What kitchen-gadgets do you really need?

Most home cooks do not own an abundance of kitchen-gadgets or baking supplies. Surely not professional bakeware. (Unless your a lucky one!) Most of us use the items we were given at our weddings or have received as a hand-me-down. Those are my favorite.

The recipes on my website only require standard kitchen equipment. I also will give you alot of ideas for improvising, when there is an item you may not have.(Atleast not yet!)

The equipment that use to test all of these recipes on is not professional. It's items that most of us already own. Of course, I do dream about an extravagant kitchen, luxurious bakeware and that Viking range, but for now I must wake up and do what I love! Cook, bake, eat chocolate and cook some more!

Here are the baking supplies you'll need.

Remember: when you do begin to buy your new kitchen-gadgets and baking supplies, be sure they are of good quality. In the long run, it will save you money. Especially when you have a durable kitchen-gadget that you can depend on over and over.

•Double Boiler

Double boilers can be purchased from cookware & department stores. Your set of cooking pans may have even came with one.

Double boilers are essential for melting chocolate. Especially white chocolate. This is because chocolate can easily scorch.

If you don't have a double boiler, it is okay. We can improvise. You may use a heat proof(glass or stainless-steel )bowl placed over a small saucepan. Be sure that the bowl sits snuggly inside the rim of the pan. It is also very important that the pan doesn't touch the water.

•Bakeware

With so many types and styles of bakeware available today, any non-aluminum pan will work. The heavier the the weight the better. There are also stone baking pans. I use all types. I really like baking stones for my pizza crust and cobbler bakes. I also like using them for pies.

The type of baking pan you decide to use, will be based upon your own preference. Maybe you could borrow some from a friend to try before buying any. That way, you can find the type you really prefer.

•Thermometers

There are two kinds of kitchen thermometers that I suggest.

The first is an oven thermometer . This is great to check your oven temperature to make sure it is baking at the correct temperature. Use this often, if your oven temperature is off then adjust the thermostat until the thermometer reads the desired temperature.

You can purchase a good oven thermometer at super markets and cooking stores.

The second is a candy thermometer. A candy thermometer is an absolute necessity for candy making. It also is very useful for many white chocolate recipes. This kitchen-gadget will not be expensive and should last you a lifetime. My candy thermometer was given to me, and still works very well.

You can find candy thermometers in supermarkets, and cooking stores.

•Electric mixers.

While you do not have to own one of these, it will save you on some elbow grease. Especially in recipes that have to be beaten for a long time.

I have a small KitchenAid ® mixer that I just love. I honestly don't know what I'd do without it.

A hand held mixer will be fine too! It will not work in a heavy batter, but will be great for cakes, whips and such.

Last but not least, if you do not have either one of these, good ol' hand mixing will do! Just be ready to expect a sore arm!

I think that the electric mixer is one of the best invented kitchen-gadgets.

•Kitchen Scale

A kitchen scale is nice to have if you have one. This is not a necessity! Most chocolate and other ingredients are pre-measured, so don't sweat this one! This kitchen-gadget really comes in handy when you plan to sell your candy or goods at equally determined amounts.

•Kitchen Parchment

I recommend using kitchen parchment to line your bakeware. It is great at preventing sticking and really helps to make cleaning your baking supplies a breeze. (We all need a little help with clean up, don't we?)

If you do not have parchment, you can use tin foil.

You may purchase kitchen parchment from the supermarket, cooking shops, and hobby stores.

•Food Processors

Food processors are great kitchen-gadget. They save lots of time chopping nuts and are very handy to have in the kitchen.

You can purchase these at department stores and cooking stores.

Other important kitchen-gadgets.

You will be able to easily find these items in your local supermarkets and department stores.

•Strainer-one consisting of fine mesh.

•Sifter- these are great for separating particles of dry ingredients such as flour and sugar. Sifting incorporates more air into the substance.

•Wooden spoons- Great for mixing and stirring. You can find these at incredibly low prices. Bamboo spoons are nice, although they do cost a little more. (Wooden spoons are nice, because they don't melt when we forget them in our pans.)

•Wire wisks-choose a wisk that you feel comfortable with. These work well for eggs.

•Citrus zester- this is for grating a bit of the orange, lemon, or lime rinds. Little portions of the rinds add excellent flavor to your baked goods.

•Rolling pins-these are great for rolling out your dough. I sometimes use mine to break nuts into smaller pieces.

•Measuring cups- to measure your ingredients. There are many different kinds. Plastic, metal, and glass, choose the type you like and what you can afford.

•Measuring spoons- to measure your small amounts of ingredients.

•Non-stick cooling rack-these are great for cooling cookies and cakes. It allows the air to circulate around the cookie or pan as they cool.

•Rubber spatulas-are great for stirring your melting chocolate and for scraping the sides and bottoms of your pans and mixing bowls. Choose one that is rubber or silicone and heat resistant. These now come in a wonderful selection of colors.

•Mixing bowls-for mixing your ingredients. One can never have to many of these. I have many. Mixing bowls can be glass, plastic, pottery or stainless steel. There are many beautiful mixing bowls in a wide range of colors to choose from. Pick one that makes you smile inside, or one that matches your decor.

•Metal spatula- these are about 8 inches long by 1 in. wide. You will find these good for frosting cakes, spreading glazes and lifting finished cakes. I also like to use mine to get out the ingredients that are left in the bottom of a narrow mouthed jar.

•Cake tester-these are metal. If you do not have one, you can use a clean dry toothpick. If you use a toothpick, be sure to remove it after testing and definitely before serving.

Here are some links to some great online kitchen stores.

Now that you have your list of needed kitchen-gadgets, please click here to return to my home page.