You’ve Been Doing It Wrong
Sifting Is Superfluous
For most baking projects, it’s an old-fashioned holdover
If you’re thinking about baking a Valentine’s Day cake for your beloved, know that it can be a quick way to show someone you love them.
One thing you can definitely skip? Sifting.
Flour, once an inconsistent product, is now so fine that sifting is usually unnecessary. Nor is it necessary when mixing flour with other dry ingredients, like sugar, salt, or baking powder, though it’s worth whisking those ingredients together with a fork or whisk just to eliminate any lumps.
For me, sifting is much more relevant after you bake: Sift confectioners’ sugar or cocoa powder over finished desserts for the world’s easiest garnish.
This chocolate cake comes together in about an hour (plus time to cool). Make sure you’ve got the right chocolate on hand and get baking. Frost if you’d like, with classic vanilla buttercream, mocha, or peanut butter frosting, depending on the preferences of your partner.
Chocolate Cake
Makes: At least 10 servings
Time: About 1 hour, plus time to cool
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons (1…
