I'm a baker by hobby and an eater by nature. This blog is an attempt to share what I've learned being a guy who can bake. I've recruited a few friends to help me, but ultimately this blog is about baking/cooking/candy making and in a way that isn't overly-complicated or delicate. Most of the recipes here will require some skill unless noted for beginners. And here are some basic things you should get right now beyond spoons, spatulas and mixing-bowls:
- A cookbook you like. I am a big fan of The Tartine Bakery of San Francisco for Desserts, though it requires an intermediate level of knowledge. Beginners should grab something like The New Basics since it will give good advice on many of the processes that will be discussed.
- An oven-thermometer. Cheap ones are about $5. Your oven's knob isn't accurate. And if it is, it was worth a couple of bucks to know for sure.
- Baking stone and parchment paper.
- Patience, because you will screw things up. Nothing wrong with that.
- Baking Soda. Old Chemistry teacher taught me that a mixture of baking soda and water (in a paste consistency) helped to removed the sting of burns. He was right, and I've had lots of opportunities to experience it.
