THE BAKING HACKS THAT HELPED ME TO BECOME A BETTER BAKER!

Many, many years ago, when I was raising my three adorable children, me and my husband decided that even though I had a degree and a good job, I would become a stay-at-home mom in order to raise our babies the old fashion way.

During those years, we lived out of only one income. I wanted to do something to generate some money while I was at home with my kids, in order to help our household. Therefore, I went to baking school at night to learn how to make wedding cakes.

It was such a big help because when the kids where in elementary school I was generating money making all kids of cakes from home; birthday cakes, anniversary cakes and best of all, wedding cakes. 

I learned a lot during those years, especially, to be precise when I bake and also, that baking is like a science. So, here are my 2 cents of experience in order to make you, (like they made me), a better baker.
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Hack #1: Before you start baking, read the entire recipe so you know all the ingredients and equipment needed for a smooth baking experience. Then gather all the ingredients and place on the right side of the bowl/mixer. As you use them, move them to the opposite side. This will help you to see that you used all the ingredients needed.
Hack #2: Never crack the eggs directly into the batter bowl. You risk a couple of things; like an unexpected rotten egg and/or, some eggshell shards may drop into the batter.
Hack #3: If a recipe call for oil and you do not have it at home at the time, you can substitute oil with apple sauce and no one will notice the difference.
Hack #4: Bring all the ingredients to room temperature (unless otherwise indicated in the recipe.)
Hack #5: If you are ready to bake then measure the butter needed for the recipe and if it’s cold, slice it in small chunks or grate it, it will come down to room temperature faster. (do not microwave it, it is room temperature not warm or liquid)
Hack #6: It is always important to sift all your dry ingredients.
Hack #7: Position your oven racks in place depending on your baking pan size or the number of pans that you are using before preheating the oven.
Hack #8: Preheat your oven to the temperature your recipe call, at least 10 minutes before. After that you can bring the cake inside.
Hack #9: Always set your oven timer. If your oven doesn’t have a working one, then use a small timer or use the microwave timer.
Hack #10: Never take your cake off the baking pan when it is still hot, unless the recipe calls for it. You cake may end up in multiple pieces.