What are some tools that every experienced baker needs in the kitchen? This questions explains how an experienced baker or cook can impress guests. Kitchen supply stores can be daunting if prospective shoppers...
Kitchen supply stores can be daunting if prospective shoppers don't know what to buy. Kitchen departments in larger stores are a little less confusing, but are still bound to carry some options that aren't particularly familiar. Of course, not everything shoppers see in these stores is deemed necessary. After all, one can test a cake with a toothpick, and needn't spend money on a particular device made to test cakes. And oil can be slathered from the bottle with a paper towel or good old fashioned fingers, making spray bottles for cooking oils a want and not a need. Are there, however, a few main staples that no baker should be without? There are, and buying good quality staples can save lots of money in the long run.
The All in One Bake Shop is owned and operated by Jennifer Bartos,an expert in baking supplies. She touts good quality cookie sheets as an invaluable investment.
"Really, really good sheet pans are a must," she explains. " A standard jelly roll pan and those heavy gauge aluminum pans are great. They can be used for cookies, for rolls, for breads,almost anything."
Good quality cookie sheets feel heavier and sturdier than less expensive versions. They don't warp or buckle when exposed to intense heat. They are thick enough on the bottom to prevent fast scorching and burning.
Bartos insists that every baker should have a good quality set of decorating tips and pastry bags. These are instrumental in the creative preparation of way more than just decorative cakes.
"A decorative tip and pastry bag can even be used with hot foods," Bartos explains. "Serving mashed potatoes that have been pushed through a decorative tip can make for a very impressive side dish."
Bartos also notes that most home bakers inevitably find themselves making homemade candy at some point in their cooking repertoire. Whether to adorn baked goods or serve on their own as candy confections, it's imperative that these candies look professional. It's actually very easy, too.
"There are a whole lot of choices when it comes to buying candy making supplies," she says. "Candy molds are especially easy and lots of fun to use."
In addition to these necessities approved of by Jennifer Bartos, a few tried and true favorites remain tops in kitchen staples. Good cooking utensils are imperative, and range from silicone to heavy stainless steel. Cooking utensils must be compatible with pots and pans. Certain materials will damage non-stick surfaces, and others don't work as efficiently on stainless steel bottoms. Heavy potholders in perfect repair are a must for bakers. Even small holes or worn spots in potholders can result in severe burns. The new silicone potholders are extremely durable, although considerably more expensive than traditional fabric versions. They are becoming increasingly popular with television chefs and bakers.
Bartos's final recommendation is to stay updated on the latest and best of products available in the cooking field for bakers. How can one best do this? Certainly not by spending hours and hours perusing kitchen stores and cooking aisles. Instead, she recommends something so many of us do for fun and relaxation.
"The whole proliferation of the Food Network is really, really good," she explains. "Pay attention to the things the cooks on these shows use to become familiarized with some very specialized tools. Decide then whether they're worth the investment or are best improvised with something you already have in your kitchen."
