Successful baking depends on more than just an oven. Ingredients provide the flavour, texture, structure, and other characteristics of a baked product, while tools and equipment help you measure, mix, shape, and bake accurately. In this section, you will be introduced to the essential ingredients used in baking, the basic hand tools used during preparation, and the larger equipment found in home and professional kitchens. Understanding these essentials will help you prepare for practical baking activities and choose the right items for each task.