As the temperatures start to creep in to colder territory, ideas about getting snug start to permeate our thoughts. The chill in the air often makes us want to reach for a nice warm drink, or even that extra biscuit – and why not? – “’tis the season” after all, and a little treat never hurt anyone.
Whether you are a professional baker looking for some new inspiration or a complete novice who feels like now is the right time to begin a new hobby, there are many creative baking ideas that can take your sweet treats to the next level or even help get you started. So without further ado, let’s get into it!
Try Something New
If you are new to baking, any loaf, cake or cookie is uncharted territory. With this in mind, choose something that is beginner-friendly to get stuck into so you can gauge your ability. TikTok has plenty of easy-to-follow one-minute clips geared towards foodies looking to get set in the kitchen with a new challenge, or simply a minimal-ingredient recipe that makes for something quick and easy! For those who want more of a challenge, choosing a new recipe could be just enough to get your creative juices flowing, or perhaps you would prefer to try something like a modern twist on a classic you already love. Mix and match flavors, add new components and think of inventive ways to decorate.
Focus on Seasonal Fruits
The reason why fruit and veg taste so delicious in season is because the conditions that the plants need to grow are optimal and the diminished need to import from afar means they’re much fresher. Some of the best fruits to incorporate into your baking over the winter period include:
- Apples
- Pears
- Pomegranates
- Cranberries
And if you are a fan of savory baking, then some veg that should be on your radar include:
- Potatoes
- Sprouts
- A variety of cabbages
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Leeks
Fruit and veg always taste best when they are seasonal, so take advantage of these over the winter to taste some exceptional flavor!
Experiment with Decorating
The festive season is coming up which means that the time to practice creating some excellent treats for ourselves and our friends and families has come. There is nothing like the Christmas period to help us unleash our creativity, and with decoration ideas being extremely easy, this can be fun for all of the family. You could start with small festive touches, such as using a cocoa powder Christmas cake stencil after making a simple cake, or if you want more of a challenge, why not make a fondant snowman? The options are endless when it comes to baking decorations, so get your thinking cap on and start trying things out!
Invest in Accessories
There appears to be a never-ending supply of accessories to help make baking easier, whether this is for the actual cooking or for decorating. Take a look at what is popular at the moment to see if it can help make baking more effortless or fun! You might also find something you feel like you can never bake without again!