Part 2/8:
To kick off this culinary journey, let's explore the key ingredients that make this carrot cake a winner. Chef Jeere emphasizes that baking doesn't require complicated techniques—he focuses on readily available ingredients that most people can find in their kitchens. The basic elements include:
Dry Ingredients: 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Sugars: ½ cup of white sugar and 3 cups of brown sugar (properly sifted).
Spices: The warmth of a teaspoon of cinnamon, a wee bit of ground cloves, and nutmeg adds flavor without overpowering the cake.
Wet Ingredients: Four eggs, ¾ cup of applesauce (an excellent oil substitute for moistness), ¾ cup of grape seed oil, and a splash of vanilla.