Helpful Hints for Better Cake Making (continued)

Heavy, Close Texture

Too much fat or sugar, over mixing, under baking, or too hot an oven.

Fruit Sinks

Mixture too soft, damp fruit, too little flour, ingredients not correctly balanced, over beating.

Some Hints on Sponge Making

There are basically two methods of sponge making. The whole egg method is the simpler, but better volume can be achieved if the egg whites are separated from the yolks.

If you choose to separate the eggs, whip the whites until they hold peaks and gradually add the sugar a little at a time, beating well between each addition. Start with teaspoons of sugar and, as the mixture stiffens, add it more quickly. This process should take about 3-5 minutes. Only fold in the egg yolks until they disappear, say ½ minute.

These General Tips apply to either method:

Eggs should be at room temperature.

Caster sugar will give a better result as it dissolves more quickly.

Bowl and beaters should be clean, dry and free from any fat.

The fold speed of the Mixmaster benchtop mixer will supply the gentle but thorough action necessary to fold in flour. Care should be taken to mix only until the flour has been folded thoroughly through the egg mixture. Always commence mixing on speed 1.

The liquid should always be hot when folded through the sponge mixture. This starts the sponge cooking on the table, so it is essential to have the oven in readiness.

Don’t rush the folding in and be sure the liquid is evenly folded through the mixture. Any unmixed liquid will cause the sponge to be held down where the liquid lies.

Swiss Rolls

The sponge mixture must be evenly distributed. A better result will be achieved if the mixture is poured along the tin and the tin tilted to allow the mixture to run to the corners, rather than spreading the mixture.

While the roll is baking, sprinkle a little crystal sugar onto the sheet of greaseproof paper larger than the Swiss roll tin. Soften the jam to make it easy to spread. Immediately after the roll comes from the oven, turn in onto the prepared paper and quickly spread the jam right out to the corners. Make the first roll a tight tuck and use the greaseproof paper to help you handle the hot sponge.

It is essential the sponge is rolled quickly and that sponge is not over-cooked or the roll will crack.

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Sunbeam MX003 Heavy, Close Texture, Fruit Sinks, Some Hints on Sponge Making, These General Tips apply to either method

MX003 specifications

The Sunbeam MX003 is a highly regarded kitchen appliance that has captured the attention of baking enthusiasts and home cooks alike. This stand mixer stands out in a crowded market due to its unique blend of power, versatility, and user-friendly design.

One of the standout features of the Sunbeam MX003 is its robust 350-watt motor, which delivers powerful performance for a variety of mixing tasks. Whether you're whipping cream, kneading dough, or mixing batter, this stand mixer handles it all with ease. The motor is combined with a planetary mixing action, ensuring that ingredients are evenly incorporated from all sides of the bowl. This technology not only improves the efficiency of the mixing process but also eliminates the need for manual scraping of the bowl.

The Sunbeam MX003 comes with a generous 4-quart stainless steel mixing bowl, providing ample capacity for preparing large batches of dough or batter. The stainless steel construction adds durability and allows for easy cleaning, making it a practical choice for daily use. Additionally, the bowl features comfortable handles, enabling users to easily lift and pour their mixtures without fuss.

Another key characteristic of the MX003 is its multitude of speed settings. With 12 different speed options, users can select the perfect setting for any recipe, from slow mixing to high-speed whipping. This versatility expands its functionality, allowing for precise control during food preparation.

Safety and convenience are also prioritized in the MX003’s design. The mixer features a tilt-head mechanism, allowing for easy access to the mixing bowl and attachments. This design not only enhances usability but also makes switching between different mixing tools quick and straightforward. The mixer is equipped with a variety of attachments included in the package, such as a flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip, covering a wide range of tasks from mixing to kneading.

The Sunbeam MX003 also incorporates an easy-to-clean design, with parts that can be conveniently removed for dishwasher-safe cleaning. This attention to cleanliness and maintenance ensures that users can spend more time enjoying their baking and cooking experiences without the hassle of difficult clean-up.

In summary, the Sunbeam MX003 is an impressive stand mixer that combines a powerful motor, versatile mixing options, and user-friendly features, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Its blend of performance, capacity, and easy maintenance positions it as a top choice for both novice cooks and experienced bakers.