freestanding fan oven for baking

Posted by Wheelymate (586 days ago)

hmmm...that's what i have and so far have been pretty good for roasting and grilling.

i want to bake a cake but my friend said it will probably be unsuccessful because the fan will blow the cake to one side.

how true is that?

and speaking of cakes, are there any idiot-proof chocolate cake/muffin recipes to share?

TA!

(I am based in Singapore)

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Posted by Meiguoren (585 days ago)

I have a National brand convection microwave that seems to do everything well except toast. As for the power of the fan -- wouldn't it have to be a gale force wind to blow heavy batter to one side?!! And even if it were a gale force wind, seems it would blow over top and dry out the crust rather than catch underneath the batter to push it to one side? I think the idea is silly, but even if I'm wrong, I think you should just try it and see what happens! Think in terms of risk / benefit -- what do you stand to gain or lose in best and worst case scenario?! Start with a box of cake or muffin or brownie mix. The worst that can happen is that you are out the price of the mix and two eggs and have to clean a pan, but most likely it would work and you would get those luscious, chocolate muffins that you've been dreaming of! (P.S. Add a few chocolate morsels to the batter to make them even more chocolatey!)

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by Wheelymate (585 days ago)

mgr,

thanks for the advice.

as i don't really bake, i don't have much baking ingredients/equipment at home. so i think i'll try out a cake mix in the oven first and if it turns out good, then maybe i can actually make something from scratch!

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by samros (585 days ago)

I bought Betty Crocker's & White Wings brand of cake mix to start off, using the convection/fan oven. So far, it does turn out well. Since then, I had tried fruit & almond crumble cupcakes which turns out decent too. I'm still on the learning curve.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by Meiguoren (584 days ago)

Oh, I see you are in Singapore. I don't know how hard it is to find the ingredients for "from scratch" baking, plus baking pans?

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by Wheelymate (584 days ago)

haha, mgr....you can get stuff everywhere!
just that if this oven is going to be rubbish for baking, i don't want to invest in anything (especially baking pans and other equipment). it doesn't help we are renting so until we buy our own pad eventually and do up it with a dream kitchen.

if you ever visit singapore, drop by pantry magic (chip gardens, opposite holland v)...it's fabulous!

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by Meiguoren (584 days ago)

I see! I had the same situation of not wanting to spend a lot before I knew I could bake. Rather than buy a baking pan I might not be able to use again, I baked a set of brownies in a ceramic (microwaveable) dish that I already had. Ceramic will increase the baking time but it will work. I think I'd try first with brownies, though, they're kind of fool-proof and will satisfy that chocolate craving! Get the mix that has chunks of chocolate, if you can find it!

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by Claire (583 days ago)

A mix! *gasp* No need for a mix when you can easily make these scrumptious delights...

Raspberry and White Chocolate Chunk Muffins
Makes between 10 and 12 large muffins

The thing about successful muffins is not to overmix. It should have a lumpy mixture and even have some of the flour visible.

Ingredients
300g plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
150g golden caster sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
235 ml milk
50g melted butter
100g raspberries
100g white chocolate chunks or chips

Method
1. Preheat oven to 190C. Line muffin tins with baking paper or muffin cases.
2. Sift all the dry ingredients into a large bowl along with the chocolate pieces.
3. Place all the wet ingredients into a separate bowl.
4. Mix both mixtures together until combined but still lumpy. Do not overmix.
5. Add the raspberries last and combine gently so that you don’t squash them.
6. Place the muffin mixture into cases. Cook for 20 - 25 minutes depending on your oven.


These are best served warm – when the chocolate is ‘melty’. If you can't eat them all at once (!), you can freeze them and eat them later.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by Wheelymate (583 days ago)

hahaha claire...i know, i have a friend who is really into baking and will kill me if she found i resorted to a mix!!

but in order to test the oven before spending all my money and filling up my already crowded kitchen, i tried a mix together and it was fine!! on;y thing is i had to bake it longer than what the instructions advised.

since my oven can actually bake a cake fine, i think i'll try the real thing next week for hubby's birthday!! he'll have no choice but to eat it anyway!! but will try out your recipes, claire!

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by sabrina14 (470 days ago)

If you are going to use a mix, try the one from The Barfoot Contessa for her "Outrageaous Brownies". I have made them from scratch several times and they are beyond amazing! I am sure the mix will give simialr results! Actually, check out foodnetwork.com and do a search for "Barefoot Contessa". Every recipe I have tried is unbelievable! Try the coconut macaroons too!

(I am based in Hong Kong)