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Foods 1020 Lessons

Variety of preparation methods

Lesson Questions

  • How do different preparation techniques affect the characteristics of the baked product?

Lesson

In baking, there are a number of different preparation techniques, and these have important influences on the characterisitic of the baked goods produced.
1. Muffin method

  • Whisk all the wet ingredients together including the eggs and oil or melted butter.
  • Whisk the dry ingredients together.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just moistened.
  • Place in tins and bake immediately as set forth in the recipe.

2. Creaming Method

  • With the paddle attachment of an electric mixer, cream together the butter or shortening and sugars, spices, and salt until light.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, creaming after each.
  • Add the liquid ingredients and stir them in. Do not over-stir or you may reduce the entrained air in the creamed mixture.
  • Mix the flour and leavenings together and then add them to the creamed mixture. Mix until just combined.
  • Place in tins or a pan and bake immediately as set forth in the recipe.

3. Biscuit method

  • Have all your ingredients really cold.
  • Whisk dry ingredients togetherwell.  This means flour(s), salt, (sugar), any dry flavorings, such as spices.
  • Cut up the cold fat into chunks about 1/2″
  • Cut or rub in the fat with your fingers or knife.
  • Add in the liquid until you have the desired consistency.  Stir minimally.

There are many categories of cookies:
1. dropped

  • generally the dough is made using the creamed method
  • it is dropped onto a baking sheet from a spoon.

2. rolled

  • generally the dough is made using the creamed method
  • it is rolled out and cookie cutters are used

3. refrigerator

  • generally the dough is made using the creamed method
  • this dough is very sticky once prepared but after much chilling, it's firm enough to slice and bake.

4. bar

  • Simple ingredients come together to make these cookies.
  • They need to be chilled a longer time for a long time to give the ingredients time to become firm.
  • Many of these cookies are held together with melted chocolate.