American Baker in Germany

 This was from a rather impolite comment on my channel asking how I could dare to punch down the yeast dough instead of keeping all the air bubbles? Let me tell you why.... Here's some information from masterclass.com: "Punching down dough refers to the motion used for deflating air pockets in bread dough. This step releases carbon dioxide, relaxes the gluten, and redistributes the yeast cells in bread dough. When the yeast cells are redistributed, they get better access to moisture and sugar in the dough. The result is increased fermentation and an improved second rise. This will allow you to more successfully knead the dough into the desired shape." You see, yeast is a living organism. We buy it in a dormant state. The first rising is meant to allow the now activated yeast to multiply to the amount needed for the entire amount of dough. With few exceptions, the air bubbles are not meant to be kept. That's a great way to have a big loaf of bread that is hollow ...

 This is a simple Easter cake that my children designed. I started out frosting a  6-inch cake dummy with vegan American buttercream. And my kids helped me cut out some Easter-themed cutouts. Out of pink, turquoise and yellow fondant. Then we began placing them on the cake. I let the kids decide where everything should go. After all, isn't Easter really about the kids? Happy Easter! Watch us make this cute little cake on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/rRr27nYtQwA Schaut zu wie wir diese süße einfache Torte auf unserem YouTube Kanal machen hier: https://youtu.be/ECuH4vuEbxg

 I got asked a question about lemon pie. My first reaction was to think that I already had a lemon pie recipe up. But when I checked, it turned out to be a key lime pie. So, she was absolutely right. I had never posted a lemon meringue pie. Let's do it. Lemon Meringue Pie: 2 small or 1 large graham cracker pie crust or pre-baked standard pie crust. For lemon filling: 5 egg yolks 1 1/3 cup (320mL) water 1 cup (200g) sugar 1/3 cup (38g) cornstarch 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup (110mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tbsp lemon zest 2 tbsp butter For meringue: 5 egg whites 1/2 cup (100g) sugar Prepare pie crusts beforehand.  Separate the 5 eggs, keeping both whites and yolks in separate bowls.  Whisk egg yolks together and set aside.  In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, cornstarch, salt, lemon juice and lemon zest.  Stir with whisk and heat over high heat.  When mixture comes to a boil, slowly whisk a few tablespoons of hot lemon mixture into egg yolks. Then slowly whi...

 I made this cake on a whim. I thought it would be fun to make. First, I got out all the star cutters I could find. Turns out I have quite a few. I frosted a 6-inch cake dummy with vegan American buttercream. I cut out a lot of tiny stars as well as other stars of all sizes out of yellow fondant. I started placing them, the largest ones first. Finally, I placed the smallest of the stars. I think this cake turned out sweet. No real meaning behind it, just fun. Reminds me a bit of the story of the Little Prince. Watch us make this simple cake on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/AN7Lr1s6wmM Schaut zu wie wir diese einfache Torte auf unserem YouTube Kanal machen hier: https://youtu.be/Li3yAgIfg3Y

 I love a good raisin bread. In my opinion there's nothing better toasted and buttered. Raisin Bread: 4 cups (500g) flour 1 cup (225mL) milk 1 tbsp sugar 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp yeast 1 cup (250g) raisins Soak raisins in water for at least 1 hour. Drain before mixing dough together.  Combine milk, sugar and yeast and let stand for a few minutes.  Combine flour and salt. Stir yeast mixture until you can't anymore and knead the rest together.  Knead in raisins. Allow to rise about an hour.  Punch down dough and form into a loaf. Place into greased loaf pan. Allow to rise another half an hour or so.  Bake at 350°F or 180°C for about 45 minutes or until knocking on bread sounds hollow. Watch us make this delicious bread on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/0l9MHuiOM7c Schaut zu wie wir dieses leckere Brot auf unserem YouTube Kanal machen hier: https://youtu.be/FiwGp4dxDno