How many times have you followed a cake recipe that ended up in a complete disaster? Here are a few basic guidelines to get you on track to baking the right way. Start by reading the recipe carefully. Assemble your ingredients in one place and look up any terms that you don't understand.
Baking does not allow you the luxury of improvising if you get your ingredients wrong so be accurate the first time round. Baking requires complete concentration so don't try to multi-task. Get all distractions out of your way when you start.
Clear out a work area and use it to arrange all the pots, pans and dishes that you will require. To get your measurements right, use proper measuring spoons and cups. If the recipe asks you to use a dessert spoon don't substitute it for a teaspoon measure. Do not heap a measuring cup or spoon unless specified. Most recipes expect you to use level measures.
Just scoop up the desired quantity of the ingredient and level it off using a spatula. While measuring liquids, preferably use a glass measuring cup so that you can see the level of the liquid clearly. Brown sugar needs to be measured by packing it in tightly into a measuring cup or spoon.
Using the right size of pan is very important. If you change the pan size, you will also need to change the corresponding cooking time and temperature. For larger pans you need to increase the temperature while for small and deep pans, you need to reduce temperature. To measure the size of a baking dish, you should measure across the inside edges of the vessel. Usually, most recipes ask you to place a baking dish in the center of the oven. Follow this rule unless a recipe specifically tells you otherwise.
Use the freshest and best ingredients you can find. You cannot expect to bake a first rate product by using inferior quality ingredients. Check to see if you need to bring any of the ingredients to room temperature before using them or if you need to melt them in advance.
You need to sift flour only if the recipe asks you to. Else just use unsifted flour.
Follow the exact oven temperature specified in the recipe. Do not reduce it just because you are in a rush. Place the oven racks in the correct position as per your recipe. If the recipe asks you to use a preheated oven, follow the instructions. Once the oven has been preheated do not open the oven door unless required. You can use an oven thermometer to check the internal temperature of the oven. Just leave it inside the oven while it is heating. This will help you in determining whether the oven is reaching the right temperature. Oven thermometers are easily available and are not too expensive so it is a good idea to invest in one.
If you find that the temperature in your oven is not consistent, get the thermostat adjusted by a technician.
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