How do you make a delicious (I mean gourmet) cake without making any mistakes?

Question

There always seems to be something wrong with my cooking.

Answer 1

1-2-3-4-5 Cake * RATING * 4.1 out of 5 20 reviews
Servings [Reset]
Keys : Cakes
Ingredients :

1cupButter
2cupSugar
3cupFlour
4xEggs
5tspBaking powder
1cupMilk
1tspVanilla extract

Method :

* Mix butter, sugar and eggs in a large bowl. Next add vanilla extract. Stir in milk and then baking powder. Fold flour in gently. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until cake center bounces back from slight pressure.
* NOTES : This also make good cupcakes. I filled regular sized cupcake pan 3/4 full and baked at 350F for about 18-20 minutes. This made about 20 cupcakes.

















$100.00 Chocolate Cake * RATING * 5 out of 5 1 reviews
Layers, 9" [Reset]
Keys : Appetizers Breakfast Casseroles Cajun
Ingredients :

4ozChocolate, bitter
1/2cupShortening
2cupSugar
2xEgg, well beaten
2tspVanilla
2cupCake flour, sifted
2tspBaking powder
1tspSalt
1 1/2cupMilk
1cupNuts, chopped
FROSTING
2ozChocolate, bitter
1/2cupButter
1cupSugar, confectioners
1xEgg, well beaten
1tblVanilla
1tblLemon juice
1cupSugar, confectioners
1cupNuts, chopped

Method :

* Cake: Preheat oven to 375 F. Line three 9" layer cake pans with buttered parchment. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler; cool. Cream the shortening; gradually add the sugar and cream until fluffy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla; beat well. Reserve two tablespoons of flour. Sift the remainder of the flour with the baking powder and salt; add alternately with the milk to the creamed mixture. Beat the batter about one minute.
* Dredge the nuts in the reserved flour, then fold them into the mixture.
* Bake for 45 minutes, then cool the layers in the pans for ten minutes; turn out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Frost.
* Frosting: Melt the chocolate in a double boiler; add the butter and one cup of confectioners' sugar, and beat well. Add the egg, vanilla, lemon juice and enough confectioners' sugar to give a proper spreading consistency. Add the nuts; spread the frosting on the cake.

Answer 2

Foodgeek: bobbi
Rating:
Servings: 1 recipe
Prep. Time:
Total Time:
Ingredients:

3 cups unsifted all-purpose four
1-1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
2-1/4 tsp. baking powder
1-1/2 baking soda
1-1/2 cups Hellman's real mayonnaise
1-1/2 cups water
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla

Directions:
Grease 2 (9 x 1 1/2") layer pans; line bottoms with waxed paper (I never do). Sift together dry ingredients (I stir) in large bowl. Stir in mayonnaise. Gradually stir in water and vanilla until smooth and blended. Pour into prepared pans. Bake in 350°F oven about 30 minutes or until cake springs back when touched. Cool completely. Remove from pans. Use your favorite
chocolate icing.
Comments from bobbi :

Answer 3

Baking is about chemistry. It isn't art, it's science, so don't be intimidated by it, just follow the rules.
I would start by looking for a recipe that comes from a good source, gormet chef or resturaunt. (Julia Child has some good web-sites) Now measure exactly, follow the directions, and you'll be fine.
(One of my favorite tricks is to buy a mix, and substitute real melted butter for the oil, add some rum or almond extract and bake according to directions)
As for appearances, go for german chocolate, the coconut frosting requires no detail work or embellishment, and you can buy it pre-mixed if you want. Good Luck
DON'T BE INTIMIDATED :-)

Answer 4

Measure exactly. Use high quality ingredients. Follow all directions. Bring eggs and other chilled items to room temp. Make sure your oven reaches the temp and is calibrated properly. Line pans with greased parchment. Practice, and eat all mistakes. The right equipment is important too- pans, etc.

Answer 5

You go to a Mom & Pop Bakery and buy one.