There's no doubt that this is baking season. There are many sorts of home bakers out there. The traditional, the health conscious and the vegan. The question is what kind are you.
A traditional baker will use traditional ingredients. They're not going to worry about gluten, fat or aninal products. They're full on going to use refined flours and sugar along with a rich amount of butter and eggs to make the best cakes and cookies. If your;'e this kind of baker then think of fun cupcakes. Start with a basic cake recipe and then go from there. Tint a buttercream icing green and pipe it into triangles on top of each cupcake for a Christmas tree. Add mini M&M's and holiday sprinkles. You can also try fruitcake in the form of cupcakes. This is riff on the tradtional recipe.It's made with basically the same ingredients, especially the different spices , rum and fruits. Theicing is an almond marzipan one. Keep in mind this is a boozy treat reserved for only adults. As for cookies traditonal bakers go for one loaded with sugar. The prettiest ones are the spritzes , made with a cookie gun. The recipe is a whole cup of butter which gives them that shortbread taste and feel. They can be decorated with everything from sanding sugar to sprinkles. Of course chocolate chip cookies are on the must bake list. Make them even more lush with giant chocolate chips.
What happens if you want to be a healthy baker? This is where healthy and vegan intercept. The two sorts won't use real dairy. This is where plant butters like Melt come in. This tastes like the real thing and is great for cookies. Melt is good for baking only and not for creating fluffy frostings.. It can come off as runny, with the icing slipping off the cake's surface. Use Miyokos Plant Butter or Earth Balance for a stiffer , firmer topping instead.Many home bakers are flummoxed when it comes to omitting eggs. Not to worry.Many vegan home bakers incorporate Just Egg in their cooking and baking. This egg substitute is primarily made from mung beans and canola oil. Three tablespoons equal one egg and can easily be subbed in. You can also use the powdered Vegg egg substitute. This also works OK in baking. Other egg replacements are applesauce and flaxseed. Nut milks are usd too, to replace dairy . Almond milk works the best because it has the best consistency. what about that all important ingredient sugar? Stevia and agave syrup work just as well as the refined white stuff. Also try maple syrup or honey too. Both give a warm earthy flavor to baked goods.
You cna create tasty treats whether your a traditional, healthy ot vegan baker. There are all sorts of recipes out there. Use them for a fun holiday table full of delicious cookies and cakes.
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