Baking Tips and Tricks from Stephanie on The Baking Journal

You may know The Baking Journal as your go-to spot for delicious recipe inspiration, but did you know that Stephanie also has a collection of her top baking tips? In these short-form videos, she takes you through the basics you need to know about working with essential baking ingredients like butter and flour, perfecting your presentation with cake tiers and fondant flowers and so much more.
Whether you’re a new baker needing some direction or an expert in the kitchen looking for a fresh perspective, these are the perfect videos for you. You can find more quick tips and culinary content on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thebakingjournal/shorts.
Check out our list below for some of our favorite kitchen hacks from Stephanie:
Weighing Ingredients: The Secret to Improving Your Bakes
Should you measure or weigh your ingredients? Discover the key differences and why weighing is the secret to consistent, reliable baking results. This video breaks down how precision can elevate your recipes, reduce errors, and help you achieve perfect textures every time. Watch as Stephanie shows three prime examples using common baking ingredients: https://www.cetconnect.org/weighing-ingredients-the-secret-to-improving-your-bakes/.
Quick and Easy Baking Powder Substitute
Baking powder serves as a leavening agent that helps give your baked goods, such as biscuits or cookies, a lovely rise. No baking powder? No problem! Check out this simple substitute that will still give you that beautiful rise and keep you from having to make another trip to the store: https://www.cetconnect.org/baking-powder-substitute-quick-and-easy/.
Baking with Apples: The Best Types to Use
Not all apples are created equal, especially when it comes to baking. In this video, explore the different apple varieties, flavors, textures and learn which ones are perfect for each baked treat. Find out how apples can elevate your baking game to the next level: https://www.cetconnect.org/baking-with-apples-the-best-types-to-use/.
How to Make Your Own Sourdough Starter
Calling all future sourdough bakers! In this video, Stephanie guides you through the process of creating your very own sourdough starter from scratch. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s the first step to baking delicious, tangy sourdough bread that will impress everyone. Start your sourdough journey with Stephanie today: https://www.cetconnect.org/how-to-make-your-own-sourdough-starter-getting-started-in-sourdough/.
Stabilized Whipped Cream Tutorial
Nothing quite beats the taste of freshly made whipped cream! Although regular whipped cream tends to deflate quickly—especially in warm, humid climates. Follow along and learn this simple trick so you can have stabilized whipped cream that keeps its shape and tastes like it was made fresh even hours after making it: https://www.cetconnect.org/stabilized-whipped-cream/.
Caviar 101: Paddlefish, Salmon, and More
In this exciting episode, Stephanie dives deep into the luxurious world of caviar with special guest Renee Koerner from Big Fish Farms! Renee is an expert caviar farmer, specializing in paddlefish caviar. Explore the wide variety of this gourmet delicacy, from salmon roe to flying fish roe and, of course, paddlefish caviar: https://www.cetconnect.org/caviar-101-paddlefish-salmon-and-more/.
Easy Egg Hack: Water Bottle Separation
Eggs are an essential ingredient in so many baking recipes, but have you ever struggled with separating your egg whites and yolks? Say goodbye to the mess and hello to this genius kitchen hack! In this video, we’ll show you a simple and fun technique using just a water bottle to effortlessly separate egg whites from yolks: https://www.cetconnect.org/easy-egg-hack-water-bottle-separation/.
Make Your Own Fondant Flowers
Fondant is an easy way to visually take your baked goods to the next level and create a display that will be as delicious to look at as it is to taste. In this video Stephanie shows you how to quickly make your own fondant to wow anyone who tries your next batch of tasty treats: https://www.cetconnect.org/fondant-flowers/.
You can find more of Stephanie’s tips and tricks as well as full-length tutorials and recipe cards on our website: https://www.cetconnect.org/thebakingjournal/.

