Bad Bakers Blame Their Tools?!
It may well be that a bad workman blames their mistakes on their tools, but when you are trying to perfect the art of baking, having the right gadgets and gizmos can make a big difference for the success or failure of the outcome. In fact, there are some things that you just can’t do without in your kitchen. Read on to find out more.
Measuring cups
So, I have found that there a two distinct type of bakers out there. The exciting ones and the fly by the seat of their pants ones. The latter are certainly the risk takers of the cooking world and refuse to be constrained by traditions and recipes. They like to estimate their measures of ingredients to save time or even just live life on the wild side. But, then run the risk of their recipes turning out a disaster.
Their cakes might sink because of there isn’t enough baking powder in them. Or they could be dry because they didn’t include enough butter or oil. While experimental cooks might not mind the odd kitchen dud, most of us who have hungry hoards waiting to sample our wares would rather have whatever we are cooking come out right the first time. But how can we possibly ensure this? Well, basically by using exact measures and that is exactly why you need measuring cups and a set of measuring spoons for good measure!
There really no excuse not to have them in the kitchen, as you can get super cheap ones from the dollar store. Or you can get pretty decorative ones, which look great on your kitchen shelf as well as being functional.
Dough scraper
Now, a dough scraper is something that maybe not all cook have heard of. But it surely is a useful tool to have in your kitchen drawer. They come in two varieties metal, sometimes with a wooden handle, and plastic.
The metal ones are usually used for actual dough, like bread and biscuit mixes. The idea is that the cold, sharp metal edge helps you to lift the dough when you are kneading it. So it doesn’t get stuck to the side. It can also help you transfer the dough from one surface to another, and is super useful when you are cleaning the side down after your labors are done.
The plastic ones aren’t strictly dough scrapers but more frosting tools. They are used for getting a crisp edge when you frost a cake. Either as a base for fondant or as the finishing layer.
They are usually used in conjunction with a cake turntable. Which allows you to slowly spin the cake while scraping at the side to give you a nice clean and even coverage.
Food mixer
Now, in my opinion, something that all kitchens should have is a food mixer. Why do all the hard work when you can have a machine do it for you? It’s also pretty great when you are in a rush because you can pop in your mix or frosting and let it beat and go away and do another job.
However, before you all rush out and buy the first mixer you see, you need to be aware that not all of them were made equal. That right there is a great variation in quality, and cost of this type of tool, and some even have a cult following they are so good.
For example the most famous two on the market are the KitchenAid and the Kenwood chef, and if you don’t believe that they have super fans then just check this out – a KitchenAid mixer saved this blogger’s family. Or read the Kenwood rave reviews online. For some folks, only these devices will do!
Pallet knife
Lastly, a tool that every cook’s kitchen need is a pallet knife. No not an angled one that you use for painting, but a dipped flat one. Why? Well, it’s because these things are invaluable for all sort of kitchen jobs.
First of all, they are the best thing for getting frosting on a cake or cupcake. You can even get a cute decorative finished by just using the knife!
Secondly, they are fantastic for lifting uncooked item like cookies onto baking trays without the getting out of shape. As well as picking up hot items when they are straight out of the oven, so you don’t burn your fingers!
Luckily they are super cheap too and come in all sorts of sizes from large ones for pie tops, to small ones for mini cookies!
sherry fowler says
I have learned so much by reading this blog!!! Keep up the good work!
Julie Waldron says
My mother in law doesn’t use measuring cups or measuring spoons EVER. Her stuff rarely turns out and she wonders why….. She is not a good cook/baker.
heather says
I loved reading this post. I do blame some of my cooking on bad cooking tools sure need some new items.
Margaret S Porter says
I try to buy the best when Im cooking .They last longer and I get better results
Margaret Appel says
I guess I must be a mix of the two kinds of bakers. I have measuring cups, spoons, and even the KitchenAid food mixer. But sometimes I just eyeball stuff like when I’m making drop biscuits (Bisquick) or mixing up broccoli rice cheese casserole. 95 percent of the time everything turns out fine, but sometimes that 5 percent can be real interesting.