Baking Article

Imagine wandering into the kitchen on a chilly weekend morning, craving your favorite cream scones. You’re ready to bake and excited for something warm and sweet. You pull out your go-to recipe, gather your flour and sugar, then open the fridge only to gasp audibly. There’s no heavy cream! Breathe. Your scone dreams aren’t crushed; you don’t need to abandon your beloved recipe. There’s a simple substitution that will allow you to make delightful, ultra-tender scones without cream.Swap butter and milk for heavy cream in any basic scone recipe, so you can always bake these classic treats — no matter what kind of dairy is in your fridge. Cream vs. butter and milkIf you’re a person who faithfully plans baking ahead and always has the necessary ingredients on hand, this substitution is still worth learning. Why? Because there are some key differences between cream scones and butter scones. The ability to convert from one to the other allows you to make a batch with the perfect texture and appearance. We’ll help you decide which kind of scone is just right for your occasion. Cream scones 101Using heavy cream as a base, cream scones can feel like a morning indulgence.Texture: Ultra-tender and cake-like, they’re softer than butter-based scones.Best for: Enjoying as is or with a cup of coffee or tea; can also be dressed up as shortcake and served alongside fruit. Cream scones’ delicate texture is also just right for highlighting flavors like cardamom, cinnamon, espresso powder, and more.Reason to love them: They’re quick and easy to make and don’t require working the fat into the dry ingredients.Butter scones 101Classic and timeless, butter-based scones can be hearty and delightful.Texture: Layered, usually with craggy, crisp edges and sometimes slightly dry (while still pleasant). Overall, butter scones are sturdier than cream scones.Best for: Splitting and topping with jam, butter, or cream. They can hold up to heavy or large mix-ins like chocolate chunks, roughly chopped nuts, or large dried fruit.Reason to love them: They only require ingredients you’re likely to have on hand so you can make them at a moment’s notice.Bottom lineCream scones or butter scones? With our easy substitution, you’ll be able to convert back and forth based on what you’re looking for (or what’s in your fridge at the moment). The substitution ratioAre you ready for the ultimate conversion? Replace 1 cup (227g) of heavy cream or whipping cream with 1/2 cup (113g) of butter and 1/2 cup (113g) of milk. If your recipe doesn’t call for a full cup of heavy cream, scale down the amount of butter and milk that’s used accordingly. This ratio also works if you’d like to go in the other direction: You can replace the butter and milk in your recipe with heavy cream, basically using the same approach. There are just a few key points about converting in each direction that you’ll want to note before diving in. From cream to butter and milkIf you’re starting with a cream scone recipe and want to use butter and milk instead, start by mixing together the dry ingredients. Then cut cold butter into 1/2″ chunks and add it to the dry ingredients. Using your hands or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the largest pieces of butter are slightly smaller than dime-sized. Add the milk to any of the other liquid ingredients called for in the recipe (like eggs or vanilla).Finish the dough by gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together. (A dough scraper is a perfect tool for the job here.) If the dough looks powdery and dry, add additional milk by the tablespoon until it holds together. Working in the cold butter in this fashion will give you a layered, slightly flaky scone. Or melt the butterWhat if you want to recreate something close to those super-tender cream scones you had your heart set on? Simply heat the butter and the milk together until the butter melts, and add them both when your recipe calls for the cream.Testing our Cream Tea SconesWe put the substitution ratio to the test by comparing our classic Cream Tea Scones (left) with a batch converted to butter and milk (right).Side by side, you can see that the cream scones are more cakey and delicate. The butter scones look almost layered and rise just a bit higher, despite the unbaked scones being the same height when they went into the oven.The flavor of the cream scones is just a bit richer than the butter scones. They don’t need any additional butter or garnishes before serving. The butter-based version, on the other hand, welcomes a pat of warm salted butter.

Fresh MilkLiquid milk, full cream and skim are available for use in baking. All milk is Pasteurised (harmful bacteria destroyed by heat) and Homogenised (fat particles are made smaller by forcing the milk through a series of fine sieves) to increase shelf life, allows the milk to be frozen, thawed and used, kept refrigerated at 4°C.Ultra-High-Temperature Milk UHTThe milk is heated to a temperature of 120°C and held for several seconds to destroy harmful bacteria. This milk does not require refrigeration until it is opened. Unopened, it has up to six months of shelf life. This type of milk has a slight caramel taste due to the longer heating process; the colour will also be darker than regular milk. Once opened, the shelf life is 5 days. Milk PowdersThe two types are Full Cream and Skimmed. Skimmed milk is best for baking as it has more lactose content than will assist in the browning of the crust. The reconstitution rate ranges between 10% to 15% of the liquid medium. Add up to 150g of milk powder to one litre of water. Commercial bread makers will use skimmed milk powder when making milk bread as it is more economical than liquid milk. Bakers milk powder is heated to denature the protein so it will not interfere with the gluten development when making bread.StorageMilk Powders are hygroscopic (attract moisture) and are best stored in airtight containers to prevent lumping.Alternative MilkCurrent trends have a range of new products targeted at the healthy alternative market. Oat, Almond, Soybean, Hazelnut, Cashew, Rice, and a range of plant-based milk find application in coffee shops and homes as an alternative to Cow’s milk. The author has limited experience with such products in baking but expects they will perform similarly to Cow’s milk when fat content and other component levels are equivalent.CheesesFor its flavour and colour in the grated or block form, Cheddar cheese adds colour in its grated form and finds applications across all bakery products – mozzarella as a topping on pizza. Cottage and Ricotta cheeses are also famous in bakery products as an accompaniment to fillings. Cottage cheese is used in a Spanakopita, a Greek cheese and spinach pie. In contrast, Ricotta cheese is used in the famous Italian baked cheesecake or as a traditional filling for Italian Cannoli.

HistoryThis is a uniquely Asian style of making bread attributed to the Japanese (Yudane) and Chinese (Tang Zhong), producing a much softer crumb after baking. The key is mixing the flour with boiling water (water roux), resulting in the pre-gelatinisation of the starch, which gives the finished products a unique softness.Several methods are used for starch cooking, all achieving a similar result.1. Add boiling water (1 part) to a set amount of flour (1 part), mix it to a paste and leave it covered in a chiller overnight. The following recipe uses this method.2. Another way is to warm water in a pan, slowly add the flour, and cook it by stirring until the starch gels and you have a smooth slurry. Allow this to cool and then it is used in the final mixing.High Sugar YeastNote that the dough’s sugar levels are 12% of the flour weight, so you must use a high sugar yeast in this recipe.EquipmentWeighing scales, medium size mixing bowl, saucepan, spatula, dough scraper, measuring jug, dusting flour, dry cloth or plastic sheeting, baking tray, suitable loaf pans and cooling wire.NoteThe Sweet Bun recipe is the base for all of the products in this section.Dough ApplicationThe basic dough can produce a range of products of different weights and shapes that will enable you to create a wide variety. Sweet Bun filling recipes are at the bottom of this section.

IntroductionBread comes in various varieties, shapes, and sizes, using multiple dough-making processes. Straight Dough/No Time and Straight Dough Bulk Fermented are the two most common bread-making processes.Due to their complexity, this guide does not cover other styles, such as Sponge and Dough, Pre-fermented Doughs, and Autolyse. Successfully mastering the two types mentioned will enable you to explore more complex methods later.Lean BreadFlour, Salt, Yeast, Water, Sugar, Fat Bread contains little or no sugar or fats. Enriched BreadFlour, Salt, Yeast, Water, Sugar, FatBread with an increased level of sugar and fats. Rich Sweet BreadFlour, Salt, Yeast, Water, Sugar, Fat, EggsBread with higher levels of Sugar, Fats and Eggs to improve softness. Must KnowAll the bread listed can have White or Wholemeal flour as their base or combinations.Dough Making MethodsStraight Dough/ No Time or Instant dough:Straight Dough means all ingredients are mixed simultaneously to the fully developed stage. “No Time/ Instant” means that the dough does not have a long fermentation time after mixing before processing. After a short rest period, the dough is scaled, rounded, rested, shaped, proofed, and baked. The Baked Bread is available approximately two hours after the weighing, processing, preparation and baking.Straight Dough / Bulk Fermented:The mixing process is the same as the No Time dough at the mixer stage. The mixed dough is left to stand for its ‘Bulk Fermentation’ period. During this stage, the flour proteins mellow, relax and become more extensible. The length can vary from 45 minutes to two hours or more, depending on yeast levels and the style of bread. The dough is then knocked back (degassed by punching the dough). It is scaled, rounded, rested, shaped, proofed and baked. The Baked Bread is available approximately three to four hours after mixing the dough. The total time will depend on how long the bulk fermentation stage is.Must Know:Bulk Fermented doughs finish colder and contain less yeast as the longer standing times enable more yeast activity. This activity mellows the flour and lowers the pH resulting in better flavour and a softer internal crumb.Use of Dough conditioner/ Bread improverThe No Time dough has an added ingredient (Dough conditioner/ bread improver) that quickly mellows the flour proteins as part of the mixing cycle and eliminates the longer fermentation time.What does this Dough conditioner/ bread improver ingredient do?Commercial bakers use it in the dough process to strengthen gluten, assist with yeast activity and mellow the gluten quickly. They also contribute to the bread’s shelf life.Constituents of Dough ConditionerThe dough conditioner/bread improver is the composition of ingredients designed to improve the performance of the flour during the many processing stages and to enhance yeast activity through added yeast foods. These principal components are:1. Ascorbic Acid (as a dough strengthener)2. Enzyme Alpha-Amylase (assists fermentation)3. Emulsifiers work on crumb softness (starch for soft bread) and crust hardness (protein for crusty bread).Why is the use of a Dough conditioner important?At the mention of the dough conditioner/ bread improver, many immediately think chemicals can’t be good for us! However, consider them a series of vitamins for the dough designed to enhance its performance and keeping qualities. Humans, after all, take vitamin pills for all sorts of applications and what are they comprised of, if not chemicals?Ingredients in a Bread FormulaA Basic bread formula consists of Flour, Salt, Yeast and Water. Adding ingredients such as Butter, Eggs, Sugar, Dried fruits and nuts produce softer and moister bread.Flour – Bread – WholemealHigh protein flour containing gluten level suitable for bread making. Gluten is the protein in the flour, which gives the dough structure. When you mix flour and water and knead it, you form the gluten (Think chewing gum, which gluten texture is like). The protein level for bread flour is, on average, 12-14%.You can make 100% wholemeal bread or a mixture with white flour. Singapore’s 20% Wholemeal and 80% White ratio is a typical bread style. In other countries, the balance may be different. Wholemeal flour is now more acceptable to the consumer due to its fine particle size that does not have large bran particles.SaltSalt provides flavour, assists in gluten development, and controls fermentation rate (Yeast activity). The trend is towards sea salt instead of common table salt.Yeast1. Fresh compressed or Instant Active dried (used directly into the dough)2. Active Dried yeast (requires rehydration in warm water before its use)3. Instant Frozen dough yeast, available to commercial bakersIt is a living organism that helps the bread rise; it brings flavour and aroma to many types of bread, depending on the length of fermentation.1. Yeast produces Carbon Dioxide CO2 as part of the fermentation stage, and a by-product of this is alcohol which brings flavours.2. Longer fermentation times result in the development of organic acids, which also provide flavour.3. Yeast is temperature sensitive, requiring water temperatures as a controller.4. Yeast is also sugar sensitive, with two types available in specific dough types.Yeast Packaging1. Low Sugar – White packaging2. High Sugar – Gold packaging You will find that as there are many manufacturers, it pays to check the wording on the pack to get the correct one.WaterHydrates the flour to form a dough during mixing. The amount will depend on the dough type and flour protein content. Bread flour will hold more water than Plain flour, for example. The water temperature is vital as this will affect the dough temperature after mixing (Finished Dough Temperature).Regular tap water is acceptable; sometimes, you may need to chill it before using it. While in temperate climates, you will need warmer water during the cooler months.

Gift Your Love Through Aromatic BakesAs we approach Mother’s Day, few things express honour, love, and affection quite like a handcrafted gift from the heart… So why not create something that says her in a single bake?From biological mothers to grandmothers to even mother figures in our own lives, it’s important to take a moment and honour the amazing women who have significantly contributed to our growth and well-being. Whilst Mother’s Day is celebrated differently around the world, here at RedMan, we’d like to honour mothers with a special sweet treat!Whether you’re reading this as a novice baker or someone who simply needs inspiration or even someone who doesn’t really know where the kitchen is, we’re putting a fun twist on this meaningful day. What better way to say, “I love you” when you can bake someone special for her this Mothers’ Day. And just as every mother loves differently, every bake says “I love you” in its own special way. So, which bake do you think would melt your mum’s heart?1. Soft like a Banana Bread BakeVersatile, simple yet delicious, a Banana Bread is the perfect gift to bring joy and comfort to mothers who are defined by their warmth and affection. The one where her love language is most likely the act of giving, and this Banana Bread will perfectly resemble that. This recipe represents good memories, good taste and overall simplicity; so commemorate her efforts and gift the love that she deserves. To make it more special for your mum, customise it to your mother’s liking even more… If she loves chocolates, customise your banana bread with chocolate chips or sprinkle a pinch or two of enriching cocoa powder for that elevated flavour! Sweetness will fill the air as you create this flavourful bake for your mum.If you find this recipe slightly out of your league or way off (let’s be honest), we’ve shared here also, a simpler yet equally special gift idea for you. Why not assemble a whole DIY set filled with ready-to-bake ingredients for your mum? It’s easy: RedMan is currently having a special offer on the Banana Bread Mix – did we mention they’re gluten-free too? Amp up the bread’s flavour profile by adding some 100% Roasted Coffee Beans or a mix of fruits, seeds or nuts. Arrange that with sturdy equipment like a Loaf Pan and you’ve already got yourself a perfect gift set ready to go!Get the recipe: Banana Bread Cake 2. Strong like a Chocolate BrowniesWhether fudgy, chewy or soft on the inside, Chocolate Brownies are always a go-to for that yummy, simply satisfying bake. One that symbolises adventure and strength, jam-packed in a single square of goodness. We believe a strong woman deserves a delicious bake that never disappoints and Chocolate Brownies do exactly that! This treat is for a mother who leads life with strong morals and loves her children with her trust, strong and stable presence. Now, we’re making it easier than ever to make a batch that your mother will absolutely love!An alternative gift for you non-bakers is to save some extra time and grab a special Brownie Mix for her baking adventures. Ready-made cake mixes also allow her to get creative and add her own twist to the batter. And remember, crafting the perfect brownies requires the right tools! So pair the mix with a high-quality Spatula and a Square Pan and voilà, you’ve assembled a gift that’s both thoughtful and practical.Get the recipe: Chocolate Brownie 3. Soothing like a Cream Cheese TartSoft at the center, solid around the edges. This doesn’t only describe a delicious Cream Cheese Tart but also a woman who may seem tough at first glance, yet has a her heart full of love and care for the people around her. She expresses her love subtly, but her constant support is evident through her powerful presence. This recipe is ideal for those seeking a complex, visually impressive and satisfying taste from the very first. It is truly an underrated gift that’s perfect for someone who leaves a lasting impression and adds a sense of grace wherever she goes.No need to stress if you’re finding it tricky to perfect this delicious treat, we offer everyone expert-led classes to help you bake tarts like a pro! Better yet, treat your mum to RedMan’s special French Pastry 101 – Tarts class and turn it into a fun bonding experience for the two of you! Once you’re both done baking, showcase your masterpieces on a beautiful Maple Round Cheese Board and take Mother’s Day to a whole new level. Trust us, this gift will get your mum talking to all her friends about her wonderful family.Get the recipe: Cream Cheese Tart 4. Versatile like a Mochi Rice CakeMochi Rice Cakes perfectly embody someone who’s gentle at heart, yet powerful in their own way. Striking the right balance between sweetness, complexity and charm, this recipe is specially crafted to be visually appealing as it is sweet, just like her. An ideal gift for a mother who approaches everything with a soft touch that ironically carries a lot of strength; especially in the way she loves. Just like Mochi Rice Cakes, she supports you in every way, in every bite, you’ll be reminded of her unwavering care.To complement your dessert with something extra special for mum, why not make her a delicious glass of green tea with Hagoromo Matcha Powder! If you’re planning for a memorable bonding experience instead, RedMan offers open-level baking classes to create more loving memories in the kitchen (check out our upcoming ‘Sakura Litchi Pastry’ class). Your thoughtful gift is ready to impress!Get the recipe: Mother’s Day Mochi Rice Cake 5. Elegant like a TiramisuNothing embodies grace quite like the iconic Italian dessert, Tiramisu. It’s the perfect gift for a woman whose elegance doesn’t diminish the impact she has on those around her. Just like a mother’s love, the Tiramisu’s flavours combine tenderness and sophistication. A dessert that has a harmonious blend of rich flavours and creamy textures, Tiramisu packs a surprising kick that makes it a truly satisfying treat for Mother’s Day.We know that Tiramisus can be challenging for some, and if baking isn’t your thing, you can still gift her with some decadent Tiramisu Mousse Cake Powder; an equally thoughtful gift that’s sure to bring a smile to her face! For a completed gift set, add an Oval Baking Pan and Silicone Spatula from our RedMan online store. You can explore our complete catalog of high-quality baking equipment and ingredients to add some warmth and personal touch to your Mother’s Day gift!Get the recipe: Classic Tiramisu In the end, the role of motherhood encompasses a variety of esteemed qualities that always leave a positive effect for those lucky enough to experience it. We celebrate Mother’s Day this year to commemorate those who have played a significant role in our growth and development and we’re excited to see the special gifts you’ve created for the women who have never left your side!Baked something delicious for this Mother’s Day that is or isn’t part of the 5 recipes we shared? Take pictures/videos of your sweet creations and tag us @phoonhuat or use the hashtag #BakeForMumSG across Facebook, Instagram & Tiktok so we can cheer you on!

If so, you’re likely searching for more ways to enjoy them. While sesame seeds can be enjoyed plain, their flavor is amplified when they are toasted or roasted. To learn how you can cook sesame seeds to perfection and boost the flavor of your favorite dishes, continue reading as we discuss the difference between toasted vs. roasted sesame seeds.What Are Sesame Seeds? Sesame seeds are the seeds that grow in the pods of the sesame plant—Sesamum Indicum. Though this flowering plant is found mainly in the tropical regions of India and Africa, sesame seeds are a nutrient-rich ingredient that is enjoyed worldwide. In addition to being consumed whole, these seeds can also be pressed for sesame oil or toasted and used to make sesame paste. Untoasted seeds are also used to create a popular sesame paste known as tahini.Toasted Sesame SeedsToasted sesame seeds can be used to add a depth of flavor to your dishes that regular sesame seeds won’t provide. When toasting sesame seeds, white seeds, a.k.a hulled sesame seeds, are often the variety used. Toasted sesame seeds are traditionally found in Japanese dishes and can be used in various sauces and garnishes. They can even be used as a topping on muffins and ice cream.Want to add toasted sesame seeds to your meals? Keep scrolling for step-by-step instructions for toasting sesame seeds.How to Toast Sesame Seeds1. Gather the number of sesame seeds that you would like toasted.2. Add sesame seeds to a medium frying pan and spread into a thin layer.3. Cook the sesame seeds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and turn golden brown.4. To ensure that the sesame seeds do not burn, move the seeds around the pan every 30 seconds, making sure that they are evenly toasted.5. Remove from the pan and allow to cool.6. Use immediately or place into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Sesame seeds are the seeds that grow in the pods of the sesame plant—Sesamum Indicum. Though this flowering plant is found mainly in the tropical regions of India and Africa, sesame seeds are a nutrient-rich ingredient that is enjoyed worldwide. In addition to being consumed whole, these seeds can also be pressed for sesame oil or toasted and used to make sesame paste. Untoasted seeds are also used to create a popular sesame paste known as tahini.What Are Roasted Sesame Seeds?Roasted and toasted sesame seeds are similar in look and taste. The only difference is that toasted sesame seeds are made on the stove, whereas roasted sesame seeds are made in the oven. Roasting the sesame seeds makes the seed plump and intensifies the flavor, which adds a more nutty and smoky taste to your meals.Learn how to create deliciously roasted sesame seeds for your meals by following the step-by-step instructions below.How to Roast Sesame SeedsRoasting sesame seeds in the oven is ideal when handling a lot of seeds at once. Because the oven is a larger space, it allows the seeds to cook more evenly. When roasting seeds in the oven, we recommend using a sheet pan to allow for a nice even surface. Roasted sesame seeds will also be more evenly browned than toasted sesame seeds.1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.2. Gather the sesame seeds you’d like to roast and spread them out in a single layer onto a prepared baking sheet.3. Place the sesame seeds into the oven for 8-10 minutes per batch, stirring every 2 minutes.4. Watch the sesame seeds closely until they are fragrant and have turned light brown in color.5. Once cooked, remove the roasted sesame seeds from the oven and transfer them to a plate immediately. This will prevent the seeds from cooking any further.6. Allow the seeds to cool and use immediately or place them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.How to Use Toasted and Roasted Sesame Seeds Toasted and roasted sesame seeds are versatile and can be added to sweet and savory dishes. To help you begin cooking with sesame seeds today, we’ve compiled a list of the many that we enjoy using sesame seeds.1. Cold Sesame Pearl Couscous2. Sesame Shrimp Millet and Quinoa Grain Bowl3. Gluten Free Pigs in a Blanket4. Sesame Ginger Whole Grain Yam RollsNow that you know how to roast and toast sesame seeds, it’s time to start using them in your recipes. Simple and quick to make, cooked sesame seeds can be used to level up all of your favorite meals. So whether you make a savory dish like the Sesame Shrimp Millet and Quinoa Grain Bowl above or add sesame seeds to a sweet treat, we’re sure the outcome will be delicious. From everyone at Bob’s Red Mill, we wish you a healthy and happy day!