Infuse, Bake, Enjoy: Tips for Flavourful Holiday Treats with the Magic of Oils

As we gear up for Christmas and welcome the promising New Year of 2024, it's time to celebrate our journey through the challenges and triumphs of the past year. Treat yourself and your loved ones with delightful gifts - the kind that brings joy to the senses and warms the heart. In the spirit of the season, let's explore the magic of baking with oils to create wholesome treats that will leave a lasting impression on your festive gatherings.

Why Use Oil in Baking?

The key to achieving delectable baked goods lies in the choice of cooking oil for baking. Unlike butter, oils maintain the moisture in your recipes, resulting in a softer texture. They also enhance the richness of flavours and ensure that your treats are delicious.

Recipes Using Oil You Can Make At Home

Here are a few lip-smacking recipes that will leave your family and friends asking for a double serving. You can make them using an oven or a microwave, if you have one. If you don’t, fret not, we got you covered. Try out our stovetop recipes to create fascinating holiday treats that will fill your heart with warmth and joy. Banana bread  Ingredients you need: 

• Ripe bananas - 3
• Saffola Gold - 1/2 cup
• Sugar - 1 cup
• All-purpose flour - 2 cups
• Baking soda - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
• Servings: Approximately 8-10 slices
• Time: 70-80 minutes (including baking and cooling)

Recipe:  

1. Mash 3 ripe bananas and mix them with 1/2 cup of Saffola Gold oil, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
2. Add 1 tsp baking soda and 1/4 tsp salt to the mixture.
3. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let it cool down and enjoy. Carrot Cake Ingredients: 

• Grated carrots - 2 cups
• All-purpose flour - 1 1/2 cups 
• Brown sugar - 1 cup (add more according to your preference)
• Saffola Gold - 1 cup 
• Eggs - 3 large
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Baking powder - 1 teaspoon 
• Baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt -  - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Ground nutmeg - 1 teaspoon
• Walnuts (optional) - 1/4 cup chopped 
• Raisins (optional) - 1/4 cup
• Cream cheese - frosting for topping
• Servings: 12 slices
• Time: 40-45 minutes (excluding cooling time)

Recipe: 1) Grease the base and sides of a round cake pan that fits inside your stovetop pressure cooker. 2) In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups grated carrots, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. 3) Add 1 cup Saffola Gold, 3 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg. 4) Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. 5) Fold in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts and 1/4 cup raisins. 6) Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. 7) Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pressure cooker. Place a trivet inside. 8) Carefully place the cake pan on the trivet inside the pressure cooker. 9) Close the pressure cooker without the weight (whistle) and cook on low heat for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. 10) Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. 11) Once the cake is cool, spread cream cheese frosting on top. 12) Slice and serve your delicious stovetop pressure cooker carrot cake. Enjoy! Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake  Ingredients: 

• All-purpose flour - 4 tablespoons
• Cocoa powder - 2 tablespoons
• Chocolate chips (optional) - As per your taste
• Sugar - 3 tablespoons
• Baking powder - 1/4 teaspoons
• Milk - 3 tablespoons
• Saffola Gold - 3 tablespoons
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoons
• Vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon
• Servings: 1 mug cake
• Time: 5 minutes

Recipe: 1) In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together 4 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 3 tbsp sugar, 1/4 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt. 2) To the dry mix, add 3 tbsp milk, 3 tbsp Saffola Gold, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, and chocolate chips. Stir until well combined. 3) Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until the cake rises and sets. 4) Let it cool slightly before indulging in your instant chocolate delight. Coconut Barfi: Ingredients: 

• Desiccated coconut - 2 cups
• Condensed milk - 1 cup
• Ghee - 1 tablespoon
• Cardamom powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Saffola Gold - 3 tablespoons
• Servings: 12-16 pieces (depending on the size of the cuts)
• Time: 20-25 minutes (excluding cooling time)

Recipe: 1) In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of Saffola Gold and add desiccated coconut to it. 2) Roast until it turns golden brown, then add condensed milk and ghee. 3) Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan. 4) Add cardamom powder and mix well. 5) Transfer the mixture to a plate greased with Saffola Gold, flatten it, and let it cool. 4) Once it sets, cut it into squares and relish the heavenly coconut burfi. 

Tips and Tricks for Baking with Oil

Baking is an art, and mastering it involves understanding the nuances of oils and adapting to the tools available in your kitchen. Here are some practical tips and tricks for baking with oils, catering to the diversity of Indian households. Stovetop Baking Tips: 

• Choose the right pan: When baking on the stovetop, select a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly.
• Invest in a good pressure cooker: A pressure cooker can double as an improvised oven. Remove the whistle and gasket and use it for baking cakes and bread.

Microwave Baking Tips: 

• Use microwave-safe utensils: Ensure that the utensils you use in the microwave are labelled as microwave-safe.
• Layered Cooking: For dishes that require even cooking, pause the microwave halfway through and stir the contents to ensure uniformity.

Oven Baking Tips: 

• Preheating is key: Always preheat your oven before baking to ensure consistent temperature throughout the process.
• Rotate and check: For even baking, rotate your baking trays halfway through the cooking time. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the centre; it should come out clean.

General Baking Tips: 

• Ingredient consistency: Maintain consistency in measuring ingredients, especially when substituting oils, to achieve the desired texture and taste.
• Let ingredients reach room temperature: Ensure that ingredients like eggs, milk, and oils are at room temperature before mixing.

Conclusion

Different oils bring out different flavours. Experiment with sunflower oil for a neutral taste, safflower oil for a hint of nuttiness, and rice bran oil for a clean flavour. This festive season, enjoy some wholesome treats and share the love and light with all, choose the healthier oil for baking cake. Try out Saffola Gold for your baking endeavours. With a perfect balance of MUFA and PUFA, fortified with vitamins, this is where health and taste unite effortlessly. A little goes a long way, so let every bite be a celebration of heart-smart indulgence. Happy holidays!