This calendar is not just about celebration; it’s also an educational tool. Each featured baking day is an opportunity to learn about the history and cultural significance of various baked goods. And it’s a great opportunity to dust up on your culinary skills. Use the following resources to help get you and your loved ones started in the kitchen.
Here Are Some Resources & Tips to Help You Get Started
| Baking Food Safety 101 | Ten Tips for Baking Success |
| Thrill of Skill | Food Skills Checklist |
| Safe Kitchen Checklist | Measure Up |
| Baker’s Dozen Labs | Baking w/ Whole Wheat Flour 101 |
Do some prep work. Prep by reading and trying the recipe first. Add 20 to 30 minutes to explain, show and guide beginners and 15 minutes for intermediates or experienced bakers. Divide it into two sessions if needed, or pre-measure or prepare some steps beforehand.
Keep it clean. Remember to wash hands and countertops before starting and cleaning up after you’re done. Provide separate towels for hands and dishes and frequently wash pot holders. Aprons or large T-shirts are great for keeping clothes clean during the baking process.
Take it one step at a time. Read the recipe, gather ingredients, and make sure nothing was left out. When short on time, or working with beginning or young bakers, prepare some steps ahead or do some steps one day and complete the mixing or baking the next.
Use the right tools. Pour liquids (water, oil, milk, honey, corn syrup) in a clear liquid measuring cup placed on the countertop. Read amount at eye level. Use standard dry measures for dry ingredients (flours, sugar, cocoa, brown sugar, cornmeal). Use measuring spoons for small amounts less than ¼ cup (4 tablespoons).
Do a safe kitchen checklist. Turn handles of pans toward the center of the stove so sleeves or people passing by won’t catch on them and spill. Keep cupboard doors and drawers closed unless in use. Use only dry hot pads or oven mitts because heat goes through damp mitts. When stirring or checking for doneness, tilt the lid away from you so steam is released away from your face.
Oven ins and outs. Before preheating, make sure the oven racks are in the right place for the pans and recipe. Preheat the oven as the recipe directs. Place pans in the oven so they do not touch each other or the oven sides. Do not place pans on racks directly below or above another pan. Keep clean, dry oven mitts or pads close by.
Baking can be a learning experience. Children and adults learn a lot together in the kitchen. The results of cooking or baking together contributes to stronger relationships at home and in groups and children learn time management, team skills, following directions, and problem solving.
Why is passing down family recipes from generation to generation so important? Read this fascinating blog post by the Home Baking Association to learn how you can keep family traditions alive. Do your part to preserve your family history.
