I must confess I am not an expert or even a very regular
baker. I have a few tried and tested recipes that I keep going back to, and I
just keep the most basic baking equipment and ingredients in the house.
What I have realized though is that it is helpful to have a
“baking cupboard” in an accessible spot so when it is time to bake, the process
is as quick and easy as possible. This also makes it easier to get out and put
away everything that is necessary and makes me more motivated to get baking.
So what are the “basics” for baking? I think it very much
depends on what you like to make. Here is a list of what I consider some of the
essential ingredients to have on hand for the conventional recipes I tend to
make:
Cake flour
(and Bread flour if you like to make bread)
White
sugar, Brown sugar and Castor sugar
Baking
powder, Bicarbonate of Soda and Cream of Tartar
Instant
yeast (for bread making)
Icing
sugar and food colouring (in various colours)
Cocoa
powder
Vanilla
Extract/Vanilla Essence
Assorted
sprinkles for cakes and cupcakes
Cup
cake liners
Syrup
and Honey
Vinegar
Obviously some fresh ingredients such as milk, butter/oil
and eggs are also required. If you are catering for food allergies or
intolerances you might also require more specialized ingredients.
What do you love to
bake? Might it make your life easier to consider centralizing all your baking
goods in one spot? What do you consider “essential” on the ingredients list?
