Author Archives: Better Baking Bible

Exploring the Cultural Significance of Food and Drink with Simon Whalley

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The food that we eat is inextricably linked with the culture that surrounds us, and much can be discovered about a person by taking a closer look at the foods they choose to eat and cook!

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Many cultures evolved specifically around food, with early civilizations being organised in ways that best suited the gathering, production and distribution of food. The types and styles of cooking, food preservation and ingredients have a lot to do with the climate, geography and resources of each particular area, so various cultures may have vastly different foods and cooking methods.

What and how we eat is often governed by rituals that have become ingrained in societies through the generations. Some of these rituals are religious, with dietary laws prescribed by religious texts and adhered to by orthodox populations. These may be ongoing dietary rules such as the Jewish people only eating kosher meat that has been prepared in a certain way, or rituals that tie in with specific religious festivals, such as Muslims fasting during the daylight hours of Ramadan. Other rituals are more secular, such as eating turkey at Thanksgiving in the US or the Japanese tea ceremony, which although rooted in Buddhism has become a symbol of manners and grace in society.

Regional food habits can be noted within cultural recipes, but as the world becomes more global, there is increasing crossover between cuisines. Recipes get adapted as new ingredients become available and new dishes spring from old, resulting in fusions of different cultures coming together in one meal. Food etiquette often varies from region to region also. Some cultures eat using knives and forks or chopsticks, while others find it polite to eat using only the hands. Within each of these disciplines there are yet more rules which vary from region to region, such as which hand it is acceptable to hold the knife or chopsticks in, or which fork to use for which course of a meal.

Regional variations can also be found within the same country, sometimes to quite an extensive degree. In India, some areas of the country eat a strictly vegetarian diet, while other regions feature many dishes that are meat-based. Styles of cooking and choice of ingredients vary from city to city, village to village in Italy; the focus across most of the country is on the use of fresh, local ingredients, so availability of items such as seafood or different vegetables affects the style of cookery.

Our love of food and cookery in the modern world can be seen by the proliferation of food tourism. Many people taking a vacation or trip will today choose to centre that trip around eating and exploring new cuisines. By learning local preparation techniques and what local chefs look for in terms of ingredients, people can absorb themselves fully in the food of another culture and take some of that knowledge home with them.

About Simon Whalley

Simon Whalley is a music composer and lecturer who is well respected, having worked internationally in some prestigious venues and institutions. His passion for travel and the arts has led him to visit many places and experience many cultures, taking in cultural landmarks and preservation centres such as galleries and museums, as well as experimenting with new flavours.

How to Use Wine in Your Baking and Cooking

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If cooking is something you enjoy then you will want to read this. We’re going to talk about how to use wine in baking and cooking, and you’ll find some great ideas in the following article!

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Wine has, of course, been used by cooks for centuries. In ancient times water was generally unfit to drink, so wine and ale were brewed and drunk as naturally as water is now. It found its way into cooking very quickly, and there are many innovative ways you can incorporate wine into your meals.

Let’s be honest, the first cooks who put wine into dishes were experimenting, so why shouldn’t you do so! You might want to try adding it to a roast when it’s in the oven, or perhaps steeping or marinating meat in wine before you cook it, and these are just the start of the wide range of ways you can use wine when cooking. One question is this: do you cook with red or white? The answer is that both can be used in different dishes, so let’s see what we can tell you.

Cooking with Red Wine

Before we talk about what you can do with red wine, we should say that you might want to make your own wine, red, white or rose. There are many affordable wine making kits available and it is not expensive to buy, plus most of the ingredients are basic household goods. You can find all the kit for wine and beer making online or at a brewing shop, and there are many outlets as home brewing is a very popular pastime that is very satisfying.

So, what does red wine go with when cooking? A classic beef stew, of course! The thing is that as the dish cooks much of the alcohol will evaporate. What you are left with is the concentrated flavours of the wine itself, and this is a great way of adding flavour to a beef dish. Red is best with red meat dishes, so will lend itself to any lamb dish you want to try, and we recommend you look at Mediterranean recipes as there are barely any that do not use wine as an ingredient!

A merlot, cabernet or a pinto noir are all great cooking wines as they have the right flavours, and you’ll never taste a beef dinner as good as one cooked in red wine!

Cooking with White Wine

White wine is the wine of choice to cook with if your recipe says ‘add wine’. Only when red is specified should you cook with red. Don’t go for too sweet a white wine, but choose a dry or medium for added flavour. What can you cook with white wine? Many different dishes can be enhanced by adding wine, and a classic is to cook chicken with a white wine sauce. This brings out the full flavours and really adds something to chicken which can be quite bland sometimes.

White wine is used in Italian cooking in many pasta dishes too, and fish dishes go well with a nice white whine sauce also. In fact, very little can not be cooked with wine, so it’s worth searching for recipes to see what you can find. There’s a lot to be said for adding wine and learning how it changes the flavours of a dish, and once you try, you’ll be hooked.

If you’re making your own wine, you’ll have plenty to hand to cook with, and if not you’ll find there are many affordable options at your local store so start now, and have fun cooking with wine.

Simple Survival Techniques for Bakers in a Fast-Changing Industry

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The food industry has undergone mammoth changes this year. Between production limitations and new sanitizing protocols, many micro-bakery owners have been left feeling jolted!

 
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For this reason, it is now, more than ever before, essential for small business owners to arm themselves with the necessary strategies that can ensure their long-term survival even amidst global chaos. Even once the current obstacles the industry faced have been successfully navigated, it is almost impossible to predict when swift adaptation will once again be required. Thankfully, there are a number of basic survival skills that can help your bakery business thrive during and after turbulent times. 
 

Always prepare for the unexpected

 
If there is one thing 2020 has taught us, it is to always prepare for the unexpected. As a small business owner, one of the most valuable investments you can possibly make is in work compensation insurance. It will not only provide your baked goods store with vital financial protection but will also give your employees peace of mind knowing they will receive the required treatment if they get injured at work.  Additionally, it is important to formulate a ‘Plan B’ as a matter of urgency as there is simply no telling when disaster will strike. Ensure that your backup plan not only makes provision for alternative production and staffing solutions but also includes a contingency plan for marketing and new product development as well.
 

Finding new opportunities is vital

 
While many bakeries of all sizes were forced to close their doors indefinitely this year, others rose to the occasion with creative, out-of-the-box ideas that saw many businesses rise from the proverbial ashes. During a period where ‘business as usual’ ceased to exist, DIY baking and decorating kits skyrocketed in popularity. Delivery services also proved to be a saving grace for both baked goods outlets and their customers who could no longer casually venture to the store for a baked treat. Although stay-at-home restrictions have been eased, these new offerings proved to be so popular that they are now being offered on a permanent basis.  
 
 

Harness the benefits of technology

 
Technology, and the internet in particular, can provide a bakery with a much-needed boost during times when business is slow. If you can successfully leverage the power of social media you are bound to enjoy a noticeable increase in revenue. Whether you own a fairly large baking concern or are baking from home, remember that it is invaluable to keep your customers well-informed and feeling inspired. High-quality images of your products alongside ‘How To’ video tutorials and engaging copy can reignite the interest of existing customers while attracting new ones. While Facebook remains the most popular social media platform, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram can all be utilized with great success.
 
The food industry has faced many obstacles this year. Thankfully, a few basic survival skills will make it increasingly easy for bakers to continue to grow their businesses in an ever-changing industry.

Baking Trends Explained – The Latest Ideas Landing On Your Kitchen Countertop

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Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh bread? It’s well known that stores will often spread the smell of baking to their entrance in order to entice customers inside!

 
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With the American Bakers Association reporting that the baking industry generates more than $30 billion each year in revenue, and that the economic impact of baked goods totals $423 billion, it’s no surprise that keeping up with the latest baking trends is big business for anyone who loves creating, selling or eating donuts, pastries and rolls. The question is, where will the business of baking branch out next? 
 

Flour for days

 
We all know about all-purpose flour, but things in the field of grains and wheat are getting much more interesting this year, with stores beginning to stock items such as tigernut, buckwheat, coconut flour and spelt, in addition to some lesser known varieties such as banana flour. With so many different options on offer, bakers can get more creative, experimenting with never-baked-before treats and savory snacks in adventurous ways. Green banana flour bread with a bit of added apricot, anyone? 

Sustainability in baking

 
Everybody who keeps up with the news will understand that sustainability is having an impact on the way people do things across the globe – and the same goes for baking. Increasingly, incorporating healthy, allergy free substitutes is forming a big part of new recipes, with butter, egg and milk substitutes being used to bring forward a whole new way of baking brownies, cookies and cakes that are different in make up, but still the same style as more traditional options. Just as with many other delicious dietary categories, there are lots of food subscription boxes available especially for baking – so one option for expanding your culinary repertoire might be to take a look at some of the baking boxes out there, and see if you can discover new baking tricks and techniques along with some different and interesting ingredients. 
 
If you’re still using dairy, then the range of alternatives is evolving there too, and curd, mascarpone and labneh are some of the new arrivals on the baking scene, replacing standard dairy ingredients. Baking with a wider variety of elements, often more plant based, echoes the move towards responsibility for the planet, which is being seen in a huge range of sectors, including the culinary world. This even extends into baking equipment, with sustainable knives, chopping boards, plates and cutlery all available to prepare and show off your creations. 
 

It’s not all about taste

 
Yes, taste is obviously important. However, many bakers are now working on making their creations a complete multi-sensory experience, focusing on textures, flavors and shapes that work together to create a picture-perfect, delightfully balanced whole. Crunchy cookie can mingle with airy dairy, and foods that melt in your mouth can be paired with flavors that leave a delightful lingering aftertaste. In the food industry, generally this is known as ‘gastrophysics’, a field of science which looks at how our brains interpret and understand sensory cues given as we eat, and how that influences the way we perceive food too. At the end of the day, people may not understand why they love your baking, but the important thing is that they do.
 

Mixing up menus

 
The middle east offers a huge amount of influence on baking currently, with recipes involving saffron, sumac, tahini and pomegranate on the up. Medjool dates play a big part in the sustainability agenda discussed above, and many other middle eastern ingredients also fit the responsible and eco-friendly baking bill. Ever tried semolina pudding flavored with rose and vanilla? It might sound a bit odd, but it tastes delicious – and there are a wide variety more similar examples to choose from if you want to make something a little bit different. 
 
Whatever your baking preferences and style, get ready to incorporate a whole new range of ingredients and ideas into your repertoire, and feel good doing it. It’ll help your health, your culinary community, and ultimately, the world. 

How to Pair Wine with Organic Foods

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The organic revolution, as it is known amongst foodie circles, is in full swing. Through media exposure and access to the internet, we have discovered just how terrible some of the chemicals used in our foods and the food production process are!

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Because of this, many people refuse to eat anything that is not organically and sustainably sourced. Organic food is cultivated in a very natural manner; it is food that is free from carcinogenic toxins and chemicals and is food that is free from poisons. It is much healthier, safer, and better for you.

And, what better to pair your organic food with than a glass of the finest wine? Organic food is the height of luxury and is very expensive – it offers a superior taste to non-organic food and can help you to lead a very healthy lifestyle. Equally, wine can be good for you and is the height of luxury, too. Wine has been consumed since the days of ancient Greece and can, too, be organic. Enhance your organic dining experience with the perfect wine pairing. For a touch of creativity, explore a free menu design for your organic feast presentation!

Sourcing Organic Produce

Before moving onto the more important aspect of the article, and the main body of text, we must first discuss how you source your organic food – organic food, just because it bears the word ‘organic’ does not always mean it is free from chemicals. Many unscrupulous so-called organic growers do not use chemicals in the growing process, but after they are grown, load the food with harmful chemicals and preservatives. However, some countries have strict regulations on this, such as Australia and a few European countries. Research the producer before you purchase the food, as you may find you are not eating truly organic food.

Meal Ideas

Moving on, there are many different menu ideas you can choose from. Australia is at the forefront of the organic revolution – with many of its retailers and stores refusing to sell anything but, and its organic farms supplying the entire world with organic produce. Many organic food producers offer their own menu guides, like many of the new Cleaver’s stockists in South Australia and many other organic food retailers. Whether or not you will like the meal suggestions is, of course, subjective to your own personal tastes. If you are going to be pairing organic food with wine, then it is always a good idea to ‘go Mediterranean’ as it were. Mediterranean food has been paired with wine for thousands of years. There are rules, however, to what you can pair with what. Here are a few of them:

Wine Acidity

One of the most well-known rules when it comes to pairing wine with food is that your wine should be more acidic than your food. This can be difficult if you were eating something with a lot of lemons or citrus fruits – and to counteract this – you would need to research which wine would surpass your meal in acidity. If you are not more acidic than your food, it will not be as enjoyable as if it were.

Wine Sweetness

Equally, just as your wine should be more acidic than your food, it should also be sweeter than your food. This rule, and the previous one, are some of the most important rules when it comes to wine and food combinations. You must always ensure your wine is sweeter than your food – but when your food is organic and naturally sweet and juicy – that may be difficult!

Flavour Intensity

Your wine should have an equal amount of flavour intensity as the food that you are eating. This is a rule you must always uphold. If one is of lesser flavour intensity, you will not be able to truly enjoy your meal, nor the combination of wine and organic produce.

Reds and Whites

It is well-known amongst wine aficionados that red wine pairs best with boldly flavoured meats, such as steaks, lamb, or veal—equally, white wine pairs best with light meats, such as fish, chicken, or turkey. You can try breaking this centuries-old tradition, but you may discover it still stands for a reason.

Sauce

When you are cooking with wine in a sauce, it’s always good to match the wine that you are going to be drinking with the wine that will be in your sauce. You should also, even if your sauce is free of wine, find a wine that matches the sauce of your meal. Pairing sauce and wine can be difficult, but when the right balance is found, it creates a harmonious and delicious unification that will impress friends, family, or dinner guests. Always give this consideration when you are pairing wine and food.

With the help of this page, you know a few rules for pairing wine and food and how to source and come up with meal plans for your organic food. Drink in moderation, always. Remember, too, that organic food can massively improve your life – there is nothing better to eat.

Your Quick Guide to Coffee and Food Pairing

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Being a true coffee lover, it should not be a surprise that at some point in your life – or more precisely, ‘coffee journey’ – you would want to try out a few food items while you are enjoying your cup of Joe.


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You might know your coffee flavors or brewing techniques quite well, however, there is a possibility that you might not be aware of the food flavors that make great coffee pairings. In this read, we will walk you through some of the food items that blend well with various coffee flavors.

The Right Match for a Flavored Coffee

Haven’t tried a flavored coffee yet? Well, if that is the case then you are missing out on a whole lot of fun. Click to read Bones Coffee review to know more about the rich taste notes of caramel, butterscotch, French vanilla and other delightful coffee flavors. And if you are already a fan of flavored coffee then you are certainly in for a treat! Flavored coffee such as Mocha or French Vanilla pairs perfectly with food snacks such as a light sandwich, croissants or bagels.

Food Pairing for Sumatran Coffee Enthusiasts

Being part of one of the four Greater Sunda Islands of Indonesia, Sumatra is an Island within the Indonesian region and is well-known among the coffee fraternity for its low-acidic, full-bodied and pure Arabica coffee beans. If you are looking to find some nice food items that pair well with your favorite Sumatran coffee brand, you can try out some cheese variations as it blends perfectly with the coffee’s rich taste and aroma. We suggest you to experiment a little with Chèvre or Gouda cheese, or food items that have a good amount of these cheese variations.

What Blends Well with Columbian or Guatemalan Coffee?

Since Columbian or Guatemalan coffee extracts are known to have sweet, chocolaty and nutty flavor profiles – pairing such coffee blends with food items such as cinnamon buns, muffins, dark chocolate brownies, cakes or chocolate-dipped fruits can give you a perfect combination. The trick is to make sure that the coffee and the food item that you are pairing it with, needs to share similar flavor notes. If your cup of coffee and the food item are going miles apart in terms of taste, then you might end up feeling lost or confused about the whole thing.

Enjoy a Morning Cup of Coffee with your Favorite Breakfast

Nothing feels better than beginning the day with your favorite cup of espresso, right? – Well, how about adding the perfect breakfast menu to it? There are a few delicious breakfast foods that blend perfectly with various coffee flavors.

  • Omelet – If you are an omelet enthusiast, you can enjoy this with coffees from Java, Indonesia or Sumatra regions.
  • Crepes – A lot of us love to have crepes first thing in the morning. If you do, too, then you can enjoy a cup of bold Pacific Island coffee with savory crepes that are made using vegetables, cheese or herbs. On the sweeter side of things, you can pair chocolate or Nutella crepes with a cup of Columbian coffee.
  • Pancakes with Maple Syrup – A combination of Kona or Nicaraguan coffee and pancakes with maple syrup blend in really well to give you a delightful breakfast experience.
  • Sausage or Bacon – You can enjoy this breakfast food item with a cup of Costa Rican coffee.
  • Toast and Cereals – Costa Rican, Columbian, Guatemalan or Brazilian coffees with light or medium roast variations are known to pair with cereals, toasts or other simple breakfast food items.

Other Baked Items and Coffee Pairings

Baked food items combine perfectly with numerous coffee variants. It doesn’t matter whether you bake those items at home or buy it from your favorite bakery, if you have a flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee with you, you’re all set.

  • Cakes – Coffee and sweet items like cakes and desserts are known to make a perfect combination. Whether you are in the mood for a banana muffin, a lamington, a carrot cake or a French cheesecake, Columbian coffee works well with these baked items.
  • Doughnuts – Almost all types of coffee pair well with doughnuts, however, Costa Rican coffee is better suited with doughnuts.
  • Shortbread – Brazilian or Costa Rican coffee variants blend well with shortbread that have a buttery flavor with a dense texture.
  • Sweet Bread – Are you a fan of Zucchini bread or the banana nut bread? Try a cup of Columbian, Costa Rican or Kona coffee with these delicious foot items.
  • Biscotti – One of the most common baked food pairings with coffee, biscotti can be enjoyed with almost all types and roasts of coffees.

You can spend all your time and money on finding the right food pairing with your coffee, however, if you are not using the right coffee blend in the first place, all your efforts will be in vain.

At Bones Coffee Company, carefully selected coffee beans are roasted to deliver the fresh, aromatic coffee experience that you are looking forward to. You can enjoy your favorite sweet or salty foods with a bold, full-bodied and rich cup of Bones Coffee.

Our Final Word on Coffee and Food Pairing

Going with the assumption that all coffee types or roasts will pair well with your favorite food items, might not be the best assumption that you made. Yes, there are certain baked items like pastries or doughnuts that do well with a lot of coffee types, however, knowing the right flavor profiles will save you from any unpleasant mouthfeel.

Enjoy your next cup of Joe paired with a delicious food item!

How to Start a Successful Baking Business: The Ultimate Guide

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If you love baking and like to watch shows like The Great American Baking Show, it may be time to turn your passion into a successful business venture. Whether you create treats for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or major milestones, there are many entrepreneurs who go into the world of baking and turn over a healthy profit.

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To turn your dream into a reality, here is the ultimate guide on how to start and run a successful baking business.

Create a Business Plan

Regardless of the business you want to set up, no successful company gets to where they are without a business plan in place. It’s important that you outline your objectives and goals, establish your audience, and work out your finances before getting started. If you need investment from the bank or other party to fund your baking company, it’s vital that you cover the A-Z of your operation.

Develop a Niche

Whether your goal is to create cupcakes, cookies, or celebration cakes, it’s important that you develop a niche that helps you stand out from competitors. With many baking companies already in operation, you need to establish a unique selling point that makes your audience take notice of your products. Make sure that you have a think about how you can differ from rivals and look at innovative ways and methods to achieve this.

Know Your Audience

Once you’ve developed a niche for your baking business, the next step is to research into the industry and your market. Whether it’s the types of cake flavors that are the most popular, or what kind of brownies people love, you can gain inspiration and ideas both online and in person. Gluten free and vegan treats are becoming increasingly popular, so you may want to home in on this market, which can be a great way to build a successful baking brand. Even if you have to try a lot of baking treats along the way, you won’t have to feel bad as you’re doing it all for market research!

Invest in the Right Packaging

If you plan to sell your baking treats online, it’s important that customers can identify your brand from the moment your treats are delivered to their door. The right packaging can make a real difference and help others take notice, so you may wish to consider using companies like The Packaging Lab who can design your packaging to your liking.

Practice Makes Perfect

With the coronavirus pandemic causing many of us to stay home, if you plan to bake the goods yourself, you will have plenty of time to be in the kitchen and practice. It’s important that your cakes, brownies, and cookies are tasty and excellent quality, so you won’t have any problems in getting your friends and family to try out your products before putting them to market!

Whether you enjoy baking brownies, biscuits, cakes, or cookies, there are tons of tasty treats that you can make and sell in your baking business. To stay on track with your operation, all the guidance above can help you set up and run a successful baking company.