Best Professional Baking Tools

Let me share a little secret: you don't need a kitchen full of gadgets in order to be a successful baker. The truth is, just a few inexpensive tools make baking at home easier and a whole lot more fun. We're talking $15 or less! 

On Sunday, I shared some of my best pastry tips on Heritage Radio's "The Main Course," with founder and host, Patrick Martins. And when the topic of tools came up, I named a couple of my favorites. But for you guys, I'll share even more! Here's my list of the top five best professional baking tools for chefs and home cooks alike (drum roll please...).

1. Mini Offset Spatula
In the world of baking, the mini offset spatula is a pastry chef's right hand.

2. Rubber Bowl Scraper
You should keep one of these in your back pocket. It is perfect for getting every last bit of batter out of a bowl.

3. Wooden Handled Mini Whisk
Choose a wooden handle to prevent heat conduction and, even worse, burnt hands.

4. Serrated Paring Knife
A serrated edge cuts cleanly through thick-skinned fruits, like persimmon or pineapple.

5. Mini Le Creuset Rubber Spatula
The narrow shape lets you get in to every nook and cranny. I especially love it for scraping fruit puree from the bottom of a blender!

Dreaming of Summer Desserts

Winter has finally arrived in New York. Sure, it's a few months late, but that doesn't make it any less painful. On cold and bitter days like today, I can't help but fantasize about summer. And of course my thoughts lead to food! Here's an image from a BBQ I was at on the North Fork of Long Island. Freshly picked raspberries, coconut layer cake, and a cherry pie... a smorgasbord of summer pleasures. Memories of this festive party, and these classic summer desserts, are almost enough to warm me up.

How are you surviving the winter? Are you dreaming of your favorite summer standbys or are you embracing the cold?