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!