Baked

Baked

Baked refers to a method of cooking food that uses prolonged dry heat, normally in an oven, but also in hot ashes, or on hot stones. The most common baked item is bread, but many other types of foods are baked as well.

History

Baking has been a method of preparing food for thousands of years. The earliest known form of baking occurred when humans took wild grass grains, soaked them in water, and mixed everything together, mashing it into a kind of broth-like paste. The paste was cooked by pouring it onto a flat, hot rock, resulting in a bread-like substance.

Baking Techniques

Baking involves the application of a dry convection heat to your food in an enclosed environment. The most common baking appliance is an oven.

Types of Baking

• Dry Baking: This method uses no added moisture, relying solely on the moisture present in the food itself.
• Steam Baking: Involves adding water to the oven to create steam, which helps to keep the food moist.

Common Baked Goods

• Bread
• Cake
• Pastry
• Cookies
• Pie

Health Considerations

Baking is generally considered a healthier cooking method compared to frying, as it requires less oil and fat. However, the healthiness of baked goods depends on the ingredients used. For example, whole grain flours and natural sweeteners can make baked goods healthier.

Baking in Different Cultures

Baking techniques and recipes vary widely across different cultures. For example:

• In France, baking is an art form, with a focus on pastries such as croissants and baguettes.
• In Italy, baking is essential for making pizza and focaccia.
• In India, baking is used to make naan and other types of flatbreads.

See Also

• Cooking
• Roasting
• Grilling

References

• "The History of Baking." Food History. Retrieved from [1]
• "Baking Techniques." Culinary Arts. Retrieved from [2]

External Links

• Baking Association
• Baking 101