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Post by Jonjel on Mar 7, 2012 11:08:14 GMT
Calling all cooks!
I make a pretty mean filled sponge cake. Well, judging from the seconds people have it can't be that bad.
So, I was thinking of doing an apple sponge this weekend for guests, and as you do had a browse on line for a few variations.
However I find a very significant number use what seems to be vast quantities of baking powder, and that to me is a big YUK factor. Reminds me of school dinners and awful cabbage. I don't even have any in the house.
So why? are not the eggs and SR flour adequate rising agents?
It might be a dumb question, but then I am only a mere male.....
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pippop
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Post by pippop on Mar 7, 2012 14:26:00 GMT
Self-raising flour has baking powder in it, innit. If your online recipe says flour as opposed to self-raising flour, and you are using plain flour, then baking powder or bicarb has to be added. Apparently a teaspoon for every cup of flour. But if you overdo it then I agree Jonjel, the resulting taste is simply awful! Simps. What's not so simps is why there are two distinct products on the shelf at your local supermarket, namely, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder (we'll come to cream of tartar another time!) Here is an explanation: chemistry.about.com/cs/foodchemistry/f/blbaking.htm |
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Post by Jonjel on Mar 7, 2012 15:22:36 GMT
Pippop.
Yes, I agree that SR flour has baking powder, or the equivalent mixed in. That is what I normally use for sponge cakes. And mine might not win prizes, but are pretty bloody good. I have made them for my children, and now my grandchildren for many years. No-one has died, and there is never much left, so I must be doing something right.
I have not trawled back over the recipes as most are simple variations on a theme: sugar butter eggs flour and flavourings. I am pretty sure that most required SR flour.
I was just horrified that some recipes seemed to use huge quantities of baking powder.The longer I live the more convinced I become that so many that publish these recipes have never tried to cook them, just cribbed from someone else ad infinitum.
So, I think I will do my own thing, and add the fruit as I think fit. I have just remembered I have several jars of bottled pears in the cupboard which could be rather good..
I might even report back.......
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pippop
pc
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Post by pippop on Mar 7, 2012 16:16:32 GMT
So, I think I will do my own thing, and add the fruit as I think fit. I'm with you on that Jonjel! I never use scales and so estimate (or guess) quantities. Recipes are a guide but no more - and anyway sometimes not all the ingredients listed are available so a bit of adjusting is often required. |
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Post by Jonjel on Mar 12, 2012 11:12:20 GMT
Done dusted and eaten by the greedy buggers!
And I changed my mind. Not apple cake but a tin of fruit salad drained and bunged in.
it was for the office and they gave it 10/10, but since I am the boss methinks they could be just sucking up to me.....
But I have had some, and not at all bad. Good enough to repeat, and not a hint of baking powder.......
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pippa
WH Member
Posts: 230
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Post by pippa on May 12, 2012 23:44:34 GMT
Good enough to repeat....... makey bakey another cakey? |
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pippa
WH Member
Posts: 230
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Post by pippa on May 13, 2012 7:07:40 GMT
according to google it was Edward Lear's birthday yesterday in case you are wondering. what power it has to direct our thinking!
more in the present though i notice it is Jean's birthday today (no, it was yesterday as well) so belated birthday greetings, Jean.
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pippa
WH Member
Posts: 230
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Post by pippa on May 13, 2012 8:00:17 GMT
i was right in the first place - it is Jean's birthday today. yet when i am logged in her name is replaced with "hidden" in the birthday panel. how strange!!
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pippop
pc
I love everyone here.
Posts: 1,110
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Post by pippop on May 13, 2012 8:14:23 GMT
Happy birthday, Jean. Hope you have a really lovely sunny day!
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Post by jean on May 15, 2012 21:58:24 GMT
Thank you for your good wishes, pippa and pippop. I was away so didn't reply earlier. it is Jean's birthday today. yet when i am logged in her name is replaced with "hidden" in the birthday panel. how strange!! Yes, very strange. I have no idea what that is all about. |
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Post by Synonym on Jun 2, 2013 13:51:34 GMT
I see that the Cakeboard had been upgraded to the new software. And it was a hassle to get in. For those who are CBers and wish to get back in, if it keeps telling you that your username/password is incorrect even though they aren't, try clicking the 'I forgot my password' link to reset it. That worked for me. You might have to do it here to when the change hits this board.
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Post by ncsonde on Jul 31, 2014 0:56:14 GMT
It keeps telling me Cockosaurus is incorrect. How does it know? I blame whatsisname, Lord Snowdon. Not that I ever met him. He's just guessing.
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