Baking - where to start?

[Hamster]

I'm getting a bit better but not the greatest cook in the world and I would like the idea of becoming somewhat decent at baking cakes, especially after tasting some beautiful cupcakes from a stall at my local Sunday market.

I understand that there are a few techniques to master and although there are loads of recipes and sites on the web for such information, I thought I'd ask here.

Let's say you've baked nothing apart from ready mix packets of fairy cakes from the supermarket when your were 12 years old. Where would you start?!!

Also assume I have no baking equipment, ingredients or tins etc. What are the basics that I need?

 

[Hamster]

I made this the other day. Five ingredients (plus eggwash). No messing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/mary_berrys_treacle_tart_28524

Love treacle tarts! I'm salivating already!

First place to start with home baking....

Preheat oven

You mean I need an oven? Can I not make do with a microwave?

(Yes I do have an oven and yes I've already tried the microwave chocolate cake!!)

 

[Hamster]

First place to start is to get a good baking book, look through and see what you would like to make and go from there. No point buying stuff before you know what you need.

A book like this is a good place to start http://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Food-Cakes-Triple-tested-Recipes/dp/0563521147

Thanks. It gets good reviews and looks like it has some simple recipes to start off with. Cheap too! I will order it.

Just use foodgawker for recipes, free and far better.

Thanks Glaucus. I have had a quick look at that site. First recipe I clicked on was in Polish. Second recipe needed 'A cup of pee' to prepare a chocolate sauce!! Pictures are amazing and I'm sure I will find good recipes there. I do want at least one real book to start with though as I find it's always nice to have one to hand to flick through.

Get an oven thermometer. Baking isn't like 'normal' cooking, it's a lot more specific and it's a great idea to make sure that your oven is the correct temperature.
A decent set of electronic scales is also a good idea, as is a whisk (electric and hand), spatulas, various mixing bowls, a decent sieve (plastic is fine, but make sure it's nice and big) and some cake tins.

Thanks I have all of that apart from cake tins and oven thermometer. I had read that baking is more scientific and precise which is part of the reason I want to try it. I'll be doing my shopping tomorrow evening and see what Sainsbury's have. Will look for the thermometer on ebay.

The only thing I can add to that list is, make sure they're spring cake tins. So much easier.

Thanks. Will try and find them