Gifts for Pie Bakers

At the Flour Barn, I teach pie baking and I’m always amazed how much the right tools can help new bakers become proficient at pie baking. More than that, the right tools make it so much fun! I’ve come up with a list of those things that my students have said make a real difference in their pie baking adventures!

Christmas shopping can be so fun, especially when we’re so excited to see the recipient’s reaction! The right gift can inspire someone to venture out and try something new or encourage an interest or hobby they already have. For sure, there are many people I know who bake, or who would like to learn to bake. Having the right tools makes everything easier and more joyful! Gifts for pie bakers include a special list of useful tools.

Pastry Cloth

In pie class, when I pull these pastry cloths out for the students, they are always a little puzzled until they use it! They often say, “This is the part where I always get frustrated, but this made rolling out the dough so easy!” I have had the same one that I got for my bridal shower 32 years ago! I’m not kidding; and it still works as well as the day I got it. So, buy it once and use it for a lifetime. This cloth comes with a sock for the rolling pin and together they make rolling pie crust a breeze. Trust me. Click here to look at one for your pie baker!

Pyrex Eight-cup Measuring Cup

No doubt, fruit pies are on the top of the list of pies that are requested by our families. This tool will allow you to slice just enough apples, or measure just enough blackberries for your favorite recipes. The great thing about this measuring tool is that you can go right ahead and add your other ingredients into the same dish. Voila! No need for extra bowls to wash.

Rolling Pin

There are so many different rolling pins, and everyone has their favorite. The one I chose seems to work really well for beginners and it’s my favorite even after baking pies for many years. Simple and straightforward, it just performs well every time. Click here to check out the one I recommend.

Pastry Blender

A pastry blender is my favorite way to “cut in” the butter or shortening. There are other methods, including using your fingers to incorporate the fats into the flour. Some bakers use a knife and fork combination. I’ve done it all ways and the real advantage of the pastry blender is that it prevents the warmth from your hands from cooling the butter/shortening unnecessarily, and we all know that cold butter and shortening in pie crust is the key to a flaky crust!

Citrus Juicer

A citrus juicer is included because no fruit pie, in my opinion, is complete without the juice of a lemon. I use mine all the time. I like this one because it’s so simple, easy to use, and easy to clean. In addition, you will find all kinds of recipes to use this for–juicing limes for many savory recipes or juicing oranges to make a wonderful glaze for orange cranberry scones!

Large Stainless-Steel Bowl with Flat Bottom

This bowl is my go-to bowl for making pie crust. The size is perfect and the flat bottom allows for efficient use of the pastry blender to cut in the butter and shortening. Needless to say, I use this bowl for SO many other things. You’ll wonder how you got along without it, and so will the person you’re gifting! You better go ahead and get two!

Scale

When I say that learning to scale ingredients changed my baking life, I’m not exaggerating. And the great thing is that so many recipes now include weights, so it’s an easy transition. This scale is the one we use in the bakery. We have several, and they are always in use. When I bake a pie, I weigh in the flour, add salt, weigh in the shortening and butter, and continue with the recipe. No need for measuring cups, wondering whether you packed the flour too much, or worrying about leveling. Bonus–only one dirty bowl to wash! This scale will be used for years to come.

Mini Glass Measuring Container

I included this because it is so handy when you’re adding water to pie crust. I want to be able to add a little at a time and this container allows me to do that. It’s so cute too! Gifts for pie bakers also includes stocking stuffers!