Why is it important to switch the oven on well before you start cook?

* Even Baking: Preheating allows the oven to reach a consistent temperature throughout, ensuring your food cooks evenly. If you start cooking before it's hot enough, the outside might burn while the inside remains raw.

* Accurate Cooking Times: Recipes are generally designed with preheated ovens in mind. Starting cold will significantly affect your cooking time and could lead to over or undercooked food.

* Optimal Texture and Flavor: For many dishes, like baked goods and roasts, a hot oven helps to develop the desired texture and flavor.

* Better Rise for Bread and Cakes: A hot oven creates the necessary steam for bread and cakes to rise properly, resulting in a lighter and airier texture.

How long to preheat:

* Most ovens take about 10-15 minutes to reach the desired temperature.

* You can check the temperature with a digital thermometer to be sure.

Tip: Some ovens have a preheat indicator light that turns off when the oven is ready. This can be a helpful reminder to start cooking!