Don't have the correct size baking pan for a cake or casserole? Downsize a larger one by simply molding a piece of heavy duty foil and fitting it in the pan to adjust for the desired dimensions as shown. You could also add a second piece of foil perpendicular to the one in place to adjust the width of the pan as well as the length. Then line the entire pan with parchment or a sheet of foil and pour in batter or casserole ingredients. This has worked many times for me in a pinch when the pan I had on hand was too big and I did not want to end up with a flat cake.
By Carolyn from Bellevue, WA
When you need a cooling rack for a baking sheet full of cookies or a cake pan just removed from the oven, remove one of your stoves burner grills and set it on the counter top to set the cooling pan on top of it, so air can circulate beneath it.
When making your Thanksgiving pies or bread, dip your fingers in some melted butter to keep them from sticking to the pie or bread dough.
Many recipes call for a 9 x 13 inch pan. I began using two 9 x 9 inch pans instead. This results in getting more portions from a recipe while also requiring less oven baking time.
When you are cooking any and all food dishes, always add a teaspoon of sugar. It enhances the spices and flavors of what you are making; as does salt to any sweet recipes you are about to make.
Dip your spoon in milk when baking cakes, brownies or cookies. This will keep the batter from sticking to the spoon when scraping the bowl or spooning out the batter.
When making cookies and squares, I never find that I need as many chocolate chips or nuts as the recipe calls for. I have reduced the fat content of the sweets and have some ingredients left over for the next batch.
According to some cooks the best way to remember the difference is that dark pans result in darker crusts, or cookie bottoms and lighter pans mean higher ones. This is a page about when to use dark or light baking pans.
Paper liners can make removing muffins easier. However, a layer of butter or shortening will also allow the muffins to come out just fine. This is a page about using muffin pans without paper liners.
For many recipes, shortening and butter can be used relatively interchangeably. This is a page about substituting butter for shortening.
Unbleached all purpose flour is interchangeable with regular all purpose flour. The only difference is that the unbleached flour hasn't gone through the chemical process to make it white.
I have a delicious recipe for fresh rhubarb loaf. Can I make muffins with this recipe and if so how long should I bake them. The loaf recipe calls for 55 to 60 minutes at 350F.
By Dorothy
This is a page about low-fat baking tips. You can reduce the fat in your baked goods without a loss of flavor.
I have several old baking recipes that say bake only in a gas oven. When I tried to bake these cookies in my electric oven they would be burnt or uncooked in the center. Have any suggestions?
By Thelma S
This page contains Christmas baking tips and tricks. A tradition for this winter holiday is many, yummy baked treats.
