On May 22, 2:58 pm, Chemiker > wrote:
> It is said that a wise man makes no important decision, nor enters
> onto a long journey, before asking the advice of others.
>
> In that spirit, I seek advice.
>
> I have decided to learn how to bake cakes.
>
> Never dunnit. Done pies, w/prefab crusts,
> made cobblers w/prefab pastry material,
> puddings, yes. Closest I've come to making
> a cake was trying out Robin Miller's Blue-
> bery cobbler.... the one that turns itself
> upside down automatically, as it cooks.
>
> SWMBO suggests I start with pound cake.
> I like simple things....
>
> Any thoughts before I begin this trek?
> SHe goes out of town on business tomorrow,
> so I'll have time to experiment. And there will
> be no witnesses to my folly. <G>
>
> The journey begins.
>
> Alex
Start with a recipe from Martha - pound cake is easy. Actually, it
would be hard to fail if you have all the ingredients and follow the
directions.
Classic Pound Cake (Martha Stewart)
Ingredients
Make 1 loaf
3 tablespoons whole milk, room temperature
3 extra-large eggs, room temperature
1 3/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
14 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-by-2
1/2-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix together milk, eggs, and vanilla; set aside.
Place flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in the bowl of an electric
mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until well
blended. Add butter and half of the milk mixture; continue mixing
until moistened. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat for 1
minute.
Scrape down sides of bowl. Add half of the remaining milk mixture.
Beat on medium speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl and add
remaining milk mixture. Beat again on medium speed for 30 seconds.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted
into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour.
While cake is still warm, invert onto a wire rack. Completely wrap in
plastic wrap to keep cake moist.
******
There are other types at
http://tinyurl.com/ofgclx (Stewart's pound
cake website).
Have fun.
N.