Tools of the trade

Before actually jumping into baking, I had to have the right tools.  We already had most of the basic necessities in the kitchen: a spatula, bowls, a hand beater, measuring spoons, measuring cups, and an oven.  But we were missing the most important one: a mixer!


Most standing mixers range from over $100 to $200, depending on the brand and features.  As much as I wanted to learn to bake, I didn't want to spend so much on a new hobby that I wasn't even sure I would be good at, or wasn't even going to earn from.


So I delayed my baking adventure for a while to decide whether I should even start or not.  Then one day, I went into a newly opened store in our area called Ollie's Bargain Outlet, which promised to have "good stuff cheap."  


Lo and behold, I found a mixer for all of $30! It's Hamilton Beach, a popular brand known for good quality kitchenware and appliances. It's both a hand mixer and standing mixer.  The hand mixer attaches to a stand, and it comes with a big heat-proof glass bowl.

Along with the mixer, I got a couple of muffin pans, parchment paper, cookie sheets, and paper muffin liners.  I also bought a couple of books.  One was the "Betty Crocker Cookbook: Everything you need to know to cook today," which had recipes for various pastries, pies, cakes, and cookies.  The other was Martha Stewart's "Cupcakes," which -- obviously -- had recipes for cupcakes as well as loads of decorating tips.


Armed with my newly bought tools, I was ready to begin my culinary journey!