Baked goods

Baked goods are a type of food that is prepared by baking, a method of cooking 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 a long history that dates back to the ancient times. The ancient Egyptians were known to have baked bread using yeast, which they had previously been using to brew beer. Baking was also common in ancient Rome, where bread and pastries were sold in special pastry shops and bakeries.

Types of Baked Goods

There are many different types of baked goods, including:

• Bread: This is the most common type of baked good and is made from a dough of flour and water. There are many different types of bread, including whole grain bread, white bread, and rye bread.

• Cake: This is a sweet baked dessert that is typically made from ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs. There are many different types of cake, including chocolate cake, vanilla cake, and carrot cake.

• Pastry: This is a type of baked good that is made from a dough that is high in fat. There are many different types of pastries, including croissant, danish pastry, and puff pastry.

• Cookie: This is a small, sweet baked good that is typically made from ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter. There are many different types of cookies, including chocolate chip cookie, oatmeal cookie, and sugar cookie.

Baking Techniques

There are many different techniques used in baking, including:

• Kneading: This is the process of working a dough to develop the gluten in the flour.

• Proofing: This is the process of allowing a dough to rise before it is baked.

• Creaming: This is the process of beating butter and sugar together until it is light and fluffy.

• Folding: This is the process of gently combining a light mixture with a heavier one to maintain as much air as possible.

Health and Nutrition

Baked goods can be part of a healthy diet, but it's important to be mindful of the ingredients used. Whole grain breads, for example, are a good source of fiber and other nutrients. However, many baked goods are high in sugar and fat, which can contribute to health problems like obesity and heart disease if consumed in excess.

See Also

• Baking
• Bread
• Cake
• Pastry
• Cookie