subject: Kitchen Mixers Are A Baker's Secret Weapon [print this page] Baking doesn't have to be a thing of the pastBaking doesn't have to be a thing of the past. Kitchen mixers have replaced those beaters of yesteryear that you liked to play with on grandma's floor. They made cool toys but left your wrists tired after a couple of minutes of swift cranking. These days, our busy schedules limit our time in the kitchen, so why not make the most of it by investing in a new kitchen tool.
Want to get back to baking just like grandma but with a little less fuss? You might have to forgo the hand and arm strength she had. But, did you really want to impress your grandkids by being able to crack walnuts with your bare hands? With the use of a mixer the beating, kneading, and mixing can be left to the machines.
You could ease into the world of mixers, but I say go for the big guns first. Just by design, you'll find them easier to use. Kitchen Aid types are big and bulky, meant to be stored on the a counter, not hidden in a cupboard you have to dig through on hands and knees every time you want to use it. Remember: out of sight, out of mind.
A counter corner is a perfect spot to keep your mixer - far back enough to leave you space for every day kitchen routines, yet close enough to pull forward when you need it. Due to the weight and bulk of the machine keep it on an inexpensive cutting board for ease of movement. Then you can just slide it in and out of its corner without straining your arms and back. Better yet, if you've got the space, just keep it out and ready for use on a constant basis.
Kitchen mixers aren't just for cakes. With the various attachments, you can be making a complete dinner in no time. Mixing meatloaf, mashing potatoes, kneading dough, and whipping cream to top that delicious dessert are all a cinch. And the clean-up is fairly easy when you're finished.
Holidays can get hectic without all the baking and cooking involved. Add the food and no wonder people get stressed throughout the season. With your kitchen mixer you can ease your stress by picking one day to do all of your baking. Mixers allow you to make several batches of cookies in the same amount of time it would normally take to make one. Gather all your ingredients and mix and bake in one afternoon. Freeze your treats and the next time you head out to a party don't stress about what to bring. Just grab and go. Well, maybe put them on a decorative tray, at least.
(Special cookie note: keep an eye on your dough as you want to avoid over-mixing. A creamier, smoother consistency is what you'll end up with if you mix your dough too much. When baking, the cookies will flatten and spread and you'll lose that dense and chunky homemade texture.)
Adding a kitchen mixer to your culinary toolbox may be expensive investment. But that's just what it is, an investment. And by keeping it in sight and ready for use you can guarantee that investment pays out good dividends.
