Oven Shelves
Arrange the oven
shelf or shelves
in the desired
locations while
the oven is cool.
The correct shelf
position depends
on the kind of
food and the
browning desired.
REGULAR BAKING
(continued)
Type of Food
Shelf Position
Angel food cake
A
I
Biscuits
B orC
Cookies or cupcakes
C
I
Brownies
B orC
Layer cakes
B or C
As a general rule, place most foods in the middle of
Bundt or pound cakes
A or B
the oven, on either shelf positions B or C. See the
chart for suggested shelf positions.
Pies or pie shells
B or C
Frozen pies
A (on cookie sheet)
Casseroles
B or C
Roasting
A or B
Preheating
Preheat the oven if the recipe calls for it. Preheat
Preheating is necessary for good results when baking
means bringing the oven up to the specified
cakes, cookies, pastry
breads. For most casseroles
temperature before putting in the food. To preheat, set
and roasts, preheating is not necessary. For ovens
the oven at the correct temperature—selecting a
without a preheat indicator light or tone, preheat
higher temperature does not shorten preheat time.
minutes. After the oven is preheated, place the food
in the oven as quickly as possible to prevent heat
from escaping.
Baking Pans
Use the proper baking pan. The type of finish on the
pan determines the amount of browning that will occur.
●
Dark, rough or dull pans absorb heat, resulting in a
browner, crisper crust. Use this type for pies.
●
Shiny, bright and smooth pans reflect heat, resulting
in a lighter, more delicate browning. Cakes and
cookies require this type of pan.
●
Glass baking dishes also absorb heat. When baking
in glass baking dishes, the temperature may need to
be reduced by
Pan Placement
For even cooking and proper browning, there must be
enough room for air circulation in the oven. Baking
results will be better if baking pans are centered as
much as possible rather than being placed to the front
or to the back of the oven.
Pans should not touch each other or the walls of the
oven. Allow 1- to 1
space between pans as well
as from the back of the oven, the door and the sides.
If you use two shelves, stagger the pans so one is not
directly above the other.
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