Post by crazy4scraps on Nov 10, 2016 1:35:00 GMT
My must haves:
Ditto on the cookie scoop. I have a couple sizes because different recipes call for different sized dough balls. The really small one is great for scooping filling into thumbprint type cookies.
I LOVE my Kitchenaid mixer. If you get one, spring for an extra bowl. You won't be sorry. Some recipes almost depend on having a stand mixer, especially for those that have a large yield or that require extensive mixing/beating (homemade marshmallows anyone? YUM!!!). Before I got a KA some recipes would make my arm want to fall off trying to mix all that with a little hand mixer. My brother also bakes a lot and he burned up at least four hand mixers before popping for a KA.
I like having nice measuring cups (dry and liquid), nice metal measuring spoons, and heavy pans that won't warp in the oven. Parchment is a cheap thing to have on hand and it really helps a lot with stuff not sticking and to aid in cleanup.
My Nice-to-haves:
I like having a set of those little prep bowls with lids from Pampered Chef. I have the one cup size and at some point I'm going to get a set of the two cup size too. They come in so handy so often for measuring stuff out in advance, and helps you to 1) not forget an ingredient and 2) not over measure before something gets dumped into the big bowl by accident. I also like them for coloring separate bowls of different icing colors, melting butter or chocolate in the microwave, etc.
A little "slap chop" hand chopper thing for nuts, chocolate, etc. I have the Pampered Chef one and it's nice.
A huge collection of cookie cutters. I love my cutters! You can often pick them up cheap after the various holidays at places like Michael's and Jo-Ann's.
A set of the really BIG piping tips and disposable bags. I use those for decorating cupcakes quickly, piping whipped cream onto pie or filling between layers of cake or sandwich cookies, etc.
Ditto on the cookie scoop. I have a couple sizes because different recipes call for different sized dough balls. The really small one is great for scooping filling into thumbprint type cookies.
I LOVE my Kitchenaid mixer. If you get one, spring for an extra bowl. You won't be sorry. Some recipes almost depend on having a stand mixer, especially for those that have a large yield or that require extensive mixing/beating (homemade marshmallows anyone? YUM!!!). Before I got a KA some recipes would make my arm want to fall off trying to mix all that with a little hand mixer. My brother also bakes a lot and he burned up at least four hand mixers before popping for a KA.
I like having nice measuring cups (dry and liquid), nice metal measuring spoons, and heavy pans that won't warp in the oven. Parchment is a cheap thing to have on hand and it really helps a lot with stuff not sticking and to aid in cleanup.
My Nice-to-haves:
I like having a set of those little prep bowls with lids from Pampered Chef. I have the one cup size and at some point I'm going to get a set of the two cup size too. They come in so handy so often for measuring stuff out in advance, and helps you to 1) not forget an ingredient and 2) not over measure before something gets dumped into the big bowl by accident. I also like them for coloring separate bowls of different icing colors, melting butter or chocolate in the microwave, etc.
A little "slap chop" hand chopper thing for nuts, chocolate, etc. I have the Pampered Chef one and it's nice.
A huge collection of cookie cutters. I love my cutters! You can often pick them up cheap after the various holidays at places like Michael's and Jo-Ann's.
A set of the really BIG piping tips and disposable bags. I use those for decorating cupcakes quickly, piping whipped cream onto pie or filling between layers of cake or sandwich cookies, etc.