Butter is by far the most commonly used (and preferred!) fat in culinary preparation. With its rich, creamy feel and extremely versatile application, butter is one of the most essential ingredients for baking and cooking.
This cream creates a tender texture in baked goods and is key for browning. When frying or sauteing, it compliments and enhances flavors. Used in complicated sauces and frosting as a base, or even plain on toast, this ingredient's popularity is extremely hard to beat!
True, butter can be difficult and frustrating to handle when trying to create that perfect pastry or pound cake (admit it: how often have you popped the butter in the microwave instead of waiting for it to soften at room temperature?). However, if you take the time to use butter at the required temperature (whether it's chilled and cut into pieces for pastries, softened for cookies, or melted for glazes and sauces), the result is astounding.
Keep in mind, when melted butter is used in place of softened, cookies tend to turn out runny and shapeless. But when chilled butter is let out on the counter for a while, it can be properly creamed with sugar and will add just the right, satisfying crunch to your treats.
So take the time and be patient! Albeit a bit finicky, in the end, butter won't fail you.
No comments:
Post a Comment