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The Sweet History of Chocolate

The Sweet History of Chocolate

By: RedmanShop | June 26, 2025

From Mayans to Modern Day

Chocolate has shaped the way we celebrate, gift, and indulge. It’s the star of our desserts, the ultimate comfort good and a go-to for birthdays, anniversaries, and everything in between. Now, everyone knows that chocolates originate from cacao beans, but have you ever wondered how they became the treat we love today?

At RedMan, we believe a rich flavour deserves an equally rich backstory. So, welcome to your special crash course in cocoa: The Sweet History of Chocolate! A bite-sized journey through chocolate’s evolution… Told through the ages, one delicious fact at a time.

The Discovery of Chocolate (1500s and earlier)

Before it became the creamy dessert we know today, chocolate began as a sacred plant hidden deep in the rainforests of Mesoamerica, now known as present-day Mexico. Over 4,000 years ago, the Olmecs were among the first to discover cacao beans, where they crushed the cacao pods and used them in ritual, ceremonial or medicinal drinks.

Fast forward a few centuries and the Mayans fully adopted and embraced the cacao culture. They didn’t just enjoy cacao like the Olmecs, the Mayans worshipped it as one of their gods. Cacao beans were so prized, they were used in religious rituals, traded as currency, and even buried with the dead to accompany them to the afterlife. Drinking their chocolate (which was still far from the sweet version we know) was a symbol of status, power, and divine favour.

The “Xicolatl” Drink

Imagine a foamy, bitter, spiced chocolate mixture instead of your usual hot cocoa. That’s what was known as, “Xocolatl,” the early versions of a chocolate drink from the Aztecs. Made by grinding roasted cacao beans with chilli, cornmeal and water… This thick beverage surely packed a flavourful punch. If you’re curious to try something similar, check out our list of suggested ingredients commonly associated with the drink! Feel free to explore recipes online and adjust the ratios to suit your taste (or courage)!

Chocolate Reaches Europe

It’s safe to say the deliciousness and cultural influence of chocolate couldn’t be contained for long. When Spanish explorers set foot in the Americas in the early 1500s, they brought back cacao beans to Europe, where it caused quite a stir amongst the aristocracy. But to European palates, the bitter brew from the Aztecs was too intense, so they got creative.

By adding cane sugar, honey, vanilla, and even cinnamon, this new, European mixture was a sweeter, silkier and smoother version of the Aztecs’ “Xocolatl” drink. It wasn’t long before it gained popularity in royal courts and high society circles, a luxury only the rich could enjoy. Hailed not only for its health benefits but for its high status and exclusivity. If you want to sip like the aristocrats did, here’s a suggested list of ingredients that mimic the style of the early European chocolate drink! And again, feel free to browse various recipes online to match your desired richness and sweetness.

If you need a more convenient and fast method for making some indulgent hot chocolate, just combine warm milk with ready-made powder! Check out the Ruby Chocolate Drink Powder, Hot Cocoa Double Chocolate or Instant Cocoa Drink Powder available at RedMan’s website.

The Development of Chocolate Till Today

Until the 19th century, chocolate was mostly something you drank… But in 1847, British company J.S. Fry & Sons mixed cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and sugar to create a firm, mouldable version: the first chocolate bar! Safe to say that over time, many Swiss chocolatiers perfected chocolate to be finer, smoother and glossier. This era gave rise to giant chocolate companies and transformed chocolate from a sacred drink to snackable delights.

Today, chocolate comes in many forms and even flavours: there’s Dark Chocolate for the bold, Milk Chocolate for the nostalgic and White Chocolate for the sweet-toothed. We’re all exploring new flavours with chocolate, and bringing the ingredient to new heights.

Melt it, mix it, drizzle it, and most importantly, share it!

Want to bake something delicious from our classes or looking for inspiration for your next chocolate dessert? Head over to our Instagram and tag us @phoonhuat to share your sweet creations! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #phoonhuat on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok so we can cheer you on! RedMan Singapore is always welcoming new baking enthusiasts into our community so hop onto our social media pages and let’s support each other!

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Dads Deserve Desserts, Too!

Dads Deserve Desserts, Too!

By: RedmanShop | June 25, 2025

Father’s Day Bakes and Bonding Moments that Hit the Sweet Spot

We all know and appreciate a father who gives the most for his loved ones, day in and day out. From morning kopitiam runs to late-night sessions with school projects, they’re there. Always. Now with Father’s Day coming up, maybe it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and rethink the gifting of cologne or the classic “Best Dad” mug.

So, what’s the best way to make this special day truly meaningful? It may not have to come from the store… but how about the kitchen? At RedMan, we believe the sweetest moments come from what we create together. That’s why we’re inviting fellow parents (and kids) to turn this Father’s Day into a memory-making adventure! One that smells like freshly baked goods and sounds like fun laughter.

This year, we’re not just honoring dads, we’re making memories. From the kitchen counter to the dining table, we’ve got recipes and some special activities to sweeten your celebration!

Why Dad Deserves Something Sweet

They may not always say much, but dads have a way of showing love in the simplest, most powerful ways. Whether it’s the quiet nod of approval, the jokes that land (or don’t), or the silent fixing of things in the house… Dads have their own special brand of care. While they may not always ask for much, Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to give back to his years of endless love and care. It doesn’t have to be a big or grand gesture because something small, personal and made with the heart already evokes a thousand words.

Baking Recipes to Make Dad Smile

Whether you’re planning to surprise Dad with a handmade treat or invite him into the kitchen for a bonding activity, these recipes are the perfect way to say, “I appreciate you.” From sweet tooth cravings to health-conscious desserts, we’ve got a little something for every kind of father figure. A dessert made with love is always better than anything store-bought.

1. Healthy Blueberry Banana Muffin

If Dad’s watching his diet but still sneaks a treat, these Healthy Blueberry Banana Muffins are a sweet yet nutritious compromise. Packed with natural ingredients and lightly sweetened with real fruit, they hit the spot without the sugar crash. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or post-gym snacking, bake a batch and make some sweet memories together. Get the recipe!

2. Home-made Chicken Ham Cheesy Pizza

For the father who loves turning cooking into a fun bonding session, this Chicken Ham & Cheese Pizza is the perfect weekend project to share with your little sous-chef. From stretching the dough together to sprinkling the gooey cheese on top, it’s hands-on, kid-friendly, and oh-so-satisfying. No fancy gear needed, just a home oven (or toaster oven) and a few simple ingredients. Get the recipe!

3. Non-Bake Cheesecake

A classic dessert that’s as rich and reliable as Dad himself. Smooth, creamy, and irresistibly satisfying, this Non-Bake Cheesecake recipe is perfect for those craving a creamy yet powerful treat. With no oven involved, it’s a great pick for little bakers to help assemble and decorate too. Finding someone who doesn’t like cheesecake is nearly impossible so this one’s a guaranteed win for dessert fans of all ages. Get the recipe!

4. Gluten-Free Breakfast Pancakes

Whether Dad’s on a healthy diet or just appreciates a lighter meal to start the day, our Gluten-Free Breakfast Pancakes bring the perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence. Stack them high, drizzle with honey or fruit, and turn your Sunday morning into a full-on Father’s Day breakfast celebration. The best part? Everyone can join in on flipping duties! Get the recipe!

Bake It Together: RedMan’s Parent & Child Classes

If you ask any dad what he wants for Father’s Day, chances are he won’t say much. But if you ask him what his best memories are, they’re usually the simple and shared moments with the kids. Those are exactly the kind of moments RedMan’s Parent & Child baking classes are designed to create!

No baking experience? No problem. These sessions are fun, beginner-friendly, and guided by expert instructors who’ll make sure the experience is equal parts learning and laughter. You’ll walk away with unforgettable memories with tasty creations in hand.

Cake Push Pop Baking (Parent & Child Class)

In this playful, intimate, and hands-on class, learn how to layer fluffy cake, cream, and toppings into fun push pop containers! This session is a great way to let your personalities shine while decorating together. Book the class!

Animal-Themed Madeleines Baking (Parent & Child Class)

Create some butter madeleines in this sweet animal-themed session! Perfect for younger kids and parents looking for a relaxed, beginner-friendly bonding activity. Expect lots of smiles and maybe a few cookie ears accidentally eaten mid-decorating. Book the class!

In the end, Father’s Day may not come with as many flowers or fanfare, but it’s just as deserving of joy, love, and celebration. With this article, we hope you’ve gathered some motivation and devote this Father’s Day to honour the dads, grandpas, and father-figures who’ve always been there.

Baked something delicious from our classes or looking for inspiration to surprise your dad? Head over to our Instagram and tag us @phoonhuat to share your sweet creations! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #BakeForDadSG on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok so we can cheer you on! RedMan Singapore is always welcoming new baking enthusiasts into our community so hop onto our social media pages and let’s support each other!

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The Official Mother’s Day Baking Bingo

The Official Mother’s Day Baking Bingo

By: RedmanShop | May 22, 2025

Because Mum Deserved the Laughs (and the Dessert)

In the spirit of celebrating the amazing women in our lives, we wrapped up this Mother’s Day with something a little extra sweet: the official RedMan Mother’s Day Baking Bingo! A super fun, lighthearted, and very entertaining game that celebrated the sweet (and slightly chaotic) moments that always happen when love, flour, and family mix. After all, we all knew we needed a dessert for this special day, so why not create a fun and loving memory out of it? Inspired by the universal bond of baking with your loved ones, we successfully combined the classic game with the joys of family kitchen moments… So how many squares did you tick off?

 

How Did Your Mother’s Day Baking Bingo Go?

If you joined the fun, you knew the rules were simple: Each player grabbed a copy of the scorecard (below) and for every square, the winner was determined when someone covered 5 of those squares in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row!

Don’t worry if you missed it, too! You can still download the printable version of our Bingo sheet and share the fun with your mum.


At the heart of the game was the chance for you and your mum to enjoy yourselves in the kitchen and spend some meaningful time together. Every square ticked off became a sweet and joyful reminder of a special moment shared between the two of you, and we hope those little moments turned into lifelong memories you’ll cherish.

You embraced the chaos, indulged your sweet tooth, and made the most of every moment with her. At the end of the day, every mother deserved the best memories and you had the chance to create some beautiful ones together!

 

Bonus Points: Baked These and Scored Extra Love!

Did you both go all out? Baking one of these meant you automatically checked off a few extra squares!

Cheesecake
Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cider Frosting
Strawberry Shortcake

Other Ways to Celebrate Your Mother’s Love

After you had your fun with Bingo, we have even more to share! We kept the celebration going by capturing the little moments that reflected her love. The sounds, the laughter, the satisfying moments that made you feel at home… We’re proud to say we showcased that feeling in our special satisfying video reel which symbolised a mother’s love language through these lovely baking shots.

Baked something delicious from our Bingo card or looking for more inspiration to surprise your mum again? Head over to our Instagram and tag us @phoonhuat to share your sweet creations! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #BakeForMumSG on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok so we can cheer you on! RedMan Singapore is always welcoming new baking enthusiasts into our community so hop onto our social media pages and let’s support each other!

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5 Bakes to Say I Love You this Mother’s Day

5 Bakes to Say I Love You this Mother’s Day

By: RedmanShop | May 6, 2025

Gift Your Love Through Aromatic Bakes


As we approach Mother’s Day, few things express honour, love, and affection quite like a handcrafted gift from the heart… So why not create something that says her in a single bake?

From biological mothers to grandmothers to even mother figures in our own lives, it’s important to take a moment and honour the amazing women who have significantly contributed to our growth and well-being. Whilst Mother’s Day is celebrated differently around the world, here at RedMan, we’d like to honour mothers with a special sweet treat!

Whether you’re reading this as a novice baker or someone who simply needs inspiration or even someone who doesn’t really know where the kitchen is, we’re putting a fun twist on this meaningful day. What better way to say, “I love you” when you can bake someone special for her this Mothers’ Day. And just as every mother loves differently, every bake says “I love you” in its own special way. So, which bake do you think would melt your mum’s heart?

1. Soft like a Banana Bread Bake


Versatile, simple yet delicious, a Banana Bread is the perfect gift to bring joy and comfort to mothers who are defined by their warmth and affection. The one where her love language is most likely the act of giving, and this Banana Bread will perfectly resemble that. This recipe represents good memories, good taste and overall simplicity; so commemorate her efforts and gift the love that she deserves. To make it more special for your mum, customise it to your mother’s liking even more… If she loves chocolates, customise your banana bread with chocolate chips or sprinkle a pinch or two of enriching cocoa powder for that elevated flavour! Sweetness will fill the air as you create this flavourful bake for your mum.

If you find this recipe slightly out of your league or way off (let’s be honest), we’ve shared here also, a simpler yet equally special gift idea for you. Why not assemble a whole DIY set filled with ready-to-bake ingredients for your mum? It’s easy: RedMan is currently having a special offer on the Banana Bread Mix – did we mention they’re gluten-free too? Amp up the bread’s flavour profile by adding some 100% Roasted Coffee Beans or a mix of fruits, seeds or nuts. Arrange that with sturdy equipment like a Loaf Pan and you’ve already got yourself a perfect gift set ready to go!

Get the recipe: Banana Bread Cake

2. Strong like a Chocolate Brownies


Whether fudgy, chewy or soft on the inside, Chocolate Brownies are always a go-to for that yummy, simply satisfying bake. One that symbolises adventure and strength, jam-packed in a single square of goodness. We believe a strong woman deserves a delicious bake that never disappoints and Chocolate Brownies do exactly that! This treat is for a mother who leads life with strong morals and loves her children with her trust, strong and stable presence. Now, we’re making it easier than ever to make a batch that your mother will absolutely love!

An alternative gift for you non-bakers is to save some extra time and grab a special Brownie Mix for her baking adventures. Ready-made cake mixes also allow her to get creative and add her own twist to the batter. And remember, crafting the perfect brownies requires the right tools! So pair the mix with a high-quality Spatula and a Square Pan and voilà, you’ve assembled a gift that’s both thoughtful and practical.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Brownie

3. Soothing like a Cream Cheese Tart

 

Soft at the center, solid around the edges. This doesn’t only describe a delicious Cream Cheese Tart but also a woman who may seem tough at first glance, yet has a her heart full of love and care for the people around her. She expresses her love subtly, but her constant support is evident through her powerful presence. This recipe is ideal for those seeking a complex, visually impressive and satisfying taste from the very first. It is truly an underrated gift that’s perfect for someone who leaves a lasting impression and adds a sense of grace wherever she goes.

No need to stress if you’re finding it tricky to perfect this delicious treat, we offer everyone expert-led classes to help you bake tarts like a pro! Better yet, treat your mum to RedMan’s special French Pastry 101 – Tarts class and turn it into a fun bonding experience for the two of you! Once you’re both done baking, showcase your masterpieces on a beautiful Maple Round Cheese Board and take Mother’s Day to a whole new level. Trust us, this gift will get your mum talking to all her friends about her wonderful family.

Get the recipe: Cream Cheese Tart

4. Versatile like a Mochi Rice Cake

 

Mochi Rice Cakes perfectly embody someone who’s gentle at heart, yet powerful in their own way. Striking the right balance between sweetness, complexity and charm, this recipe is specially crafted to be visually appealing as it is sweet, just like her. An ideal gift for a mother who approaches everything with a soft touch that ironically carries a lot of strength; especially in the way she loves. Just like Mochi Rice Cakes, she supports you in every way, in every bite, you’ll be reminded of her unwavering care.

To complement your dessert with something extra special for mum, why not make her a delicious glass of green tea with Hagoromo Matcha Powder! If you’re planning for a memorable bonding experience instead, RedMan offers open-level baking classes to create more loving memories in the kitchen (check out our upcoming ‘Sakura Litchi Pastry’ class). Your thoughtful gift is ready to impress!

Get the recipe: Mother’s Day Mochi Rice Cake

5. Elegant like a Tiramisu

 

Nothing embodies grace quite like the iconic Italian dessert, Tiramisu. It’s the perfect gift for a woman whose elegance doesn’t diminish the impact she has on those around her. Just like a mother’s love, the Tiramisu’s flavours combine tenderness and sophistication. A dessert that has a harmonious blend of rich flavours and creamy textures, Tiramisu packs a surprising kick that makes it a truly satisfying treat for Mother’s Day.

We know that Tiramisus can be challenging for some, and if baking isn’t your thing, you can still gift her with some decadent Tiramisu Mousse Cake Powder; an equally thoughtful gift that’s sure to bring a smile to her face! For a completed gift set, add an Oval Baking Pan and Silicone Spatula from our RedMan online store. You can explore our complete catalog of high-quality baking equipment and ingredients to add some warmth and personal touch to your Mother’s Day gift!

Get the recipe: Classic Tiramisu

In the end, the role of motherhood encompasses a variety of esteemed qualities that always leave a positive effect for those lucky enough to experience it. We celebrate Mother’s Day this year to commemorate those who have played a significant role in our growth and development and we’re excited to see the special gifts you’ve created for the women who have never left your side!

Baked something delicious for this Mother’s Day that is or isn’t part of the 5 recipes we shared? Take pictures/videos of your sweet creations and tag us @phoonhuat or use the hashtag #BakeForMumSG across Facebook, Instagram & Tiktok so we can cheer you on!

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Bread Making

Bread Making

By: RedmanShop | February 19, 2025

Introduction

Bread comes in various varieties, shapes, and sizes, using multiple dough-making processes. Straight Dough/No Time and Straight Dough Bulk Fermented are the two most common bread-making processes.

Due to their complexity, this guide does not cover other styles, such as Sponge and Dough, Pre-fermented Doughs, and Autolyse. Successfully mastering the two types mentioned will enable you to explore more complex methods later.

Lean Bread

Flour, Salt, Yeast, Water, Sugar, Fat Bread contains little or no sugar or fats.

 

Enriched Bread

Flour, Salt, Yeast, Water, Sugar, Fat
Bread with an increased level of sugar and fats.

Rich Sweet Bread

Flour, Salt, Yeast, Water, Sugar, Fat, Eggs
Bread with higher levels of Sugar, Fats and Eggs to improve softness.

Must Know

All the bread listed can have White or Wholemeal flour as their base or combinations.

Dough Making Methods

Straight Dough/ No Time or Instant dough

Straight Dough means all ingredients are mixed simultaneously to the fully developed stage. “No Time/ Instant” means that the dough does not have a long fermentation time after mixing before processing. After a short rest period, the dough is scaled, rounded, rested, shaped, proofed, and baked. The Baked Bread is available approximately two hours after the weighing, processing, preparation and baking.

Straight Dough / Bulk Fermented

The mixing process is the same as the No Time dough at the mixer stage. The mixed dough is left to stand for its ‘Bulk Fermentation’ period. During this stage, the flour proteins mellow, relax and become more extensible. The length can vary from 45 minutes to two hours or more, depending on yeast levels and the style of bread. The dough is then knocked back (degassed by punching the dough). It is scaled, rounded, rested, shaped, proofed and baked. The Baked Bread is available approximately three to four hours after mixing the dough. The total time will depend on how long the bulk fermentation stage is.

Must Know

Bulk Fermented doughs finish colder and contain less yeast as the longer standing times enable more yeast activity. This activity mellows the flour and lowers the pH resulting in better flavour and a softer internal crumb.

Use of Dough conditioner/ Bread improver

The No Time dough has an added ingredient (Dough conditioner/ bread improver) that quickly mellows the flour proteins as part of the mixing cycle and eliminates the longer fermentation time.

What does this Dough conditioner/ bread improver ingredient do?

Commercial bakers use it in the dough process to strengthen gluten, assist with yeast activity and mellow the gluten quickly. They also contribute to the bread’s shelf life.

Constituents of Dough Conditioner

The dough conditioner/bread improver is the composition of ingredients designed to improve the performance of the flour during the many processing stages and to enhance yeast activity through added yeast foods. These principal components are:

  • Ascorbic Acid (as a dough strengthener)
  • Enzyme Alpha-Amylase (assists fermentation)
  • Emulsifiers work on crumb softness (starch for soft bread) and crust hardness (protein for crusty bread).

Why is the use of a Dough conditioner important?

At the mention of the dough conditioner/ bread improver, many immediately think chemicals can’t be good for us! However, consider them a series of vitamins for the dough designed to enhance its performance and keeping qualities. Humans, after all, take vitamin pills for all sorts of applications and what are they comprised of, if not chemicals?

Ingredients in a Bread Formula

A Basic bread formula consists of Flour, Salt, Yeast and Water. Adding ingredients such as Butter, Eggs, Sugar, Dried fruits and nuts produce softer and moister bread.

Flour – Bread – Wholemeal

High protein flour containing gluten level suitable for bread making. Gluten is the protein in the flour, which gives the dough structure. When you mix flour and water and knead it, you form the gluten (Think chewing gum, which gluten texture is like). The protein level for bread flour is, on average, 12-14%.

You can make 100% wholemeal bread or a mixture with white flour. Singapore’s 20% Wholemeal and 80% White ratio is a typical bread style. In other countries, the balance may be different. Wholemeal flour is now more acceptable to the consumer due to its fine particle size that does not have large bran particles.

Salt

Salt provides flavour, assists in gluten development, and controls fermentation rate (Yeast activity). The trend is towards sea salt instead of common table salt.

Yeast

  • Fresh compressed or Instant Active dried (used directly into the dough)
  • Active Dried yeast (requires rehydration in warm water before its use)
  • Instant Frozen dough yeast, available to commercial bakers

It is a living organism that helps the bread rise; it brings flavour and aroma to many types of bread, depending on the length of fermentation.

  • Yeast produces Carbon Dioxide CO2 as part of the fermentation stage, and a by-product of this is alcohol which brings flavours.
  • Longer fermentation times result in the development of organic acids, which also provide flavour.
  • Yeast is temperature sensitive, requiring water temperatures as a controller.
  • Yeast is also sugar sensitive, with two types available in specific dough types.

Yeast Packaging

  • Low Sugar – White packaging
  • High Sugar – Gold packaging

You will find that as there are many manufacturers, it pays to check the wording on the pack to get the correct one.

Water

Hydrates the flour to form a dough during mixing. The amount will depend on the dough type and flour protein content. Bread flour will hold more water than Plain flour, for example. The water temperature is vital as this will affect the dough temperature after mixing (Finished Dough Temperature).

Regular tap water is acceptable; sometimes, you may need to chill it before using it. While in temperate climates, you will need warmer water during the cooler months.

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Asian Soft Sweet Bread

Asian Soft Sweet Bread

By: RedmanShop | February 19, 2025

History

This is a uniquely Asian style of making bread attributed to the Japanese (Yudane) and Chinese (Tang Zhong), producing a much softer crumb after baking. The key is mixing the flour with boiling water (water roux), resulting in the pre-gelatinisation of the starch, which gives the finished products a unique softness.

Several methods are used for starch cooking, all achieving a similar result.

  1. Add boiling water (1 part) to a set amount of flour (1 part), mix it to a paste and leave it covered in a chiller overnight. The following recipe uses this method.
  2. Another way is to warm water in a pan, slowly add the flour, and cook it by stirring until the starch gels and you have a smooth slurry. Allow this to cool and then it is used in the final mixing.

High Sugar Yeast

Note that the dough’s sugar levels are 12% of the flour weight, so you must use a high sugar yeast in this recipe.

Equipment

Weighing scales, medium size mixing bowl, saucepan, spatula, dough scraper, measuring jug, dusting flour, dry cloth or plastic sheeting, baking tray, suitable loaf pans and cooling wire.

Note

The Sweet Bun recipe is the base for all of the products in this section.

Dough Application

The basic dough can produce a range of products of different weights and shapes that will enable you to create a wide variety. Sweet Bun filling recipes are at the bottom of this section.

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How to use the oven?

How to use the oven?

By: RedmanShop | February 19, 2025

The cake batter is in the tin, or the bread has risen. Now is the moment of truth on how to bake the item successfully.

Home baking ovens have developed over the years. They have changed from the early conventional ovens to Microwave / Convection ovens and then on to the more common fan-forced Convention oven and lately the Combi stream-type ovens. However, whatever type you use to bake, it is crucial to understand the settings and how to use them. The following explanations will focus on the fan-forced Convection type, which is the most common.

Oven Control Components

The control features of the oven setting are displayed as diagrams similar to those below.

Convectional ovens provide a more consistent type of heat through the fan function, which distributes the heat more effectively than prior oven types, which relied on conduction, radiation and convection. The baking is done at a lower temperature setting of approximately 10 °C than in a traditional oven. The baking process is a trial-and-error activity as you become familiar with your oven, so don’t think everything will be perfect if you follow the recipe, which says to bake at 200°C for 20 minutes. Two unexpected outcomes could occur: the item is over-baked, as the oven temperature is too high. Or underbaked, where the oven temperature is too low or not baked long enough.

How to set an Oven

Preheating :The oven needs preheating before use, and this will take approx. 20 minutes. What temperature do I set for preheating? 200°C is the most common.

Why do I need to preheat the oven? : Successful baking requires a baking chamber that has an amount of stored energy. The temperature will drop when placing items in the oven; if not preheated sufficiently, the necessary chemical reactions will not occur.

What settings do I use? : If baking bread, use the top and bottom settings as you want intense heat. If baking a cake, use the fan setting to heat the oven.

Recommended Baking Temperature

Butter Cake

The recipe states 190°C : Set the temperature to 200°C while preparing the batter for the oven. Before placing the cake in the oven, change the temperature to 190°C. Open the oven door, place your cake into position, and close the door.

Why set it to 200°C and then reduce it to 190°C? : Successful baking requires a baking chamber that has an amount of stored energy. The temperature will drop when placing items in the oven; if not preheated sufficiently, the necessary chemical reactions will not occur.

Bread Baking

Recipes state 225°C for baking bread : The initial setting would be at 250°C to have the oven hot and ready for baking. Heat the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking to build up the heat.

Recipes say 225°C; why set it at 250°C? : The baking temperature is 225°C. You preheat to 250°C. Before running the oven, reset the thermostat to 225°C. This allows for a drop in heat when you are loading. When you fill the oven, it will automatically drop, but setting it at 225˚C means it will not fall below this.

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Dairy Cream

Dairy Cream

Dairy cream comes from the fat content of cow’s milk which is pasteurised and homogenised. It comes in the following categories, which relate to the minimum fat content of the product.

Cooking cream for sauces, soups

Whipping cream has applications in general baking and decoration.

Thickened cream
Containing a thickener (vegetable gums, gelatine, alginates) for stability. Used for general baking, mousse and decoration.

Double cream
High-fat content cream that whips well and holds its shape. Ganache cream fillings, mousse cake and decoration

Cream Cheese (made from a combination of milk and cream)
The cream is formed by adding Lactic acid, which thickens the mixture. Baked and non-baked cheesecakes, as a filling for bread and bagels

Crème Fraiche
The cream is produced with a bacterial culture, resulting in a lightly sour taste: soups, accompaniment with scones and baked goods.

Sour Cream
The cream uses a bacterial culture containing Lactic Acid, which sours and thickens the cream: cheesecakes, muffin batters, and fillings.

Milk Fat Content
18% – 20%
35%
35% – 38%
43% – 45%
33% – 34%
28%
12% – 16%

Preparation for Whipping Cream

The cream needs chilling before whipping, as do the mixing bowl and whisk attachment. These actions will ensure the cream whips quickly and remain firm.

Note

Generally, the thickened dairy cream will suit most applications.

Storage

Dairy cream requires refrigeration at 4°C and has a shelf life of up to 180 days when packaged in aseptic cartons (meaning it is free from microorganisms). Once opened, it is best (safest) to use it within three days.

Must Know

Dairy cream is not suitable for freezing in its liquid form as the fats will separate upon thawing, making it unsuitable for use.

Non-Dairy Whipping Cream

Dairy-free whipping cream is an oil-in-water emulsion that can whip to a stable foam. The composition comprises vegetable oil (Palm Oil being most common), milk proteins, sugars, water, emulsifiers and stabilisers. The advantage of this type of cream is its stability when whipped. It also yields a lighter and greater volume when compared to dairy cream. Preparation is the same as for Dairy cream.

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Milk

Milk

By: RedmanShop | February 19, 2025

Fresh Milk

Liquid milk, full cream and skim are available for use in baking. All milk is Pasteurised (harmful bacteria destroyed by heat) and Homogenised (fat particles are made smaller by forcing the milk through a series of fine sieves) to increase shelf life, allows the milk to be frozen, thawed and used, kept refrigerated at 4°C.

Ultra-High-Temperature Milk UHT

The milk is heated to a temperature of 120°C and held for several seconds to destroy harmful bacteria. This milk does not require refrigeration until it is opened. Unopened, it has up to six months of shelf life. This type of milk has a slight caramel taste due to the longer heating process; the colour will also be darker than regular milk. Once opened, the shelf life is 5 days.

Milk Powders

The two types are Full Cream and Skimmed. Skimmed milk is best for baking as it has more lactose content than will assist in the browning of the crust. The reconstitution rate ranges between 10% to 15% of the liquid medium. Add up to 150g of milk powder to one litre of water. Commercial bread makers will use skimmed milk powder when making milk bread as it is more economical than liquid milk. Bakers milk powder is heated to denature the protein so it will not interfere with the gluten development when making bread.

Storage

Milk Powders are hygroscopic (attract moisture) and are best stored in airtight containers to prevent lumping.

Alternative Milk

Current trends have a range of new products targeted at the healthy alternative market. Oat, Almond, Soybean, Hazelnut, Cashew, Rice, and a range of plant-based milk find application in coffee shops and homes as an alternative to Cow’s milk. The author has limited experience with such products in baking but expects they will perform similarly to Cow’s milk when fat content and other component levels are equivalent.

Cheeses

For its flavour and colour in the grated or block form, Cheddar cheese adds colour in its grated form and finds applications across all bakery products – mozzarella as a topping on pizza. Cottage and Ricotta cheeses are also famous in bakery products as an accompaniment to fillings. Cottage cheese is used in a Spanakopita, a Greek cheese and spinach pie. In contrast, Ricotta cheese is used in the famous Italian baked cheesecake or as a traditional filling for Italian Cannoli.

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What exactly is a scone?

What exactly is a scone?

By: RedmanShop | February 17, 2025

Depending on which side of the pond you’re on, a scone can take a few different forms. Sometimes, it’s a simple affair — a buttery, blank slate waiting for a dollop of jam or drizzle of honey. Other times, a scone is a decadent treat all on its own, loaded with sweet or savory mix-ins. Either way, it’s a perfect accompaniment for tea or coffee. But what’s the difference between all these scones, and their close cousin, biscuits?

British scones vs. American scones

Traditional British scones work butter and/or cream into flour until a crumbly dough forms, which makes the resulting baked good finely crumbed and tender, but still a bit flaky. Leavener (typically baking powder) and sometimes eggs are added to help the scones rise and keep them light. British scones are generally quite plain (though they sometimes have a handful of currants or raisins added) and just barely sweet, making them the perfect vehicle for slathering with salted butter, jam, or clotted cream (or all three!). They’re often cut into rounds before baking, but they can sometimes be shaped as triangles.

American-style scones, on the other hand, are usually a no-holds-barred affair. Often found in coffee shops, these pastries are typically triangular, on the sweet side, loaded with mix-ins like dried or fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate, and sometimes finished with a decadent glaze. They can go savory, too, featuring shredded cheese, herbs, or even pops of salty bacon. The dough often contains more liquid and is mixed more thoroughly than British-style scones in order to incorporate all of those fillings, so they tend to be on the crumblier side after baking.

What is the difference between a scone and a biscuit?

American-style biscuits are cousins to scones, deriving from recipes brought over by settlers from Europe; over time, they were adapted to incorporate available ingredients and evolved into new styles of their own.

Biscuits contain most of the same ingredients as scones, with the exception of eggs and, sometimes, buttermilk instead of milk or cream. However, they typically have a higher proportion of fat and less liquid than scones, causing them to bake up taller and flakier, rather than crumbly and tender. Scones can be made without butter (just using cream), but biscuits always use a form of solid fat. That fat — often butter but sometimes lard or vegetable shortening — is usually left in larger pieces that are folded and laminated into the dough, creating ultra-flaky, striated layers as the pockets of fat puff up in the oven. Biscuits generally skew more savory than sweet, perfect for serving alongside a plate of bacon and eggs or sopping up gravy.

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