10 steps to enjoy baking
I had to write an article about something I loved for class so I thought I would post it on here and maybe it could be beneficial to someone! Baking is seriously one of my favorite things and I hope some of you can enjoy it as much as I do one day.
Let’s start.
Baking is not a science. It's more like English. Everyone has their own sayings, the way they articulate their mouth, the pitch they talk in, etc. You can follow recipes but make them your own and they will most likely turn it okay. Do not worry.
Do not plan something right after baking. Believe it or not, the estimated time is not actually the time it takes. I swear the recipe writers have everything already prepared when they start the timer. It is horrible to spend so much time prepping and baking something only to be rushed out the door or stressed the whole time.
Put on some music. Music helps baking turn into a flow and helps take the stress off. If you play music you know and love then you will accompany that feeling with baking. It'll allow your brain to focus less on baking and more on the feeling of the moment.
Measurements are not that important. Yes, they're important but think about how different every recipe is. If you make a mistake it won't be the end of the world and it will most likely work out.
Clean as you go. This is so important. It's better to take the time to stop and clean in the middle of baking than to have a big pile of dishes left at the end. It'll definitely take a load off your shoulders at the end and it'll help you keep a clean workspace.
Read over the recipe the night before. Nothing is worse than being excited to make something and realizing you're supposed to have room-temperature butter. If you read over the recipe the night before you'll catch things that will prevent you from having a bad baking experience. Whether it's setting out ingredients to get to room temperature or realizing you don't have a key ingredient it can be a little thing that can affect the whole day.
Don't put your measuring cups/spoons in the sink until the end. Yes, I said earlier to clean as you go but I was speaking more to dirty bowls, flour on the counter, etc. Many times I have put my measuring tools in the sink to realize I needed it later. I had to wash it, dry it, and then reuse it when I needed it. It took 10 times longer than if I just set it to the side and waited until I was done with the recipe.
WEAR AN APRON. Or clothes you don't care about getting dirty. Such a simple thing but something I often forget. I have ruined so many clothes because I simply forgot to change clothes. Baking is messy but it doesn't mean it's not fun.
Keep an eye on your baked good while it's in the oven. Don't just set a timer and walk off and not come back until it's done. Your cake could overflow, the time on the recipe might be too long for your oven environment, etc. Keep an eye on it every now and then and make sure all is going to plan.
Finally, enjoy! You're making something. You made an edible treat that you now get to enjoy. If it's bad just remember that the only way you'll get better at it is by doing it more. Be proud of yourself because you didn't have to do it but you did! :)