The Ultimate Gifting Guide For Home Bakers: Ingredients Edition

Buying gifts for a home baker? Steer clear of the dough whislks and cake stands and stick to ingredients instad! Here are some great options for festive gifting

Christmas time may be a period of joy and warm vibes for most people, although for home bakers festive season spells peak rush! Not only do they have to start prepping for their special festive orders in advance but also have to make sure they have a stocked pantry in case they have to cater to last-minute orders. Gifting equipment to a home baker may not always work out well,especially if you don’t know the kind of baking equipment they need. So if you’re browsing christmas hampers of gifts for your home baker friend, stick to ingredients which they can use.

Think of premium, sought-after ingredients which may be difficult to source or some basics which can help them out with last-minute orders. Be it premium caramel, easy-to-use shortening, imported shortbreads and biscottis, single-origin chocolate, there are many ways to surprise a home baker with your gifts. Here are some great festive gifts for home bakers

A Batch Of Edible Flowers

Many bakers use edible flowers to add a seasonal touch to their elaborate cakes. If you're gifting edible flowers to your home baker friend, it's wiser to go for already packed once. If you're sure about picking the flowers and making your own hamper or floral arrangement, pick clean, organic edible flowers which have recently been harvested. Place them in a small, decorative basket, arrange them in a mason jar, or tying them together with a ribbon. You can even include some additional items like small container of honey, a gourmet chocolate bar, or a selection of teas that pair well with floral flavors.

A Set of Flavored Vinegar

Some niche baking recipes, especially some eggless recipes need flavored vinegars; vinegar helps baked goods rise and create an airy texture by reacting with baking soda. A set of fruit-infused or herb-infused vinegar varieties can be a great gift for bakers especially for winters when they're likely to get orders for berry muffins, fruit tarts, or glazed cakes which need vinegars. Don't forget to add a white wine or champagne vinegar which elevate delicate pastries

Cadbury Baking Melts ANd Blocks

Home bakers can never have enough baking chocolate; consider gifting them a set of baking metls and blocks. Baking melts, also known as confectionery coating are used to achieve an easily meltable coating. While they resemble chocolate in appearance, baking melts are typically made with vegetable oils instead of cocoa butter, so they're easier to decorate with.

Baking chocolate is unsweetened chocolate which is used in baking to provide a rich, deep flavor, distinct from other types of chocolate. They can be used to make anything from ganace and truffles to muffins and puddings.

High-Quality Vanilla Extract:

Pure vanilla extract is a baking essential that can greatly enhance the flavor of any baked dish. Consider gifting a premium vanilla extract made from real vanilla beans or Madagascar Bourbon vanilla. The depth and complexity that quality vanilla extract imparts to baked goods is a sought-after quality

Biscotti Candles

QUirky biscotti or biscuit candles can make your home smell like you're baking even if you're just reading on the couch! A perfect off-duty gift for your baker friend

Artisanal Sugars

Artisanal sugars are prenium, handcrafted sugars that are produced often using traditional methods with an emphasis on quality, flavor, and unique characteristics. Artisanal sugar production may involve variations in processing, flavor infusions, or the use of specific types of sugar cane, and they’re gebnerally designed for specific cooking or baking purposes.

For instance, Muscovado sugar is a dark, unrefined sugar with a strong molasses flavor and artisanal muscovado sugar is used to give a deeper flavor and more intensoty to cookies and muffins. They can be produced in small batches, allowing for careful control of the moisture content and flavor profile. Some other varities of artisanal sugars are demerara sugar, turbinado sugars etc.

Gluten-Free Mixes

Festive orders for gluten-free bakes usually come at the last minute, typically from people who are hosting a big dinner but would like some gluten-free options. A vaiety of guten-free mixes can save a home baker precious time during the festive rush. Include popular bakes which are in-demand during Christmas, such as cornbread mix, brownie mix, pie crust mix etc