Cooking Exam Flashcards
(22 cards)
Why should pastry be handled as little as possible?
To prevent gluten development, which makes it tough.
Why add liquid gradually to pastry dough?
To avoid stickiness and tough texture from extra flour.
Why rest pastry in the fridge before baking?
To relax gluten and reduce shrinking during baking.
What’s a healthy alternative to cream in desserts?
Low-fat yoghurt.
What’s a healthier cooking method than frying?
Grilling, steaming, or baking
Why trim visible fat from meat?
To reduce overall fat intake.
What function do eggs have in binding?
They hold ingredients together, like in patties.
How do eggs work in emulsification?
They help mix oil and water, e.g. in mayonnaise.
Why beat egg whites in meringue?
To trap air and create a foam.
What is positive energy balance?
Consuming more energy than burned – leads to weight gain.
What is negative energy balance?
Burning more energy than consumed – leads to weight loss.
What can you use instead of butter?
Avocado or hummus.
What’s a low-fat alternative to full cream milk?
Skim milk.
Name the 5 food groups in AGHE.
Vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meats, and dairy.
Why limit discretionary foods?
They are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
What is denaturation?
heat causes the proteins in the egg white and yolk to unfold and coagulate.
What is coagulation?
Proteins firm up when heated, like in cooked eggs.
What is the Maillard Reaction?
A browning reaction between protein and sugar under heat.
What is energy balance?
Energy balance refers to the relationship between the energy (calories) you consume from food and the energy your body uses for physical activity, digestion, and basic functions (like breathing and keeping warm).
What is blind baking and why is it important in pastry making?
Blind baking is pre-baking a pastry crust without filling.
It’s important because it:
Prevents soggy bottoms, especially for wet fillings like quiche or custard.
Helps the crust hold its shape before adding the filling.
what are the steps of blind baking?
- Chill the dough in the pan
- Dock the base (prick with a fork)
- Line with baking paper or foil
- Fill with baking weights (rice or beans)
- Bake at 180°C for 10–15 minutes
- Remove weights and bake for 5–10 minutes more if needed
Describe the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and explain how it helps Australians make healthier food choices.
The AGHE is a national guide showing the 5 food groups:
1. Vegetables and legumes
2. Fruits
3. Grains (mostly wholegrain)
4. Lean meats and alternatives
5. Dairy and alternatives (choose low-fat)
It encourages:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Limiting discretionary foods (high in fat, salt, sugar)
It helps Australians by promoting balanced, varied eating to reduce health risks like obesity and heart disease.
