Fav Things: Digital Helpers

The digital scale TRANSFORMED my baking. Not only did my cookies stop flattening out in the oven - but I also speeded up my measuring time! Now, I place my mixing bowl on the scale and 'zero out' the weight. I add my flour (5 oz per cup), then 'zero out' the weight and add the sugar and so on. I don't use it for anything measured smaller than 1/4 cup (baking soda/pwd - i still use the spoons.) This has eliminated 'issues' and eliminated dishes that I dirty! I love it - and now I hate cookbooks that don't offer the measurement. However - you can find conversions in the back of good cookbooks or here: http://www.dianasdesserts.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/tools.measures/Measures.cfm

Next digital 'buddy' in the kitchen in the instant read digital thermometer. I managed to find fancy pictures of the not-so-fancy version that I use all the time.

Although- i have to admit that I didn't use it to test my cardamom bread. If I had, i could have saved the loaves and actually cooked them completely. UGH. I need to take my own advice.

This is great for meat, for candy, for bread - whatever you need to be perfect that you can't see from the outside. It will save you from ruining what you've put your heart and soul into.