Tools of the Trade

Glass Measuring cups are microwaveable and tough. They have handles to hold onto and they come in a set of three different sizes.

Pyrex bowls: These are clean and keep their contents warm or cool. Plastic wrap sticks better to them.

Stainless Steel Bowls: Never use plastic bowls for mixing. Plastic is porous and doesn't clean properly. Meringue will never whip properly in a plastic bowl. A copper bowl is the best but is expensive. Stainless steel is a good second choice.

Kitchen Aid Blender: We have been through many styles and types of blenders. Kitchen Aid makes the most reliable and durable machine.

Kitchen Aid free-standing mixer: A must-have if you are doing your own baking. My favourite feature is the fact that I can walk away to do other things if something time consuming is being mixed such as bread dough and royal icing. It also frees up both of your hands for adding ingredients while the mixer is running.

Big Sharp knife: We do everything with a large blade that is wedge-shaped. It is handy at even peeling apples or potatoes. It makes an easy job of slicing and chopping, without taking the time to change from a paring knife to something more suitable for chopping.

One-Piece Spatula: Get a flexible one that is all one piece. The two-piece ones allow gunk to get stuck in where they join.

Doilies or icing sugar: Using one or the other on the plate will stop your dessert from sliding off the plate upon delivery.

Sugar Shakers: Big sugar shakers work well for dusting food with icing sugar.

Salt & Pepper Shakers: Work well for sprinkling food with sprinkles Cinnamon & Sugar Sprinkles (1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon), poppy seeds and paprika

Freezer bags: Used as piping bags they are safe, sanitary, and economical. Perfect for storing and dispensing whipping cream, Devonshire cream, puddings, and fillings. We used No Name. If you cut a cross in the tip it allows for more fancy designs. Just prepare the filling, put a large freezer bag in a big measuring cup and pour it in.