Baking in my kitchen

In our house, the kitchen is the place I like to be in the most. The time I spend baking is hugely important because it gets me to focus and do the thing I like to do the most. Baking from scratch gives me time to anticipate its flavor and look forward to the result especially if it's a new recipe. So whether I'm in a good mood or a blue mood I head to the kitchen, I turn the pages of my favorite cookbooks looking forward to the noises I make and to the aromas of my baked goods.
Baking doesn't have to be complicated. It can be a very easy and simple. The results can be outstanding. A simple Banana Chocolate Chip loaf or Butter Cookies filled with a good quality jam can be effortless to make and the outcome simply delectable.
Baking with a family member or a friend is even more enjoyable and worth the effort.
You laugh, you talk, you experiment and it's also a great way to relieve stress.
Baking with children is alot of fun. Children love to bake. They love making and baking cookies, particularly getting covered with flour and sampling mixture as they go, rolling out dough and making interesting cookie shapes.So when you can let them join in the baking fun.
Having friends over while baking is equally agreeable.
So whether you are baking alone or with someone, the time you spend in the kitchen is rewarding and fulfilling.
In my kitchen there is a cookie to suit every taste,so whether you are a chocoholic, an oat lover, a fruit fan or you are celebrating a special occasion you will find a special cookie to add sweetness to your day.

Happy baking from me to all of you bakers and to the ones that are starting new :)

Here are some helpful baking tips to make your experience easier and more gratifying:

Have all the ingredients from the recipe ready.

Measure the ingredients accurately and assemble them in the order they are listed.
Butter the pan ahead if it's a cake you are baking or have the baking pans covered with parchment paper ready if you are baking cookies.

Toasting nuts enhances their flavour. Spread nuts out in a single layer on a pan and bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool the nuts before using them.
Heat the oven on the recommended temperature once you start baking.

Using butter in a cookie recipe usually causes the dough to spread more and your cookies will come out tasting soft from the inside.

If the consistency of the dough is too soft add 1 to 2 tbsp rice flour.(If you are baking Gluten Free cookies)

Cookie dough can be frozen for up to 1 month. When making the cookies there is no need to defrost completely, you can shape the dough into a log and before baking let it defrost just enough to be able to slice it into 1 cm circles.

Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Store cookies in an airtight container so they stay soft and moist.

Crisp cookies should be wrapped in a covered, but not airtight container.