Kitchen essentials: baking

Contrary to popular opinion, baking is neither difficult nor scary. All that is required is the right equipment and the ability to follow instructions. Our guide to the tools of baking will soon have you whisking with confidence.

Mix it up:
For fabulously light and fluffy cakes, a good mixer is a blessing. Serious bakers lust after an electric mixer, but if you’re more of a savoury chef, look for a food processor with a bowl attachment. Electric beaters are a good alternative if storage, or your budget, is on the tight side.

Spatulas, spoons and cups:
Silicone has revolutionised utensil design. Flexible and durable, silicone spatulas are a dream to use and come in the cutest colours. A good old-fashioned wooden spoon is a must, as is a range of measuring spoons and cups. To keep clutter down, choose a spoon that adjusts and cups that nest.

Weigh it up:
Precise quantities require a good kitchen scale. Retro-style scales look good in most kitchens and work a treat. Serious bakers will love a sleek digital model for exact measurements and durability.

Sheets, tins and trays:
Different cakes require specific tins, but there’s no need to buy every kind available. A pair of good-quality round springform tins and a loaf tin should see you through most recipes. Thin baking sheets are best for biscuits and a muffin tin guarantees well-rounded cupcakes. A heart-shaped tin is good to have on hand for novelty cakes.

Odds and ends:
You can’t go without a rolling pin for pastry and biscuits, a small whisk for eggs and oil, a set of good mixing bowls, an apron, oven gloves, a jug for pouring and jars for storing dry ingredients.

 

Styling: Amber Keller. Photography: Ben Dearnley.