Fran Costigan - The Baker’s Kitchen

Tools That Make a Difference and the Ones to Avoid

This event aired on Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Topic: The Baker’s Kitchen

We’ll talk about what you really need, what you don’t, and how to choose quality tools that work well and last. Whether you’re building your first baker’s kitchen or refining a well-loved collection, this session is all about working smarter and baking better with the tools you have.

Presenter

Fran Costigan

Director of Vegan Pastry

FranCostigan.com

Fran Costigan is internationally renowned as the authority on vegan desserts. Trained at the New York Restaurant School and Natural Gourmet Institute, Fran was a chef in both traditional and vegan pastry kitchens before moving into teaching over 20 years ago. A lifelong chocoholic and long time vegan, Fran’s latest book, Vegan Chocolate: Unapologetically Luscious and Decadent Dairy Free Desserts, (Running Press 2013) is for all who madly, deeply love chocolate desserts, whether or not dietary considerations are an issue. Her previous cookbook, More Great Good Dairy-Free Desserts Naturally (Book Publishing Company 2006) is the basis of the Costigan Vegan Baking Boot Camp Intensive®. For more information, www.francostigan.com.

Attendees

79 people attended this event

Event Resources

Share Your Feedback

Questions from this Event

Sheral Schowe

Sheral Schowe here, in Salt Lake City. Just returned from Philly yesterday. What beautiful weather! Went to Vedge, Zahav, Charlie was a Sinner, Bombon Cafe and Monster Vegan. Totally blew my mind!

Michelle White

Nice! From South Jersey here - I was in Philly at Rittenhouse Square farmer's market on Saturday. Hello neighbor! :)

Larry Shearer

Hello Fran, I would like to try baking sourdough bread in a dutch oven. Would you be able to provide a source to get all the details on the process start to finish? thanks in advance.

Fran Costigan

Rouxbe's Bread Course - https://rouxbe.com/cooking-courses/introduction-to-baking-quick-breads-artisan-breads-and-breakfast-pastries

Alison Flatley

When should I bake with a tart ring vs a loose bottom tart pan, and when should I bake with a cake ring vs a cake pan? What are the sizes you recommend to have as part of a kitchen?

Hilda P J

I make dark rye bread, my fave. Would over-proofing change the texture, make the bread more coarse? or create holes? or should I punch down again?

mahtab tehrani

What is the best ruler for baking which is food safe?

Fran Costigan

Example of Food Safe Ruler https://link.amazon/B0gC453ZQ

terilynn reese

I use my Vitamix and my Cuisinart food processor the most. That and a good wooden spoon and a good whisk. Also a sifter for dry ingredients. So glad you are doing this!

Robin Rouse

Which is better for baking, silicone mats or parchment paper?

Adam O'Connor

What items do you use most in your bakers kitchen? And which ones have you found you do not need?

Justan Nelson

Can you share your thoughts on the instant read thermometers vs the infrared (thermal) thermometers for baking? Which one do you prefer and why?

terilynn reese

Do you have a way to make a piping frosting to flood sugar cookies? The liquid kind in colors for decorating.

Cathy Chapman

I have a bamboo tofu press and use it several times a week. I am not running out of towels all the time. I also can control the moisture level of the tofu based on what I am using it for.

Robin Rouse

We use our tofu press everyday! Because we can press and put it in the fridge and it’s enclosed. Sometimes we leave it pressing overnight in the refrigerator and would never leave it in the counter.

Sheral Schowe

Do you ever add yeast to a sourdough to help with lift?

Lynda Prioleau

What food processor do you use most? How many do you have?

Sheral Schowe

What is your opinion on the Thermomix? My European friends claim is does a lot of everything and no kitchen is complete without one. Very expensive though.

Alison Flatley

Thank you. I'll check out the cake cone. Is there a benefit to using a tart ring instead of a loose bottom pan in specific use cases? I found it a bit overwhelming sorting it out.

Alison Flatley

And thank you so much! This hands down has been my favorite session. :)

Moderated By

Fran Costigan