There is nothing quite like a homemade cake. So few people have the time to bake these days, it has become quite a rarity. And, it is so much more convenient to purchase one at a bakery. But if you have the time and the desire to bake, your efforts will no doubt be appreciated by family and friends. Here are some pointers to help insure success.
What you require to start is a recipe that will work for you and your skill level. Attempting something very elaborate may not be the best way to begin. Cookbooks are good to consult, but do not limit your choices to them. The internet has many cooking sites where readers review the recipes they have tried. It is always wise to build on the success of others in cooking.
Once you have your recipe, make certain that you also have all the items it says you will need. Not only the cake ingredients, but the other supplies, are important to obtain if you do not already have them. There is nothing worse than suddenly discovering that round cake pans are required, and square ones are all that you can find in your kitchen.
With all your ingredients and supplies checked off, consult the recipe again to make sure you know what temperatures the various components should be. It is not unusual for some of them to be allowed to warm up. This is typical of eggs and egg whites when they are called for. Other things may require chilling first.
This is the time to do any advance preparation necessary prior to the actual mixing of the cake batter. What you do not want is to have to stop in the middle for such tasks as chopping nuts or dicing candied fruits. This is not only troublesome, but may affect the outcome poorly. And make sure to prepare each cake pan properly, as by greasing and flouring, before the batter is ready.
Pat yourself on the back once the cake is baking, but then get busy undoing any messes made along the way. Clean the counters, wash mixing bowls, make use of the dishwasher if needed. If there are dry ingredients scattered anywhere, one of those wonderful handheld vacuums will make quick work of removing it. A beautiful cake deserves a beautiful setting.
Now be proud of what you have accomplished and enjoy the admiration you will receive. You may be saving the homemade cake from extinction. And your next baking effort no doubt will be even better.
Tags: baking tips, homemade cakes, recipes
