Question on baking terminology

[New to baking]

Confession: I'm in my 30s and I'm about to bake for the 1st time. I have a few questions:

What's the difference between "whisk" and "beat"?

What's buttermilk and where do they stock this in the supermarket?

[kitchenangel]

To whish, yu would use a balloon shaped whisk,which will aereate your mix.  To beat, use a wooden spoon and beat away, like fast stirring, I suppose.

I think you can get buttermilk here, check CS.  However you can substitute using a mix of milk and plain natural yoghurt for the same volume of buttermilk that was required.

[Whisk or beat]

Whisk is a light movement mostly in the wrist. You sort of flip the ingredients around lightly, trying to incorporate air. Your end result is fluffy and filled with small bubbles and suprisingly voluminous considering the small amounts you've put in.

Beat is a stronger action. You use more muscles in your arm because the dough is heavier. You are seeking to mix things together well, the movement is more circular. Your end result is a homogenous thick goo.

[Jamie Oliver]

So, how did it turn out?

[AnnaBanana]

Yes, you can get buttermilk at CS or NTUC.  Or 1Tbsp vinegar in a measuring cup and top up with milk to make 1 cup.  Let it set awhile.  Works great in buttermilk pancakes on the weekends!

[New to baking]

Cheers guys! I'm thinking of baking scones or Welsh cakes (both recipes from BBC Food mag). So wish me luck!

[:)]

Good Luck!  Let us know how you get on - and if good, share the recipe?

[Hijacker]

Sorry for hijacking your thread, but Im also learning baking. can someone tell me the difference between Baking Powder, Baking Soda and Bicarbonate of Soda?  Ive noticed that alot of cake recipes use at least one of these.

[pay the ransom]

Baking soda is the same thing as bicarbonate sodium.  Usually you will find it used in recipes with acidic ingredients (buttermilk, lemon juice, etc.)

Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda plus cream of tarter and possibly other ingrediants.  Usually baking powder is used in scones, American biscuits, cakes, etc.

You can make your own baking powder in a pinch by mixing 2 parts cream of tarter to one part baking soda.