whether you want to call these tips, tricks, whatever. these are just some things i do while baking from scratch.
- Double the vanilla. a lot of recipes i use cause for vanilla extract and i usually double or triple it. like if the recipe calls for 1tsp of vanilla i usually use 2 - 2 1/2 tsps. i dont know if others can find a different but to me it just gives things a big more flavor.
- less salt. I use salted butter so if the recipe calls for butter and salt, i usually use less salt than the recipe calls for. depending on how much the recipe calls for i usually only put in a few shakes of salt.
1 tsp of salt get likes 3-4 shake
1/2 or less gets 1 or 2 shakes
- butter. for cookies and cakes if the recipe calls for margarine/shortening instead i soften stick butter and use that. to me they just taste a bit better at way.
-greasing pans. i don't use the pan spray too often. I use margarine, i take a napkin or just my hands and spread it lightly along the pan so theres not a dry spot. not only do things come out better they taste a bit better. I find using pan spray gives things a bit of an odd taste. Also, i tend to line the bottom of pans with parchment paper, especially with cakes to make sure they come out clean, just remember to grease the sides :)
- mixing ingredients: usually i mix up (if the recipe calls for it) sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs first, then add in the salt and whatever baking soda or powder they want. then alternate between adding some flour, mix, some milk, mix then back and forth til all of the ingredients are together.
The brands you use dont really matter, it just depends on what you like to use
