ve mastered them. Then, start making small changes and adaptations over time.
Get To Know Your Oven
All ovens are different. Someone’s gas mark four might be your five or even six. It can depend on the brand and age of the stove, the quality of the seals, and how clean it is. It can also depend on how deep or tall your oven is, the positioning of your shelves, and what else is in there with your bake. Get to know your oven. Experiment with times and temperatures, and adjust recipes to suit your home oven.
Give Yourself Plenty Of Time
Baking often takes longer than we think, and things go wrong when we rush them. You might see a 30-minute bake and assume that you only need 40 minutes. A blogger might say “10 minutes prep”, but remember, they do it all of the time, they might prep a lot quicker than you will. It will also depend on what ingredients you are using, and the quality of your equipment. Give yourself plenty of time, much longer than the recipe suggests, and don’t rush.
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