Basic Tips
This is stuff I've picked up along the way. Maybe it's obvious, but I might as well document it here.
Oven usage
- Avoid convection to prevent browning off.
- When making baked goods like cakes, bread and cookies (basically anything which sets), it is supposedly better not to use the convection/fan setting on the oven. Using it causes premature browning/setting which can stunt the rising of bread and cakes (or cause cracks in a cake as seen in the 2020-06-07 Madeira Cake).
- This is also a really useful tip to know for pizzas, since sometimes they brown off on top too early (before they have cooked) so using the conventional setting allows for a crunchy bottom without burnt toppings.
Making bread
Mixing/kneading
- Add flour to dough until can't mix with wooden spoon.
- Give flour time to absorb moisture in recipe.
- Add lots of flour to the work surface and knead it in.
- Give the dough some time to rest halfway through kneading.
- Dough should be pretty sticky!