And yes these 2 are related. Today I tackled baking and the metric system all at once. And I think it was a success based on the end results. However when I started out I wasn't quite sure.
My first problem this morning was I did not bring my loaf baking pan with me to Italy. I guess I thought I wouldn't use it. Well first mistake. So before I could even start I had to run to the grocery store (yes remember they have a second level that has all sorts of housewares - like a mini-Target). I found the baking pans and then panic - the sizes are all different. OK take a deep breath - just google the conversion of a 9 x 5 baking pan and I came up with something that was close to the pans they were selling. First challenge done - now back home to bake.
I am using a U.S. recipe so all of my measurements are easy - NOT. The dry ingredients were fine as everything was in cups, etc. Then I get to the butter and it says 3/4 cup. Uh oh - how will I measure that? So I start to google conversions of cups to grams. I determine I need 170 grams of butter. Hmmmmm the package of butter I bought says 200 grams. Ok not too challenging I can estimate it close enough. But to my surprise when I open the butter - there they are - measurement marks similar to what shows on our sticks of butter. (For those that don't cook - trust me - this was a huge relief).
The dry ingredients, flour and spices should be easy - well sort of. Flour - no problem but then the spices of ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon - just a bit different. The lid would not come off the ginger so I had to sprinkle some into a bowl so I could measure it - not shocking but just a bit different from how we measure. And the nutmeg and cinnamon - I did have to remove the lids to be able to use a small measuring spoon.
So batter finally made the next challenge - the oven. I had many options as you can see from the picture. Thank goodness for Google translate.
And the end result?
YUM!!! I even was brave enough to take one loaf and split it - one half for Angela and Luigi and one half for yes - you guessed it - Giovanni and his wife, Anna. Knocking on his door was a bit scary as I had to walk past the guard dog and yes I determined it IS a guard dog!! Not sure I will do that again but I did it. I explained I made this from the zucchini and eggs they gave me. I thanked them again and told them I hope they like it. They told me anytime I want more zucchini I should just ask. They are just so sweet!
I must say I did enjoy the challenge and look forward to learning Italian recipes for baking.
Ciao!
No comments:
Post a Comment