bread

When bread baking leave the dough rest for 10 minutes beforehand kneading

When using oats soak for 10 minutes in boiling water

Place a tray of boiling water in the bottom of the oven for a rich crust

Adding orange to loaves helps them rise better

Adding a tablespoon of vinegar to dough helps the crumb stay soft

Replace half the water with yoghurt gives more flavour

Rub oil on your hands before kneading stops it sticking

Any plain flour will do for bread no need for expensive ones

Bake seeds lightly first for a golden nutty taste

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baking tricks

Cream should have 30% + fat content for whipping

Cream should be fridge cold before whipping

Place your pipping bag in a jug to fill it Hold a pipping bag in your writing hand

Use a clothes peg to clse your piping bag before refilling

chop butter into even size pieces for easier melting

Always use top quality chocolate for baking

Add 1/2 teaspoon of seasalt to chocolate cake mix for enhanced flavour

Never rush melting chocolate, melt it gently you have to seduce it

all about meringues

1 always use a spotless clean bowl

2 use half a lemon to rub around the bowl then dry off

3 always ensure the bowl and whisk are completely dry

4 add cider vinegar for chewiness

5 add cornstarch for a crispy outer layer

6 add sugar slowly whisking all the time

7 all ingredients should be room temperature especially the eggs

8 line our trays with parchment paper not wax paper

9 use a little meringue to glue the parchment paper down