So, you’ve just moved to Europe and decided to bring a taste of home and bake your favourite cookie or cake, only for it to fail. You are confused. You’ve used this recipe back in Canada and never had any issues! It’s important to note that, when it comes to baking recipes, you may need to modify when transitioning from Canada to Europe and vice versa due to variations in ingredients, climate, and equipment. Here are a few things to consider when adapting a recipe between Europe and Canada: Ingredients
Ingredients available in Europe and Canada may differ slightly, particularly when it comes to flour, sugar, and fat. There are also ingredients that you can easily find in Canada but not in Europe.
Flour is an essential ingredient that can heavily differ between Europe and Canada. European all-purpose flour (Type 550) is generally comparable to Canadian all-purpose flour, but protein content and gluten development may vary, which can have a huge impact on the texture and rise of a baked good. European countries often have different flour classifications, which you might not be familiar with. When adapting Canadian recipes in Europe, it is important to become familiar with the different types of flours and their characteristics and experiment. You might have to adjust the liquid ratio or try a different flour to achieve the desired texture and consistency.
Leavening agents might also influence your recipe. The potency of leavening agents like baking powder or yeast can differ between brands and regions. When adapting recipes, it may be necessary to adjust the quantity of these agents based on their potency to achieve the desired rise and texture in the final baked goods.
Another ingredient to take into consideration is water. The mineral composition of water tends to vary by region and it can have an impact on baked goods. It’s one of the reasons why baguettes never taste as good in North America as they do in France.
Oven temperatures and conversions
Oven temperatures can vary, and it is crucial to understand the temperature conversions between Celsius (Europe) and Fahrenheit (Canada) when using recipes from different regions. If you put your Celsius oven at 350°, you’re going to have a very different result than expected! However, once you are used to the conversion, it rapidly becomes second nature. Using an oven thermometer can be helpful, especially for baking where accurate temperatures make a big difference.
Altitude and climate Altitude and climate variations between Europe and Canada can affect baking outcomes. Higher altitudes can impact rising times and require adjustments to ingredient ratios or oven temperatures. Humidity levels at different elevations may also affect the moisture content of ingredients, requiring adjustments to achieve the desired consistency. Some fickle recipes, such as macarons, are particularly susceptible to humidity and may therefore behave differently in different regions. It's important to approach recipe adaptation as a process of experimentation and adjustment. Simple changes may allow you to bake just like you did at home. Begin with the original recipe, try and figure out what might be causing the difference, and make small modifications as necessary. Keep track of your adaptations and results to refine the recipe over time.
Also, online baking communities can provide insights and tips specific to the region or recipe you are working with. Sharing experiences and learning from others who have already adapted recipes can save time and help achieve desired results in your baking endeavours.