Chapter 2
Now that you've got your pantry well stocked with the basic ingredients that you need, the next step would be, using those ingredients. And how will you be using them? With the help of none other than some basic kitchen tools of course.
Here, we will go over the essential kitchen equipment that you will need when preparing your no-bake desserts;
Measuring Cups & Spoons
The first thing in any recipe is listing the ingredients that you will need. But what is written on the left of the ingredients? That's right, the measures and amounts that you will need for the recipe.
Steel measuring cups and spoons are your best option. You would want to look for ones that have sturdy handles, and also, make sure that the measurements are easy to read.
Mixing Bowls
So, you measured all your ingredients. Now, you need to place them somewhere to start working on them. Mixing bowls come in various materials and sizes. It would be handy to get a range of different sizes. Glass bowls are heavy duty, and most have rubberized bases to prevent them from slipping when you are mixing in them.
However, not all glass is microwave-safe, so you need to make sure that you have at least 2 bowls that are labeled as microwave-safe. Most of the ceramic bowls are safe to use in the microwave as well as some stainless-steel varieties.
Spatulas & Whisks
With your ingredients placed snuggly in the respective bowls, they need to be combined and well-mixed. Enter the spatulas and whisks! They come in different sizes and materials as well. Spatulas are used in stirring, mixing, spreading, and even scraping the sides of the bowls. They are simply quite the multitaskers.
As for the whisks, it is recommended that you have at least 2 of different sizes, one for whisking large amounts in large bowls, and the other would be for small quantities. A large whisk won't be as efficient as a small one in thoroughly whisking small quantities. Whatever your choice is, make sure that your spatulas and whisks are well-made and heavy duty because flimsy whisks could easily break when used on heavy batters.
Hand Mixer / Stand Mixer
Sometime certain recipes call for a more vigorous beating process than your average manual whisking powers, especially ones that require attaining volume, thickness and fluffiness, which is when you will need an electric mixer.
A hand mixer is great when making things that require several minutes of mixing. However, if you are working on larger quantities and for larger durations, then a stand mixer would be more suitable for you as it offers more stability. Mixers usually live for long, so make sure to invest in a quality mixer with a heavy-duty motor and durable attachments.
Blender
If simple mixing just wouldn't do it and we need to take it up to the next level and blend your ingredients into a puree or even turn it into a smooth-running fluid, then you will need a blender.
Pans
Pies, cakes, truffles, cookies, fudges, dessert bars and bites are all different desserts, yet they have one thing in common, they need a pan to be placed in for setting until reaching the desired firmness. It is recommended to have pans of different sizes, because the amounts and sizes of each type of dessert would vary, and so would the pan size required.
Parchment Paper
From cookies and fudges to bites and dessert bars, all of those need parchment paper to set on until they become firm. It is non-stick which preserves your dessert in its intact form when removing it from the paper, and makes for an easy clean up afterwards.
Parchment paper is available in rolls (like foil), in sheets or in round forms (for cakes).
Popsicle Mold
Needless to say, without this mold, you can't make those delicious refreshing summer (and sometimes even winter) treats. Not having an ice pop mold means that you would go straight to the store-bought, additive-filled unhealthy popsicles. Why do that when you can easily make your own healthy popsicles from the comfort of your home.
Popsicle molds are usually made of BPA-free plastic. They typical mold has a place for 6 popsicles, but there are other varieties that have places for 8 and even 10 popsicles. They are available in a wide range of colors, so just have your pick!