Ep 9. The Chemistry of Cakes
- October 30, 2010
In episode 9 of season 3 of Cook's Country, titled "The Chemistry of Cakes," the show explores the science behind making a perfect cake. The staff of Cook's Country takes viewers through the process of making three cakes using different techniques and ingredients to provide a comprehensive understanding of the chemistry of baking cakes.
The episode starts with a classic chocolate cake recipe that uses sour cream to create a moist texture. The Cook's Country team then discusses the scientific reasoning behind the use of sour cream in the recipe, which creates the perfect acidity level in the batter to activate the baking soda and form carbon dioxide to help the cake rise.
Next, the team attempts to make a yellow cake that is not dry. To accomplish this, they experiment with different ingredients such as buttermilk, heavy cream, and evaporated milk. They discover that using heavy cream instead of milk makes the cake less crumbly and more moist.
Finally, they endeavor to make a strawberry cake recipe, but in a healthier way. They use unsweetened applesauce instead of oil or butter to reduce the calorie content of the cake. The team discusses the science behind the substitution, explaining how apple sauce works in the batter, creating the desired texture similar to oil or butter.
Throughout the episode, viewers will learn about the chemical reactions happening within each cake batter and why each ingredient is used to achieve the desired result. They will also appreciate the various techniques employed to make a delicious cake that is fluffy, moist, and not too dry.
The Cook's Country team aims to provide viewers with the knowledge and skills to create the best cakes possible. The episode advises that bakers should be mindful of the ingredients and the chemistry of each recipe, as certain ingredients serve a particular purpose.
In summary, "The Chemistry of Cakes" is an informative and enlightening episode that takes viewers through the intricate science behind baking a perfect cake. Viewers will undoubtedly be inspired to experiment and try new cake recipes while employing the newfound knowledge and techniques shared by the Cook's Country team.
