Baking is one of the most popular ways to prepare food at home.
More than cakes, cookies, and desserts, baking is a great way to prepare all kinds of healthy family meals.
Is baking a form of cooking?
Absolutely! And it’s one that’s easy to get started with.
Learn how baking differs from other forms of cooking and what you would need to get started at home.
What is Baking?
In a technical sense, baking is simply a method of cooking where dry heat is used without direct exposure to flame.
In the modern sense, a kitchen oven is the most common tool used for baking.
Smaller appliances can also be used for home baking.
Despite the name (and some clever marketing), an air fryer is a type of oven that can be used for baking.
Traditional ovens, such as an Indian Tandoor or Italian Pizza Oven are also used for baking.
Almost everyone has enjoyed pizza at some point, which is one of the most common examples of a baked specialty.
Is Baking the Oldest Method of Cooking?
Although history is a little unclear, baking is probably one of the oldest methods of cooking, barring grilling food over a direct flame.
Ancient Egyptians were preparing leavened bread with yeast more than 4600 years ago.
Before that, food was baked in simple stone and clay ovens using indirect heat.
Today, baking is most associated with bread and sweet treats like cakes, muffins, and cookies.
But baking is used for so much more, like baked fish, chicken, vegetables, etc.
When we refer to roasting in the oven, baking is actually what we’re doing.
What do You Need to Bake at Home?
If you have an oven in your home, then you can bake.
You can cook meat, vegetables, and traditional baked goods like bread and cakes.
The most essential items you need for baking are measuring cups, utensils to mix, and bakeware.
Even with some modest items you could bake a loaf of bread, whole chicken and vegetables, cookies, muffins, and more.
- Measuring cups are key to every recipe because the ratios in baking are often quite specific. This Umite Kitchen Cooking Utensils Set can be used for everyday cooking needs as well as baking, with a whisk, spatulas, turners, measuring cups, measuring spoons, and serving spoons. Made with silicone, the spatulas and whisk work well with even the stickiest ingredients.
- You can use any bowl for mixing although it’s helpful to have a larger one for baking. These Nesting Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls can be used for baking and any of your kitchen prep needs.
- There are a lot of choices when it comes to bakeware and it’s worth comparing the different sets and materials available. But if you want a reliable set that is safe for your family and consistent in its results, this Basics Nonstick Bakeware Set is made from carbon steel with a safe nonstick coating that will make cleanup a breeze. With a collection of trays and pans, it has everything you need for loaves, cakes, baked meals, and anything else that you want to cook in your oven.
Baking is definitely a form of cooking, and it’s much more versatile than most people assume.
Try baking at home and enjoy one of the easiest ways to make great food at home.
