If you've been on social media (or even to your local shop lately), you'll have seen that people are on a major baking buzz right now.

Baking has taken over our minds and kitchens as people try to find positive hobbies to fill their time in quarantine. While some people may be sick of the sheer amount of banana bread they're seeing on their feeds right now, I for one think that baking is a practical way to take your mind off whatever is worrying you. Using your hands and mind to create something is the perfect way to distract yourself and work through some heavier emotions, and plus, you'll (fingers crossed!) have something yummy to devour at the end of it all.

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If you've been thinking of trying your hand at baking but are not sure where to start, here are five essential items you need to get going on your journey to becoming Ireland's next best baker - and you can get them all on Amazon.

Hand Mixer

Unless you want to mix until your hand falls off, a hand mixer is essential.

Kenwood HMP30.A0SI Handmixer - Available on Amazon

Weighing scales or cup measurements

Often overlooked, weighing scales or cup measurements are absolute kitchen essentials. If you can, get both, as usually recipes use one or the other.

Exzact Electronic Kitchen Scale - Available on Amazon
KitchenCraft Plastic Measuring Cups and Spoons (Set of 10) - Available on Amazon

Wooden spoon

No, they're not just a childhood threat, wooden spoons are essential for some bakes and work great for mixing scones and cookie dough. This set is a great option as it comes with a wooden spatula for icing.

Tala Wooden Spatula Set - Available on Amazon

Pastry Brush

This might be seen as a little on the fancier side, but these are so handy if you're baking anything that requires and egg wash over top. Silicone brushes also work well for basting, BBQ's and all types of cooking.

Basting Brushes Silicone Food Grade Baking Pastry Brush Set - Available on Amazon

Sieve

Sieving flour into your bakes helps to create a light and fluffy texture. (Hack- pick up two, as sieves also work amazingly well as a makeup brush cleaner).

ipow Fine Wire Mesh Kitchen Sieve Set with Rim - 7, 12 & 18 cm - Available on Amazon

Baking tray

Baking trays are a great for cookies, scones and well, just about anything. Pick one up and never look back. Just make sure to measure your oven first to ensure it fits!

KitchenCraft MasterClass Non-Stick Baking Tray, 35 x 25 cm (14" x 10") - Available on Amazon

Loaf tin

You'll need a good loaf tin for all the banana bread that you will inevitably end up making.

UPKOCH Stainless Steel Loaf Tin - Available on Amazon

Round tin

Perfect for Victoria sponges, crumbles, birthday cakes- the possibilities are endless with a round cake tin.

MasterClass Non-Stick Large Springform Cake Tin with Loose Base, 30 cm (12") - Available on Amazon

Muffin tin

Muffins and cupcakes are the perfect bake - you can make them savoury, healthy or as a sugary treat!

Wilton Cupcake/Muffin Baking Tin - Available on Amazon

Square tin

Square tins are perfect for bakes like quiches, brownies etc.

MasterClass Non-Stick Square Sandwich Tin with Loose Base, 20 cm (8") - Available on Amazon

There you have it! What will you be making with your new kit of baking essentials?

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