How to Bake with Protein Powder

How to Bake with Protein Powder.

Protein powder can increase your daily protein intake and make your baked goods more filling. Whey protein powder is a great addition to blueberry muffins, which are mixed with a combination of oat and almond flours. If you'd like quick brownies that are flavorful and filling, combine cocoa with protein powder, melted nut butter, and mashed bananas. For a simple breakfast, combine oats with protein powder and your favorite toppings. Bake the oatmeal cups in a muffin tin for simple, protein-packed breakfasts.

Ingredients.
Whey Protein Powder Blueberry Muffins.
1 cup (90 g) oat flour, 1/4 cup (24 g) almond flour, 3 egg whites, 1/2 cup (142 g) Greek yogurt, 1 cup (255 g) unsweetened applesauce.
2 tablespoons (21 g) honey, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract, 1 medium banana, peeled and mashed, 3 scoops (about 3/4 cup or 75 g) whey protein powder (plain or vanilla).
1 teaspoon (2 g) cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) baking soda, 1 teaspoon (2 g) orange zest or lemon zest.
1 cup (150 g) blueberries (fresh or frozen).
Makes 12 muffins

Protein-Powder Brownies.
3 medium, overripe bananas, 1/2 cup (125 g) smooth nut or seed butter (such as peanut, almond, soy, or sunflower).
1/4 cup (25 g) cocoa powder, 1 to 2 scoops (1/4 to 1/2 cup or 25 to 50 g) protein powder (paleo, vegan, or casein).
Makes about 9 brownies.

Protein Powder Oatmeal Cups.
3 cups (270 g) rolled oats, 3 scoops (75 g) protein powder, 1 teaspoon (4 g) baking powder, 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cinnamon.
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) sea salt, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract, 1/2 cup (128 g) unsweetened applesauce.
1/2 cup (142 g) plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) coconut oil, melted, 1/4 cup (85 g) honey, 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk.
2 tablespoons (20 g) hemp seeds, 6 tablespoons (63 g) chocolate chips, optional, 3/4 cup (192 g) blueberries, optional, 1 tablespoon (16 g) peanut butter, optional.
Makes 12 cups

Method 1 Using Protein Powder in Baked Goods.

1. Decide what protein powder to use. Buy protein powder online, from the grocery store, from a vitamin and supplement store, or from your local natural grocers. Since protein powders are derived from different sources, choose one based on your own health needs. Consider using: Whey or casein protein powders, which are easy to digest and include all of the essential amino acids.

Soy protein powder, which can boost bone density and reduce cholesterol.

Plant-based proteins, which can be made from hemp, rice or peas are good gluten-free and vegan choices.

2. Include moisture and fat in the recipe. Recipes that include protein powder usually have more moisture and fat because these are absorbed by the protein powder. Don't cut back on the moisture or fat because your baked goods won't have as much flavor and they'll be tough or rubbery.

Foods that add moisture include bananas, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, cooked sweet potatoes and beets, pumpkin puree, and applesauce.

Fats used in baked goods include coconut butter, nut and seed butters, butter, and lard.

3. Avoid using too much protein powder. Don't be tempted to substitute most or all of the flour in a recipe with protein powder or the recipe won't turn out. Ensure that the batter for your baked goods isn't more than 50% protein powder or the food will be tough and dry.

4. Use the powder in recipes for breads, muffins, and cupcakes. Protein powder is great for baking because it's easy to add without changing the flavor of the food, especially if you use an unflavored protein powder. Protein powder works well in quick breads, muffins, pancakes, granola bars, and cupcakes.

Some recipes may specify which protein powder to use. If the recipe doesn't specify, use the protein powder that you're the most comfortable with using.

5. Make smart substitutions. If you'd like to use a different protein powder than the one that's recommended in your recipe, you can make a few swaps. You can substitute the same type of protein powder, but avoid substituting a completely different type of protein. Specifically, don't use a whey or casein-based protein powder in a recipe that calls for a plant-based protein powder.

If you're substituting a plant-based protein powder such as pea protein powder for another plant-based protein powder such as hemp powder, you can safely make substitutions.

Method 2 Baking Whey Protein Powder Blueberry Muffins.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and prepare a muffin tin. Spray a 12-hole muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners. Set the tin aside.

2. Mix together the egg whites, yogurt, applesauce, honey, vanilla extract and mashed banana. Get out a large mixing bowl and place 3 egg whites into it. Add 1 peeled banana and mash it a little. Mix in 1/2 cup (142 g) of Greek yogurt, 1 cup (255 g) of unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons (21 g) of honey, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract.

You can discard or save the egg yolks for another recipe.

3. Stir the oat flour, almond meal, vanilla whey protein powder, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and orange zest. Get out another mixing bowl and measure 1 cup (90 g) of oat flour into it. Stir in 1/4 cup (24 g) of almond flour, 3 scoops (about 3/4 cup or 75 g) of plain or vanilla whey protein powder, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of orange or lemon zest.

4. Stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir them until they're incorporated. The muffin batter should be smooth.

5. Fill the muffin tin and spread the blueberries on top. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to fill each hole in the muffin tin 3/4 full with batter. Get out 1 cup (150 g) of blueberries (fresh or frozen) and put about 8 berries on top of each muffin.

Avoid pushing the blueberries into the muffin batter or they may sink to the bottom.

6. Bake the blueberry muffins for 20 minutes. Put the muffin tin into the preheated oven and cook the muffins until they're golden brown and firm to the touch. If you insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of a muffin, it should come out clean.

7. Serve or store the blueberry muffins. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before you serve them. Store the cooled blueberry muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Things You'll Need.

Whey Protein Powder Blueberry Muffins : Measuring cups and spoons, 12-hole muffin tin, 2 mixing bowls, Spoon or spatula, Toothpick or cake tester.

Method 3 Making Protein-Powder Brownies.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and prepare a baking dish. Get out an 8 x 8-inch (20 x 20-cm) baking dish or a small loaf pan. Spray it with cooking spray to prevent the brownies from sticking.

2. Melt the nut or seed butter. Put 1/2 cup (125 g) of smooth nut or seed butter into a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan on the stove. Microwave the nut or seed butter for 20 to 30 seconds or heat it over medium-heat on the stove. Heat the nut or seed butter for a few minutes, so it melts.

3. Put the bananas, cocoa powder, protein powder, and melted nut butter into a blender. Peel 3 medium, overripe bananas and put them into a blender. Add 1/4 cup (25 g) of cocoa powder, 1 to 2 scoops (1/4 to 1/2 cup or 25 to 50 g) of protein powder, and the melted nut or seed butter.

Avoid using whey protein powder for this recipe, because it will make the brownies gummy. Instead, use plant-based, soy, or vegan protein powder.

4. Blend the ingredients for 30 seconds. Put the lid on your blender and turn it on for about 30 seconds, so the brownie ingredients are completely combined and smooth.

5. Spread the batter in the pan and bake the brownies for 20 minutes. Scoop the batter into the greased baking dish. Use an offset spatula to spread the batter evenly. Put the dish into the preheated oven and bake the brownies for 20 minutes.

6. Check the brownies and remove them from the oven. Insert a toothpick or cake tester to see if the brownies have finished cooking. The tester or toothpick should come out clean. If it doesn't, return the brownies to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the cooked brownies and let them cool completely in the pan.

7. Slice and serve the protein powder brownies. Cut the brownies into as many pieces as you like. You should be able to get around 9 standard sized brownies. Refrigerate any leftover brownies in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

You can also freeze the brownies for 4 to 6 months.

Things You'll Need.

Protein-Powder Brownies : 8 x 8-inch (20 x 20-cm) baking dish or a small loaf pan, Measuring cups, Spoon, Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, Blender, Toothpick or cake tester, Knife.

Method 4 Baking Protein Powder Oatmeal Cups

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease a muffin tin. Spray a 12-hole muffin tin with cooking spray or brush it with melted coconut oil. Set the pan aside.

2. Mix the oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. Get out a large mixing bowl and place 3 cups (270 g) of rolled oats into it. Add 3 scoops (75 g) of protein powder, 1 teaspoon (4 g) of baking powder, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of sea salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are combined.

3. Whisk the eggs, vanilla, applesauce, Greek yogurt, coconut oil, honey, and almond milk. Get out another mixing bowl and crack in 2 eggs. Whisk in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract, 1/2 cup (128 g) of unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup (142 g) of plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup (85 g) of honey, and 1 cup (240 ml) of unsweetened almond milk until they're combined.

4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until they're just combined.

5. Spoon the batter into the tin. Divide the batter evenly between the 12 holes of the greased muffin tin.

6. Sprinkle the hemp seeds and optional toppings over the batter. Measure 2 tablespoons (20 g) of hemp seeds and scatter them evenly over the batter in the muffin tins. Decide if you'd like to top the oatmeal cups with chocolate chips, blueberries, or peanut butter. If so, sprinkle 6 tablespoons (63 g) of chocolate chips or 3/4 cup (192 g) of blueberries over the batter.

For a peanut butter drizzle, melt 1 tablespoon (16 g) of peanut butter in a microwave-safe container for 10 seconds and drizzle it over the batter.

7. Bake the oatmeal cups for 15 to 20 minutes. Put the tin into the preheated oven and cook the cups until they become golden and completely cooked throughout.

8. Cool the oatmeal cups for 20 minutes. Remove the tin from the oven and let the oatmeal cups cool completely in the tin before you take them out. Serve the cold oatmeal cups or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

To freeze the oatmeal cups, store them in an airtight container for up to 4 months. To reheat them, remove 1 to 2 cups and heat them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds.

Things You'll Need.

Protein Powder Oatmeal Cups : Measuring cups and spoons, 12-hole muffin tin, 2 mixing bowls, Spoon or spatula.

Januari 16, 2020

BEST HOMEMADE MARGHERITA PIZZA | The Best Homemade Pizza You'll Ever Eat.

BEST HOMEMADE MARGHERITA PIZZA | The Best Homemade Pizza You'll Ever Eat.

Ok, so let me be honest. I rarely ever, EVER tell you that a recipe is the best of anything. Let alone, put it in caps! Sure, I’ll say that something is delicious, but declaring such bold statements generally makes me extremely uncomfortable. I’m terrified that you will go home and make said best-ever-recipe and be disappointed. I would hate that.

But I’m feeling very good about this best margherita pizza recipe and I’m confident that you will love it. I’m not an authority on homemade pizza by any means, but I’ve definitely eaten my share of pizza, both excellent and not so great.

The best margherita pizza that I’ve ever eaten in my entire life was in Naples, Italy a few years ago during our trip to the Amalfi Coast. We stood in line in a cobblestone street just off of Via Tribunali in the historic neighborhood (known for having the best pizza places in the entire world), and snagged a table at the famous Gino Sorbillo.

It’s always a good sign when you’re in Italy and a million other Italians are standing in line for the exact same pizza. No tourists, just Italians. It wasn’t fancy in the slightest. There was a disco light hanging from the ceiling and the cups were of the flimsy plastic variety.

Oh, but it was glorious. The pizzas cost only three euros and arrived flopping off of the plates. Literally, flopping. They were huge. I ate every last bite of that pizza and came back for another one the very next day.

So, when I say that today’s recipe is the best homemade margherita pizza, I’m taking all of these pizza-eating experiences into account. I’m not going to  claim that this pizza tastes identical to a true Neapolitan pizza or that you’ll never taste a better pizza outside of your kitchen again. That would be ludicrous (and slightly obnoxious) and just not true.

But I do believe that this is the best margherita pizza that you’ll be able to make in your own kitchen, with a standard oven, with normal everyday ingredients (no fancy flours required), and without preparing an incredibly time-intensive pizza dough days in advance.

HOMEMADE PIZZA EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.

First things first. Let’s talk equipment. A baking stone or steel is a must for great pizza at home. I used to own this one and though its bulky and sometimes annoying, I store it in my oven 99% of the time so that it doesn’t take up valuable storage space (just be sure to remove it from your oven when you are baking or cooking other recipes!). I recently replaced it with this baking steel and love it even more.

Pizza stones can be expensive, but I genuinely believe they are 100% worth the investment if you are interested in making pizza or bread at home. Baking stones absorb the heat from your oven and allow you to mimic brick-ovens, which generally reach temperatures in excess of 800 degrees Fahrenheit. They help you achieve crispy crusts by pulling moisture from whatever dough you are baking, including pizza crusts.

I also recommend a pizza peel, because it will make pizza-making so much easier. Wooden or metal, it will allow you to slide the pizza quickly onto the baking stone and make it much easier to remove the pizza from the oven once it is done.

If you don’t own a pizza peel (or don’t want to own a pizza peel), you can use the back of a large baking sheet or flat cookie sheet to transfer the pizza onto the stone – but it is cumbersome!

TIPS FOR MARGHERITA PIZZA SUCCESS.

For the best margherita pizza, you will want to preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible. For my oven, that is 550 degrees Fahrenheit. I allow my baking stone to preheat for at least 30 minutes (regardless of whether my oven is ready as it takes time for your baking stone to come to temperature). The higher the temperature the better. This recipe makes two 10-inch pizzas, and they should be able to properly cook in 7 to 8 minutes at that temperature.

[I have heard of some substitutes for pizza stones (such as using a cast-iron pan, which does work or preheating a baking sheet), but I generally find that they involve a very, very hot piece of equipment (that you’re then transferring the pizza onto) and it involves a lot more hassle.

It is essential that your pizza dough is very thin when it goes into the oven. The edges can be slightly thicker, but you should be able to see some light through the dough (in the center), otherwise you won’t be able to achieve a thin, yet crisp pizza crust.

MARGHERITA PIZZA TOPPINGS.
Ok, that was a lot of discussion about pizza equipment. Let’s get to the toppings! I’ve experimented a lot with homemade pizzas over the years and have generally been disappointed in my early attempts at margherita pizzas for various reasons.

WHAT TOMATO SAUCE IS BEST FOR PIZZA?
I have learned along the way that raw tomato sauces are the way to go. They are also extremely easy, flavorful, and authentic. Pureed San Marzano canned tomatoes (if you can’t find San Marzano, Italian plum tomatoes are the next best option), garlic (pressed or grated with a microplane), a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper. That’s it!

Whatever you do, avoid putting a thick layer of sauce on the pizza as it will result in a less crisp crust. It should be very thin.

WHAT IS THE BEST MOZZARELLA FOR PIZZA?

Mozzarella! Buy fresh mozzarella, preferably not packed in water. Avoid the cheap variety that you find in the refrigerated section of your grocery store alongside the milk and yogurt (please don’t buy grated cheese).

Go to the special cheese section and buy the good-quality cheese. It makes a huge difference. I recommend BelGioisio mozzarella, which is widely available.

Instead of thinly slicing the cheese and placing it in large slices over your pizza, I strongly recommend cutting it into 1/2-inch cubes and sprinkling it evenly over the pizza. Alternatively, you can tear it by hand into small pieces, no thicker than 1/2-inch. This extra step helps distribute the cheese and moisture evenly.

If you can only find water-packed mozzarella: Be sure to pat the cubed mozzarella dry with paper-towels before it goes onto your pizza. Otherwise, it can leach water during the cooking process, and result in a soggier crust.

OTHER MARGHERITA PIZZA TOPPINGS.
Finishing touches! Fresh torn basil, a sprinkling of freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, and a little drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil.  Whatever you do, don’t over-do it with the toppings.

Minimalism is essential when it comes to a great pizza at home. Go forth and make pizza!!! If you want to make other variations, you’ll love this red pepper pizza. If you prefer pizzas without tomato sauce, try this arugula pizza or this mushroom pizza.

NOTE: If you want to save time (and be able to make this pizza on a weeknight, which is totally do-able!), this pizza dough can be prepared and frozen ahead of time. See the recipe notes for more details!

INGREDIENTS.

HOMEMADE PIZZA DOUGH.
 2 and 1/2 cups (300 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour.
 1 teaspoon granulated sugar.
 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast (or SAF instant yeast).
 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
 7 ounces warm water (105 degrees F – 115 degrees F).
 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
 2 tablespoons semolina or all-purpose flour, for the pizza peel (divided).

PIZZA SAUCE.
 1 cup pureed or crushed San Marzano (or Italian plum) canned tomatoes.
 2-3 fresh garlic cloves, minced with a garlic press.
 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling.
 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
 2-3 large pinches of kosher salt.

TOPPINGS:
 2 – 3 tablespoons finely grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, plus more for serving.
 7 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (*preferably fresh mozzarella not packed in water).
 5 – 6 large fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnishing.
 crushed dried red pepper flakes (optional).

INSTRUCTIONS.

Prepare Pizza Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil, and stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until the dough just begins to come together. It will seem shaggy and dry, but don’t worry.
Scrape the dough onto a well-floured counter top and knead the dough for three minutes. It should quickly come together and begin to get sticky. Dust the dough with flour as needed (sometimes I will have to do this 2 to 3 times, depending on humidity levels) – it should be slightly tacky, but should not be sticking to your counter top.  After three minutes, the dough should be smooth, slightly elastic, and tacky. Lightly grease a large mixing bowl with olive oil, and place the dough into the bowl.
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel (or plastic wrap) and allow the dough to rise in a warm, dry area of your kitchen for 2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size. If your kitchen is very cold, one great tip that I do all the time is to heat a large heatproof measuring cup of water in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. This creates a nice warm environment and I’ll immediately remove the cup and place the bowl with the dough in the microwave until it has risen. [If you are preparing in advance, see the note section for freezing instructions.]
Preheat Oven and Pizza Stone: Place the pizza stone on the center (or top third) rack of your oven, and preheat the oven and pizza stone to 550 degrees Fahrenheit (for at least 30-45 minutes). If your oven does not go up to 550 degrees, heat it to the absolute maximum temperature that it can go. If it can heat to higher than 550 degrees Fahrenheit, even better!
As the oven is preheating, assemble the ingredients. In a small bowl, stir together the pureed tomatoes, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, pepper, and salt. Set aside another small bowl with the cubed mozzarella cheese (pat the cheese with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture). Set aside the basil leaves and grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese for easy grabbing.
Separate the dough into two equal-sized portions. It will deflate slightly, but that is OK. Place the dough on a large plate or floured counter top, cover gently with plastic wrap, and allow the dough to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Assemble the Pizza: Sprinkle the pizza peel (alternatively, you can use the back of a baking sheet – but it will be harder!) with a tablespoon of semolina. Gently stretch one ball of pizza dough into roughly a 10-inch circle (don’t worry if its not perfectly uniform). If the dough springs back or is too elastic, allow it to rest for an additional five minutes. The edges of the dough can be slightly thicker, but make sure the center of the dough is thin (you should be able to see some light through it if you held it up). Gently transfer the dough onto the semolina-dusted pizza peel or baking sheet.
Drizzle or brush the dough lightly with olive oil (teaspoon or so). Using a large spoon, add roughly 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce onto the pizza dough, leaving a 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch border on all sides. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly and thinly. Sprinkle a tablespoon of parmigiano-reggiano cheese onto the pizza sauce. Add half of the cubed mozzarella, distributing it evenly over the entire pizza. Using your hands, tear a few large basil leaves, and sprinkle the basil over the pizza. At this point, I’ll occasionally stretch the sides of the dough out a bit to make it even thinner. Gently slide the pizza from the peel onto the heated baking stone. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and caramelized and the edges of the pizza are golden brown. Remove the pizza carefully from the oven with the pizza peel, transfer to a wooden cutting board or foil, drizzle the top with olive oil, some grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, and chiffonade of fresh basil. Slice and serve immediately and/or prepare the second pizza.
If you’re serving two pizzas at once, I recommend placing the cooked pizza on a separate baking sheet while you prepare the other pizza. In the last few minutes of cooking, place the prepared pizza into the oven (on a rack below the pizza stone) so that it is extra hot for serving. Otherwise, I recommend serving one pizza fresh out of the oven, keeping the oven hot, and preparing the second pizza after people have gone through the first one! The pizza will taste great either way, but it is at its prime within minutes out of the oven!.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS.

Semolina flour has a higher burn point than regular flour, and ensures that the dough will not stick to the peel when transferring the pizza to the oven.
There is no need to dissolve the yeast in warm water before using (as commonly believed). Active dry yeast has been reformulated in recent years to contain significantly smaller granules and will not have trouble dissolving into the dough. However, it is important to ensure that your active dry yeast is indeed alive and well. Double check your expiration date and when in a doubt, proof it.
If preparing the dough in advance: once the dough has rested for two hours, separate into two portions, wrap each piece of dough well in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The dough can be chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or frozen for 3 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator, and allow it to stand at room temperature (in a greased bowl, covered with a kitchen towel) for at least 30 minutes before using.

Juli 23, 2020

how to substitute baking powder using yogurt or buttermilk

How to Substitute Baking Powder Using Yogurt or Buttermilk.

Baking powder is a leavening agent used to help batters rise when they’re cooked. Luckily, if you’re out of baking powder and in a pinch, you can make your own with ingredients that are probably already in your pantry! Your homemade mixtures will work in your batter more quickly, so make sure you bake it right away!

Ingredients.

¼ tsp (1.5 g) of baking soda.

½ cup (122.5 g) of plain Greek yogurt or 1⁄2  c (120 mL) of buttermilk.

Substitutes 1 tsp (14 g) of baking powder.

Steps.

1. Add 1 tsp (4.6 g) of baking soda to your dry ingredients. Keep the dry and wet ingredients in separate mixing bowls. Use a whisk to mix the baking soda entirely into the other dry ingredients.

2. Use either ½ cup (122.5 g) of Greek yogurt or 1⁄2  c (120 mL) of buttermilk. Both types of dairy are fermented and can trigger the reaction needed to make baking powder. Make sure to use plain, unflavored dairy so it doesn’t affect the flavor of your baked goods and mix it with the rest of your wet ingredients.

Check the dairy section of your local grocer for Greek yogurt or buttermilk.

3. Reduce the other liquids used in your recipe to account for the dairy. Buttermilk and yogurt will make your batter runnier if you don’t change the amounts of the other ingredients. Adjust the amounts of your other wet ingredients until you remove 1⁄2  c (120 mL).

If there are other dairy products in your recipe, reduce their amounts first. Then adjust the levels of any extracts or flavorings you would normally add to the recipe.

This may affect the flavor and bake of your recipe.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients according to the recipe. Mix all the ingredients together in 1 of the mixing bowls. This starts the reaction between the dairy and baking soda to make baking powder.

Use the batter right away to get the baking powder’s full effect.

Tips.

Mix the baking powder substitutes together right before you plan on cooking with them.

Warnings.

The baking powder substitutes you mix are single-acting, meaning they release gas as soon as they’re mixed. Put your mix in the oven soon after you make the substitute.

Things You’ll Need.

2 mixing bowls.

Whisk.

Measuring cups and spoons.

Desember 01, 2019

how to use cake flour to making cakes

How to Use Cake Flour to Making Cakes.

Cake flour is a finely milled flour made of wheat. Its high starch content makes it ideal for deserts and baked goods. As its name suggests, cake flour is the preferred flour for cakes. Muffins, likewise, are dry and hard if baked with all-purpose flour, but cake flour gives them a light and fluffy texture. You can also use cake flour to make your cookies even better.

Steps.

1. Make a southern caramel cake. A southern caramel cake is a sweet cake made with layers of gooey and sweet. Serve this luscious southern caramel cake with tea and enjoy with your family or friends.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a hand mixer to mix 1 cup of butter, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 2.5 cups of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. This will take about five minutes.

Add six eggs and two egg yolks to the bowl and continue mixing on medium for about two minutes.

Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract and continue mixing.

Slowly sift 3 cups of cake flour into the bowl. Alternate sifting the flour into the bowl with scooping spoonfuls of sour cream – 1 cup altogether – into the mix. For instance, sift a few spoonfuls of flour into the mixing bowl, blend it for a moment on low, then add spoonful or sour cream, and blend again. Repeat until all the flour and sour cream is incorporated.

Spray three 9-inch round cake pans with a nonstick spray. Pour the cake batter into the pans and bake them for about 25 minutes. Remove pans and let them cool.

Next, make the caramel icing. Mix 1.5 sticks of butter, 2 (12 ounce) cans of evaporated milk, and 2 cups of granulated sugar to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Leave in the saucepan, stirring occasionally. You can test if it’s ready by dipping a spoon in it. If it’s ready, it should stick to the spoon.

Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the caramel and mix it with a large spoon.

Finally, assemble your cake. Place one of the cake layers on a large plate, then spoon some of the caramel in an even layer of it. Repeat with the other layers of cake. Use a spatula to spoon some caramel over the sides, too.

2. Try an apple pie cake. An apple pie cake is the perfect marriage of apple pie and spice cake. A warm slice of apple pie cake is great in fall or winter, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix 9 cups of peeled and chopped apples, 4 tablespoons of butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1.25 cups of water, and 1/3 cup of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Once everything is evenly mixed and the apples have a nice cinnamon coat, pour the contents into a 13’’ x 9’’ glass baking dish.

In another large bowl, mix ½ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 8 tablespoons of butter, 2/3 cup of milk, and 4 teaspoons of baking powder. Use a hand mixer to blend everything for two minutes on medium.

Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 2 eggs. Mix for another two minutes.

Pour the batter over the cinnamon-apple mixture. Bake the cake for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.

3. Make a heavenly white cake. The heavenly white cake truly is a slice of heaven on earth. This cake is perfect for that weddings, baby showers, and anniversaries. To get started, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sift ¾ teaspoons of salt, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 2.75 cups of cake flour together.

Mix 4 egg whites in a mixing bowl until they are foamy. Gradually add ½ a cup of sugar. Continue to beat the mixture until soft peaks form in the mixture. This mixture is called “meringue.” Set aside for later use.

Next, beat ¾ cup of butter until it is smooth. You might need to warm it a bit for a few seconds in the microwave. Add 1 cup of sugar gradually, and mix until everything is fluffy.

Slowly add the flour and other sifted ingredients to the egg whites. Alternate adding the sifted ingredients with small spoonfuls of milk – 1 cup altogether. For instance, add a bit of the dry ingredients, mix together, then add a few spoonfuls of milk, and mix again until all ingredients are incorporated.

Mix in 1 teaspoon of almond extract and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then, add the foamy meringue to the bowl and continue mixing.

Scoop the batter out into a 15’’ x 10’’ x 1’’ pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove and allow to cool on the rack.

How to Use Cake Flour to Creating Muffins.

Cake flour is a finely milled flour made of wheat. Its high starch content makes it ideal for deserts and baked goods. As its name suggests, cake flour is the preferred flour for cakes. Muffins, likewise, are dry and hard if baked with all-purpose flour, but cake flour gives them a light and fluffy texture. You can also use cake flour to make your cookies even better.

Steps.

1. Create a blueberry muffin. Blueberry muffins are one of the best kinds of muffins. Using cake flour to make the blueberry muffins gives them a bit more rise and a lighter flavor. This recipe makes 12 muffins.

Preheat your oven to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Sift 1 teaspoon baking powder, a pinch of salt, and 12.5 ounces of cake flour.

In another mixing bowl, mix 1 cup of sugar, ½ a cup of vegetable oil, one egg, and 1 cup of yogurt.

Remove 1 tablespoon of the dry ingredients to a small cup or bowl and mix the remainder in with the wet ingredients. Stir the mixture vigorously for about 10 seconds.

Mix 1.5 cups of blueberries with the tablespoon of dry ingredients you set aside previously. Stir 1 cup of blueberries into the mix for three seconds.

Use an ice cream scooper, scoop the dough into a greased muffin pan. Top each muffin with a few of the remaining blueberries. Three berries per muffin should be adequate.

Place the muffin pan in the oven and raise the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow to cool. Consume with friends.

Your muffins will stay good for two to three days in an airtight container.

2. Make a crumb cake muffin. Crumb cake muffins are a sweet treat you can share with friends. They taste great with a cup of coffee. And when you use cake flour, the flavor is even better.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Line the muffin pan with baking cups.

Whisk together 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ teaspoon of cinnamon.

Pour 8 tablespoons of melted butter over the cinnamon mixture and mix together. Add 1.75 cups of cake flour and mix until the ingredients turn into a thick dough. Set aside.

In a stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, combine 1.25 cups of cake flour, ½ a cup of granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix on low speed.

Slowly add 6 tablespoons of butter in one-tablespoon increments.

Continue mixing for one or two minutes until the mixture looks like wet crumbs.

Add 1/3 cup of buttermilk or plain yogurt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, one egg yolk, and one egg. Continue mixing everything until the batter is fluffy and light.

Remove the bowl from the mixer and use ¼ cup measure to scoop the dough into the muffin tin. Sprinkle the dry cinnamon mixture you prepared previously on top of each muffin.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the crumb topping is golden brown. Remove and let cool five minutes before serving.

3. Bake a carrot muffin. If you love carrot cake, you’ll love carrot muffins. To get started, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a muffin pan for later use. The following recipe makes 12 muffins.

Mix 2 tablespoons of rum with ¾ cup of raisins. You could use water instead of rum, but the muffin will be less flavorful. Stir them together so the raisins all get coated and microwave for 30 seconds.

Wait 30 minutes so the raisins rehydrate somewhat, then sprinkle them with sugar (superfine sugar, preferably).

In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 cup of applesauce, and 1 cup of brown sugar.

Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 can (8 ounces) of crushed pineapple, and 1.75 cups of grated carrots.

In another bowl, sift ¾ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ cup of oat bran, ¼ cup of buttermilk flour, and 2 cups minus 1 tablespoon of cake flour.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet. Add the raisins and ¾ cup of pecans or walnuts.

Scoop the dough into the muffin tins to a point just below their top edge.

Bake for about 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean.

If you want, you could drizzle some icing and nuts over the muffins. Serve with whipped cream cheese.

How to Use Cake Flour to Baking Cookies.

Cake flour is a finely milled flour made of wheat. Its high starch content makes it ideal for deserts and baked goods. As its name suggests, cake flour is the preferred flour for cakes. Muffins, likewise, are dry and hard if baked with all-purpose flour, but cake flour gives them a light and fluffy texture. You can also use cake flour to make your cookies even better.

Steps.

1. Make chocolate chip cookies. Chocolate chip cookies are a classic. Rich and sweet, they taste great with a glass of cold milk. You can use different kinds of chocolate to mix up the flavor. Dark chocolate, for instance, has a somewhat bitter edge to it.

Sift 1.25 teaspoons of baking soda, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 cups minus 2 tablespoons of cake flour, and 1.66 cups of bread flour into a mixing bowl.

Cream 1.25 cups of brown sugar, 2.5 sticks of butter, and 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar together in a mixer with a paddle attachment. Add a large egg, then another after the first is well-mixed. Pour 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the bowl.

Reduce mixer speed to low and pour in the dry ingredients you sifted previously. Mix them for about five to 10 seconds.

Remove the mixer bowl from the mixer. Slowly add 1.25 pounds of bittersweet chocolate disks. Mix the disks carefully into the dough and try not to break them.

Scoop the dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Wrap the dough in the plastic wrap carefully and refrigerate for a day or two. You can use the dough for up to 72 hours.

When you’re ready, heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place parchment paper along a baking sheet and scoop small spoonfuls of dough onto the parchment paper. The spoonfuls should weigh 3.5 ounces each.

If you see any chocolate pieces poking out of the cookies, push them down into the cookie or turn them to a more horizontal orientation.

Bake the cookies for about 19 minutes. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes. Consume with your friends.

2. Bake some sugar cookies. As their name implies, sugar cookies are a sweet treat. You can use cake flour to make lots and lots of sugar cookies. If you want, you could also add a coat of frosting to your sugar cookies after they’re ready.

Mix 3 cups of cake flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ a teaspoon of salt. Set aside for the moment. Place the bowl somewhere safe so it won’t spill.

Place 1 cup of sugar and 2 sticks of room-temperature butter in your electric mixer. Stir until the two ingredients have creamed to take on a light and fluffy appearance.

Remove the mixing bowl. Add an egg, then another after the first has been thoroughly mixed into the cream. You can use a wooden spoon or wire whisk to mix the eggs in.

Finally, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 2 tablespoons of sour cream.

Gradually spoon the dry ingredients into the mix. Combine with a wire whisk or similar device.

Place the dough in the fridge for about one hour.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll 3 tablespoons of dough into a ball, then flatten it with your hands to a thickness of about ½ an inch. Place the flattened disk on the parchment paper.

Continue adding the flattened cookie dough disks to the parchment paper. Space them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the cookies in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

If you wanted to eat frosted cookies, you can whip up an easy frosting by combining 1 stick of butter and 3 cups of powdered sugar in an electric mixer. Add the sugar slowly as you use the mixer. When all the sugar is added, pour 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 3 tablespoons of milk. If you wanted colored frosting, you could add a few drops of your favorite color to the mixing bowl while the ingredients are being mixed.

3. Try some blueberry lemon cookies. Blueberry lemon cookies really let the cake flour shine through. You’ll love the fluffy, light texture of these slightly citrusy and sweet little cookies. Bake enough so your friends can try some too!

Place 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Use a wire whisk and beat until the mixture is fluffy.

Add an egg. When it’s mixed into the mixture completely, add a second egg and mix it in thoroughly, too. Add zest of one lemon, juice of one lemon, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla.

In a separate bowl, mix ½ a teaspoon of salt, ½ a teaspoon of baking powder, ½ a teaspoon of baking soda, and 3.25 cups of cake flour. Attach the mixing bowl to the stand mixer. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the fluffy mixture as the mixer combines the ingredients on low speed.

Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in 1.5 cups of blueberries.

Allow the dough to chill for between 1 and 12 hours.

When you’re ready to bake, heat the oven 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spoon a spoonful of dough onto the parchment. Continue until you’ve filled the parchment paper.

Don’t place your cookies too close or they might get stuck together when they expand during baking.

Bake for 11-14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the bottoms are slightly brown.

Desember 20, 2019

How to Make Healthier Breakfasts Using Quinoa

How to Make Healthier Breakfasts Using Quinoa.

Quinoa quickly become a very popular and nutritious whole grain. It's available in nearly every grocery store and many people now have access to this great, gluten-free whole grain. Although quinoa is considered a "whole grain," it's actually a seed. It's classified as a grain because it cooks and is eaten like a grain (like rice or couscous). Quinoa in particular, is very high in protein, fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals. In fact, it has about 5 g of fiber and 8 g of protein per cup. However, quinoa shouldn't only be eaten as a side dish at dinner. You can also use quinoa in your breakfast making it a very nutritious meal.

Method 1 Making Hot Quinoa Porridge for Breakfast.
1. Get out the right cooking equipment. Like oatmeal, quinoa can be made into a delicious and warm breakfast meal. You'll need to get out the right equipment to make warm quinoa porridge for breakfast.
Start by setting out a heavy-bottomed pot. While it is possible to microwave quinoa, cooking it on the stovetop like traditional oatmeal is done more commonly, particularly when you want to cook it to the consistency of porridge.
You will not need a pot with a lid to make quinoa porridge. You need to continually stir without the lid to get the proper consistency of this dish.
You'll also need to keep an eye on your quinoa and stir consistently as it cooks. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
2. Choose your mixing liquid. You'll need to choose what type of liquid you want to use to make your hot quinoa porridge. Depending on your diet, there are a variety of options to choose from.
Try regular milk. Whether you do skim or whole milk, adding milk to your warm quinoa can help make your porridge creamy and rich. Plus, it'll add a hit of calcium and protein.
If you don't want to use cow's milk, you can also do dairy substitutes. Try almond, soy or even rice milk if you'd like. They all work well in this recipe.
If you don't want to use any milk at all, you can also make your porridge with water. It won't add any creaminess to your porridge, but still gets it to the right consistency.
3. Whisk in spices and flavorings. Like oatmeal and other hot breakfast cereals, you can add a variety of different spices or flavorings to your quinoa porridge. Follow a recipe or consider adding your favorite flavors.
If you like you can add some extracts to your hot quinoa to add flavor. Try adding vanilla, almond or even coconut extract to your quinoa.
If you like a natural source of vanilla, consider cooking your quinoa with a split vanilla bean for flavor.
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger or clove are also quite tasty in a warm quinoa porridge.
4. Add your sweetener. Quinoa is not naturally sweet. In fact, it can sometimes have a more savory or even slightly bitter flavor. If you're looking for a sweet porridge, you'll need to add a source of sweetness to your porridge.
If you want to add a natural sweetener that isn't as processed as white sugar, consider drizzling in some honey, agave syrup, molasses or maple syrup.
If you're watching your total calorie or sugar intake, you may opt for a no-calorie sweetener like sucralose or truvia.
You can also consider leaving out sweeteners altogether. If you make your porridge with milk and add spices or fruit, there might be enough natural sweetness for your tastes.
5. Consider balancing your quinoa breakfast with other toppings. Once your quinoa porridge is made, there are a lot of different toppings you can add on. Whether you like Chia seeds, nuts, dried fruit or fresh fruit, you can add an additional hit of nutrition with some toppings.
Try fresh fruit on your quinoa. You can add any type of fruit you'd like. Apples would go well with cinnamon and nutmeg or sliced peaches may go well with vanilla extract.
You can also add dried fruit to your porridge as well. It's little chewier and sometimes tart which can be a nice addition to your breakfast meal.
You can also add some healthy fats and protein by adding nuts to quinoa. Whether it's almonds, cashews or pistachios, these are other great toppings.

Method 2 Using Quinoa in Other Breakfast Recipes.
1. Make a quinoa granola. If you like a little crunch on your morning yogurt, consider making a quinoa granola. Using a high-protein grain like quinoa can boost the nutrition of a traditional granola recipe.
Start this recipe by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, 2 cups of nuts, 1 tablespoon of honey and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
In the microwave, melt 3 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil together with 1/4 cup of maple syrup. Stir frequently until the liquids are completely combined. Pour immediately over the dry ingredients.
Pour the granola onto a rimmed baking sheet and press into an even layer. Bake for about 30 minutes. Half way through the baking process, stir the granola to ensure even browning. Allow to cool thoroughly and serve at room temperature.
2. Add cooked quinoa to a breakfast burrito. For a Mexican spin on your breakfast, make breakfast burritos. Adding quinoa will provide an additional source of protein and fiber to your burrito.
Start by scrambling 1 egg over medium heat in a nonstick skillet. Once cooked, place in a small bowl.
Add in 1/3 cup of cooked quinoa and 1/4 cup of thawed chopped frozen or baby spinach to your scrambled egg along with a generous sprinkling of shredded low-fat sharp cheddar cheese.
Place your burrito filling into the center of a 8" whole wheat tortilla. Roll up tightly and serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and stick in the freezer for another day.
3. Make a quinoa breakfast hash. If you're in the mood for a savory and filling breakfast, try making quinoa hash. Substitute quinoa for shredded potatoes in this tasty recipe.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add four strips of bacon (or skip this step if you don't eat meat or like bacon). Cook until the bacon is crunchy and the fat has rendered out. Remove bacon from pan and roughly chop.
To the still hot pan, add in 1 cup of cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup of diced peppers, 1/2 cup of diced onions and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about five to six minutes or until vegetables are soft and quinoa is heated through.
Turn up the heat slightly. Press the quinoa mixture down into the bottom of the pan. Allow to crisp up and brown for about one to two minutes. Serve immediately with eggs if you'd like.
An alternate recipe is to make a mixture of cooked quinoa, peeled and grated raw potato then add to eggs and spices to taste. Cook on a large skillet for about seven minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Bake quinoa muffins. If you're in a rush in the mornings, you can try making quinoa muffins ahead of time for a quick, protein and fiber filled breakfast. Freeze leftovers so you'll have a stock of these tasty muffins.
Start by preheating an oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup of applesauce, 1 mashed banana, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1/4 cup of honey. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Peel and roughly chop 1 apple or pear and stir into the quinoa mixture as well.
Fill each muffin tin to the top with the quinoa mixture. Bake for about 20 – 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for five minutes before enjoying.

Method 3 Purchasing and Using Quinoa.
1. Choose the type of quinoa. Quinoa is now available in most local supermarkets. You don't have to go to a specialty store or health foods store to find this nutritious grain.
When you're looking for quinoa, it will be found in the grain aisle along with rice, couscous and pasta.
There may be more than one type of quinoa available. You may see white, black, red or even tri-colored quinoa.
Of all the quinoa colors, white or tan quinoa has the lightest texture and it cooks up slightly fluffier than other types and has the most delicate taste. Black quinoa has a slight earthy flavor while the red quinoa has a richer taste and a bit chewier texture and nutty. These two take slightly longer to cook than the white quinoa.
If you're using quinoa in a breakfast recipe, especially if kids are eating it, you may want to stick with white as it's most similar in color to oats.
2. Purchase dry or pre-cooked quinoa. Most of the time, you'll be able to find uncooked quinoa in the grain aisle of the grocery store; however, some stores may have pre-cooked quinoa for you.
Quinoa only takes about 15 minutes to cook from scratch. If you can only find uncooked quinoa, that will work perfectly in many breakfast recipes. Plus its not hard to cook from scratch.
If you are lacking in time or are unsure of how to cook quinoa, some stores sell precooked quinoa. You might find this in the grain aisle, refrigerated section, on the salad bar or even in the frozen section.
Pre-cooked quinoa may be a little bit more convenient and make for a faster breakfast recipe.
3. Rinse quinoa before using. If you haven't cooked quinoa before, there is a little secret trick to make it correctly. You'll need to rinse it first before cooking it.
Quinoa has a coating on the outside of the seed that acts as a natural pest repellent. It's called saponin. This is a natural compound that tastes bitter and soapy if not removed from the quinoa.
Place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer or a sieve. Run it under cold water, stirring or shaking it to help get all the seeds washed thoroughly.
Transfer your washed quinoa directly to your pot or pan and begin to cook it.
Note that some boxed quinoa or quinoa mixes are already washed or rinsed. You do not need to repeat this step. Make sure to read the instructions on boxes or packages first.
4. Store cooked quinoa correctly. Many of the breakfast recipes that do use quinoa, call for cooked quinoa. Making it in advance can help cut down on an extra step and cooking time in the mornings.
Consider taking time on the weekend or a free weeknight to go ahead and cook up a batch of quinoa.
Make sure to review what recipes you'll be making for breakfast and note how much cooked quinoa you'll need for the week.
Dry quinoa usually doubles in volume after cooking. 1/2 cup of uncooked or dry quinoa results in about 1 cup of cooked quinoa.
Store quinoa in a airtight container in the refrigerator for about five to seven days. You can also store it in a freezer container for up to three months.
5. Finished.

Tips.

Quinoa is a great whole grain that can be used in a variety of breakfast recipes. Keep trying new recipes until you find something you like.
Quinoa can be used in most recipes that contain a grain — like oats. Just substitute in quinoa instead.
Quinoa can have a unique flavor that may take some getting used to. Trying different flavorings and seasonings until you find a combination you enjoy.

April 08, 2020