Baking Favorites. Williams Sonoma

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      • Inaccurate oven temperature—check temperature with

      an oven thermometer, and take care not to overbake

      the cake.

      • Overgreasing the pan—a thin layer of butter or

      cooking oil spray, and sometimes another of flour,

      helps prevent cakes from sticking to the pan.

      • If the cake comes out lumpy or contains streaks of

      ingredients, the cake batter may have been undermixed.

      • If the cake comes out heavy or dense, the cake batter may

      have been overmixed.

      • Don’t toss out a misshapen or poorly risen cake! Cut it

      into chunks and use it for a trifle (a layered dessert with

      cake, sherry, custard, fruit, and whipped cream).

      Storing Cakes

      • To store an uncut and unfrosted cake, wrap the cake

      tightly in plastic wrap so that the plastic is touching the

      top, sides, and bottom. The cake can be stored at room

      temperature for 2–3 days.

      • To store a frosted but uncut cake, cover the cake with a

      cake dome or a large bowl and store at room temperature

      for 2–3 days.

      • To store a frosted and cut cake, press a piece of plastic

      wrap against the cut area, then cover with a cake dome or

      large bowl and store at room temperature for 2–3 days.

      bake like a pro

      Because baking is a science, trial-and-error is a common method for becoming a better baker.

      Use our primer as both a preventative measure and as a troubleshooting guide to achieve

      success with your baked goods—and to work around common challenges.

      17

      COOKIES

      Cookie dough and finished cookies are delicate. It is

      important to handle cookies with care at every stage of the

      process—from prepping, rolling, and cutting to cooling,

      decorating, and storing.

      Before & During Baking

      • Oven temperatures vary, and since cookies have short

      baking times, it is important to watch them closely so

      they don’t burn. Check for doneness a couple of minutes

      before the recipe indicates.

      • To ensure even cooking, rotate the baking sheets halfway

      through the baking time.

      • Use wire racks for cooling; they allow air to circulate beneath

      the cookies, which helps them cool quickly and evenly.

      • When making bar cookies, use the size of dish called for

      in the recipe—using a different size will change the

      baking time and may affect the texture.

      After Baking

      • If the cookies spread too much during baking, the butter

      was too soft when added, or the dough was placed on a

      hot baking sheet.

      • If the cookies are burned on the bottom, the cookies were

      too thin, the oven was too hot, the baking sheet was too

      thin or placed too low in the oven, or the baking sheets

      were not rotated during baking.

      • If the cookies did not bake evenly, the baking sheets were

      not rotated during baking.

      • If the cookies fell apart when removed from the baking

      sheet, the cookies were removed from the baking sheet

      too soon.

      • If the cookies stuck to the baking sheet, the cookies were

      not baked long enough or were left too long on the

      baking sheet.

      Storing Cookies

      • Most cookies will keep well in an airtight container,

      layered between sheets of parchment paper, at room

      temperature for a few days.

      • To pack bar treats for picnics and parties, wrap them

      individually in aluminum foil or waxed paper.

      • A dozen beautifully baked cookies can easily become the

      perfect hostess or holiday gift. Wrap cookies in waxed

      paper and place on colorful tissue paper in a sturdy

      decorative box or metal tin, then tie with festive ribbon.

      PIES

      Pie doughs are half the battle when it comes to making a

      perfect pie. Luckily, a perfect filling and a tender crust are

      easy to achieve with a little practice and mindful preparation.

      Before & During Baking

      • Always chill your dough before baking to prevent a tough

      crust.

      • Choose fresh, ripe, in-season fruit for the best flavor and

      texture in fillings.

      • Depending on the sweetness and juiciness of the fruit, as

      well as your own palate, adjust the amount of sugar you

      add—more for unripe or less-flavorful fruit and СКАЧАТЬ