Would you like to delight a baker on your gift list? For someone cooking gluten-free these days, a few thoughtful tools can make all the difference. With the right recipes, it's incredibly satisfying when simple ingredients come together to create something fresh and delicious. Good tools make the process much easier!
After spending more than three years baking in a motorhome with only the basics, I know firsthand how discouraging limited equipment can be. Now that I've unpacked my favourite utensils in our new home, I'm enjoying the ease and pure joy of baking all over again.
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Basics for a New Baker
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Any baker is going to need these basics:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Pyrex measuring cups for liquids (hot or cold)
- Measuring spoons I like that these fit nicely into spice jars.
- Spatula Silicone stands up to heat better than nylon.
- Mixing spoons
- at least one whisk
- Basic baking pans
- Cooling racks
- Colender
Especially Important Tools for Gluten-Free Baking
Good to Have
Project Specific Tools
- Rolling pin
- Bench scraper
- Cookie and/or biscuit cutters
- Springform pan - I like that this one has a silicone sleeve to prevent leaks, even though I don't use a water bath.
- Bundt pan
- Baguette pan
- Pie plate
- Basting brush
Food Storage
- Glass canisters for storing flour blends
- Oxo canisters for decanting ingredients (so much easier to scoop from than a bag!)
- Airtight containers for fridge and freezer
Small Appliances
- Hand mixer - a good place to start. I still use mine sometimes, even though I have a stand mixer.
- Food processer
- Blender - This is a great one for soups and smoothies. I also grind our coffee in it! (We're on our second one. Somebody left a big, metal spoon in the first one!)
- Instant Pot - I use mine often, for soups, stews, boiling potatoes, and making rice!
Game Changer!
My KitchenAid stand mixer is a game-changer! I can't believe how many years I struggled without one!
I use my stand mixer in lots of recipes, but especially for making bread. Since going gluten-free, I have donated my bread maker and use the stand mixer for kneading. Then I pop the dough into a pan for rising and baking. Gluten-free bread doesn't require a second proofing (rising), so I don't benefit from a bread machine.
Complete Kitchen Setup
If someone is setting up a new kitchen from scratch, or improving the one they already have, these are my recommendations:
- Stainless steel cookware - I like being able to see through the lids.
- One good chef's knife
- One good paring knife
- Vegetable peeler - I like this one. People have their style preferences when it comes to peelers.
Happy shopping, whether you're choosing gifts for someone else or outfitting your own kitchen. You'll be so glad you did!
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