When we talk about baking, what we usually envision when it comes to ingredients are eggs, flour, sugar, and oil. These are the usual staples that are used in the creation of baked goodies. What may not be that evident is that there are actually more baking ingredients than just these. Let us start with fruits.
Fruits – fruits are often used in baking and in many different ways. Some of these are used as toppings while others are candied and put inside pies. Some of these are also placed inside such baked goodies as strudel, on top of cakes like upside-down cakes and alongside such desserts as Pavlovas. Here are some of the fruits most often used in baking.
Apples – you will find these being baked in pies, in strudel, in crumbles, and many more. These are even baked alone as a dessert that is candied, and can be served together with other fruits on top of a tart. When baking with apples, you will need to use the kind that holds well after being cooked. You will also need apples that have a rather tart and sweet flavor, to ensure that there is a balance in the sweetness of the dessert. The best apples for baking is usually Granny Smith, Red Delicious and in some cases, Fuji.
Pineapples – if you are familiar with pineapple pies and pineapple upside down cakes, then you know that this particular spiny fruit is a popular one when it comes to baking. You can also find this being used in tarts, cupcakes, and other tropical inspired desserts. Pineapples have a sweet and tangy flavor that can be sharp at times, with sugar often added to accentuate the sweetness of the fruit and to neutralize the sharpness of its acid.
Blueberries – blueberry muffins are probably the most popular baked goodies where these can be found, but these are not the only pastries that use such a fruit. You will find these being added to fruit tarts, cupcakes, pancakes and even non-baked goodies like ice cream and yogurt. These can be found fresh and frozen, and can also be used in jam form.
Strawberries – another popular berry that is used in baked goodies, these are often used like blueberries, and are found in cakes, cupcakes, tarts, and pies. You can also use these frozen, fresh, and in jam form. Some of the more popular baked products that use this fruit include strawberry shortcakes, strawberry tarts, strawberry pies, and strawberry bread. This is also a popular topping for many baked items like breads, and crackers.
More baking ingredient information in future posts.
