Lets Talk Ingredients
Listed below is a guide regarding some of the ingredients used in the recipes in this book.
Shortenings
The word, shortening, is a term used to describe any one of the solid fats (animal, vegetable or a mixture) which is suitable for general use. Some are more suited than others for particular recipes and are therefore specified. Where the term shortening is used, select the one most pleasing to your palate. It is possible to mix or substitute according to your requirements. Examples include; Cotton seed oil and soybean.
Butter
Butter is made from approximately 80% milk fat (cream) and is churned over a period of time to produce a solid (butter). Butter is used to stabilize, texturize and add flavour. Butter may be salted or unsalted, it is best to use unsalted butter for cake baking. Clarified butter has the milk solids and salt removed, which is ideal for pastry making as it can be heated to higher temperatures than regular butter.
Note: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter. It is made from vegetable oils, therefore it may alter the end result. There are various types of margarines, some of these are
Yeast
A raising agent used in doughs. Yeast is a microscopic living organism that grows rapidly in suitable warm, moist conditions. The yeast plant feeds on sugar and expels carbon dioxide which expands the gluten framework. When foaming yeast do not allow the temperature to exceed 46°C, as this prevents killing the yeast. A 26˚C - 30˚C, draft free area is most suitable for the growth of yeast during the rising process. Both Dry Yeast and fresh Compressed Yeast may be used in the recipes included in this book. (NB. 7g of dry yeast is equivalent to 15g of compressed yeast).
Substitutes
If you find it necessary to substitute ingredients in a recipe, check the following alternatives:
1 cup self raising flour = 1 cup plain flour and
2 teaspoons baking powder.
1 cup plain flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder
=1/2 cup each of plain and self raising flour.
1 tablespoon arrowroot = 1 tablespoon
cornflour.
Sultanas = equal measure of any other dried fruit.
Golden Syrup = equal measure of honey or treacle.
1 cup buttermilk = 1 cup fresh milk and 2 teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice.
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