Homemade baking a greener option

There is a certain feeling of accomplishment that comes from making a meal from scratch. Though it might be convenient to use pre-packaged foods from the store, with a little time and effort, just about anyone can create a home-cooked meal or dessert that's both tasty and environmentally friendly.

Many aspiring bakers are taking to their kitchens in droves and showcasing their specialty cakes, cookies and more. With a few simple changes, you can turn an ordinary recipe into one that's eco-friendly.

Cooks who do not use organic products should know that choosing ingredients that don't necessarily come out of a processed box can be better for the environment. That's because the cooks will be reducing the amount of processing, transporting and potential chemical additives being used, which is a boon to the planet and one's health.

Another way to bake in a more eco-conscious way is to buy ingredients in bulk. Doing so can be much less expensive overall and reduce one's carbon footprint by minimizing the number of trips to the grocery store. Many baking staples, such as flour, sugar, butter and leavening ingredients, can be bought in bulk.

Purchasing locally produced items is another way to have a positive effect on the environment. Even if you don't live in a rural area, you may be able to find eggs that were raised by chickens kept as backyard livestock by neighbors. Urban chicken raising has grown in popularity. A good egg-laying breed can produce an egg every one to three days, so keeping two chickens can produce a dozen eggs per week. Plus, because chickens that are raised as "pets" tend to have caregivers who provide strict control over their health and dietary needs, there is a good chance the eggs produced are healthier as well.

Butter, milk chocolate, and flour, which are all available as organic items, may also be locally produced. Fruit from farmer's markets is often fresh and in-season.

Another way to be environmentally friendly while baking at home is to reduce your dependency on electricity when cooking. Contrary to popular belief, hand-mixing power with a spoon or spatula will achieve the same results as firing up the electric stand mixer. It just may take a little longer.

When it's time to bake your dessert, try to do so in a way that minimizes your energy usage. For example, you may want to use your oven in the early morning hours or late at night during warmer months to keep the home cool and avoid turning on the air conditioner. Also, think about making cupcakes or smaller snacks that require less time to cook than cakes or pies but are just as enjoyable.

Those ready to get started on their homemade cakes, can try this recipe for Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting.

Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting

For the cake:

2 cups sugar

13/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour

11/2 teaspoons baking powder

11/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon sea salt

2 eggs

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla and mix until well blended. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour into a greased and floured pan. Bake between 35 and 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

For the frosting:

1 stick butter

2/3 cup cocoa

3 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Put cocoa powder in a mixing bowl. Melt butter and pour into the powder. Alternately add small amounts of powdered sugar and milk. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is at a good consistency to spread. Stir in the vanilla. Use to frost cooled cake.