The key to healthy baking starts with simple changes. Take a look at the picture above. What do you think is the most important thing you see in regards to your health? Perhaps your eyes went to the stand mixer. What if I told you that was placed there on purpose to through you off and this is a very simple fix? Would you believe me if I told you everyone could afford to do this and it would make a world of difference in your health and welfare? It’s very simple. Cleanliness and tidiness.

As I have grown this website, I have had the privilege of seeing a lot of kitchens either of friends or fellow creators. Most are clean and tidy or slightly chaotic as we all tend to do as lives become busy. However, sometimes there are hazards lurking in your kitchen you may not even be aware of. It is important to recognize unsafe work conditions. This is especially important when learning a new recipe from someone new. Be attentive, pay mind to their surroundings. I’m not talking about the normal messes you make while baking, but really look at their kitchens critically.

For instance, is the oven range covered in years of baking grease or filth? Do the knobs or the grates around the stove have grime build up? Are the counters showing bits of food from past meals? Do they have piled up items surrounding work surfaces that shouldn’t be there? Are there dishes or items near the stove top while they are actively cooking that could ignite? Are ingredients that commonly carry bacteria next to freshly baked goods? Is the person clearing off work surfaces after using items that could cause cross contamination? These are all things you should investigate, especially when relying on places like youtube videos for recipes.

When it comes to healthy baking, start out with soap and water. A clean kitchen only costs pennies.

Let’s pick apart areas of my kitchen that we should all pay attention to. Sure this looks pretty clean, right? But where can you see places that I should still tend to or where might dirt still be hiding?

Would you be happy with this level of cleanliness? Why or why not?

The top of the refrigerator and range hood can collect a lot of dust, grease and grime. This can fall into your food while preparing and cooking. Pay special attention to these areas if you have pets.

The towel on the door is dirty and should be replaced with a fresh clean towel.

The clutter on the right hand side of the stove should be tidied up before using the stove top.

Inspect underneath the range hood for dirt and grease build up, especially before using the ventilation. Clean all parts of the mixer after unplugging, and look underneath the base for bits of food after using it. Put away clean dishes before prepping dinner to avoid any potential cross contamination if prepping in that area. Finally, sweep up any dust bunnies or spill lurking around the floor and baseboards. This will prevent any potential slips as you are working in the kitchen.

Hopefully, you have learned that starting out with a clean kitchen is a great way to keep yourself, your family and friends healthy and happy. Decide what is the level of cleanliness you feel comfortable with and stick to a routine.

But when it comes to certain areas, especially clutter around your oven, please be vigilant. For instance, don’t turn on a gas or electric stove top if you have a container of oil sitting on one of the burners. And if you are preparing items such as raw meat, take the time to clean the work surfaces before setting the table or cutting up those salad greens for supper. Some levels of cleanliness is a must for all of us for healthy baking.

Also, the next time your friend offers you a plate of chocolate chip cookies, ask to see his kitchen first. Seriously, don’t be rude and do that. Unless you like having no friends. Part of healthy baking is having others to break bread with and enjoy that plate of brownies after all. Happy baking!