Baking Ingredients

An easy-to-follow guide on the basic Baking Ingredients required in every pantry and fridge.

We'll begin with the most important of ingredients which is Flour.


BUTTER and MARGARINE.

Butter is an essential ingredient for baking. I personally prefer it than any other form of fat. Butter has a high fat content and makes delicious desserts and cakes.

You should always use butter that is at room temperature before using. Preferably, use unsalted butter for baking.

For cakes and desserts, you can either dice the softened butter or melt in a saucepan. For pies, it's best to use diced butter as you work it into the dough.

If you prefer a low-fat version, use polyunsaturated margarine or canola and sunflower oil.

EGGS.

Eggs are a necessity in desserts and must be used a room temperature. I take the required number that need at least 30 minutes before starting.

Sugars are an extremely important component in baking. There are many different types of sugars that can be used a wide variety of ways.

MILK.

Milk is often used in sweet breads, tea breads and cakes and it makes these desserts soft and moist. You may use low-fat alternatives like skimmed milk, semi-skimmed milk or low-fat milk but the breads and cakes will not be as rich tasting as when whole milk is used.

WATER.

Water is used in some low-fat and healthy recipes. For savoury breads, water is used in place of milk and the crust will not be as crumbly and soft.