There's no sweeter way (pun intended) to end the day than to curl up with your favorite dessert and binge-watch an episode or two of your favorite show on Netflix or Hulu.
Let's be honest; everyone has their favorite sweet treat, a weakness if you will. Yes, even me, as much as I try to be healthy, I have a tendency to fall weak at the sight of anything chocolate. And there is nothing wrong with enjoying sweets every now and again.
But the key is to make sure that you are enjoying dessert in moderation. And yes, it is possible to have healthy desserts that are still as crave-worthy as the double-layer chocolate cheesecake (we'll get to healthier desserts in another blog). But for now, let's focus on self-control with dessert. So yes, put that extra cookie down!
One reason so many people enjoy desserts (whether baking or eating) is because desserts offer a wide array of flavors. Many of our favorite treats are simply blank canvases that someone else decided to add their own flavor and creativity to. Think about it; why are there so many different types of cookies, cakes, ice cream flavors, pies, and other decadent desserts? Simply, you can use desserts to express your favorite flavors, your favorite combinations, your personality, your creativity. Be as simple as you'd like, or you can be as crazy as you desire. No one will judge!
But baking isn't as easy as people think. Baking is about as close to an exact science in the culinary world as you can get. With most other dishes, you can be a little more flexible and experimental with some of the ingredients depending on your personal taste. But when baking, you have to measure everything perfectly right; otherwise, you risk the mistake of making a bad dessert. Ever tried making batches of cookies and it seems like each batch came out different (I know I have). That's a indication that something was done wrong or differently. So out of all things you make, be sure to careful read your directions carefully.
A suggestion: understand the basic recipes for a basic dessert. What do I mean? Memorize and learn how to make a regular cookie, a simple cake, a plain brownie and a basic ice cream. Once you know those recipes by heart, then you can start adding your own twist to them. Also remember that most desserts utilize the same major ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, milk, cream, eggs. Many also use vanilla extract, baking powder and baking soda (they are different - be sure to read directions and labels!), and often warming spices, such as nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves.
We about the love of desserts because we want to have our cake and eat it too!
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