Baking

Baking is a cooking method that uses the heat of an oven to cook desserts like cakes, breads, and to cook savory dishes such as lasagna or casseroles.

1. Get an oven thermometer and test the accuracy of your oven
2. You will have to compensate in cooking time for ovens that run hot or cold
3. Keep your oven clean by placing a cookie sheet under likely to drip baking projects
4. Dark baking pans will absorb more heat than shiny reflective ones, and will cause things to become more brown
5. Keep tooth picks near your oven so you can quickly grab one and stick it in the center of your cake or muffin--if it comes out clean, your treat is done
6. You can also tell doneness by pressing a finger to to the top of a cake. If it springs back it is likely done
7. Always take care not to burn yourself and use pot holders when placing things in and taking things out of the oven
8. Move your oven racks to the desired position before you heat the oven
9. Check the inside of your oven before you begin to heat for leftover pans
10. Always preheat your oven for at least 15 minutes before you start to cook with it
11. The more frequently you open the oven, the more heat will escape and the longer things will take to cook. Try to limit opening oven doors, and use the oven light to check if you have one
12. Rotate batches of cookies for even baking

• • See Mahalo's Guide to Ovens
• Epicurious.com: Baking Accessories
• eBay: Baking Accessories
• Amazon.com: Baking Accessories
• Fantes.com: Baking Accessories