What does baseline mean in baking?

In baking, "baseline" usually refers to a standard recipe or formula that serves as a starting point for experimentation and customization. It's a reliable recipe that you can depend on for consistent results.

Here's how it works:

* Foundation for variations: The baseline recipe provides a foundation of proportions and techniques that are proven to work well. From there, you can adjust ingredients, add flavors, or experiment with different techniques.

* Understanding flavor and texture: By understanding the baseline, you can better understand how different ingredients affect the final outcome. For example, you can see how changing the amount of sugar or flour impacts the sweetness and texture of your baked goods.

* Troubleshooting: If a recipe doesn't turn out as expected, you can refer to the baseline to troubleshoot potential issues. Did you add too much or too little of a certain ingredient? Did you miss a step in the process?

Think of the baseline like a blueprint for your baking adventures. It gives you a solid starting point and helps you understand the fundamentals of baking so you can confidently make your own creations.

Here are some examples of baseline recipes:

* Basic cake recipe: This recipe includes the essential ingredients and techniques for a simple, reliable cake that you can modify with different flavors, frostings, and decorations.

* Classic cookie recipe: This recipe provides the foundation for a wide variety of cookies, allowing you to add different flavors, textures, and shapes.

* Simple bread dough: This recipe is the starting point for various bread varieties, allowing you to experiment with different flours, yeast types, and shaping techniques.

So, next time you're baking, remember to think about the baseline and how it can help you achieve your desired results.