Baking & Deserts

Flour Flour (image credits: pixabay) Flour is the backbone of baking, yet many bakers are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain, especially when it comes to specialty flours like almond and gluten-free options. The pandemic threw a wrench in supply chains, resulting in a seesaw of demand and supply. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wheat production for 2023 stands at 1.8 billion bushels, marking a dip from previous years. This decline has translated into higher prices and limited access to certain flour types. Bakers are often left with the less desirable choice of substituting, which inevitably affects the … Read more

Flourless Chocolate Cake Flourless Chocolate Cake (image credits: wikimedia) Flourless chocolate cake is a delightful dessert that has risen to fame in the gluten-free world. Unlike traditional cakes, it relies on chocolate, eggs, and sugar to create a moist and dense texture that many find irresistible. According to the National Restaurant Association, there’s been a 30% rise in demand for gluten-free desserts, with flourless chocolate cake often topping the list. The cake’s intense chocolate flavor and fudgy consistency make it a favorite not just for those avoiding gluten, but for anyone who loves chocolate. It’s an example of how sometimes … Read more

Chocolate Imports Chocolate Imports (image credits: pixabay) The US-China trade war has significantly impacted the chocolate industry, primarily due to tariffs on cocoa and sugar imports. In 2021, the US imported around $1.5 billion worth of cocoa beans, with a portion coming from China. The tariffs have led to increased costs for manufacturers, which may result in higher prices for consumers. According to the National Confectioners Association, chocolate prices could rise by as much as 10% if tariffs remain in place. This potential price hike can alter consumer behavior, leading them to reconsider their sweet indulgences. As chocolate is a … Read more

1. Plant-Based Milk Substitutes 1. Plant-Based Milk Substitutes (image credits: wikimedia) The world of baking is evolving rapidly, and plant-based milk is leading the charge. Almond, soy, oat, and coconut milk are popular alternatives that seamlessly replace cow’s milk in recipes. These substitutes are not just trendy; they’re a testament to changing consumer habits. The Plant-Based Foods Association reports a 20% growth in the plant-based milk market over the past year. This surge highlights a significant shift towards dairy-free options. Chefs often opt for unsweetened versions to maintain control over the sweetness levels in their creations. This choice ensures the … Read more

Chiffon Cake Chiffon Cake (image credits: wikimedia) Chiffon cake, a delightful fusion of butter-richness and egg-white lightness, emerged in the 1920s but truly soared to fame in the 1940s. This was when it graced the pages of a Betty Crocker cookbook, becoming a household name. However, this airy cake might soon be a relic of the past. As modern bakery trends lean towards denser and more intricate desserts, chiffon cake is losing its foothold. A survey by the American Bakers Association reveals a startling statistic: a mere 15% of bakeries still offer this cake. With such dwindling numbers, chiffon cake’s … Read more

Flour: The Foundation of Baking Flour: The Foundation of Baking (image credits: rawpixel) Flour, the backbone of countless baking recipes, has become a rarity on store shelves. The ongoing US-China trade war has caused wheat prices to skyrocket, with the USDA noting a 25% increase in 2022 alone. This surge has made flour more expensive and less available, leaving bakers in a bind. Many are struggling to find affordable options, leading to a noticeable decline in flour stocks at local stores. The tariffs on imported wheat have exacerbated this issue, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to keep this essential … Read more

1. Chocolate Avocado Cake 1. Chocolate Avocado Cake (image credits: wikimedia) Chocolate avocado cake is a luscious dessert that might just surprise you with its dairy-free ingredients. Imagine biting into a cake that’s both creamy and rich, all thanks to the smooth texture provided by ripe avocados. These green fruits are packed with healthy fats, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Sweetened with maple syrup or agave nectar, this cake doesn’t compromise on flavor. A study in the Journal of Nutrition highlights that avocados are high in monounsaturated fats, which can aid in lowering cholesterol levels. The deep chocolate flavor comes … Read more

Tapioca Pearls Tapioca Pearls (image credits: wikimedia) Tapioca pearls, often associated with the beloved bubble tea, have been a sensation across the United States. However, the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China have cast a shadow over this delightful ingredient. In 2022, the US Census Bureau reported a 30% increase in tapioca imports from China, underscoring its rising demand. But as tariffs have been imposed, the price of tapioca pearls has surged by nearly 15%, squeezing the profit margins of bubble tea shops. Many of these establishments are now frantically searching for alternative sources, such as Southeast Asia, … Read more

Increased Ingredient Costs Increased Ingredient Costs (image credits: rawpixel) The US-China trade war has brought about unexpected changes in the cookie industry, starting with ingredient costs. Tariffs on essential baking ingredients like sugar and flour have significantly increased, with sugar tariffs rising by 25%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This has led to higher production costs for cookie manufacturers, who often pass these costs onto consumers. As a consequence, cookie prices have risen by an average of 10% since the trade war began. Many consumers are now reconsidering their cookie purchases due to these price hikes, leading to … Read more

Flour Shortages Flour Shortages (image credits: wikimedia) Flour is the cornerstone of baking, and its shortage has sent ripples through the baking community in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a home baking surge, stretching flour supplies thin. Wheat production took a hit in 2022, declining by 5% compared to the previous year as per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Both professional bakeries and home bakers have faced challenges in acquiring specific flour types, like all-purpose and bread flour. The scarcity has driven flour prices up by 30%, pushing bakers to experiment with alternative grains such as spelt and … Read more