I have often been asked by friends to list the basic equipment 'bundle' for those who want to Bake. I have put together my suggestions for this list. Over time, if you become an 'avid' Baker, you will add to it. You would be amazed if you saw my collection! However, this list will allow you to make anything you want, and that is the purpose of this post.
Baking Equipment:
Small tools are really useful and save such a lot of time. This is a particularly good set as it contains: slotted spoon, basting spoon, turner, slotted turner, spatula, peeler, pizza cutter, can opener, bottle top opener, whisk, grater, tongs, 5 piece measuring cup set and a 5 piece measuring spoon set.
Extra spatulas are always necessary. The spoon spatula is great for 'cutting in' and then spooning out when the mixture is complete. They are slightly 'rubberised' so cleaning the bowl sides is simple.
Palette knives are necessary for spreading mixtures evenly - the offset palette knife enables you to spread out in tins with sides.
You need a rolling pin to roll out your pastry! The heavier it is, the less effort is required to pin out.
You really need sieves. To get lumps out of dry ingredients, or to pass purees to make them smooth.
Well you can't do without bowls! Different sizes make life easier when working with small or large quantities. You don't need lids for them, but it helps.
Sorry, I cannot work without scales. I have to measure everything. It is the only way to guarantee consistency in your baking.
This is a really useful set as it contains a range of trays and tins for most baking needs: (2) 9-inch round cake pans, 10x13-inch cake pan, 4.5x8-inch medium loaf pan, 10x14-inch muffin pan (12-cups), and a 10x14.5-inch cookie sheet.
These I use all the time when I make a pie or a tart. You place the ring on a tray, well buttered for easy release. Make your pie as normal. Then when your pie is baked you run a knife around the edge of the pie and just slide off the ring!
Spring form cake tins complete your baking tin needs. You can bake large cakes, cheesecakes, large mousses; lots of deep desserts can be formed in these tins. Then easy release!
You absolutely need a cooling wire for when your cakes and cookies need removing from hot trays. You don't want them to sweat and go soggy!
I could not exist without my hand held electric whisk. I have a small industrial stand mixer, I only use it when I make marshmallow. For everything else, I use this. Please get one.
This is another very useful piece of electrical equipment. I use the stick blender to make my soups smooth. You just stick it in the hot pan and you have smooth soup without messing up another item. The other part of this which is so useful is the chopping attachment. Put nuts, etc., into the little bowl, lid on, stick attached into the top and.... chopped up nuts, herbs, spices, garlic, etc......
Finally, you do need piping bags and some nozzles for piping out meringues or decorating cakes and cup cakes, etc. This set allows you to do all of that with sufficient nozzles to give variety.
That is it! You can do everything with this set of equipment. More specialised? Yes you require the tins and moulds, but you can get those over time. The only thing I would say is spend as much as you can afford on tins, especially the flat tins and trays. Cheap end tins and trays are made with very thin guage steel and they will warp in the oven. So spend a little more on those. The rest, buy 'cheap as chips' and replace when necessary. That also includes the two electric items, I have had mine for years and paid very little for them!
I took the images from Amazon.com. I am sure they are copyrighted, I expect though they won't mind as the highlighted link takes you through to the Kitchen Equipment area, for you to purchase from if you want to.
The different sets available are very good and at a great price, I was really surprised when I think of what I paid for my collection over the years! (No, I don't work or have shares in Amazon, just a handy place for everything). Just fill in the name in the internal search box and there are pages to choose from! This list would make a great wedding present you know.
Interesting Posts:
A few more posts which I found very interesting. Just click onto the highlighted name and you will be taken straight to the post.
@nataliejohnson gives us a pesto recipe. Who doesn't love pesto simply tossed through pasta, or drizzled on salad leaves. Love it and love her interpretation!
@debouched has produced a chocolate cake made with mashed potato? I have used beetroot before and it was delicious, moist and light. I must try this one!
@deepti: Chocolate orio milkshake....mmmmmm!
and finally for now:
@denisa . I love pancakes and these are flavoured with apple and cinnamon, delicious.
Now that I have finished this post (finally)! I am off to do the cooking for Patelincho's Bacon Challenge. I plan a brunch dish but am using bacon lardons not slices, so I expect I will be infringing the rules. We will see.
Please take part in my Community Project. Place a link to your post in the comments box below if you would like your recipe to be included.
In the meantime keep 'Posting' interesting content, as all I want to do is:
and:
as well as:
As often as I can!