8 genius baking tips straight from a professional pastry chef

 

The chemistry of baking doesn’t lend itself as naturally to experimentation as cooking does — so how do the professionals do it?

IF YOU have ever gone off the book while following a baking recipe, you know the results can be disastrous.

To answer that question, chef and cookbook author Hendrik Pretorius shares below his advice for becoming a better, more intuitive baker.

Always read the recipe before beginning

This will help you know the how, why, where, and when or what you are about to do. It will only take a few minutes but could save you from wasting ingredients on a disastrous result.

Always have ingredients prepped

Read through the ingredient list and have them prepared on your counter. Mise en place is a French term that means ‘to put everything in its place’ and refers to getting everything prepared and in place ready for baking.

Measure correctly and carefully

This is one of the most important tips. Baking is a science, so successful baking requires precision.

Unlike cooking, you can’t just bake something by throwing ingredients together and hoping for the best.

Measure dry ingredients in proper measuring cups or spoons because they are specially designed for dry ingredients.

Also, spoon and level dry ingredients, which means using a spoon to fill the cup and level it off. This is especially important with flour.

Scooping flour (or any dry ingredient) packs that ingredient down, and you could be left with much more than needed and a dry, unpalatable end product.

For liquid ingredients, use a clear liquid measuring cups or jugs. An electronic kitchen scale is invaluable to get 100 percent correct weights every time.

Room temperature ingredients are key

If a recipe calls for room-temperature eggs or dairy ingredients such as milk, cream, or yoghurt, ensure you adhere.

It’s impossible to cream cold butter into a soft consistency necessary for some recipes, and the same goes for eggs which add more volume to the batter when at room temperature.

Also, always use the correct butter consistency stipulated in the recipe. Most recipes call for room-temperature butter, which means when you press it, your finger will make an indent but not sink into the butter.

To get that perfect consistency, leave the butter out for 60 to 90 minutes beforehand. Cold butter is butter straight from the fridge, while melted butter should be liquified and lukewarm. If it is too hot, it can cook the eggs in your batter.

Use unsalted butter

Always use unsalted butter unless the recipe specifies otherwise. The added salt in salted butter affects the flavour and changes the way the glutens in the flour develop, which can affect the consistency of the dough.

Always use fresh ingredients

The top priority here goes to chemical leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda because they lose much of their effectiveness after about six months, meaning your baked goods won’t rise the way they should.

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves will also lose their potency, especially the pre-ground kind, so it’s important to always use fresh ingredients.

Invest in an oven thermometer

Very often, oven temperatures can be out by as much as 20°C, which can affect the baking times given in the recipe and result in under or over-baked goods.

Invest in an inexpensive oven thermometer and place it in the centre of your oven so you always know the exact temperature.

Keep the oven door closed

As tempting as it is to look inside to see how things are going, keep the oven door closed until the bake is done in order to keep a consistent temperature throughout.

If you’re baking a cake, the influx of air or even the vibration of the oven door can cause it to sink in the middle.

5 of the richest boxers in the world in 2024 but who’s the fighter who made more from investments?

 Floyd Mayweather may be professionally retired, but in November 2022, he earned around US$30 million for taking part in an exhibition match in Dubai against YouTuber Deji Olatunji

George Foreman's boxing career began in the 1960s, but his claim to fame and fortune may be Salton's fat-reducing George Foreman Grill, which he once said brings in US$8 million a month

Boxing has long been a popular sport around the globe, with many fighters becoming household names and earning significant fortunes through their careers in the ring. And, of course, multimillion endorsements and ambassador roles have only added to their net worths.

They're spent their careers fighting, punching opponents and taking hits in one of the world's most dangerous sports, so it comes as no surprise that top boxers can make a pretty penny for their efforts.

Ding-ding! In this corner, get ready to meet the world's wealthiest boxers of 2024, per Celebrity Net Worth.

5. Oscar De La Hoya, 51

Estimated net worth: US$200 million

Retired Mexican-American professional boxer Oscar De La Hoya became a global boxing icon during his career in the ring, bagging 10 world titles across six weight classes, ranging from super featherweight to middleweight.

After retiring from professional boxing, De La Hoya embarked on a highly successful career as a boxing promoter through his company Golden Boy Promotions.

4. Manny Pacquiao, 45

Estimated net worth: US$220 million

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is considered one of the best "pound for pound" boxers of all time, but his talents don't stop there. Pacquiao has also enjoyed a successful career as an actor, singer, ambassador and even politician in his home country, having served as a senator of the Philippines for many years.

However, his biggest pay cheque came in May 2015 when he fought against long-time rival Floyd Mayweather. By the end of it, thanks to guaranteed payment and pay-per-view bonus earnings, Pacquiao made at least US$125 million from the fight, per ESPN.

3. SaUl Alvarez aka Canelo, 33

Estimated net worth: US$250 million

SaUl Alvarez, better known as Canelo, is a professional Mexican boxer and four-division world champion - from light middleweight to light heavyweight - who has been described as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. But he's also a savvy businessman who owns a chain of gas stations in Mexico called Canelo Energy, convenience stores and his very own clothing line, to name a few.

In 2018, Alvarez signed a five-year US$365 million fight contract with De La Hoya's promotion company and DAZN, taking his wealth to even greater heights.

2. George Foreman, 75

Estimated net worth: US$300 million

 

Despite starting his successful boxing career back in the 1960s and fighting the likes of Muhammad Ali, George Foreman's boxing fortune reportedly peaked at a mere US$5 million during his time in the ring at the time of his first retirement.

Instead, Foreman made the bulk of his millions from a very clever and fortunate business investment. In 1994, after adopting a healthier lifestyle, Foreman became a spokesperson for Salton's fat-reducing grill. By 2009, the George Foreman Grill had sold over 100 million units. Foreman has never confirmed how much he got paid from the endorsement, but in 1999 it was revealed Salton had paid him US$138 million. Foreman also once said that he made US$8 million a month from his share of profit for the grills.

1. Floyd Mayweather, 47

Estimated net worth: US$400 million

World-famous American boxing champion and promoter Floyd Mayweather may have had his fair share of personal struggles and runs-ins with the law over the years, but he still boasts an impressive net worth, making him the richest boxer of all time.

While he might be professionally retired, Mayweather doesn't mind fighting for a big cheque from time to time. In November 2022, he famously earned around US$30 million to battle against social media personality Deji Olatunji during an exhibition match in Dubai, per British media. It's no wonder Mayweather is among the highest-paid athletes of all time, and one of just six athletes ever whose career earnings have topped US$1 billion, per Forbes.

The world's most popular fried savory foods

Be it a battered vegetable, a bread-crumbed cutlet, or a tender piece of dough, what doesn't taste amazing after a proper fry job?

The ancient Egyptians invented the technique of frying food in hot fat, and since then each culture has taken their unique spin on it. From basic French fries to delicate tempura, nothing quite pleases the palate like a delicious crisp from a brief dip in hot oil.

Ready for a mouthwatering experience? Click through this gallery for the world's most popular fried savory foods.

Is Radish Good Or Bad For Diabetics? A Review By Nutrition Professionals

 

Radishes are health-promoting vegetables from the Brassica family of plants and belong in a healthy diet. They are a low glycemic root vegetable with fiber, folate, vitamin C, potassium, and many other nutrients that are appropriate for diabetics and pre-diabetics. There are many types of radish including daikon, watermelon, black, and red radish. 

They can be eaten raw or cooked, sprouted, or juiced. While there are no clinical studies evaluating radish’s effect on diabetes, there is animal and laboratory evidence of anti-diabetic properties of radish. For example, the radish has compounds that can promote glucose(sugar) uptake into cells. One way is by improving the body’s use of insulin, which is one of the primary keys to moving glucose from the blood into the muscle, where it is needed. 

This effect may be due to the antioxidant compounds found in radish called anthocyanins and indol-3-carbinol. Anthocyanins have been shown to improve vascular health and function, which can potentially reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and improve health outcomes for individuals with diabetes.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors or nutritionists and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Medical advice varies across region. Advice from professionals outside your region should be used at your own discretion. Or you should contact a local health professional.

Better AI Stock: SoundHound AI vs. Super Micro Computer

 SoundHound AI (NASDAQ: SOUN) and Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ: SMCI) represent two very different ways to invest in the booming artificial intelligence (AI) market. SoundHound's namesake app is used to identify and discover songs, while its Houndify developer platform enables companies to create their own speech-recognition tools. Super Micro Computer, more commonly known as Supermicro, is a leading producer of AI servers.

Both companies have close ties to Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). Nvidia was one of SoundHound's earliest backers prior to its public debut in 2022, and it recently made another investment in the company. Supermicro's partnership with Nvidia grants it access to the chipmaker's top-tier data center graphics processing units (GPUs) before most of its competitors.

That's why both stocks soared alongside Nvidia's as the AI market expanded. Over the past 12 months, SoundHound's stock jumped 248% as Supermicro's stock rallied 1,150%. But should you invest in either of these high-flying AI stocks right now?

SoundHound is a speculative stock

SoundHound competes against Microsoft and Alphabet's Google in the audio and speech-recognition market, but its Houndify platform is an appealing option for companies that don't want to tether themselves to those tech giants.

Automakers like Hyundai and Stellantis, smart TV makers like Vizio, and fast-food chains like Church's Chicken all use Houndify to create custom voice-recognition services. That market should continue expanding as generative AI technologies become more sophisticated. It also recently acquired the restaurant-solutions provider SYNQ3 to expand its ecosystem.

SoundHound went public by merging with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in 2022. Its revenue rose 47% in both 2022 and 2023, and analysts expect its revenue to rise 51% to $69.5 million in 2024.

But based on those expectations and its enterprise value of $2.2 billion, SoundHound's stock still looks pricey at 32 times this year's sales. It's also unprofitable on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis, and it doesn't even expect its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) to turn positive until 2025. Its high debt-to-equity ratio of 4.3 could also limit its ability to raise fresh cash.

Those issues could limit its upside potential as long as interest rates stay elevated, but it could still carve out a defensible niche in the evolving voice-recognition market and attract some buyout interest from its bigger competitors.

Can I get a unique NFT collection in $150 including metadata?

 

Creating a unique NFT collection for $150, including metadata, is challenging but not impossible. Here's a rough breakdown of the costs involved and some strategies to keep expenses low:

1. Artwork: Creating or obtaining artwork for your NFT collection is the most significant cost. If you're an artist, you can create your own digital art for free. Alternatively, you can commission artwork from freelance artists, purchase royalty-free images, or use public domain art. Costs for artwork can vary widely but aim for a budget-friendly option within your price range, such as $50 to $100.

2. Gas Fees: Gas fees are associated with minting NFTs on the blockchain. Depending on the blockchain you choose (such as Ethereum or Binance Smart Chain), gas fees can fluctuate based on network congestion. To minimize gas fees, consider minting your NFTs during off-peak hours or using a blockchain with lower transaction fees, such as Binance Smart Chain. Allocate around $30 to $50 for gas fees.

3. Metadata: Metadata includes information about your NFTs, such as title, description, attributes, and any additional files associated with the artwork. You can create metadata yourself using free tools or templates provided by NFT marketplaces. Allocate around $20 to $30 for any associated costs or tools needed to create metadata.

4. NFT Marketplace Fees: When listing your NFT collection on a marketplace, you may encounter platform fees or royalties. Research different marketplaces and their fee structures to find one that aligns with your budget. Some marketplaces may offer lower fees for new artists or smaller collections. Allocate around $20 to $30 for marketplace fees.

5. Promotion: While not strictly necessary, allocating some budget for promotion can help increase visibility and attract buyers to your NFT collection. You can promote your collection through social media, forums, or NFT communities. Allocate any remaining budget for promotional activities, such as $10 to $20.

Total estimated cost breakdown:

• Artwork: $50 to $100
• Gas Fees: $30 to $50
• Metadata: $20 to $30
• Marketplace Fees: $20 to $30
• Promotion: $10 to $20

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on factors such as artwork complexity, blockchain fees, and marketplace fees. Additionally, consider exploring cost-saving measures such as creating smaller collections or collaborating with other artists to share expenses.

What are the ways to monetize Quora?

 

Quora offers several ways for users to monetize their contributions to the platform. Here are some of the primary methods:

Quora Partner Program (QPP): The Quora Partner Program allows users to earn money by asking questions on Quora. Eligible questions are selected by Quora and shown to users in various ad placements. When users engage with these questions (e.g., view, upvote, follow, or answer), the question asker earns a portion of the revenue generated from advertising.

Quora Spaces Monetization: Quora Spaces is a feature that allows users to create and manage communities (Spaces) around specific topics. Space owners can apply for Spaces monetization, which enables them to earn a share of the revenue generated from ads displayed in their Spaces. Revenue is based on factors such as engagement, quality of content, and audience size.

Affiliate Marketing: Users can include affiliate links in their answers or posts on Quora. When other users click on these affiliate links and make a purchase, the user who shared the link earns a commission from the sale. However, it's important to disclose affiliate links transparently and comply with Quora's policies regarding promotional content.

Promoted Answers: Quora offers a Promoted Answers feature that allows users to pay to have their answers promoted to a larger audience. This can increase visibility and engagement for their content, potentially leading to more followers, upvotes, and views. Promoted Answers can be an effective way to showcase expertise and attract attention to a user's profile or business.

Consulting or Coaching Services: Users with expertise in a particular topic or field can leverage Quora to showcase their knowledge and attract clients for consulting or coaching services. By providing valuable insights and advice in their answers, users can establish credibility and build a reputation as an authority in their niche, which may lead to business opportunities outside of Quora.

Content Licensing: Quora may license content from users for use in other media or publications. Users who contribute high-quality, insightful content may have the opportunity to earn royalties or licensing fees if their content is selected for licensing by Quora.

These are some of the primary ways that users can monetize their contributions to Quora. It's important for users to familiarize themselves with Quora's policies and guidelines regarding monetization and ensure that their activities comply with the platform's terms of service.