Baking refers to cooking using the dry heat of an oven. Baking is mostly used in the preparation of breads, pastries, cookies, cakes, quiches, crackers and pies. These items are often referred to as "baked goods" which are often commercially available on chain store shelves or in bakeries. Baking is also used for other dishes with pasta (i.e. lasagna), meatloaf or chicken.