Time sure is flying by these days. I can’t believe the 4th of July is just a couple of weeks away – where did the time go? If you watch my Instagram Stories you saw The Bake a Stand fundraiser was a huge success. The grand total I was able to donate was $1021. That’s more than double that my original $500 goal. I know many of you are bummed that you missed out on the brownies and cookies because you are not local to Chicago. I am considering doing a bake sale this fall/holiday season where I will also offer shipping. Let’s just hope our mail service has recovered by then.
This week I would like to talk about favorites – my favorite kitchen tools and must-haves. Feel free to e-mail me for specific product recommendations but as for now, I will leave you with a very basic list.
Don’t forget – you still have a few days left to enter my $25 Amazon gift card giveaway. Have you made one of my recipes? I would appreciate it if you could leave me a rating and a review on my website. I am keeping track of all reviews submitted during the month of June and one lucky winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift card. Just head to my website, leave a review and your name will be entered in the drawing.
As always, Thank You for being here and being part of the community.
xoxo,
Daniela
PS: When you make one of my recipes please be so kind and leave me a review, tag me in your pictures on Instagram at @austrianwithwuff and pin the recipes to Pinterest.
Kitchen Favorites
Every Pastry Chef and Baker has a list of favorite kitchen tools so today I am sharing my favorite kitchen tools. Coming from a professional kitchen, there are a few must-haves I believe should be found in every home kitchen. If you are new to baking, I recommend starting with the Must Haves and then move your way to the should-haves. The recommendations below are my personal recommendations and are not sponsored. Feel free to e-mail me for specific product recommendations.
I have linked most of the products mentioned in my Amazon Store. This is an affiliated link
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Download the complete list here: My Kitchen Favorites
MUST HAVE KITCHEN TOOLS
A digital scale – My favorite kitchen tool
Measuring ingredients by weight is the most accurate way. You don’t have to spend $$$ on a scale. Mine was $12 on Amazon.
A stand mixer/handmixer
Every baker must have a stand mixer or a hand mixer. Personally, I lean towards Kitchen Aid but many swear by the Bakery Chef from Breville.
Sheet Trays
Invest in good sheet trays. I purchase mine from Webstaurant.com (13×18 for size). I also recommend the sheet trays from Nordic Ware.
Precut Parchment Paper
Another “Must Have” are precut parchment paper sheets. I purchase mine from Webstaurant – 12″ x 16″ Half Size. You can also find them on Amazon.com
Baking Pans
I recommend the following baking pans. Wilton and Nordic Ware are my go-to brands.
- 8 x 8 pan
- 9 x 13 pan
- 8” or 9″ spring pan
- a set of 8″ or 9″ round cake pans
- a 12 cup muffin pan
- a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan
Cooling Racks
Invest in a couple of nonstick wire cooling racks. You can find them at Costco and clearly on Amazon.com. They seem to be always on sale.
Oven Thermometer
Unless you have a brand new oven, most ovens run either too hot or too cold. I invested in a $5 Oven Thermometer to keep an eye on my oven.
Knife & Cutting Board
A good set of knives and cutting boards are a must. Make sure you get your knives sharpened regularly. Invest in designated Pastry Cutting Boards
Cookie Scooper
The only cookie scoopers I purchase these days are Stainless Steel and made by Vollrath. I recommend a #20 for my cookies.
Whisk & Tools
A good heavy-duty whisk along with some heat-proof spatulas, spoons, and off-set knives are a must in every kitchen tool drawer. Don’t spend $$$ on Pastry Brushes – a brush from your Hardware store works perfectly (make sure its NEW!!!)
NICE TO HAVE THINGS
Kitchen Towels
Don’t use your nice kitchen towels when you are busy baking. Grab some Kitchen Bar Towels from Amazon, Webstaurant or at Costco.
An assortment of mixing bowls
I have a set of stainless steal bowls as well as some microwave-proof bowls. I prefer metal over glass (glass breaks so easily)
Piping Bags and Tips
Disposable piping bags will be your new BFF when making gluten free cream puffs or piping frosting. I have a few standard piping tips from Wilton – #804 and #864
Food Processor
A food processor is not a must-have gadget to have but it does come in handy for making pie crust, pate a choux and other quick chopping/blending tasks. Make sure it can hold at least 6 cups or more.
Measuring Spoons
While you won’t see me using cups, I do use measuring spoons for ingredients such as baking powder and seasonings.
Rolling Pin
My go-to rolling pin is a French marbel rolling pin. But I have used a clean wine bottle before without any issues.
Extra Standmixer bowls
Want to make your life easier – invest in a second stand mixer bowl. I own 5….
Secret Chocolate Stash
Some days things go wrong…. that’s when you need some chocolate to help you deal with things… Just saying.
Favorite Stores to shop
Like many other bloggers, I do have an Amazon Store where I share my favorite kitchen tools and deals.
BUT, I do my main shopping for tools at a very different website: Webstaurant.com. I have been a customer of theirs since 2010. It’s my go-to for parchment paper, cookie scoopers, kitchen towels, and storage containers.
Another great place to check for baking essentials, like cake pans, are craft stores – there are always coupons floating around for those stores.
Any spelling or grammar errors are naturally gluten free
Originally e-mailed June 17th 2021 via The Gluten Free Austrian Newsletter
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