Baked Goods All Around the World: Delicious Recipes to Try at Home

1. French Croissants: Flaky, Buttery Perfection

No visit to France is complete without a warm, flaky croissant. This iconic pastry is loved for its buttery layers and crispy texture. Making croissants from scratch takes patience, but the result is well worth it.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup warm milk

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (for folding)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Essential Tools:

• Rolling Pin: A good rolling pin ensures an even, thin dough.

• Kneading Mat: Keeps your dough from sticking and makes it easier to handle.

• Pastry Cutter or Knife: For cutting dough into triangles.

• Baking Sheet: A non-stick baking sheet ensures your croissants bake evenly.

How to Make It:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.

2. Chill the Dough: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, place butter in the center, and fold the dough over it. Roll it out again, fold it into thirds, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat this process two more times.

3. Shape the Croissants: Roll the dough into a long rectangle, then cut it into triangles. Roll each triangle into a croissant shape.

4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the croissants on a baking sheet and let them rise for 30 minutes. Brush with egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

2. American Apple Pie: A Slice of Tradition

In the U.S., nothing says comfort food like a warm slice of apple pie. This dessert is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you crave a taste of nostalgia.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)

• 1 package pie crust (or homemade)

Essential Tools:

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to a perfect pie.

• Rolling Pin: Use a rolling pin to roll out your pie crust evenly.

• Pie Dish: A deep pie dish ensures your filling doesn't overflow.

• Pastry Brush: For brushing on an egg wash to get a golden, crispy crust.

• Cooling Rack: After baking, place the pie on a cooling rack to allow it to set.

How to Make It:

1. Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and slice your apples. Toss them with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.

2. Prepare the Crust: Roll out your dough with a rolling pin and fit it into your pie dish. Add the apple filling, then top with another layer of dough.

3. Bake: Crimp the edges and cut slits in the top crust to let steam escape. Brush with an egg wash using a pastry brush. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.

4. Allow to cool on a cooling rack before slicing.

3. Russian Rye Bread (Borodinsky Bread): A Hearty Classic

In Russia, Borodinsky bread, a type of dark rye bread, is a staple. It’s hearty, slightly tangy, and perfect for accompanying soups or enjoying with butter. The use of rye flour gives this bread a distinctive flavor, while a combination of caraway seeds and malt adds depth.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rye flour

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 packet active dry yeast

• 1 1/4 cups warm water

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon malt extract or molasses

Essential Tools:

• Measuring Cups: Ensure accuracy with your ingredient measurements.

• Dough Scraper: Helps with kneading and shaping the dough.

• Bread Loaf Pan: For baking the bread in a uniform shape.

• Flour Sieve: For sifting your flour to ensure the bread rises evenly.

How to Make It:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine rye flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and caraway seeds. Dissolve honey and yeast in warm water and add it to the flour mixture. Add oil and malt extract, and stir until the dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic, using a dough scraper as needed.

3. Proof the Dough: Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.

4. Shape and Bake: Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased bread loaf pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

4. Italian Focaccia Bread: Simple and Flavorful

Focaccia is a savory Italian flatbread, often topped with fresh herbs and olive oil. It’s perfect as a side dish, snack, or even for making sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 packet active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/4 cups warm water

• 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Essential Tools:

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precision in baking.

• Baking Sheet: A baking sheet is needed for spreading the dough evenly.

• Dough Scraper: Helps in shaping the dough and transferring it.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

How to Make It:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough: Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.

3. Shape and Bake: Punch down the dough, then transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil, top with rosemary or thyme, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Conclusion: Baking Brings the World Together

No matter where you are, baking is a way to connect with others and experience different cultures through flavor. From flaky croissants in France to hearty rye bread in Russia and comforting American apple pie, there’s always a new recipe to try. And with the right baking tools from Hexingco, you can master these international treats and create delicious masterpieces in your own kitchen.

Ready to bake? Explore our baking essentials today and start your global baking adventure!