Mastering Baking with The King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion

A Comprehensive Guide for Every Baker

Authored by the expert bakers at King Arthur Flour, this book covers every facet of the baking process in clear, easy-to-understand language. With 450 meticulously crafted recipes, it provides everything you need to become a proficient baker. From ingredients and tools to measuring techniques and altitude adjustments, no detail is overlooked to ensure that their "fool-proof" recipes are accessible to all.

Diverse and Delicious Recipes

The recipes in this book range from classic staples like Basic Scones and Fruit Pie to innovative creations such as Portable Pizza and regional favorites like Cassata and Kringle. Each recipe is accompanied by detailed step-by-step instructions and nutritional information, making it easy to follow along and achieve perfect results.

Valuable Tips and Insights

One of the standout features of this book is the shaded notes scattered throughout, offering tips, suggestions, cautions, and ideas for various recipes. These notes cover everything from making your own vanilla extract to fitting bread baking into your daily routine more efficiently.

The Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients

Crust

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick, 2 ounces) butter
• 1 1/4 cups (6 3/4 ounces) gingersnap crumbs
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, if the snaps aren't strong flavored)
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) brown sugar

Cheese Filling

• 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups (8 3/4 ounces) sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons (1/2 ounce) cornstarch
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (8 ounces) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) pumpkin puree (canned is fine)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• Pinch of allspice

Instructions

For The Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Use a food processor or blender to blend together the butter, gingersnaps, ginger, and sugar until the mixture is evenly crumbly.
3. Press the crumbs into the bottom and about 1/2 inch up the side of a 9" springform pan.
4. Bake the crust for 16 to 18 minutes, just until it's set. Set aside to cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.

For The Filling:

1. Using an electric mixer set on low speed, beat the cream cheese until it's soft and no lumps remain.
2. Add the sugar, salt, and cornstarch and mix until well blended.
3. Beat in the 4 eggs one at a time, ensuring the mixture is smooth and scraping the bottom of the bowl after each addition.
4. Add the vanilla and the heavy cream, stirring just until the mixture is smooth.
5. Remove 1 cup of batter from the bowl and combine it with the pumpkin puree, 1 egg, and spices.
6. Pour the vanilla cheesecake batter into the cooled crust. Drop tablespoonfuls of the pumpkin batter over the vanilla batter. Use a knife to swirl the pumpkin through the batter.
7. Bake the cake at 325°F for 40 to 55 minutes. The internal temperature when measured an inch from the outside edge should be 165°F or above, and the middle should jiggle.
8. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool slowly for 1 hour in the turned-off oven.
9. Remove it from the oven, run a knife around the top edge of the pan to free the cake (so it can contract as it cools), then refrigerate overnight.
10. Top with cinnamon-flavored whipped cream, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving - 1 slice, 138g)

• Calories: 432
• Fat: 29g
• Protein: 7g
• Complex Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Cholesterol: 147mg
• Sodium: 307mg
• Potassium: 321mg
• Vitamin A: 499RE
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Iron: 1mg
• Calcium: 71mg
• Phosphorus: 108mg

Interesting Baking Statistics

• According to a 2020 survey by the American Bakers Association, 95% of Americans enjoy eating bread, and 77% eat it at least once a week. Source
• The global baking industry is projected to reach $436.91 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2019. Source
• Home baking saw a significant rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 54% increase in flour sales in the U.S. in 2020. Source

For more information on baking and to explore a wide range of recipes, visit the King Arthur Baking Company.

"The King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion" is more than just a cookbook; it's a comprehensive guide that will elevate your baking skills and inspire you to try new recipes. Whether you're baking for the first time or looking to expand your repertoire, this book is a must-have for your kitchen library.