Baking Essentials

Wire cooling rack A standard wire cooling rack is useful for cooling cakes and sponges and is also used for glazing and spraying entremets.

Rolling pin While technology has improved much equipment available, I still prefer an old-fashioned French-style rolling pin, which is simply a spindle of wood.

Baking beans These ceramic or metal small beads or beans are used for blind baking, weighing down the pastry to keep the shape of the tart while it cooks.

Pastry cutters are excellent for pastry work. It’s best to get a straight-edged set and a fluted-edge set in a selection of sizes. I would recommend either stainless steel or exoglass/plastic. These were invented by the executive chef of the King of Prussia in 1740. The first pastry cutter that the chef used was made from an old spur from his master’s boots.