Achieving Even Browning Through Strategic Egg Wash Application

Paul Hollywood's specific observation about Diana's triangles having lovely color on that side but pale when twisted round identifies the common problem of uneven browning caused by inconsistent egg wash application, a detail that separates professional-looking bakes from amateur attempts. Egg wash serves multiple purposes in baking including creating golden-brown color through protein and sugar browning reactions, providing glossy shine that signals quality, helping toppings like cheese and herbs adhere to surface, and creating slight seal that can help pastries maintain shape. However, egg wash only works where it is actually applied, making thorough even coverage essential for uniform results. Diana's pale side problem occurred because she either failed to brush egg wash on all visible surfaces, applied it too thinly in some areas, or rushed application without rotating pieces to ensure complete coverage. The correction requires methodical approach: whisk egg wash thoroughly with small amount of milk to create smooth consistency that flows easily from brush, use soft pastry brush rather than stiff brush that leaves streaks, load brush generously but not dripping with egg wash, brush from center of each piece outward toward edges ensuring complete coverage including corners where wash tends to miss, rotate each piece to check for missed spots and reapply as needed, and dab off any pools of excess wash that would create dark spots or uneven color. Pay particular attention to edges and corners which are most visible when serving but easiest to miss during application. For shaped pastries like Diana's triangles, brush top surface first, then carefully brush visible side surfaces that will show when served, checking from multiple angles to ensure no pale spots remain. Thin even layer is better than thick uneven layer which can create splotchy appearance. Strategic timing matters as well - apply egg wash to chilled pastries just before baking rather than letting them sit with wet wash which can make pastry soggy, and if baking multiple sheets, apply wash to second sheet while first bakes to maintain efficiency. When baking produces uneven color despite good egg wash application like Diana experienced, the problem shifts to oven hot spots requiring pan rotation at halfway point so all sides of all pieces receive equal heat exposure. The combination of thorough even egg wash application plus strategic pan rotation ensures lovely color on all sides rather than Paul's observation of pale areas, demonstrating professional attention to detail that elevates Diana's good idea to proper execution.