Various Egg Washes

by Larry Feldman

The Holiday baking season is fast approaching and you will see a lot of recipes that require egg washes and most of them will only provide instructions for a basic wash. Egg washes provide a nice finish to baked goods and will add colour, crispness and sheen.

Here are some egg wash combinations which will provide various results on the surface of your finished baked goods.

For the following surface texture use:

• 1 Whole egg and a pinch of salt - for a sShiny surface
• 1 Whole egg and 1 tbsp whole milk - for a Medium shiny surface
• 1 Whole egg and 1 tbsp water - for a Golden amber colored surface
• 1 Egg yolk and 1 tbsp water - for a Shiny surface with a golden amber color
• 1 Egg yolk and 1 tbsp heavy cream - for a Shiny surface with a darker brown color
• 1 Egg white - provides a Crispy surface with a lighter coloring

Have I missed any? What type of egg wash do you find works best?