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‘Tis the season to bake, host, and then bake and host some more. Whether you’re a “Great British Bake Off”-level pro, or you’re looking to whip something up for your loved ones as a hosting novice, you’re in luck. In honor of the upcoming holiday season, cookbook author of “Let’s Eat” and one of our favorite Instagram follows, Dan Pelosi, is here to share his favorite tools and essentials for holiday baking. All while sprinkling in some tips and tricks to make your next hosting gig easier.
First, the baking essentials
Colorful bamboo measuring spoons…
“They don't get lost in a drawer (also thanks to the dual ends) and the length makes those deep scoops into your flour jar easy and quick.” ($14, Burke Decor)
Silicone prep bowls for a seamless setup…
“These adorable measuring cups not only add a pop of color to my kitchen, but are so great for any baking mis en place (aka pre-baking prep). They also can hit the table as cute serving vessels for herbs and other toppings.” ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
Airtight containers to keep your pantry organized…
“There is nothing more soothing to me than a clearly labeled, easy-to-grab container in my pantry.” PS: We love that these come with removable levels, easy-to-pour spouts, dusting spoons, and a terra-cotta disk to keep your brown sugar moist. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A butter warmer perfect for any recipes that require brown butter…
“My boyfriend, Gus, and I don't have a microwave in our new apartment, so this Dansk butter warmer is an essential for baking. I like having my butter melting on the burner because it feels easier to keep in my eye-line to make sure it isn't burning.” ($48, Food52)
Classic stainless steel mixing bowls…
“Ikea mixing bowls are my go-to. Simple, yet big enough to be versatile for everything. They stack beautifully and stainless steel is timeless as a color choice.” ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
The stand mixer of all stand mixers…
“The KitchenAid stand mixer just makes your holiday baking move swiftly and with consistency.” PS: We love that the bowl is dishwasher-safe and can mix over 100 cookies worth of dough in a single batch. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
Quarter sheets that do it all…
“These keep my baking space less cluttered and more manageable. They’re not only great for prepping ingredients, but also for conserving valuable real estate in the oven. l also love them for serving because they can make a roasted veggie or cookie platter feel more abundant and fun.” ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A silicone set of utensils we’ve seen all over Instagram…
“Easy to wash, comfortable in my hands, and great for getting the last bits. They come in a ton of different colors to bring a nice pop to your baking drawer.” PS: This set comes with a spatula, turner, and spoonula that are heat-resistant up to 550 degrees and are dishwasher-safe. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
And now, some hosting tips…
You’re partially famous for your incredible holiday cookie swap. Can you give us your tips on hosting for a large group of people?
Keep it simple. You want to feel comfortable and confident when hosting. Sometimes, we feel like we need to completely change our house or buy a bunch of new stuff to make it work. Everything I need, I already have. Be proud of where you are and trust you have enough. This way, you get to focus on the gathering rather than stressing out about buying a bunch of stuff to make it happen.
If people want to host their own cookie swap, what steps should you take to get started?
Think about where in your space you want the party to happen. I love a big long table for all the cookies. This allows guests to walk around comfortably. Imagine the traffic patterns in your space and what kinds of tables or surfaces it might require.
Make the party feel fun and manageable for you. Plan a window of time that allows a nice flow, so your space isn't jam packed with everyone at once. I like my cookie party to fall in the afternoon, so people can plan lunch and dinner around the party.
PS: For a more comprehensive guide on hosting your own holiday cookie party, check out Dan’s guide here.
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