As the weather stops dipping and we get closer to the holiday season the urge to bake often comes on suddenly. With Halloween parties, Thanksgiving pies and, of course, Christmas Cookies on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to be ready when you get that “baking feeling.” Here’s what I do –
Making your Baking Shopping List – I start with my traditional recipes that I know I’m going to make every year and make sure I have all the ingredients I’ll need so when I want to start baking, I’ll be ready with all the ingredients in the house. This includes, pecans for pies, all the different chip flavors, cans of sweet-ened condensed milk, frosting, sprinkles, M&Ms and decorations. It’s also a great time to pick up extra pie shells, baking powder & soda and airtight storage con-tainers or decorative boxes for gifts.
Pans – Check to see if any need to be replaced, if they’re dented or rusty. Your cookies won’t bake evenly if they are banged up.
Baking utensils & Accessories – Make sure you have a whole set of measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients, as well as measuring spoons. Double check that you have spatulas that aren’t chewed up at the ends, silicon spoons, cooling racks and pot holders that are in good condition. Look at your cookie cutters to make sure they aren’t bent. Also, put extra Ziploc bags, cupcake liners, parchment and wax paper on your shopping list. This way you’ll have them when you’re ready.
Pantry, Counters & Appliances – Check expiration dates, especially baking pow-der and soda which are leavening ingredients and can be dangerous. Look at your extracts, honey, molasses, sugar, brown sugar and flour. This is also a great time to wipe down counters and make sure your mixers are in working order so you won’t be caught off guard.
Refrigerator & Freezer – Make sure you have butter, cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, milk and eggs, Look at the expiration dates for a few weeks out.
Voila! You are baking ready.
If you have any organizing questions you’d like help with, please email me at jenifer@minthilltimes.com with the subject line, Jen’s Or-ganizing Tips. I look forward to helping you.
