Baking Essentials: Five Ingredients an Active Baker Should Always Have

The active baker will bake as often as possible. Cakes, pies, cookies, and breads are just a few of the favorites that a baker will take pride in creating sometimes on a daily basis. However, if you are baking everyday going to the grocery store each time can become a little repetitive and tiring. Here are five common ingredients that every active baker should always have on hand at all times:

Eggs
Eggs serve many purposes in the baking world. A baker may need eggs for their cookie batter, to make a cake, or even to bake a quiche. They serve many purposes when used to bake: provide moisture, increase flavors, and even can extend the shelf life of your baked goods. It is important that an active baker always have a supply of eggs on them at all times, at least three. Or, if you are watching your cholesterol you can use egg substitutes in place of an egg in your baking.

Baking Powder
Baking powder (similar to baking soda) has the power to make our baked goods rise in the oven. It is due in part to baking powder that breads and muffins rise as they commonly do. In most recipes baking powder and baking soda can be used in place of the other, so if you have one you are going to be able to bake.

Flour
Flour is the reason that all our baking ingredients stick together and don’t separate in the baking process. It can add flavor and texture to anything from cookies, to bread and more. The most common form of flour needed to bake with is all-purpose flour. However, double check your recipe to make sure that this is the type of flour you are going to be working with for your next project.

Sugar
While there are some who prefer to bake with other forms of sugar, like honey or molasses, sugar is commonly incorporated into your dessert baked goods. Depending on how much sugar you add to a product it can sweeten up your baked goods just a pinch, or by the cupful, the baker decides. If you are diabetic, it might be helpful to consider baking without sugar altogether if possible, or less than a recipe calls for.

Butter
Butter works in culmination with other ingredients to give your baked goods the texture that you enjoy so much. Most baked good either require butter in the baking process of your goods, or they are delicious with a little butter afterwards, like banana bread.

For the average avid baker, these five ingredients are crucial in almost every recipe you will be making. While there are some situations where replacement ingredients can be used, typically most recipes will ask for these ingredients. Next time you head to the local grocery store pick up an extra container of eggs, an extra bag of flour and sugar, and some butter, so that you are ready to bake whenever the urge strikes you.




Criss White is a professional article writer and an avid baker. To check out some holiday cookies or some birthday cookies, visit My Baby Shower Favors.