SLC21W1 Basic Concepts and Utensils for Baking

It's another season of exciting learning and I am pleased to join the pastry class. Through this week's lesson, I have come to understand that baking is far beyond seeing a complete beautiful cake. I have gained more knowledge on the basics of baking, the essential utensils used for baking and the function of ingredients during cake and dessert preparation.

Desgined with Canva

I will proceed to the tasks given by the teachers;

After Reading the Basic Terms of Baking, Mention at Least Three Basic Terms used in Baking that were not Included in the List

I have learned 19 baking terminologies in this class today but it is surprising that I usually use some of these concept during baking without knowing the actual term for it. Oops! "Indeed, we learn everyday"!
For the purpose of this contest, I will mentioned at least 3 basic terms used in baking that were not included in class;

• Preheat
• Crumb coating
• Grease

Preheat: preheating gives baking a perfect outcome. During the mixing process, it is good to turn on the oven for at least 10 to 15 minutes before placing the cake or whatever you are baking inside. This method will make it heat up to that preferred temperature on time.

Cake in the oven after preheating

Crumb Coating: this is a layer that is before the outer layer ( fondant or frosting) of cake . The purpose of crumb coating is to fill gaps on the cake and straighten all sides. The mixture of cake crumbs and butter to give buttercream is used for crumb coating of cake.

Crumb coated cake

Grease: this is simply the process of coating surface of baking pan thoroughly with butter or oil before before adding cake mixture. The aim of greasing is to ensure that cake doesn't stick in the pan and it can be done with brush or hand.

Greasing of pan

From the list of basic utensils mentioned, can you tell us which ones you have at home? Mention at least three utensils that you consider essential for baking and that you don't have at home?

All the utensils mentioned in class are very important and essential for baking. I have hand / electric mixer, spatula, oven, measuring cups/ spoons, nozzles, molds and grids.

Electric mixer	Wooden and plastic spatulas

Measuring spoon	Measuring cup

Those above listed utensils for baking are core contributors to a perfect baking experience. I do not have baking thermometer, turn table used in icing of cake and digital scale.

Analog scale

I have just the analog scale at home and sometimes it doesn't give the accurate measurement. I tried using digital scale outside and the experience (more better) was totally different from what I have at home.

What Baking Ingredients do you Have in your Pantry and their Equivalent Price on Steem?

Flour, sugar, butter and flavour are basics in baking and I don't lack them at home.

Baking ingredients

Below is the price of these baking items;

Ingredient	Quantity	Price in Naira	Price in Steem
Flour	1kg	#3,000	10 steem
Sugar	250g	#600	2 steem
Butter	350g	#1,200	4 steem
Egg	per crate (30 eggs)	#6,000	20 steem
Essences	per bottle	#800	2.7 steem

How do you think a good pastry chef can be defined: by having tools or by having extensive knowledge and techniques in pastry making?

A good pastry chef can be defined as someone who is creative and having extensive knowledge about baking. Having various tools as a pastry chef can help in the entire process of making pastry but the fact still remains that; skills, creativity and problem solving mindset are important in this field. I have encountered several problems during baking and icing process and the only thing that helped me was the techniques and the knowledge I acquired from my Aunt. Both tools and knowledge can't be compared; knowledge and techniques are necessary while tools serve its purpose. Thank you!

Selfie of chef @adylinah

I will invite friends to join the class; @ninapenda, @mvchacin and @chefdanie