9 Essential Ingredients That Every Baker Needs
Cooking extends beyond being a mere pastime or a necessary chore. It can be viewed as a scientific endeavor that demands patience, expertise, the right tools, and quality ingredients. Baking, specifically, is an aspect of cooking that has the potential to produce magnificent works of art.
In this article, we will explore nine must-have baking ingredients that every baker needs to have in their pantry.
1. Flour: Baked goods stand on flour as their backbone. It is responsible for granting shape and consistency to your concoctions. All-purpose flour is a flexible choice that suits a great variety of recipes. Yet, if you are into certain types of baked treats, such as whole wheat bread, light cakes, or crusty loaves, you might need to complement your pantry with specific flours like cake flour, bread flour, or whole wheat.
2. Sugar: What's baking without a hint of sweetness? Sugar plays a crucial role in tenderizing baked goods while imparting that much-needed taste bud tantalization. While granulated variety commands most usage across baking needs, it never hurts to have additional options like confectioners' or powdered sugars for frostings and dustings, respectively.
3. Eggs: Baking just wouldn't be the same without eggs - these small yet mighty ingredients truly make all the difference! Their binding capabilities, along with their moisture-rich composition, contribute significantly towards achieving that perfect texture we all crave in our baked creations. To ensure success in your recipe endeavours, be sure to use large eggs (unless stated otherwise).
4. Butter: The secret ingredient for making mouth-watering baked goods? Butter! With its rich flavours and its ability to maintain moisture levels so well during baking, this kitchen staple's uses are endless. Whether you prefer unsalted or salted versions or need clarified versions based on your recipe's requirem