a bowl of fun

Essential Baking Tools.

Posted on February 24, 2009 by admin

I really want to try baking. But up until now, I still haven’t bought my oven. I keep prioritizing other things over the oven that’s why. If only money is not an issue, I can buy everything that I want at the same time. But life isn’t like that, my life at least, so I need more time to save for it.

I saw an episode of Martha on cable earlier and she mentioned the basic baking tools one must have. I have been looking for a similar list and asking friends who are into baking for the essentials, so I will know what I need.

Anyway, for the list:

Kitchen Aid Mixer
-Cuts down on time.
-Easy to use.
-Leaves your hands free.

Rimmed Baking Sheet
-Also known as a jelly-roll sheet.
-Used to make bar cookies, shortbread, and more.

Wire Rack
-Allows air to circulate around cooling baked goods.
-Look for stainless steel mesh and feet on bottom.

Cake Pans
-Graduated cake pans are used for layer cakes.
-Should be 8 or 9 inches in diameter and 2 inches deep.

Rolling Pin
-Look for a slightly heavy wooden pin.
-A pin without handles offers more control.

Parchment Paper
-Heat resistant, nonstick, and disposable.
-Used to line sheets and pans for easy release.
-Eliminates need for greasing.

Nonstick Baking Mat
-Heat-resistant silicone mat.
-Used to line baking sheets.
-Washable and reusable.

Mixing Bowls
-Typical three-bowl set includes a 1 1/2-quart, 2 1/2-quart, and 4- or 5-quart bowl.
-Look for deep bowls with a flat base for stability and a curled rim for pouring.

Measuring Cups and Spoons
-Measure dry ingredients in graduated metal cups.
-Graduated measuring spoons used for dry or liquid.

Kitchen Timer
-Even if your oven comes with a timer, you need another one on hand to time several things at once.

Whisk
-Look for stainless steel with fine wires.

Rubber Spatula
-Choose silicone so it is heatproof.

Bench Scraper
-Used to loosen dough from work surface, score cookies, and transfer nuts or chocolate into a bowl.

Pastry Brushes
-Come in a variety of sizes.
-Used for buttering pans and applying egg wash.

Pastry Bag and Tips
-Essential for decorating cakes.

Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/marthas-essential-baking-tools.