JESSICA LICHERI
DIGITAL KITCHEN SCALE
According to her, precision is the backbone of glutenfree baking. Unlike traditional baking, where slight variations can be forgiven, gluten-free recipes require exact measurements to achieve the desired texture and structure.
A digital kitchen scale ensures:
Accurate flour-to-liquid ratios
Consistent results across batches
Better control over substitutions
Jessica recommends choosing a scale that measures in grams for better accuracy, especially since many glutenfree recipes are now written with metric precision.
HIGH-QUALITY MIXING BOWLS
Mixing bowls may seem basic, but they’re a foundational tool for any baker. Jessica Licheri emphasizes the importance of having at least three different-sized bowls — preferably stainless steel or glass. These materials are nonporous and won’t absorb any smells or oils, which is especially important when working with strong-tasting gluten-free flours like buckwheat or almond. Jessica’s tip: Designate specific bowls for dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and dough to prevent cross-contamination and streamline your baking process.
SIFTERORFINE MESHSTRAINER IN BAKING
Clumpy flours are a common issue in glutenfree baking. Many alternative flours — like coconut flour or potato starch — tend to compact and require aeration before use.
She suggests always sifting gluten-free flours before adding them to a recipe. A fine mesh strainer or hand-held sifter helps:
Eliminate lumps
Blend multiple flours evenly
Improve texture and rise in baked goods
STAND MIXER OR HAND MIXER
Gluten-free doughs and batters often need extra mixing time to develop structure, particularly when binding agents like xanthan gum or psyllium husk are involved.
Jessica Licheri recommends using a stand mixer if you bake frequently or a hand mixer for occasional use. These tools:
Save time and effort
Ensure consistent blending
Handle dense batters better than manual mixing
For serious gluten-free bakers, a stand mixer can transform your workflow and elevate your results.
SILICONE SPATULAS AND SCRAPERS
Gluten-free batters are often stickier and thicker than their traditional counterparts. That’s why Jessica swears by a collection of flexible, heat-resistant silicone spatulas and bowl scrapers. These tools help you:
Scrape down bowls without leaving residue
Fold ingredients gently and thoroughly
Avoid overmixing delicate batters
Plus, silicone is easy to clean and won’t absorb odors, making it perfect for frequent use.
