Back when baking was serious business, professionals and home cooks alike used tools made from wood, metal and glass, never plastic.
November 25, 2011, 11:42 a.m.
Since it's both the season for baking and the season for gift-buying, I went hunting for vintage accessories with which to create delectable treats (that also look good enough to hang on a kitchen wall). None of these are made from plastic, a material which has pretty negative environmental consequences, and may have direct negative health impacts, too. Taking time to turn off the electronics, TV and mute the phone and concentrate on baking, either solo or with family and friends, is a simple way to enjoy the season. Giving gifts that are both useful and beautiful makes it more likely that they will be used. And by participating in the used goods market, you are supporting small businesses and individuals, instead of corporations this holiday season.
These vintage Dutch baking molds from on Etsy seller kaftansarafan were originally designed for gingerbread-making, but could be used with other types of dough as well. Probably made from walnut, these are not just decorative pieces (though they come with hangers on the back and would dress up any kitchen), but functional baking receptacles with the result of very uniquely shaped cookies at the end.
This holiday baking set from Etsy seller Professor Tiny comes with both larger cookie molds like Santa and a snowman for making sugar cookies or gingerbread, and small animal molds to create butter cookies, crackers or shape chocolate. And don't forget the rolling pin, which makes any serious baking endeavor more fun.
A long-handled baking paddle like this one from Ebay seller bloobu7 is probably not the right implement for actually pulling pies out of a hot oven, but it would make a very sweet bit of kitchen decor and could be used as a trivet at the Sunday dinner table.
It's actually a very smart idea to cover up our clothes while we bake, but an apron can be more than just a cover-up, it can be part of your ensemble, too. This vintage version is black with pops of white and yellow and would pair well with jeans, a black dress, or, as seen here, a bustier. From Etsy seller BombshellShocked.
This collection of vintage baking pans from eBay seller angelaerby will result in a bundt cake with a star on the top, fluted individual cornbreads or already-shaped cupcakes, or a off-centered heart shaped chocolate cake (so sweet)!