Baking

[Tak]

Does anyone else here bake? I'm not an expert. I was trained with decorating techniques when I worked in a bakery. Nothing too fancy. I'm searching for better bakeware. Non-stick finish causes cakes and brownies to heat too fast on the edges so you end up with overcooked edges or raw centers. Glass bakeware is even worse. It heats and cools so slowly. I tried silicon and it is great for cookies, but not much else.
Where do I find good old-fashioned aluminum. Even copper would work. I just can't find it in store, at sales parties, or for a non-commercial price.

[ringwraith10]

You might actually want to try looking at antique shops or vintage sellers online (like on Etsy) -- there are a LOT of vintage bakeware collectors out there! I'm not one of them, so I don't know much on the subject; I've just encountered them.

[Tak]

I never thought of that. I'm so used to not having internet... thank you.

[ringwraith10]

Haha, you're welcome -- I wish I could help more.

[Griffin]

Interesting, I didn't know that about the "new" materials. Then again, I don't bake too often and most of the bakeware I have are actually old, I've got a few cake and springform pans from relatives and flea markets.

I mostly bake savoury stuff like bread and rolls. Sometimes muffins/cupcakes (I use silicone moulds for them) and pies. Relatively simple things, that is to say. I'd love to get some more practice with cakes but we don't really throw any parties so there's no one to eat them. Except my coworkers, everyone in our department loves cakes! So usually if I bake a cake it's for some occasion I celebrate at work. When baking I usually stick to the recipe or only vary it a little, I'm more confident with experimenting while cooking. Every now and than I get some crazy ideas though and need to try them out, with varying success.

 

[goddessofpeep]

I buy most of my baking stuff at "open to the public" restaurant supply stores.  The selection is usually amazing, and the prices are much better than at regular retail stores. Almost everthing in there is expected to work well and take a beating. I got most of my cake pans, cookie sheets, and loaf pans at a restaurant supply store.

[True]

If you have an opportunity.. Hit up flea markets! I swear I go to any and all I'm able too, and there's TONS of bakeware! I used to just go to them to look around, but then I realized that the majority of my hauls involved vintage pots/pans, bakeware and I specifically collect vintage Pyrex dishes! I just adore the designs on them <3 They literally make me happy rofl, and I love using them to serve things in during big family holiday meals!

I never buy new pots and dishes, either I get them though Flea Markets and garage sales/second hand shops.. or they've all been passed down through the family! ^-^

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Flea markets, thrift stores, estate sales.... 

[Tak]

Thank you all.  I'll have to find someone to drive me to all the sales this summer.

[melodys_angel]

I bake but I don't really have that issue.

Then again, im not baking with traditional ingredients due to allergies so that may be a part of it.

Goodluck finding what you need

[Twizel]

Hmm, that's an interesting question. If you don't have any friends or relatives who would pass on their extras, my best guess would be a place like Goodwill. The ones around here actually have a pretty good kitchen section.

I ALWAYS wash anything we buy from Goodwill before using it, though, because who knows where that's been?

[Diamond]

I use American made aluminum pans I got at Costco for my cookies, I use parchment paper on them to make clean up easy and so I do not have to grease them.  They are not non stick. 

I have no issue with the cooling times on glass, I like how it cooks so I use it.  I do not really use my dark non stick bake ware anymore, too many arguments with it. 

[Tak]

Parchment paper works really well. We used it in the commercial bakery. My glass is great for casseroles, roasts, and vegetables. I use ancient recipes for brownies and cakes... the glass just doesn't come out right. I always use glass pie pans and wouldn't change.

[kaoskat]

Try Dollar Tree. That's where we get ours.

[Twizel]

oh, parchment paper! that's a great idea!