9 Las 2
9 Las 2
9 Las 2
COOKERY 9
QUARTER 4 ( Learning Activity Sheets 2)
Sugar
The common element linking virtually all desserts is sugar. It may be used to sprinkle over
fruit, beaten into egg yolks for custard or into whites for a meringue. Many desserts use sugar
syrup, which involves boiling sugar and water to the desired temperature.
Quality points of sugar
➢ Granulated sugar is used in most recipes.
➢ Castor sugar is best for meringues and some cakes because it dissolves more easily.
➢ Confectioner's sugar or icing sugar is used mostly for dusting the tops of desserts.
➢ Brown sugar is commonly used in hot sauce as it produces a lovely rich caramel flavor.
Gelatin
Gelatin is used to set many cold molded desserts. It is the basis for jellies and is also used to
set creams and mousses.
Quality points of gelatin
➢ Many desserts are prepared using commercial leaf or powdered gelatin.
➢ Gelatins may be plain or flavored and colored for effect.
Egg yolks
Egg yolks may be mixed with flavorings, sugar and cream or milk to make custard or they may
be whisked together over hot water to create a sabayon.
Quality points egg yolks
➢ Take eggs out of the refrigerator prior to use so they are at room temperature. This
way they will whisk up better and incorporate more air.
Egg whites
When raw egg whites are beaten, air is trapped in the mixture in the form of bubbles. Egg
whites beaten to soft peaks will support soufflés and mousses while whites beaten to firm
peaks are suitable for meringues.
Quality points of egg whites
➢ Egg whites should be fresh and A grade quality.
➢ They may be purchased in bulk frozen, or you may freeze them in small quantities if
you have excess.
➢ If egg whites have not been cleanly divided and contain traces of yolk, they will not
whip up to satisfactory foam. A pinch of salt helps the whites to whip up better.
Fruit
Ripe perfect fruit provides the basis for many desserts, with very little effort needed to make
an attractive colorful display. Fruit may be pureed, baked, or poached and can then be used
for pies, soufflés, and puddings.
Cream
This ingredient is often used as a decoration or accompaniment for both cold and hot desserts
but may also be used as one of the recipe ingredients. Whipped cream may also be used as
an effective layer for trifle. Cream may be combined with rice, sugar, and milk to make a
delicious rice pudding.
Quality points of cream
➢ The characteristics of cream will differ according to whether it is pure cream, double
cream, reduced cream, or cream that has had a stabilizer or gelatin added to it to make
the texture seem thicker and to improve the whipping qualities.
➢ Creams vary in taste and texture so choose according to recipe specifications.
➢ Used only pasteurized cream.
➢ Pay particular attention to use-by dates.
Batters
This simple mixture of flour and water is used to make crepes and pancakes. Batter is also
used to coat fruit for fritters.
Quality points of batters
➢ Batters should be made up from the fresh ingredients.
➢ Batter is often rested at room temperature after it is made to reduce its elasticity so
that it flows more freely over the pan.
➢ Batters can be flavored with vanilla and other spices.
Nuts
Nuts are available whole, ground, roasted or caramelized. They are an important part of
dessert cookery as they provide flavor for creams and ice creams.
Quality points of nuts
➢ Nuts may be purchased natural or blanched
➢ Freshness is always important. Keep nuts well wrapped and store in refrigerator to
prevent the oils in the nuts becoming rancid.
➢ If you require toasted nuts, toast them yourself to ensure the nuts are fresh in the first
place.
Chocolate
Chocolate may be melted to easily blend into fillings and batters. It can also be poured over
desserts such as cakes and puddings. When melted chocolate is cooled it can be shaped and
molded into many attractive decorations.
Quality points of chocolate
➢ Chocolate is available in various types, namely bittersweet, semi-sweet, white, dark
and milk chocolate.
➢ Milk and white chocolate because of their milk content are more difficult to work with
than dark chocolate.
Sweet Sauces
Sauce - a flavored liquid blend of ingredients that adds flavor and enhances the appearance
of the food. Sauces can give an entirely different appearance, flavor, color, and moisture to
desserts.
Fudge - a soft confection made of butter, sugar, chocolate.
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Learning Activity 4