A Baker’s Gotta Bake
There are just some things a baker cannot live without. If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all the mistakes, flops, late nights and years baking, it’s that you need a decent arsenal of tools in your kitchen to get the job done, make it easier and ensure perfect results. There are a LOT of tools and baking accoutrements out there that you don’t actually need so it’s easy to go overboard. Investing in some great basics is all you require to get started whether your baking journey is one for business or pleasure. Here are 6 bakers essentials I can’t live without:
The Workhorse of Bakers Essentials
I’m starting things off with my absolute, can’t-live-without-it must-have. This item is the workhorse of my kitchen (other than my oven). It’s also the item on my list of essentials with the biggest price tag. It’s the MVP, and it’s my Kitchen-Aid mixer. To some people this may not be essential or it’s out of budget. However, if you’re serious about baking whether it’s for business or because you’re super passionate about baking as a hobby, then start saving sweetie! Stand mixers save time and for me time is everything! From kneading dough to mixing up cake batter, a mixer does it all in less time so you don’t have to. There’s many brands of stand mixers out there but I prefer Kitchen-Aid because it hasn’t let me down despite all I’ve thrown at it. I received my first mixer shortly after I got married. I still use it almost daily and it hasn’t given me any problems as of yet (knock on wood). A few years ago I got a second smaller one and not only do they both look great (so many pretty colours to choose from!), they also aren’t as bulky as some other brands. If you’re in the market for a mixer, I encourage you to research reviews on different brands before you buy.
The Right Weigh to Go
My second bakers essentials I can’t live without is a kitchen scale. Baking is a science and precise measurements can make or break recipe results so I highly suggest using a scale to weigh out all ingredients instead of measuring. Scales come in every price point from very low to pricey but keep in mind, you get what you pay for. Try to think of what your baking needs will be. Are you a serious baker or do you plan on just occasionally dabbling in it? From there you can decide on what type of scale you want to invest in. Just be sure to pick a kitchen scale of decent quality so it works properly and lasts more than a batch of cookies.
Every Girl Needs a Good Pan
Next up on my list of essentials is baking sheets and pans. This is a big one and let me tell you: I’ve tried so many different baking sheets and cake pans. Some rusted, some warped and some just right-out gave me terrible results. I stay away from dark, non-stick coated pans and opt for more professional quality. For baking sheets I stick with shiny metal pans that have a good weight to them. You can find great quality baking sheets at restaurant supply stores or specialty kitchen stores. In terms of cake pans, again I avoid dark, non-stick coated pans and opt for the silver cake tins. My two favourite brands are Magic Line and Fat Daddio. Over the years I can honestly say these two brands have given me consistent, superior results with proven durability. Stay tuned for an upcoming post with links to all of my go-to pans and other must-haves.
Rack Attack
Once you’ve baked those perfect cakes and cookies, where do they go? On a baking rack to cool of course! Every baker should have a cooling rack or two to evenly cool all of those delicious sweets and treats properly. When your baking comes out of the oven, air circulation and a flat surface is important to avoid from having items sweat with condensation or fall apart. Look for cooling racks with small squares instead of just long open grates. This type of cooling rack is more sturdy, will provide a stable, level surface and prevents baked goods from falling through and breaking or crumbling.
In the Mix of Things
Nothing is more annoying than having to wash the same bowl or spoon over and over again while your baking up a storm in the kitchen. Save yourself the tears and your time and buy a set of mixing bowls and sets of spoons and spatulas. I mean an actual set. Whether you prefer glass, or metal bowls or both, choose a set of bowls that comes with ranging sizes from small to large and that nest inside each other for easy storage. For spoons and spatulas, buy a few of each so you won’t need to stop in the middle of baking to wash things up to use again. These items are essentials that not only every baker needs but every kitchen should have to start with.
How Do Your Bakers Essentials Measure Up?
Hopefully with measuring cups and spoons! Yes you’ll need a scale but you’ll also need to measure out ingredients the standard way as well. Ask anyone what bakers essentials comes to mind when they think baking and they’ll probably start with measuring cups and spoons. Invest in some sturdy metal measuring spoons and measuring cups for both dry ingredients as well as liquid. These are basics that every kitchen should have whether or not you’re an avid baker, or cook. Keep an eye out here: http://sweetiecakebakeshop.com/my-favourite-things/ for my “My Favourite Things” blog posts where I get a chance to share some of my fave tools and go-to baking items and where you can find them. I hope you found this list of bakers essentials and how to choose them helpful for your next big baking project!
Happy Baking! xo Heather