Q&A

Baking thoughts, techniques and know-how

Sunken Melt-and-mix Cakes
14 Nov 2019 - Anneka Manning
Q: Why is it important to not add hot liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients when using the melt-and-mix method?
My Cake Rose Significantly
15 Oct 2019 - Anneka Manning
Q: My cake rose significantly in the middle, and not so much on the sides... is that caused by the oven temp?
Curdled Buttercream
15 Oct 2019 - Anneka Manning
Q: My buttercream curdled after I added some milk to soften it. Why did this happen?
Storing your baking
16 Sep 2019 - Anneka Manning

Q: It is often suggested to store baked goods in airtight containers. Are all airtight containers the same? Also, should I store my baking in the fridge or at room temperature?

Dry or thick mixtures
16 Sep 2019 - Anneka Manning

Q: Why do my oat-based mixtures often become dry?

Deflating sponge cake
16 Sep 2019 - Anneka Manning

Q: Why did my sponge cake deflate halfway through baking?

Does Flour Go Off
16 Aug 2019 - Anneka Manning
Q: If flour is past its 'best before date' does this matter?
Split Whipped Cream
16 Aug 2019 - Anneka Manning
Q: Why does whipped cream sometimes separate if you keep it in the fridge before using?
Curdled butter and sugar mixtures
06 Jun 2019 - Anneka Manning
Q: Why do creamed butter and sugar mixtures often curdle when eggs are added?
Difference between Greek yoghurt and natural yoghurt
06 Jun 2019 - Anneka Manning
Q: What is the difference between using Greek yoghurt and natural yoghurt when baking a cake?
Mixing spoons
08 May 2019 - Anneka Manning
Q: Why do some recipes state a specific spoon, like a wooden spoon, to mix the ingredients?