Baking Archives - Graceful Order

Taming the Clutter – Baking Supplies

June 14, 2014 · by Maria · Leave a Comment

I am starting a new series, called “Taming the Clutter”. I am challenging myself to de-clutter even the previously de-cluttered spaces. Any system that is no longer working for me around the house, is getting a facelift.

This week, I wanted to tackle the baking center. I previously posted about my baking station HERE and for the most part, it still works for me. Except, this little turntable with all the condiments.

It looks so cute and perfect, until you use it, or pull something from the back of the cabinet. Then all the little bottles topple over.

I decided that these containers, though cute as a button, had to go! I needed a small set of containers that were stackable which would prevent the bottle avalanche.

I didn’t have to buy any containers because I had these Tupperware containers in the back of a cabinet, just sitting there being perfect and lonely. They are about 12 years old so I don’t know that they are still available. Any small stackable container will do.

I took out all my smaller baking items and discarded the expired items.

Then I took out this bad boy. My organizing companion that never expires. My label maker.

I made a label for the bottom of the container with the new expiration date. I used my labeler since it was out, but any sticker that you can write the expiration date on, will suffice.

Now fill ‘er up.

No more dealing with bottles tumbling down every time I reached for something from the back of the cabinet. I left some of the items in the turntable since it is now easily accessible.

To celebrate this new baking station, lets bake a cake.

Pile on the frosting. We’re celebrating here!

This is the first of the “taming the clutter” series, and I will share another easy project next week to simplify your day.

Do you have a baking station in your kitchen?

See you in few days with another project, and an exciting announcement!

Maria

Baking Station Organization

February 20, 2014 · by Maria · 4 Comments

We are back in the kitchen! This week we will focus on creating or organizing a baking station.

Designate an area in your kitchen to hold all of your baking supplies. It is so much more fun to bake when everything is within reach!

You may remember that last year, I organized my baking drawer. You can find that post HERE.

Today, I want to show you more of my baking station. I can’t keep everything in that one drawer, so I keep all of my dry baking supplies in the cabinet above the refrigerator.

Although I can reach this cabinet, it isn’t easy for me to do so. Therefore, it is the perfect spot for large, clear containers, that allow me to see their contents from where I stand.

Here is a picture of the cabinet. This cabinet is not always used to its fullest potential in some kitchens, but it is a great space and probably one of your widest cabinets. Let’s put it to work!

The containers that hold the flour and sugar are from a brand called Lock & Lock. The ones that rest above them, are disposable Ziploc containers that I use to put away cookie cutters and baking chocolate. Right next to them, is a bin full of more cookie cutters.

On the other side, I have Tupperware brand containers that hold items such as, coconut, powdered sugar, sprinkles and brown sugar.

My baking drawer, which I shared with you last year, holds smaller items that I use for cake and cupcake decorating.

And measuring cups and spoons. I have multiple sets of those, considering most recipes call for dry and wet ingredients (and because I like collecting them).

I like these containers because the lid stays open and I can easily fit up to a 1 Cup measuring cup inside. I also use the top of the opening to level the cup. Love that!

I purchased them about 5 years ago on QVC but you can still find them HERE.

Lastly, in the cabinet right below the baking cabinet, next to the refrigerator, I have a small turntable full of baking spices.

Towards the back, I keep tea that is not used on a daily basis. They are also on a turntable.

Since I cannot keep all my baking supplies in one drawer, or cabinet, I do keep them all in the same area of the kitchen. Everything is within hands reach.

Above the baking spices is a ceramic box, full of my favorite teas.

Lastly, when you are done, wake up a little kid on a saturday morning and get them to help you in the kitchen, before they even have time to comb their hair.

Everyone looks better with a little flour in their hair. But that’s just my opinion.

Until Next Time,

Maria

Kitchen: Baking Drawer Organization

June 26, 2013 · by Maria · Leave a Comment

I don’t always bake but when I do…I use 47 baking gadgets! My baking stash started small but then I kept adding different tools as needed. I only have one large drawer in my kitchen and I decided to dedicate it to baking. I don’t use the baking items often so the drawer stays pretty organized. The tools that get used most often are all the measuring cups. Years ago I organized the drawer using a utensil organizer and it did a pretty good job housing everything. Here is what the drawer looked like a couple of days ago:

The other day I was looking for a dresser at IKEA and I spotted this drawer organizer. I thought it would be perfect to house all the baking items. It was.

The first thing I did was clean the drawer since it hadn’t been thoroughly cleaned in years. I used my favorite method cleaner (that I buy at Target) to get it spotless.

Then I placed all the items in their new home!

I use measuring cups all the time because I don’t like to have to wash them mid-recipe to be able to use them for the next ingredient. With most recipes having wet and dry ingredients, multiple measuring cups are a good idea. Besides all the practical reasons…I like how they look nestled in there.

Food Coloring. I prefer these gels and I purchased them through Amazon.

Since the organizer doesn’t go right up to the side of the drawer its the perfect spot for longer items like the icing knives.

In the very back I placed the pop sticks and the fondant smoother. My favorite set of decorating tips are the ones pictured below from Ateco. I also purchased those on Amazon years ago.

This is how I store my cupcake liners. I have seen many cute ways to display them on Pinterest but this works for me.

More measuring cup pics!

So here it is again. Not a huge difference but I like this organizer much better. There is no way to make this drawer look uncluttered because there are so many things (all shapes, all sizes) but it can still look pleasing to the eye.

What do you think? Now lets get to baking!

Maria