Baking Radio: Chef Gail Sokol's Baking Podcast

The flakiest of all doughs, laminated doughs are defined and discussed in detail. Learn the differences between the three types of laminated doughs: Danish, Croissant and Puff Pastry. Chef Sokol explains how each of the laminated doughs is created and the nuances of each. 

Discover why cheesecake is really not a cake. Typical bottom crusts for cheesecakes are discussed along with other options. Find out how a traditional cheesecake filling can be embellished with different flavors. Chef Sokol teaches you how to attain the creamiest cheesecake. A simple vanilla cheesecake recipe is shared.

Pâte à Choux, the basic dough from which cream puffs are derived is discussed. Chef Sokol explains how cream puffs are a special type of dough that are steam leavened. Steam as a powerful leavening agent is discussed in detail. The versatility of this type of dough is reviewed, along with the many fillings with which each type can be filled. 

Gluten is defined. How gluten develops, and its importance to baked goods is discussed. Some of the ingredients used in gluten-free baking are reviewed. A recipe for Chef Sokol’s favorite gluten-free flourless chocolate cake is shared. 

The eastern European cookie known as rugalach is discussed. Chef Sokol gives the listener a standard rugalach dough recipe from which many varieties can be created. Two different methods of shaping rugalach, and both sweet and savory fillings are reviewed.

Quick breads are defined and their ease of preparation is discussed. The three mixing methods used to prepare quick breads, the creaming method, the muffin method and the biscuit method are defined and reviewed in detail. Chef Sokol shares the recipe for her award winning blueberry muffins.

Learn how to create a yeast dough from just five simple ingredients. Chef Sokol will walk you through all the steps to create one of the simplest of yeast breads. Learn how to properly store your bread so you can savor every morsel.  

The microscopic organism, yeast, is discussed in detail. The two most common types of yeast are explored. The importance of the fermentation reaction is discussed in relation to yeast breads. Chef Sokol explains the importance of harnessing the carbon dioxide gas bubbles produced from the fermentation process and how they are affected by gluten development. 

Learn how to create perfect whipped cream. Chef Sokol gives you her best tips on how to stabilize that whipped cream so that it lasts for hours. She also shares an anecdotal story of an unfortunate incident she experienced making whipped cream in the beginning of her culinary career.

The definition of an oven custard is discussed. Typical oven custards are reviewed, and a simple recipe for crème brûlée is given and how to make it is discussed in detail. Learn how to tell exactly when the custard is ready to take out of the oven.

The definition of a stovetop custard made with a starch is discussed. The benefits of using a starch when making a custard is explained. Learn why you can bring a custard with a starch added to the boil and not have it curdle. Chef Sokol walks you through a delicious, stovetop custard recipe made with a starch known as vanilla pastry cream. She discusses its many uses in desserts. 

Rich and creamy custards are first defined in detail. The science behind how eggs thicken custards is discussed giving the listener an appreciation of the versatility of the egg, especially the yolk. Chef Sokol shares a stovetop custard recipe known as crème anglaise and its many uses. 

Chef Sokol defines egg foams and discusses how useful they are in certain baked goods. The three types of egg foams are explained and when each is used. Tips to create the fluffiest egg foams or meringues are shared.

Eggs are one of the most versatile ingredients to a baker. Chef Sokol begins with a discussion of the anatomy of the egg and the importance of each part. Learn how eggs affect batters and doughs through their own super powers. From their ability to hold air to their natural emulsifying capabilities, the egg is a true wonder of the kitchen packaged in its’ own little shell.

We all love that perfect apple pie with just the right balance of filling to crust.  Learn to create the perfect flaky pie crust, and the perfect apple pie filling that will complement it. Chef Sokol will take you through all the nuanced steps of pie baking. Listen as she helps you learn to make the flakiest pie dough ever, and gives you all her hard earned tricks for shaping the dough and getting it into the pie pan. Tips to get the apple slices perfectly spiced will be discussed. 

Different types of pie crusts are discussed in detail. Chef Sokol will teach you which pastry is best suited for which specific pie or tart. Understand how the protein matrix, gluten, is formed, and how to control it to reduce toughness in pie crusts. Learn what goes into making the flakiest pie crusts.

Learn how to make the French concoction known as Ganache. The ratios of chocolate and cream will determine what you can do with it. Chef Sokol will discuss the multiple uses for this incredibly, rich addition to any dessert.  A simple recipe for ganache is given.

The One Stage Method of cake making is discussed.  Learn how to make the fudgiest of all chocolate cakes using this simplest of mixing methods. Chef Sokol will show you how to recognize this method just by reading the recipe. An easy and delicious recipe is discussed in detail. 

There are many reasons why we love to frost cakes. Some of them may surprise you. Learn how to get your cake layers ready to be frosted. Chef Sokol will take you by the hand and teach you all of her special techniques and tips on exactly how to frost those layers expertly.

Learn how to create one of the richest and most decadent of all buttercream frostings. Chef Sokol will walk you through a simple French buttercream frosting that you can use to frost any cake. You will feel as if she is right by your side guiding you all the way to success.