Enhancing Cooking Skills in 2020: From Baked Goods to Japanese Cheesecake

Throughout the challenging year of 2020, one of the silver linings has been the opportunity to refine and discover new cooking skills. My journey in the kitchen kicked off with creating a repertoire of homemade baked goods that not only brought joy to my family but also served as a creative and educational outlet during the pandemic.

Baking Skills: A Personal Exploratory Journey

One of the most significant improvements in my culinary abilities was my newfound confidence in baking. Specifically, my fear of yeast-related recipes has significantly diminished. This fear was primarily due to uncertainty, but after numerous successful batches, I no longer hesitate to tackle more complex yeasted creations. Baking is not just about crafting delectable treats; it's also a valuable tool for teaching patience and math. The meticulous measuring required in a recipe is an essential skill in the kitchen, and it also helps in teaching younger family members these vital life skills.

Impromptu Baking: A Response to Lockdown

Initially, when the pandemic first hit and our favorite pastry shop was forced to close, I had to improvise and create the desserts that my family missed. My first foray into this new baking phase was crafting elegant eclair pastries. The result was more than satisfactory, with an impressive mouthfeel for the chocolate mousse filling. This milestone was followed by another delightful creation: beignets. We followed the iconic recipe from Café du Monde’s beignet and were thrilled with the outcome. We even went a step further by making donuts and decorating them with various glazes and toppings, which played to everyone's taste preferences.

Pastoral Progress: The Art of Apple Butter

A less traditional but equally rewarding addition to my culinary kit is apple butter. With an apple tree producing a bounty of windfalls, coming up with a creative use for these unripe apples was a necessity. In the United States, apple butter is a common recipe, but in the UK, it holds a special place in the culinary landscape due to its novelty as a gift. The process of making this preserve is surprisingly straightforward and the end result is a rich, flavorful spread that enhances a host of seasonal dishes.

Japanese Cheesecake: A Culinary Marvel

While Apple Butter remains a specialty, my culinary flair has also been tested with a classic Japanese cheesecake, a light and moist variation of the traditional cheesecake. This dessert is essentially a chiffon cake with cream cheese added, making it an irresistibly light treat. My mother's suggestion to try making it for her requested light, unsweet dessert led to an extraordinary first attempt—a perfect Japanese cheesecake. I opted for Gemma's simplified recipe from Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking, which has gained a new fan in my family. My tips for success include using a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil and ensuring the hot water bath is very hot before adding it to the oven to preheat.

Through these experiences, I have not only perfected my baking skills but also gained a broader appreciation for the joy that can be derived from cooking. Each new recipe and technique brings a fresh thrill and a sense of accomplishment, making the kitchen a welcoming space for experimentation and innovation.