Traditional American Recipes
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Why a cake from scratch when you can buy a box and have a cake within an hour? The cake in a box can only be ruined if you put too much or too little water or eggs or oil. You are adding the "wet" ingredients. It's a cake someone has started and you are just adding the last few ingredients and baking it. When you create a cake from a recipe, it is your creation, it's a "win", and we all need more of those.
Before you jump into a recipe read it through, from the ingredients to the directions. If there is anything you don't understand there might be a term you are not familiar with, look in the glossary or a dictionary. Make sure you have all the ingredients, bowls, pans, etc so you don't have to make a rushed trip to the grocery store. Be prepared.
The recipes here are traditional American recipes. They are all from cooks who have been cooking and baking for their families for years.
One last word, use Organic whenever you can.
Hints for better cakes:
1. When the recipe calls for baking powder use Rumford brand, it has no aluminum, your cake will taste better and it's healthier for you.
2. Assemble all ingredients and utensils before hand. Have all your ingredients at room temperature unless the recipe calls for something other than that.
3. Follow the recipe to the letter, no corner cutting.
4. Measure exactly. Use a straight edge to level off measuring cups and spoons.
5. Scrape the bowl often, use a rubber spatula. Scraping the bowl ensures that all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
6. Have a ruler handy for measuring pans.
7. Use a cooking spray to grease pans, it's easier, healthier and the pans clean up without a lot of scrubbing.