Tips for the first time bakers

The aroma of freshly baked goods straight out of the oven is so alluring. To produce these scrumptious treats, the proper use of the baker's abilities and preparation is essential. Chef Sujatha Madhavan, Associate Prof. Food Production at V.M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education mentions “According to me, comprehensive understanding of the ingredients, the procedure, the plating, and the presentation is of crucial importance in baking.”

Many people took to baking during the pandemic and the internet has been a huge help in teaching beginners how to make delicious treats from the comfort of their homes. “Following recipes found on the internet blindly is never the right choice as we sometimes fail to recognize the versatility of the ingredients which are grown and sold in India. Taking inspiration from recipes created in the west is fine but one mustn’t disregard the fruitful possibilities that come with Indian elements.” says Chef Sebastian Breitinger, Professor of Culinary Arts and Head of Food Production at VMSIIHE. 

Here are 5 tips for first time bakers by Chef Sujatha Mhadhavan, Associate Prof. Food Production at VMSIIHE.

1. Measurement- Measuring the ingredients while baking is essential in getting perfect baked treats. One needs to go exactly by the measurement mentioned in the recipes. Hence, getting the right measuring equipment such as measuring spoons, bowls, liquid measuring cups and more is crucial to get accurate measurements.
2. Small portions- For a beginner, one has to try to use small portions. Do not follow any recipe by the book as ingredients vary from place to place. The exact ingredient being used in the recipe might not be available here in India and hence, the result might not be the same. For example, the flour found in India might not be the same in America Europe. Hence, one has to make slight alterations to the recipe.
3. Method- Another important aspect of baking is the method of preparation. Even a simple activity needs to be done properly to get the perfect mixture. One needs to be well versed with terminology like beating, whisking, cutting and folding of the dough. Read up on baking! There are endless blogs, books and articles available on the web which can add to your knowledge greatly.
4. Experiment with flavours- Once the foundation is strong, one can start experimenting with flavours and substituting ingredients to create more variety. For example, mix and match ingredients and create something new. The base can be the same but the ingredients, mixing method, cutting and folding of the dough will be different.
5. Bake and share- Lastly, the more you bake and share the delicious delights, the better you will get at your work.

Baking is a scientific and aesthetic endeavor. The combination of these two in baking is what makes a baker's creativity their greatest strength. “Today, bakers are switching to using local products, fresh ingredients, and healthier substitutes that individuals are experimenting with as the general population becomes more health conscious which is a welcome move,” adds Chef Sebastian Breitinger. 

Note: The views expressed in this article are that of V.M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha