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Things I learnt about baking...

One of the most important requirements for baking...
Clean hands
Clean hands
Clean hands... Well this I knew, that your hands should be clean, always for us and our family.But in baking, its a necessity. I will tell you why.

The flour can get on your clothes and hair, you are not going to look like a million bucks like Nigella from Nigella feasts or Laura from Laura in the kitchen. Please, its very simple. They edit everything, they don't show that the preparations have been already done. The flour or any ingredient, can get anywhere in spite of the apron. It's not about being clumsy. So, put away those designer outfits, so that you can focus on baking than saving your clothes.

No matter how good a baker you are, the cake will show its mood swings, it will not rise, especially on the days, you want to bake for someone.

Electric mixers have to be practiced with, as the speed can spoil the consistency, I still haven't used one, but this tip was shared by a good friend who is also an excellent baker.

The most simple recipe can actually turn out to be the most horrible one, inspite of you getting everything right - weather, power are not in our control you see. So please be ready for disappointments.

Clean hands - used for mixing the batter, when you do not have an electric mixer or you are not sure about the usage properly. It works wonders, as you can break the lumps, and mix well, but be quick, as there's this whole funda about the body temperature mixing with the cake temperature...blah..blah..

The most important tip - Keep all the ingredients ready. Spread a newspaper on the counter.
Eggs - best at room temperature.

The first few times, I followed instructions to the T, later I started using my variations and ideas.

Baking is fun, no matter whether the cake didnt rise, or didnt cook etc.. as it always motivates you to do better. And to all those friends who said baking is a great mood lifter, yes you guys are right!





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