Splenda is a fabulous sweetening product that can be used almost anywhere from sweetening a glass of tea to baking muffins. Many people are not aware of how easy it is to use the product while preparing different types of entrees and side dishes. In fact, Splenda can also be used to prepare an array of tasty baked goods without the added calories or carbohydrates that come from using sugar. Here are some general tips to help you begin exploring the possibilities of using Splenda in your kitchen.
Unlike many other sweeteners available today, Splenda is formulated to work effectively in both hot and cold dishes. The product should not lose any of its sweetness, even when used as an ingredient in muffins, cake layers, or cookies. When paired with the fact that Splenda measures just like sugar, using the product to prepare most of your foods is a healthy decision.
It is important to note that, unlike granulated sugar, Splenda will not add volume to baked goods. However, this is easily overcome by adding in a half-cup of dry milk powder and a half-teaspoon of baking soda to every cup of Splenda used in the recipe. For most cakes and similar baked goods, this is sufficient to allow the recipe to rise properly and create the proper texture and mouth-watering taste.
In instances where a recipe requires a certain amount of sugar, it might not be practical to completely substitute Splenda for the entire amount. Pound cakes, pecan pies and frostings are good examples of instances when you would not completely rely on Splenda. For these types of foods, substitute roughly a quarter of the total sugar required with Splenda. This will serve to help reduce some of the calories and carbohydrates found in each serving while still providing a great tasting treat.
The difference in texture may also impact puddings and custards as well. Generally, using Splenda will create a texture that is a little less thick than when using sugar. If you are preparing individual pudding cups for the family dessert, there is a good chance no one will notice the slight difference in texture. However, it may be necessary to experiment with adjusting all the ingredients when preparing a custard or pudding as a pie filling.
Do not be afraid to combine Splenda with sweetening agents other than sugar. For example, you may choose to include a small amount of honey or molasses to enhance the texture as well as increase the ability of the recipe to brown in the oven. This is a particularly useful trick when making cookies from scratch.
When preparing a recipe calling for yeast, keep in mind that Splenda will not activate the ingredient. To help in this process, use two tablespoons of granulated sugar and add Splenda for the remaining sugar content of the recipe. You will still minimize carbohydrates and calories significantly and achieve the rise that you need for cakes and various types of breads.
When it comes to baking time, using Splenda may mean that the recipe will bake faster. For this reason, it is a good idea to check the status of the dish five to ten minutes before the anticipated bake time is up. If you are trying Splenda in a given recipe for the first time, check at the ten minute mark, then every couple of minutes moving forward. You want the baked goods to be thoroughly prepared so the middle is not still doughy. At the same time, you want the crust area to be golden brown but not burned. After the first couple of times you utilize the amended recipe, you will know how much, if any, change in the cooking time is required.
Sugar is considered a natural preservative when it comes to baked goods. Unfortunately, Splenda does not offer this same advantage. This means that any baked products such as cakes, pies, or cookies prepared with Splenda should be consumed within twenty hour hours of preparation. If you must store the goods for any length of time, it is a good idea to place them in airtight freezer containers and place them in the freezer. This will make it easier to maintain the freshness and proper texture.
Do not be afraid to experiment with the use of Splenda in your favorite recipes. There is a very good chance that you will find using this sugar substitute is very easy with various types of sauces and marinades, and requires only slightly more effort when it comes to adapting recipes for breads and different sweets. Network with other people in your area to share recipes using Splenda and do not forget to check online resources for specific recipes using the product. In a short period of time you are likely to have recipes using Splenda for everything from main courses to tasty snacks.
Josh Webber is a freelance writer who writes about dieting and fitness often focusing on a particular product such as Splenda.
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