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Showing posts with label chalky cake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chalky cake. Show all posts

Saturday, June 14, 2014

What's wrong with Hershey's Cocoa any more?

It seems the same thing I bought back in KY tastes much different here. and I seriously doubt its my location. I am finding it extremely frustrating to bake with as it just tastes weak and chalky. I am using the same recipe I always use, with the adjustments for the altitude such as a little more baking powder and more liquid. My cakes aren't turning out dry, they are turning out chalky. My yellow cakes are normal. The only thing I can think of that could be causing this is the cocoa powder. I wonder if they are making it any differently now than they used to? I even started getting the dark chocolate cocoa, and while it is a little bit better, it just isn't chocolate-y enough. Next time I make a cake, I will try increasing the amount of cocoa. I am debating about just going with the chocolate squares to see if it gives the right flavor profile. You see, I am taking the Wilton cake decorating classes (well, I took the first and had to postpone the rest of the course until next month due to unexpected problems coming up) and I want to be sure that my cakes taste as good as they can.

I have a cake sitting un-frosted on the kitchen counter for tomorrow's decorating. I will be making my first ever homemade batch of butter cream, and I am really excited. I am going to keep practicing decorating while waiting to take the rest of the classes. It is pretty fun already, and I know it will keep getting better. I can't wait to learn how to make flowers. Might seem a little strange to like baking cakes, and to want to decorate them when I really don't want to eat them. (Partly this is due to dietary restrictions, the rest is a lack of a sweet tooth.) I just want to make these beautiful cakes I see in books and on tv. It is just another form of art I want to try. I will take some pictures of my first cake decorating adventure once it is competed tomorrow. I am hoping it turns out like it looks in my head! :P