Foods

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.