Popsugar Living Self-Care Home Baking Essentials For Any Beginner Baker Self-Care Sunday: Baking Has Become My Favourite Stress Reliever 2 August 2020 by India Yaffe Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sheila Gim As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. I come from a family of great cooks, and have always wanted to find my niche in the kitchen. Back in March, when everyone I know started making banana bread, I thought I'd give it a shot. My mom has the best recipe, and there was something seriously satisfying about the whole experience. When my dad asked for pecans in the next loaf, I was so excited to get to bake again, and I haven't stopped since. Since the shelter-in-place order was issued, I have made banana bread, carrot cake, oatmeal raisin cookies, flourless chocolate cake, pineapple upside down cake, and too many more to name. The methodical approach to baking has been an incredible stress reliever. I don't quite understand it, but measuring out the ingredients, following the directions, and having the end product be something delicious is almost unbelievably satisfying. Also, when I'm making my dough, I'm so focussed on my dessert that I don't think about anything else, and the mental break has been really amazing during the day. If you need an hour or so of peace and quiet, I highly recommend baking. Plus, the end result is always worth it. Related: 15 Recipes From Great British Baking Show Contestants That You Need to Try (No Marquee Required) Sweet Laurel: Recipes for Whole Food, Grain Free Desserts Image Source: amazon.com This Sweet Laurel: Recipes for Whole Food, Grain Free Desserts ($20) cookbook is a great option for people with dietary restrictions. This is a new cookbook for me, but "The Chocolate Cake That Changed Everything" is really a game-changer. At the top of my list to try next are the cinnamon rolls, pistachio rose cake, Hello Dolly layer bars, and s'mores pie. It's all grain-free and dairy-free, and I am in love. Sweet Laurel: Recipes for Whole Food, Grain Free Desserts $20 from amazon.com Buy Now Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You'll Make Over and Over Again Image Source: amazon.com You can't go wrong with any of the recipes in this Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You'll Make Over and Over Again ($20) cookbook. Some of my favourite recipes are the peach and blueberry crumble, the coconut cake, and the mixed berry pavlova. Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You'll Make Over and Over Again $20 from amazon.com Buy Now Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Image Source: amazon.com This Measuring Cups and Spoons Set ($28, originally $40) has everything you could need to measure out your ingredients. I always find that I'm missing the one measuring cup I need, so this ensures all bases are covered. Measuring Cups and Spoons Set $28 from amazon.com Buy Now OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set Image Source: amazon.com You'll use this OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set ($28) more times than you can count. Plus, the spout really comes in handy. I like that these stay put on the table when I'm mixing, leaving the flour casualties to a minimum. OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set $28 from amazon.com Buy Now Silicone Spatulas Image Source: amazon.com You'll always reach for these Silicone Spatulas ($9, originally $20) because they're flexible, and can make sure you get every last drop. Silicone Spatulas $9 from amazon.com Buy Now AmazonBasics Silicone, Non-Stick, Food Safe Baking Mat Image Source: amazon.com If you're baking cookies, this AmazonBasics Silicone, Non-Stick, Food Safe Baking Mat ($15) is a game changer. They make cleanup so easy, because after I've baked, the last thing I want to do is clean. Cookies slide right off these mats. AmazonBasics Silicone, Non-Stick, Food Safe Baking Mat $15 from amazon.com Buy Now Good Cook Cookie Sheet Image Source: amazon.com This Good Cook Cookie Sheet ($7) is a staple in every kitchen. You can put pretty much anything on this, but if you're just starting out in the kitchen, get yourself a cookie sheet. Good Cook Cookie Sheet $7 from amazon.com Buy Now Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick Multi-Purpose Hand Blender Image Source: amazon.com If you need an easy, inexpensive mixer, try this Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick Multi-Purpose Hand Blender ($35, originally $45). Yes, you can whisk by hand, but wrist cramps aren't fun, so avoid them with this. Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick Multi-Purpose Hand Blender $35 from amazon.com Buy Now KitchenAid Queen of Hearts Stand Mixer Image Source: amazon.com This KitchenAid Queen of Hearts Stand Mixer ($346) is pricey, but it makes baking a million times easier. I use mine every time I bake, and feel like it's my secret weapon in the kitchen. KitchenAid Queen of Hearts Stand Mixer $346 from amazon.com Buy Now ShoppingSelf-CareBaking