From baking sourdough loaves to copying cake frosting tutorials, many have found comfort in their kitchen in these last few months – and we love to see it. Baking is an art that allows for both creativity and control, which is why “quarantine cooking” has become more than just a microtrend.
You don’t need to be a professional pastry chef to bake a batch of cookies, but there are a few tools every home cook should have ready to go before they start mixing and kneading. Here are Chef Lynn Michelle’s baking tools of choice.
- Staub Matte Ceramic Baking Dishes. Whether you’re in the mood to make a casserole, brownies, or a cake, this durable baking dish can do it all. Porcelain is hygienic, easy to clean, and can withstand exceptionally high temperatures.
- Emile Henry Classic Ceramic Pie Dish. Baking a flakey, golden pie is a daunting task for novice and experienced cooks alike. But with a little practice – and the right pie dish – you’ll be able to make a pie that’s just as good (or better) than your grandma’s. This classic pie dish is made of all-natural materials and handles temperature changes well, so there won’t be any sudden changes during the cooling process.
- Staub Ceramic Nested Oval Baking Set. This two-piece set transitions exceptionally well from oven to table. Use the small dish to make a berry crumble or side of stuffing, and the large dish to make an oven roast or upside-down cake.
- Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Baking Sheets. Although cookie sheets are often referred to as baking sheets, there is a difference between them: baking sheets have raised edges, and cookie sheets do not. If you’re making a sheet pan dinner or delicate pastries, use an aluminum baking sheet so nothing rolls off the edge.
- OXO Products. Whether you’re in the market for measuring cups, mixing bowls, or a new coffee maker, you can’t go wrong with OXO. This minimalist, modern brand makes high-quality kitchen utensils with intuitive designs.
- Calphalon Baking Items. Calphalon is amongst the best in the business for nonstick cookware. Their muffin tins and cake pans allow you to lift out delicate desserts easily, saving you from scraping and tearing at their edges.
Everyone from professional pastry chefs to first-time bakers should have these essential baking tools in their kitchen. Ready to put your new tools to the test? Ask Chef Lynn Michelle about her private chef services or at-home cooking classes.
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