Let's Get Started Baking

If you are just learning how to bake, there are a few basic things you will need to know. First off, there is a difference in measuring cups, some are for liquids and some are for dry ingredients. If you are measuring liquids you will use a cup that has measurement lines on it and will not completely fill it in order not to spill the liquid. If you are measuring dry ingredients you will use individual measuring cups so that you can fill to the top.

Flour is not just flour. There are many different types of flour from wheat flour, bread flour, all purpose flour to bleached and unbleached flour. It will depend on what you are making as to what kind of flour you will use. Most people will use all purpose flour because it can be used in almost all situations. It is almost always preferred that you sift your flour then measure it. Then you will sift it again, this time with your other dry ingredients such as baking powder, baking soda or salt if your recipe calls for it.

When making a recipe it is best to use unsalted butter unless otherwise stated. If you use salted butter, then add the amount of salt that is listed, you just might have too much salt in your finished product. Also, if the recipe says to use butter, it is best to use pure butter unless it states that you may substitute margarine. One of the most important things to remember is that you will need to preheat your oven before you begin to put your ingredients together.