Baked goods generally rely on a chemical leavener, baking soda, baking powder, or yeast for lift. Without some sort of leavener, most baked goods would be very dense and very flat. When shopping, make sure to check the expiration dates and be conscientious about how to store them in the kitchen. Baking Soda Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is an ALKALI used as a leavener in baked goods. When combined with an acid ingredient such as buttermilk, yogurt, or molasses, baking soda produces carbon dioxide gas bubbles, thereby, causing a dough or batter to rise. It also neutralizes acidity and produces tender baked goods. Because it reacts…
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15 Ideas to Help Your Baking Skills Rise
I categorize baking and cooking as two different techniques, mainly because, I typically do not get excited about baking. However, baking is one of the most wholesome and therapeutic hobbies out there. You learn new skills, have plenty of fun, and impress your guests at dinner parties if you are a really good baker. Whether you’re totally new to baking or you’ve already got a few tricks up your sleeve, these tools and tips will help you make progress with your baking adventures. 9 Apps for Improving your baking skills Baking Recipes The Baking Recipes app is the perfect tool to improve your baking game! From classic recipes to new…
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Summer Cookout Food Planning Tips
Are you planning a dinner party or cookout this summer despite the pandemic? Many areas allow small family gatherings. If you are planning a get-together, there are many moving parts like invitations, activities, guest lists, and decorations. One of the most stressful parts of a party, though, is the food. Whether you are preparing the food yourself or arranging to get it from somewhere else, there are many things you will need to consider to make sure the food is exactly what you need it to be. Please note that I may earn a small commission from purchases made through product links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I…
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Health Benefits of Chocolate
Yes, it is true – certain kinds of chocolate actually have health benefits. Cocoa beans, like all seeds, are rich in nutrients that support the plant during development. They are especially rich in saturated fats, which contribute to high cholesterol levels and heart disease. However, cocoa butter contains a particular fatty acid, that our bodies immediately convert into unsaturated fat. Therefore, chocolate is NOT thought to pose a risk for heart disease, in fact, cocoa is very rich in antioxidant compounds, which accounts for about 8% of the weight of cocoa powder. The higher the cocoa solids content of chocolate, the higher the antioxidant content. Any added sugar, milk, or…
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4 Kitchen Tips for Holiday Entertaining
***this post contains affiliate links Tis the season for holiday entertaining and for us home cooks, that means wonderful aromas being concocted in our kitchens. But don’t be stressed out! In a previous post, 5 Non-Food Thanksgiving Dinner Tips, I mentioned a few things to remember, when hosting a large crowd for a meal. I also created a free strategic dinner party planner, which includes step-by-step, day-by-day how to plan ahead and be prepared for any group dinner event, at your home. However, this post is going to discuss a few items essential to cooking top-quality dishes your guest will love. Follow these tips to relieve yourself of some of…
