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Doesn't it amaze you how an easy technique in the kitchen can make such a significant impact on the way you prepare food or bake? A great instance of this is being able to make an egg wash during baking, which can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. Before baking baked products such as pastries, egg wash is applied to the surface of the baked goods by brushing it with a mixture of beaten egg and liquid (often water or milk). In addition to adding colour and sheen, it also helps to seal the edges. Knowing why egg wash is used and how to use it properly will help you achieve the best possible outcomes when following cooking instructions or recipes that call for it.
In its most basic form, an egg wash is nothing more than a whole egg, egg yolk, or egg white that has been combined with a trace amount of water, milk, or cream. It is also common practice to use a single egg that has been beaten; although it may be a little more difficult to apply uniformly, it will still result in a silky, dark shine. Soft breads such as dinner rolls, Danish pastry, cinnamon rolls, brioche, and challah can be given a golden brown sheen by including egg wash in the baking process.
When preparing baked goods, double-crust pies, tortillas, or recipes that call for en croûte (in crust), egg wash can also be used as a kind of adhesive to connect two ends of pastry together. This is a practical application of egg wash. The egg's protein coagulates when it is cooked, which causes the formation of a strong connection, which is why this method is effective.
If you are going to sprinkle sugar or spices on your bread or pastry, brushing it with egg wash first can assist the granules cling to the surface rather than causing them to fall off.
How to Make Egg Wash
In a small bowl, use a fork to thoroughly blend one large egg with one tablespoon of liquid (water, milk, or cream). Beat the mixture until it is completely combined. In an alternative method, combine one teaspoon of liquid with one large egg yolk or one large egg white and beat them together.
A pastry brush should be used to apply the egg wash mixture in an equal layer across the surface of the dough. The recipe should be followed during baking. The browning and glossing look that is intended is a direct outcome of the high temperature.
How to Use Egg Wash
When it comes to baking, using an egg wash couldn't look any simpler. Simply using a pastry brush to uniformly apply the mixture on the baked item is all that is required. There should be no pooling at the base or on the surface, since this can lead to an uneven appearance after baking and can also be off-putting in terms of flavour. The phrase "evenly" is the key word here because it is essential to avoid any gathering. If you want to learn how to bake using the simple egg-wash method, you can get the best glossy baked goods.
