Upgrading your kitchen with an OTG, aka Oven Toaster Griller, can be one of the best decisions you can make as a baker. Given the fact that the process of baking is a rewarding and therapeutic experience in itself, becoming an expert in using an OTG will help you bake the softest and most delicious treats.
Usha’s 8-in-1 OTG further helps you explore the varieties of baked goods. Whether you’re making a flaky croissant, gooey brownies, or crispy tarts, there are some common mistakes bakers make while preparing pastries. To make sure you bake your next batch of pastries like a pro chef, follow these tips and tricks.
Also Read: Winter Desserts You Can Make In Usha's OTG
Preheating
Preheating your OTG is one of the non-negotiable steps that can make or break the texture of your pastry. Before your batter is ready to be baked, you must always preheat your Usha OTG to ensure even cooking at a consistent temperature. This will help your pastries to rise, thus giving them their fluffy and flaky texture.
Time And Temperature
With the large number of pastries, there is a different baking time and temperature to perfect them. For example, on average, cookies take around ten to fifteen minutes to bake at 160–180°C. On the other hand, if you are baking a puff pastry or croissant, you should set the temperature at 200–220°C for about 20-25 minutes. So, always stick to the instructions given in the recipe and double-check the time and temperature.
The Right Rack
Where you place your baking tray affects the heat distribution. So, you need to make sure that you’re stacking your tray on the right rack while baking. Conventionally, the middle rack, which ensures equal heat circulation, is best for pastries. If you are baking a tart or pie which requires a crispy crust, you can use the bottom rack.
Don’t Open The Oven Door
Looking at your pastries rise and having to wait till they are fully cooked would surely test your patience. Even though it is really tempting to open the door of the Usha OTG to do the fork test or simply get the most out of the aroma, it can hamper the texture of your pastries. So, peep through the window and wait for the alarm to ring before you check the doneness of the treats.
Let The Pastries Cool
If you think not opening the oven door was the real test of your patient, you’re wrong. Taking the freshly baked pastries out of the oven and then waiting for them to come down to room temperature would be the hardest. But it will surely be worth the wait. After five to ten minutes, you can take a slice, put frosting, or just dig in for the best texture and taste.