I've previously touched upon some home recipes for bug bites and a pumpkin mask. Before I start dishing out more home recipes, I'd like to list out the equipment and utensils needed for preparing these great recipes.

We don't need much specialized equipment, and most of the required utensils can already be found in many standard kitchens. The following list is sufficient to cover all but the most complicated of home recipes.

• Atomizer spray
• Bain-marie:Read more about a bain-marie. Also known as a double boiler, it uses indirect heat to soften ingredients gently. A simple bain-marie can be improvised easily. Place the ingredients to be heated in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit on a saucepan that is one-quarter to one-third full of water. As the water heats up, the bowl indirectly gets hotter too, and the warmth permeates to the ingredients to soften them.
• Clingfilm
• Cookie pan / bun tin
• Fork ans spoon
• Funnel
• Glass bottles of various sizes
• Glass bowls of various sizes
• Glass jam jars
• Grater
• Hand whisk
• Kettle
• Knife
• Labels and pen
• Measuring jug
• Measuring spoons
• Muslin / cheesecloth
• Pestle and mortar
• Preserving jars of various sizes: Screw-top or sealable preserving jars are good for storing many home recipes. They can be found in most kitchen stores. Some have glass lids held in place by metal wires, which can be flipped over to seal the jar. Some also have rubber rings around the lids to provide an airtight seal. Creams and balms are best stored in wide-necked, dark-colored glass jars.
• Saucepan
• Strainer / sieve
• Teapot
• Unbleached coffee filter

This basic kit is enough for most needs. Prior to use, sterilize all equipment by immersing them in boiling water for about 15 minutes, especially if they are used to store the final product. Hands should also be thoroughly washed before handling the ingredients.