Baking Soda

Baking soda is a white powder leavening agent that helps dough rise when combined with acidic ingredients. It is also used in cookies, muffins, and other baked goods. Measure it precisely, mix it with the dry ingredients, and do not automatically substitute it with an equal amount of baking powder.

Butter

Butter gives a creamy texture and rich flavor to pastries. It's excellent for muffins, cookies, and sponge cakes; it can be easily whipped at room temperature for batters. Use butter with at least 80% fat content for lemon muffins.

Instant espresso coffee powder

Instant espresso coffee powder is a soluble coffee that adds a coffee flavor to cookies, cakes, and dessert creams. According to the recipe, it can be mixed directly with dry ingredients or dissolved in a small amount of liquid. It cannot be substituted for ground coffee in all recipes.

Brown sugar

Brown sugar is a sweetener with a slightly caramel flavor, which pairs particularly well with cookies, muffins, and fruit cakes. Its granulation and moisture content may vary by product. Measure the amount specified in the recipe, and break up any larger clumps before mixing.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is a concentrated, liquid flavoring that adds vanilla aroma to cakes, creams, and ice creams. Use in small amounts as per the recipe. It blends easily when mixed with liquid ingredients in batters.

Flour

Flour is made from finely ground grains and is the base for many doughs, pastries, breads, or sauces. Use the type of flour specified in the recipe, as different varieties behave differently. Measure accurately and mix with the other dry ingredients before adding to the liquid.

Granulated Sugar

Granulated sugar is a crystalline sweetener that can be used for doughs, creams, syrups, and making caramel. Mix with butter or eggs for the time specified in the recipe to ensure proper distribution. Measure accurately for baking, as it also affects the texture of the dough.

Salt

Salt enhances the flavor of dishes and balances the taste of sweet pastries in small amounts. For doughs, fine-grained salt is easier to work with evenly. Measure the amount specified in the recipe accurately, especially when using salted butter.

Baking Powder

Baking powder is a powdery leavening agent that helps cake batters rise. It is often used for muffins, bundt cakes, and mixed cakes. Mix the amount specified in the recipe with the flour; when using packaged dosing, check the weight of the package.

Egg

Eggs are a versatile ingredient in baking and cooking: they bind mixtures, enrich creams, and when whipped, incorporate air into batters. Use the size and quantity specified in the recipe for baked goods. If separating, ensure no yolk gets into the whites.

Unsweetened cocoa powder

Unsweetened cocoa powder is a baking ingredient with a strong cocoa flavor, free from added sugar. It can be used for brownies, cookies, creams, and for dusting desserts. Sift before use to ensure it mixes smoothly into the batter or evenly coats the cream.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is a concentrated, liquid flavoring that adds vanilla aroma to cakes, creams, and ice creams. Use in small amounts as per the recipe. It blends easily when mixed with liquid ingredients in batters.

Whipping Cream

Whipping cream is a soft-flavored dairy product that can be used liquid for creams and whipped for filling and decorating cakes. Work with it well chilled for whipping. Stop whipping when it holds its shape, as over-whipping can make it grainy.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is finely ground sugar used for decorating cakes, sweetening creams, and making icing. Before serving, sprinkle it over the cooled cake through a fine sieve. It can dissolve on wet surfaces, so it's best to do the sprinkling just before serving.

Mascarpone

Mascarpone is a soft, thick, and creamy Italian fresh cheese. It can be used for tiramisu, dessert creams, cake fillings, and savory sauces. When making cream, mix gently and only work it until smooth to maintain its creamy texture.