The weekend is a perfect time to do a little baking. After watching the Great British Bake Off on Wednesday, I’m also inspired to do some weekend baking. Sometimes, I even want to try the difficult and obscure technical challenges.

Today we’re also pretty much half way between last Wednesday’s Bake Off semin-finals and next Wednesday’s finale. Last week I was sad to see Flora go, but I think the final three are the best choices. Tamal has been pretty good and I think a little under appreciated. Ian has been interesting and consistent and won a lot. And then Nadiya is just my absolute favorite. She’s creative, endearing, hilarious, and passionate about her work. I’m team Nadiya all the way. Who are you rooting for?

Next Wednesday is the finals. I’m crazy excited but also sad that it will be over. I will miss Nadiya’s facial expressions. Paul’s piercing blue stare and his serious hand shakes. I’ll miss Mary trying to be positive when Paul is too harsh. I will miss all the drama over cakes. What will I do on Wednesday nights?! But really, I love Bake Off because afterward I always want to bake something afterwards. I’m always inspired to push myself and try some different and challenging bakes.

So, in the spirit of taking on new baking challenges I’ve created a list of 5 must-haves for star bakers. Or, aspiring star bakers. There are tons and tons of things you might need or want for baking but I’ve chosen 5 things to help you take on your baking challenges. A few items I picked will help you kick your baking up a notch and a few items are just super cute and will get you into the spirit of being in the tent.

1. Digital Scale

I grew up using volume measurements but weight is really the way to go. If you want a cup of flour you can significantly different amounts if you scoop and sweep versus if you spoon and sweep. Weight is going to be the same every time so you will have consistent cakes to impress Mary and Paul. This OXO Good Grips Food Scale (£45) with pull out display is sweet. You can measure in ounces and grams, you can reset to zero as you go, and the display pulls out so you can still see if your bowl is big.

2. Digital Instant Read Thermometer

I have been lusting after the Thermapen (£36) for awhile. It’s a quick reading digital thermometer with a big display for easy reading. I currently have an analog thermometer and it’s such a pain. The Thermapen is ideal. It is easy to read and measures quickly so you won’t worry things are burning as you’re taking the temperature. This is going to help you have perfectly tempered chocolate and create beautiful sugar work.

3. Mixing Bowl

A large mixing bowl is a must for baking! You can choose from all kinds of materials like plastic, glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. I’m a big fan of this Mason Cash Cream Mixing Bowl with Fox Pattern (£20). I first saw it when Ryan and I were in Brighton and I thought it was so cute. Good for baking or even for a fruit bowl. Also, foxes feel very English to me – I think because there are wild foxes here in London.

4. Silicone Spatula

Like the mixing bowl, this is a basic baking item. It’s useful for mixing, folding, and scraping the bowl – all without scratching your tools. Any kind will do, but the Farberware Keep Calm and Carry On Spatula (£5) is cute and references a well known British quote.

5. A Cake Stand

When I first watched Bake Off I was shocked that the winner’s prize is a bouquet of flowers and an engraved cake stand. No money?! No endorsements?! No gadgets?! But I actually really like it because it’s clear the contestants are there mainly because of their great passion for baking and not for the exposure or glory. A cake stand is important not only so you can feel like a star baker, but it helps make your bakes look more special and beautiful. I love this Milk Glass Cake Stand from Roche Studio Vintage on Etsy (£81). It’s beautiful and special but not too flashy that it would take away from what you’ve made.

Hope you’re feeling inspired to do some baking this weekend! And enjoy the Great British Bake Off finale on 7 October at 20:00 GMT.

The post 5 Must-Haves for Star Bakers appeared first on Cooking is Messy.