Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Tips to Help With Holiday Baking

 Good morning.

I came across some very good info that could help us all plan for holiday baking and prepping.  It is always hard to know just how much we need of items.  I think I am good for baking treats and goodies - but good information to have.

2 C sugar = 1 pound
2 2/3 C brown sugar = 1 pound
1 C butter = 1/2 pound
1 oz. of chocolate = 1 square
1/2 pound of nuts = 1 cup
1 square of chocolate = 4 tablespoons of cocoa
1 pound of bananas = approx. 3 bananas
1 large marshmallow = 10 mini ones
1 pound of apples = about 3 cups = about 3 large apples

To make self rising flour at home combine 1 cup all purpose with 1 Tbsp. of baking powder OR 1 cup flour with 1 tsp. baking soda, 2 tsp. cream of tartar and 1/2 tsp. salt

Pie rings are so helpful.  These keep the edges/crust of pie from getting too dark.  I have this above one for years (thus why discolored).  I got it at the orchard.  Simply place over the pie when placing in the oven and keep the edges nice!
This is a cheaper version I have as well.  These pieces are pliable and bend and I have a couple dozen pieces.  Place together to form a ring over the edges of pie.
If you have neither type - you can use foil to make a ring around the outer edges.

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When a recipe calls for 1 cup of pecans, chopped  it means to measure out 1 cup of nuts and then chop.
When a recipe calls for 1 cup chopped pecans  it means to chop first and then measure!

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No colored sugar to top cookies?  Make your own.  Add drops of food coloring to regular sugar and mix well until you get the right color.  You can mix ahead and store in a lightly covered container.  I have been making my own colored sugar for years.

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Have a extra brownie, piece of cake or a couple cookies left over?  (LOL - this makes me chuckle, as I eat them).
Well, if you do - crumble and use on top of pudding, ice cream or as a cheesecake topping.  Cookies can also be crushed and used in cheesecake crust.
Nothing wasted and a great way to use it up and make a new treat!

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Out of powdered sugar?  In a pinch make your own.  Place regular granulated sugar in a  food processor or blender and blend until you get the consistency you want/need.  Do small amounts at a time for best results.

I hope some of these ideas help you plan ahead for the supplies you will need for holiday baking.  It is always nice to have alternatives as well.
HAPPY BAKING!




20 comments:

  1. Ha, Ha! A lone brownie or a cookie or two is just asking to be eaten up at my house! No crumb toppings here :-)

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  2. I am not kidding, I learn something every single time I read one of your posts. You should have been a home ec teacher...back in the day when they had home ec teachers.

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    1. Thank you! What a sweet comment. I wanted to be a teacher back in the day!

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  3. I love your pie ring.
    I have used aluminum foil but fiddling with foil and a hot pie is no fun, so I'll see if I can find a pie ring too. Your sugar cookies look yummy too
    I asked the family what their favorite treats were so I could make sure I have the ingredients, in case there are shortages again. Would be a sad Christmas without gingerbread cookies and my Mom's pecan tassies.

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    1. The pie ring is just so handy! Like I said I got it at the orchard.
      Good to know ahead what everyone wants so as to be prepared. Mmmmm on both of those! Gingerbread cookies remind me of Mom.

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  4. The measurements are very helpful. I love the American recipes using cups. Ours are all weighed on scales.

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    1. I watch a lot of cooking shows and many chefs weigh everything. Cups just makes things so easy!

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  5. Very useful!
    I've never heard of those "pie rings"...

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    1. Thanks. They are just so nice and keep your crust from getting to brown.

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  6. It's almost time to start baking. I won't have the chest freezer this year, but I do have Mother Nature providing the freezing so items can be stored in the shed or even the garage if it is cold enough.

    Great tips and I learned something new. I've never seen the pie edge guards before.

    Take care, stay well.

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    1. I can't tell you how many times I have stored things in the back of the Blazer over night when the frig was full. When getting ready for a big dinner and run out of space - outside in the very cold works wonderfully.
      A cooler out in the cold or snow works too.

      Thanks!!

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  7. Hmmm, perhaps I am not as well prepared as I thought. I must get some pie rings.

    I am stocking up on bits for my Christmas baking now as I usually start at the beginning of December... Mostly cookies and candy now.

    God bless.

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    1. They sure are nice! Glad to hear you are getting prepared before the holidays.

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  8. I wanted pie rings and searched until I found them. Then, they looked like they would be so difficult to clean that I gave up on the idea. I cut a long piece of foil and cut into strips and use those. If I could find one like your old one, I might buy it.

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    1. The ring I use in the top photo is very easy to clean. I spray it a little with oil spray before placing on pie. I then place in a sink of water and soak a few minutes and wash - done. No problems whatsoever.
      The other ones are a bit harder to clean with all the little ribs.
      I have used foil too.

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  9. Every time I read a recipe calling for "leftover cake," "leftover cookies," or "leftover candy"...I ROTFLMAO.

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    1. YEP!!!! Me too. My mind is thinking "what is this leftover goody of which you speak?"

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  10. I loved that list at the top...all good stuff to know. I laughed about if you have extra cookies, etc...I thought when does that ever happen!

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    1. Yeah - extra cookies doesn't really happen, nor brownies - not for most people
      Thanks.

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