Someone whisking a bowl of yellow cake batter while her hand holds it from one side - Gmvozd/Getty Images Baking and cooking are two very different things, as most home cooks discover the hard way.

From chiffon to angel food, mousses to sponges, folding is an essential technique in the world of baking. Some of my favorite desserts require this method to achieve that light-as-a-feather texture.