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40 Tips & Tricks Every Budding Baker Should Know

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Gourmandize
Soften Gelatin Before Adding it to Your Recipe 28/40

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Soften Gelatin Before Adding it to Your Recipe

Some recipes, like panna cotta or mousse, require gelatin, which acts as a thickening agent. Never used it before? Don't let that scare you. If working with gelatin sheets, put them in a large bowl of cold water and let soften for at least 10 minutes. Gently press the softened sheets between your hands to get rid of excess water, and always add them to warm liquid; otherwise, "ropes" may form in the final baked product. For gelatin powder, measure 1/4 cup of water for every envelope you use. Simply sprinkle it on top of the water, then stir until combined. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until the gelatin has absorbed all the water and has a jiggly Jello-like consistency. Then it's ready to be added to your warm preparation.


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Ingredients

  • 2 large water or soda bottles (empty)
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp cocoa powder

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Ready 2 large plastic bottles, cleaned and dried.
  3. Add 1 cup of flour to each bottle.
  4. Add 1/2 cup of sugar to each.
  5. Melt butter, then add equal halves to each bottle.
  6. Add 6 eggs, 3 in each.
  7. Add 1/2 tbsp of baking powder to each.
  8. Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to each.
  9. Shake the bottles thoroughly until the contents are well mixed.
  10. In one of the bottles only, add the cocoa powder.
  11. Beginning with the cocoa powder mixture, add a dolop of batter to the center of a circular
  12. baking tin. Do the same with the other mixture, placing the dolop directly in the center of the previous one.
  13. Continue with alternating additions of each mixture until all batter is used and the tin is full.
  14. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  15. Serve and enjoy!