Baking Tip (13)

The last time you tried to write “Happy Birthday” on your daughter’s cake, you ran out of space and were forced to crowd the letters together as you reached the edge.  Next time you’re making the dedication, use a toothpick to write your message on it right after frosting the cake.  Then trace the lines with the icing bag.  You’ll be able to map out the design (and smooth away any mistakes) beforehand to ensure flawless celebratory desssert.

Baking Tip (12)

Oh, sure you did everything right -  you greased the pan and you let the cake cool.  Still, the goodie was stubbornly stuck.  Next time you’re baking, try this little trick:  Butter the baking dish, then chill it in the fridge while you are preparing the batter.  This gives time butter to resolidify, so when the mixture is poured in, the grease will stay adhered to the pan instead of melding with the batter.  Once your cake is cooked and cooled, it’ll slip out easily.

Baking Tip (11)

If your chocolate chip cookies recipe yields thin crispies but you want them thick and chewy, here’s the trick.  Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough into each well of a greased muffin tin instead of a baking sheet.  Since the cookies won;t be able to spread out during the baking process, they’ll stay plump and chewy.

Baking Tip (10)

Separating a large quantity of eggs for your cake or meringue can take up a lot of time.  To speed up the process, pour the eggs into a slotted spoon or colander set over a bowl.  The whites will fall through the holes, leaving the yolks intact on the utensil.

Sunken Cake

Cakes are highly sensitive to temperature changes, and not waiting for the oven to fully preheat can cause the center to droop.  Check if the cake is cooked through because it can still be served.  Simply disguise the dent by whipping up an apple  or berry compote.

To do:  Boil 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of brandy and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, stirring until slightly thickened.  Add 4 slices apples or 3 cups of berries.  Let simmer until tender; pour over the cake.  Or cut the cake into cubes and serve with melted chocolate.