now we're cookin'

I'm so glad we are finally baking, and not just because I was tired of taking notes.  We did our first "experiment" in Ingredients class this week, which I was really looking forward to.  One of the main themes of that class is to learn the "what" and "how" of baking, but also the "why."  This means we get to do some pretty interesting tests of baking theories and practices over the semester so that we can really understand why we are using a certain ingredient, formula, method, etc. 

We are still in the mixing methods section, so this week we experimented with changing up the mixing method of a recipe.  Since it's a shorter class, each group only had one recipe, but there were a few different ones throughout the class.  My group had brownies! (ok, we might have special-requested that one)  The recipe was written using the creaming method (defined by creaming (duh) the butter and sugar together to add air).  Then we had an alternate recipe that was exactly the same, except we had to melt the butter before adding it - no creaming, obviously. 

Here are a couple pictures of our final products.  The main difference between the two brownies was the texture.  The brownies using melted butter cooked up really fast around the edges, but never finished cooking in the middle (we had to take them out because class was ending).  Although I have to say, I am tempted to make them that way once in a while and then scoop out the middle and put it on some vanilla ice cream.  It definitely wasn't your standard brownie, but it was still pretty yummy - and extra gooey and dense.  We probably won't be so lucky when we get to the experiments that involve adding too much baking soda, etc.

Anyways, I'm really excited for all of the experiments - a great way to learn, but not nearly as frustrating as making these mistakes at home.  And it never hurts to have a plate of brownies warm out of the oven right when it's time for your lunch break...

And in Specialty Breads, we moved on to the Muffin Method of mixing.  We made Zucchini Bread, Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins, and Morning Glory Muffins (a yummy mix of apple, carrot, pineapple, coconut, walnuts, and oats).  Another group made Olive Oil Muffins, which had both olive oil and balsamic vinegar in the recipe.  I expected them to be a little bit weird, but they were actually pretty delicious!  I'm going to have to try that recipe at home...