18: Cooking Methods: Baking Animation Video
Transcript:
Cooking Method: Baking
Baking is a dry-heat cooking method which is very similar to roasting. Baking takes place in an oven in which air is heated and contained.
There is only a subtle difference between roasting and baking. Baking describes cooking foods with a certain amount of added moisture. For instance, a pork loin cooked in the oven uncovered would be described as roasted, but lasagna with the added moisture from the sauce would be described as baked. The cooking temperature for baking is between 300°F and 425°F, or 149°C and 219°C.
Products that require gentle heat are baked in a water bath. To make a water bath, select a container that is larger than the pan or dishes holding the food to be cooked. Partially fill the container with water. Place the pan of food inside the container and place the container in the oven to cook.
The water bath regulates the heat so the product cooks very slowly. Baking in a water bath is also called "baking au bain-marie."