World Baking Day - try baked goods made with European apples
World Baking Day is celebrated annually on May 18th. On this day, some people cultivate their love of baking by preparing both sweet and savoury baked goods. Less experienced cooks often use home baking as a benchmark to assess their skills. Egyptian cuisine is considered one of the most ancient culinary traditions globally. The Egyptians devoted an impressive 4,000 years to the refinement of their culinary craft. Egypt is renowned for its exotic assortment of flavours and aromas. The Egyptians consume a substantial amount of fresh vegetables, fish, and fruit, notably apples from Europe, celebrated globally for their exceptional quality and taste.
Irrespective of one’s geographical location, homemade baked goods are universally regarded as the most delectable. Preparing these treats oneself offers numerous advantages, including relaxation, the opportunity to experiment with novel flavour pairings, fostering creativity, and even cost savings. Who wants to try out a new recipe?
The history of baking
For thousands of years, people have enjoyed savouring the delightful tastes of freshly baked bread, cakes, pastries, and other delectable treats. The origins of baking can be traced back to ancient times when humans realised the possibility of cooking food over a fire and later in rudimentary clay or stone ovens. With the progression of civilisation, ovens underwent increasingly sophisticated advancements. Baking played a significant role in the culture and religion of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Evidence of the earliest baking practices can be traced back to approximately the XXV century BC in Egypt. Archaeologists have made significant discoveries, including grinding stones, baking chambers, and 4000-year-old bakery drawings. During that era, bakers utilised grains to create various bread types and flavours. To enhance the taste of the dough, Egyptian bakers started incorporating ingredients such as honey, eggs, seeds, and spices. A diverse range of moulds was employed in the process of baking. Various types of bread, such as bird bread and fish bread, were prepared. The daily consumption of baked goods was a common practice, with specific types carrying significant importance in religious rituals. This tradition has endured up until the present time.
Baking underwent substantial advancements throughout the medieval era. Local bakeries experienced a surge in popularity and established themselves as a permanent element of the town’s scenery. Different varieties of bread were created depending on the ingredients and the region. The emergence of bread as a staple food substantially impacted the daily diet.
The Industrial Revolution in the XIX century brought about a profound shift in the baking industry. New technologies, such as bread-making machines, facilitated mass production. Bread became widely available to practically everyone and still is today.
Baked goods made with European apples
World Baking Day provides an excellent occasion to commemorate the art of baking and indulge in delectable baked treats. Incorporating succulent and fragrant European apples into homemade cakes can yield a distinct flavour and texture. The inherent sweetness, subtle flavour, and crispy texture make them ideal for numerous dessert recipes. Apples are ideal for a wide range of baked goods, including classic apple pie, muffins, yeast cakes, and pies or tarts. The inherent sweetness, subtle flavour, and crispy texture make them ideal for numerous dessert recipes. When incorporating European apples into your baked goods, it is advisable to utilise apple varieties like Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, and Jonagold, as these exhibit differing levels of sweetness and acidity that contribute to a distinct flavour in baked goods. Additionally, one can experiment with additives such as cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, or nuts to introduce diversity to the flavour profile and amplify the apple’s inherent qualities.
Try this recipe for baked apple meringue.
Ingredients:
• 4 apples
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons of cane sugar
• a few dashes of lemon or orange juice
• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup of fine baking sugar
• a pinch of salt
Preparation:
Begin by washing, peeling, and cutting the apples into quarters or, if you prefer, smaller pieces. Transfer the apples to a bowl, lightly garnish with lemon, and incorporate cinnamon and cane sugar. Thoroughly mix the ingredients and then transfer the mixture to the pan. Continuously fry and stir the apples until they are evenly coated with caramelised sugar. Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they reach a stiff consistency. After whisking, gradually introduce the sugar in small increments, continuing to whisk until a smooth texture is obtained. Place the fried apples into heat-resistant bowls pre-lined with baking paper. Distribute a generous portion of the whipped egg whites into each apple dish, ensuring the fruit is completely concealed. Place the dessert in an oven preheated to 110°C and bake for approximately 20 minutes. In the last baking phase, adjust the temperature to 200°C and bake for 2 minutes to attain a nicely browned meringue. To further enhance the dish, consider including seasonal fruits like blackberries or cranberries, which can be added to the pre-sauteed apples.
World Baking Day provides an excellent opportunity to indulge in tasty meals and baked treats enhanced by European apples’ distinct flavour. European Apples are enjoyed worldwide, and the people of Egypt also appreciate their high quality and delightful taste.