Contest| "Tools to Spark Culinary Inspiration #14"

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Hello friends,

Welcome to my blog. Let's share insights on baking...

Baking is a method of cooking that is performed under dry heat usually in an oven. It passes a lot of processes to get baking done. Starting from the preparations to the cooking which heat is transferred from the top of the food to it's center and gives the food a different color or form. It is actually the oldest method of cooking that last longer even after cooking which is referred to as dry roasting.

Baking methods advanced with the invention of enclosed baking tools and ovens, allowing for thicker cakes and loaves. The process of fermentation, which lightens the loaf and enhances flavors, was likely first noticed when doughs were left for hours before baking and spoiled due to yeast.

Some changes caused by this spoilage were seen as good, leading to traditional ways of making leavened bread. Early baked goods were made from a mix of seeds, mainly barley, but wheat flour became the favorite due to its better fermentation response among cultures skilled in making leavened bread.

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• Whisking Method: This method helps the cake rise without using baking soda or other rising chemicals. For sponge cakes and chiffon cakes, whisking or beating is often necessary. The key ingredients in sponge cakes are sugar and butter, which need to be mixed continuously as eggs are added.

• Creaming Method: The "creaming process" is a method for mixing certain batters and dough. Typically, it involves mixing butter and sugar together first, then adding the eggs to achieve the batter.

• Rub-in Method: In this process, flour and butter are mixed together using your fingertips. Cut the butter into smaller pieces, add it to the flour, and use your fingertips to blend them until you have a sticky dough.

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In baking methods, the different methods serves different purposes. Like when you come to make chops, a different method is used like that of baking cakes.

I have baked severally and I would say that I prefer the Rub-in method because it's not so stressful like the others. The first time I practiced it, it was a lot simple than the whisk. When I use the rub-in to prepare my dough, it gives a fine texture afterwards.

• Creativity: Baking opens you up to creativity. Baking allows you to show your creative talents and explore all other things. You can add decorations to cakes or arrange food on a plate to make your cooking colorful and enjoyable.

• Develop good mental health: Baking can make your food more enjoyable. The texture of the flour, the aroma of baked goods, and the flavor of batter on your fingers can all increase your appetite.

• Reduce stress: Baking can be a great way to relieve stress. It may also help lower blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the levels of stress hormones.

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• Sustain health: Baked foods usually have less fat than fried foods since they need only a small amount of oil for cooking. They keep more nutrients also.

• Weight gain: Baked food are known for weight gain if consumed more often and this can lead to some dangerous health issues.

• Diabetes: It can increase the chances of type2 diabetes, because of it's high content in sugar.

• Tooth decay: Due to the sugar level in cakes, it can lead to tooth decay and obesity.

Thank you!

I invite @pandora2010 @john247 @tripple-e