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Original poster

Help me to love baking...

28 replies

fatmumma · 27/07/2015 08:19

I hate baking, always goes wrong, and when i have tried DH either takes over or is critical so I have given up...

Thing is, DC are getting older now so I have more time on my hands and getting a bit bored so wondered about doing some baking to fill my time.

Help me to ignite a passion for baking before I go crazy

OP posts:

Ragwort · 27/07/2015 08:21

If you really hate baking why not try and find a hobby/interest that you will enjoy, there's not much point forcing yourself to do something just because you think you 'ought' to.

whatsagoodusername · 27/07/2015 08:23

What sort of thing have you attempted in the past?

What sort of thing do you like to eat?

Original poster

fatmumma · 27/07/2015 08:38

Rag - just thinking that it would be a hobby that the whole family would benefit from plus hopefully save some money which is always helpful!

whatsagood - have tried cakes and pastry items, pies, quiche etc. But have also given up on cooking everyday family meals, lasagne etc as finding DH critism had to cope with so leave all the cooking to him

OP posts:

Costacoffeeplease · 27/07/2015 08:43

I think the criticism is more of a problem than the baking! Is what you made edible? If so, then ignore him or laugh at him, he's being a knob

ShuShuFontana · 27/07/2015 08:48

if you are actually bad at it find something else to do, but if dh is highly critical and takes over I'd leave him to it or maybe just leave him

where are you going wrong? Baking needs a much more in depth knowledge of ingredients and how and why they go together, if you want to make a start in the kitchen then simple main meals from someone reliable like Delia, Mary Berry, Good Housekeeping will get you started, follow the recipes and taste as you go, once you feel confident with a few basics then expand your horizons

...something like cottage pie, leading onto Bolognese, lasagne, maybe moussaka, onto casseroles/stews and so on.

mrsmeerkat · 27/07/2015 08:50

I have Jamie's Ministry of Food so you could start really simple with pancakes?

Why is you DH criticizing you?

Mine will say 'oh the bread gave me heartburn' but 99 percent of the time is complimentary.

Do you tell him to stop it?

Notnowbernard · 27/07/2015 08:57

I hate it too
Dp and even 9yr old Dd are better at it
They like doing it
So I don't - what's the point?
Instead I spend time doing stuff I do enjoy
Find something you like!

MrsWooster · 27/07/2015 08:58

I used to love the idea but found it stressful. had an epiphany when I figured that the absolutism of Delia et al was too
hard and began to wing it. carb restrictions etc meant playing with almond flour and a palmful of baking powder... cakes mostly turn out lovely and sometimes very different from 'proper' cakes and that's no bad thing. if dh doesn't like what you create, send him to Gregg's!

Ragwort · 27/07/2015 10:22

I am not sure home baking is actually cheaper than buying cakes - it's certainly a lot nicer but the ingredients for a really nice cake can add up!

LetThereBeCupcakes · 27/07/2015 10:25

Do you hate baking because you feel it always goes wrong and people criticise? Or do you just not enjoy the process?

Can you make a basic victoria sponge - that's the place to start IMO.

Great British Bake Off starts next week. I always start baking like crazy once it starts.

Original poster

fatmumma · 27/07/2015 10:39

Costa he can be a knob, not sure why it upsets me so much. Have tried subtle hints, not I'm not so subtle now and shout "do you want to do it" and stomp off like a stroppy teenager.

OP posts:

Original poster

fatmumma · 27/07/2015 10:39

Costa he can be a knob, not sure why it upsets me so much. Have tried subtle hints, not I'm not so subtle now and shout "do you want to do it" and stomp off like a stroppy teenager.

OP posts:

Original poster

fatmumma · 27/07/2015 10:47

Not the most mature of attitudes but hey ho... even my DC say DH is a better cook than me.

DH doesn't bake so thinking that could be my thing IYSWIM, he prefers making curries, lasagne that sort of thing.

I know it seems a bit crazy, I just want to find a hobby/interest that I can enjoy and I know it would seem obvious to choose something else but I want to have a few ideas up my sleeve as his critises me when gardening, sewing etc etc

Any particular Mary Berry, Delia books you recommend to get me started

OP posts:

Original poster

fatmumma · 27/07/2015 11:00

mrsmeerkat thanks for the ministry of food recommendation, just been had a look on Amazon and looks like it just what I need

OP posts:

Costacoffeeplease · 27/07/2015 12:16

After your latest posts, it seems he is a knob, why does he criticise everything you do? Does he know much about sewing?

I think you need to deal with his attitude really, and not let it go unchallenged

Original poster

fatmumma · 27/07/2015 14:26

Costa I have got upset and cross about it but keep letting it go, really I need to have a sensible grown up discussion about it... pass the

OP posts:

Penfold007 · 27/07/2015 15:13

fatmamma I wouldn't want to cook for such an unappreciative audience, let your H get on with the day to day cooking. If you fancy baking then have a look at Mary Berry's web site www.maryberry.co.uk/ She does really good basic recipes to help you learn to bake.

chamerion · 27/07/2015 15:33

The key to cooking for me, is doing it repeatedly. It sounds like you're just not getting the chance to learn from your mistakes. And most people make them!

How will you know, for example, to add a little less/more liquid than the recipe calls for, say, if you don't make it 'properly' the first time and it isn't quite right. Then you have another go, tweaking it as you go along?

Why not find a cookery/baking course you could do locally, to give you some confidence? You could also start with packet mixes, where you just add water and an egg.

I don't expect perfect cooking in my house. Edible is a success!

Costacoffeeplease · 27/07/2015 15:43

Yes I think you do, who
knows, without constant criticism undermining you, you might be brilliant at baking/sewing/whatever - I really would laugh at him, 'who made you Paul Hollywood/Patrick Grant/Alan Titchmarsh?' and crack on with what I wanted to do, whatever that may be, maybe if he sees it doesn't affect you, he'll stop doing it?

Sgtmajormummy · 27/07/2015 16:01

First of all, I think expectations surrounding home baking are just too high. Decorated cupcakes, icing sugar sculpture tools and perfectly poured chocolate glaze are a load of twaddle!
There are so many varieties of cake/bread/biscuits you could go for months without repeating yourself (and create a serious weight problem!). But basically good baking comes from fresh ingredients, a light touch and a reliable oven*. You should also be curious and interested enough to develop an "eye" for the right consistency or the right moment to take it out of the oven before it gets too dry or leave it in to crisp off.
Have a look in your local library for baking recipe books by Australian Good Housekeeping (I think). They're big and colourful with really clear instructions.
And there is nothing wrong with buying cake. It's often cheaper and tastier than a bad home made one. But read the labels carefully to avoid corn syrup and other nasties.

*Words of wisdom from DM who worked in an independent bakery. She also swore by "ovened" baking tins, before the days of non-stick.

Original poster

fatmumma · 27/07/2015 19:03

Went to the library this afternoon and got Bake Off "How To Bake", it is a brilliant book and just what I need. Great step-by-step pics

Just need to get some decent tins now

OP posts:

Penfold007 · 27/07/2015 19:22

fatmumma just remember baking is a science and follow the recipe carefully. Make sure your tins are the right size, don't try short cuts yet and use scales to weigh things and proper cups if you want to measure. You CAN do this

Original poster

fatmumma · 28/07/2015 09:54

bought cheap scales and tins a lifetime ago, need to invest in some decent quality but can't afford to spend too much

OP posts:

Penfold007 · 28/07/2015 11:50

Cheap scales will be fine, just check they are accurate with something like a pack of butter and adjust as needed. Measure your tins and go for it. I like to grease and line my tins, a cheap roll of greaseproof paper works fine. Just take your time, read the instructions and enjoy the results. Post a pic of your first bake

LetThereBeCupcakes · 28/07/2015 11:54

What are you planning to start with?

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