5 essential ingredients I cannot live without
Heather Davis • August 25, 2020
Must-haves for the baking enthusiast
If stranded on a deserted island what essential items would you pack? Like many baking enthusiasts I would be certain to pack a few crucial ingredients to survive such desperate conditions. My pantry never runs low of these specific ingredients. In this installation, I'm sharing five ingredients that I pack in my arsenal and why I cannot live without them.
In recent times, butter has lost its place as an essential ingredient. As more individuals discover an intolerance to dairy products, modern-day innovation allows us to bake recipes without introducing butter into recipes. Although these dishes are quite tasty, nothing imparts the same flavor as butter. Make an attempt to substitute butter with oil and you'll discover there is no comparison. I recommend Challenge Butter which can be purchased in most local supermarkets. Perfect for sweet and savory dishes alike, this brand yields a warm nutty element like nothing on Earth. Many of my recipes begin and end with butter and sugar which leads me to my next essential ingredient.
The Imperial Sugar brand is superior to all brands. Founded in Sugarland, Texas this local sugar producer creates these perfect pebbles of sweetness. I've attempted to use other brands with disappointing results yet nothing can replace the consistency of Imperial Sugar. Fine granules yield the right amount of sweetness without weighing down the pastries. Surprisingly, sugar works as a leavening agent, performing double duties in the same recipe depending on the process. Creaming sugar and butter together creates air pockets that help cakes rise as they bake in the oven. Moreover, this process works in many recipes that do not call for traditional leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda!
Soaring prices of vanilla extract may give may give many sticker shock but baking enthusiasts all know the importance of this ingredient. I recommend splurging on the real stuff, leaving behind the imitation assortment. In recent years, bad weather, poor pollination and a case of supply and demand continue to contribute to the rise in vanilla extract prices. However, a little ingenuity on your part can save you the pain at the checkout counter. At the end of this installment is my recipe for homemade vanilla extract. Please consider creating your own bottle of vanilla extract. You'll find that its tastes exponentially better than your supermarket version.
Although I can agree that flour is an essential ingredient, I cannot agree on my brand preference. What I can tell you is that the Gold Medal brand and King Arthur brand are both kings in my world of baking. Flour reacts differently in certain recipes. Whereas a sponge cake calls for delicate cake flour, breads and bagels require bread flour, perfects for high-rising yeast pastries. With this in mind, my essential go-to flour is King Arthur All-Purpose Unbleached flour. This versatile flour is perfect for cookies, pancakes, crusts and so on. Be certain to stick with the unbleached flour which is produced in its most pure and unrefined form.
Last but definitely not least I cannot live without Guittard Chocolate. I rest assured knowing that Guittard uses fair trade-certified cocoa beans, non-GMO ingredients and is free from peanuts, tree nuts and gluten. All of these features are extremely important as more and more clients prefer allergen-friendly foods. At my bakery we make a concerted effort to offer more gluten-free options and with Guittard Chocolate's help we do not sacrifice the rich flavor that their chocolate imparts.
Creating this list of my top five favorite ingredients presented a challenge as I could easily extend this list from five to fifty but where is the fun in packing all of them to our mythical deserted island! So now I challenge you to create your own vanilla extract. Leave a comment below and let me know your opinion.
Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe
5-6 Vanilla Beans (Grade A)
1 cup of Vodka (Non-Flavored, 80% proof)
1 Jar (With a tight lid)
1. Slit all vanilla beans in half down the middle and place into the jar.
2. Pour one cup of vodka into the jar with vanilla beans
3. Top the jar with the lid and shake.
4. Shake the jar once per week.
5. Vanilla extract can be used in as little as 2 months
but for optimal results wait for 6 months.
At Chic Sweets Bakery, we believe that baking is an art, and each pastry is a masterpiece created with passion, precision, and the finest ingredients. Nestled in the hea rt of [your city], our bakery is a place where luxury meets comfort, where every bite transports you to a world of indulgence. Whether you’re treating yourself to a decadent dessert or celebrating a special occasion, Chic Sweets Bakery offers more than just food – it offers an experience. Handcrafted Pastries, Made with Love What sets Chic Sweets Bakery apart is our unwavering commitment to quality. We take pride in handcrafting every pastry with care, ensuring each treat is made from scratch with the finest ingredients. Our menu features a variety of delights – from delicate lemon bars to rich pistachio cakes and indulgent liquor pound cakes. We believe that when you use the best ingredients, the end result speaks for itself. That’s why we carefully source premium chocolate, locally grown fruits, and hand-picked nuts to create our signature baked goods. A Welcoming Atmosphere That Feels Like Home Stepping into Chic Sweets Bakery feels like visiting an old friend’s kitchen – warm, inviting, and full of the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goods. Our bakery is designed to be more than just a place to grab a quick treat; it’s a place to linger, savor, and connect. Whether you're grabbing your morning coffee and pastry or celebrating with a custom cake for a special event, we want every customer to feel like part of the Chic Sweets family. Our friendly staff is always ready with a smile and eager to share the stories behind our creations. The Secret Behind Our Pastries: A Peek Behind the Scenes Ever wondered what goes into making your favorite Chic Sweets creation? The secret is in the details. We don’t rush the process – each pastry is crafted with patience and precision. From mixing the batter to the careful decoration of every cake, we take our time to ensure perfection in every step. Our kitchen is a bustling hub of creativity, where our bakers are constantly innovating while staying true to the time-tested recipes that have made us a local favorite. Customer Testimonials: Why People Love Chic Sweets Bakery We’ve had the pleasure of serving countless customers over the years, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what some of our loyal customers have to say: "I’ve never tasted anything like the pistachio cake at Chic Sweets Bakery. It’s the perfect balance of rich and light, and it’s always fresh. My family can’t get enough!" – Jessica H. "Chic Sweets made the most beautiful cake for our wedding. It not only looked stunning but was the most delicious cake I’ve ever had. Thank you for making our day so special!" – Amanda K. "I’m obsessed with their lemon bars! They’re the perfect combination of tart and sweet, and I always look forward to my weekly visit." – Darren T. These are just a few of the many glowing reviews we’ve received. The relationships we’ve built with our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re so grateful to be a part of your special moments. Bringing People Together, One Bite at a Time At Chic Sweets Bakery, we believe that food is about more than just nourishment – it’s about bringing people together. Whether it's a birthday celebration, a corporate event, or a simple family gathering, our pastries play a role in creating lasting memories. We love seeing our treats on your dinner tables and shared with friends, because for us, every bite is a connection. Visit Us or Order Online Today! We invite you to experience the magic of Chic Sweets Bakery for yourself. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or need a custom cake for your next event, we’ve got something special waiting for you. Stop by our bakery in [your city] or place an order online for nationwide shipping. We can’t wait to serve you and share our love for baking. Visit us today or order online at [your website] and indulge in the finest pastries your taste buds have ever experienced. Chic Sweets Bakery – where every bite is a sweet memory waiting to be made.
Lauren & Gator’s Stunning Valentine’s Weekend Wedding Cake Love was in the air this Valentine’s Day weekend as Lauren and Gator celebrated their wedding in grand style at The Bell Tower on 34th Street. Their love story deserved nothing less than a show-stopping cake, and we were honored to create a breathtaking three-tiered masterpiece to mark the occasion. The Cake: A Vision of Romance Lauren and Gator’s wedding cake was designed to capture the essence of love—bold, timeless, and unforgettable. The couple chose red velvet , a classic flavor known for its rich, velvety texture and subtle cocoa undertones, perfectly complementing the romance of the weekend. Each tier was generously layered with our signature cream cheese frosting, balancing sweetness with just the right touch of tang. A Design Fit for a Love Story The three-tiered beauty stood tall, exuding elegance with every detail. The smooth, ivory buttercream finish provided a flawless canvas for delicate sugar roses cascading down the side, mirroring the lush floral arrangements of their reception. Edible gold accents added a touch of opulence, reflecting the grandeur of The Bell Tower’s architecture. The top tier featured a custom cake topper with Lauren and Gator’s initials intertwined—a simple yet meaningful representation of their new union. Soft candlelight flickered around the cake table, enhancing the romantic ambiance as guests gathered to admire (and later, indulge in) the delicious creation. A Sweet Moment to Remember As the evening unfolded, Lauren and Gator’s cake-cutting moment became a highlight of the night. With laughter and joy, they shared the first bite, savoring not only the cake but the sweetness of the journey ahead. Guests raved about the rich red velvet flavor, some even sneaking back for seconds! Creating this cake for Lauren and Gator was an absolute pleasure, and we’re so grateful to have been part of their unforgettable day. From the grandeur of The Bell Tower to the intimate moments shared between the couple, their wedding was truly a celebration of love, and their cake was a delicious testament to it. Planning Your Own Dream Wedding Cake? If you’re envisioning a wedding cake that’s as unique and special as your love story, we’d love to bring it to life! From timeless classics to bold, modern designs, let’s create something truly unforgettable for your big day. Here’s to love, cake, and happily ever after!
Experienc e luxury in every bite
I'm thrilled to announce my book is ready for pre-order.
Finding the Sweet Spot: Balancing Cr eativity and Business as a Bakery Owner
Where Elegance Meets Indulgence: Why Chic Sweets Bakery is Houston's Must-Visit Treat Haven"