Three Steps to Better Baking

Dateline: 03/27/97

Baking desserts is like performing a chemistry experiment. You must be prepared prior to attempting the recipe. There are three steps that will help with a successful baked good: studying the recipe, gathering the equipment and getting the ingredients ready.

Familiarize yourself with the recipe, its ingredients and terms. Read the recipe several times before attempting to bake. Assemble the ingredients on the kitchen counter. Determine if any substitutions are needed. Define any cooking terms you don't understand.

Gather all the necessary equipment on the counter. Besides the large pieces of equipment like the food processor, pull out the spatulas and measuring cups and spoons, as well. Also prepare (e.g. - grease and flour) your baking pans at this time.

The last step is getting the ingredients ready. Measure your dry and liquid ingredients. Put them on waxed paper or in bowls. Do any other preparations at this time such as: grating lemons, melting chocolate, chopping nuts or separating egg whites from yolks.

Just by following these three steps, you'll be amazed how easy it is to be a successful baker.