Equipment

There are some things I use all the time which I can’t live without. There are other things that are nice to have but are really just gadgets.

You’ll note a lot of the recipes involve a Thermomix. These aren’t cheap but I use mine every day. Mine’s the basic TM31 model but there are fancier, more expensive models too. It is a glorified food processor really, but it has some unique designs – such as the way the spinning blade can go in different directions, one of which cuts, the other stirs. It also has built in scales and a heating element. You have to be a bit careful – there have been reports of Thermomixes throwing scalding hot liquid about, but I’ve never had that problem (as always, follow the safety rules).

If you haven’t got a Thermomix, a food processor or good food mixer will do a lot of the things you might need to do. A hand wand is quite useful too – but it doesn’t have to be an expensive one.

A good hand whisk is useful – don’t go cheap, it’s not worth it. The more wire blades the better, and make sure the whole thing is good and sturdy.

Rolling pin – I have an absolutely basic wooden one, which works fine. But there are fancier ones. With a cheap wooden one, you need to make sure you keep it floured up when using it or you’ll be pulling sticky dough off it for ages.

Silicone mat. This is useful, and I didn’t expect it to be. But it certainly reduces cleanup time afterwards and is great for rolling out dough or pastry.

Some good sharp knives. You’ll curse blunt ones every day. Even a cleaver can be quite useful too.

Baking paper. There is no substitute and it makes baking so easy!