Baking isn’t just an art – it’s a science. It’s about the ingredients’ physical properties, chemical reactions, measuring techniques and procedure!

Anyone can bake if they have a good recipe and follow its instructions to the letter. However, how would you like to take your baking to a whole new level of excellence? Here are seven things that will make a better baker.

Preparing To Bake

Firstly, before you roll up your sleeves and turn on the oven, it’s important to be well-prepared for baking. Make sure your surfaces are clear and clean, ready to cook. Make sure you’ve washed your hands and ensure you’ve put on an apron ready to catch any spills and splashes that could ruin your clothes. Although you could choose a half apron, a full coverage one is often the best idea to make sure that you are fully protected from marks and stains. You can find more apron styles here to choose from. Once you’re ready to begin, it’s time to stock up your pantry with these secret enhancing ingredients that will boost the flavor of your cakes, pastries, and puddings significantly.

Instant Espresso Powder

Don’t confuse espresso powder with grin coffee – instant powder is mixed directly with boiling water to make an intense and immediate cup of java. It’s not only great for making a tasty cup of speedy coffee, but it’s also great for making chocolate dishes even more chocolatey. If you’re not a coffee fan, don’t worry, a pinch or two won’t make your dessert taste of coffee, but it will make the flavor more complex and potent.

Lemon

Just a touch of lemon works wonders for fruit flavors, intensifying its fruitiness and balancing any fruit which is just too sweet for a rounder flavor. Try lemon zest for your pie filling, juice for jams and paste for fillings, frostings and cake batter.

Nutmeg

You may be used to adding nutmeg to your cookies at Christmas time, however, this subtle spice works incredibly well in savory dishes too. It can enhance cream-based sauces like mornay and bechamel, and you should definitely try it in mac and cheese.

Cinnamon

If you’re making a caramel dessert, cinnamon will enhance its flavor even more. Don’t add too much though – just a small pinch will usually be enough to make your puddings and cakes taste amazing.

Almond extract

Are you making a coffee cake or coffee-flavor ice cream? Then try adding a touch of almond extract. A quarter teaspoon is enough to add some extra sparkle to your dessert and will bring even more depth of flavor.

White Pepper

If you’re making any baked goods that are flavored with spice, molasses or ginger, add a touch of white paper. A few grinds will add even more depth to the spice, along with floral notes that will take your cake or cookies to a whole new level. Try these secret pantry ingredients the next time you bake and you’re sure to be amazed by the way their flavors lift your baking to a whole new level of excellence!