Do I really need a stand mixer? Sure, I WANT one, but I do my bread kneading by hand and it usually works out. What else will I do with it?
Is it just going to sit on my already limited counter space? What do you make with yours? Please inspire me!
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It's literally my favorite kitchen toy!
Thanks
My mixer and I have been together for a long time, and we've had our ups and downs ( I forgive you for spewing flour all over my laptop--it wasn't your fault...) and our fair share of baking satisfaction. Here's to you, my faithful mixer, and thanks again, Mom.
Do you know someone who might lend you theirs for a day or two to try out? One issue is they are quite heavy, so keeping it off the counter is an issue. I store mine in a cabinet under the counter but it is not ideal. I like drbabs idea of the rolling cart.
I have had to replace the drive train because i use it so much. Daily bread for 3 years and it finally revolted.
Whipping cream i do by hand. Egg whites in the mixer. Cookies, creaming method - in the mixer too. It helps that it works away and i can be doing something else - like cleaning up.
But I love to bake and use it for blending dough for cakes and cookies, whipping egg whites (meringues) and cream, and for kneading bread dough. (I just got a dough hook recently.)
I've had mine for 25 years and I credit it and Maida Heatter's cookbooks for helping me learn to bake.
Some other things I like using the stand mixer for: pie dough - I like that it doesn't heat up the dough like the Cuisinart sometimes does. Speedy fast whipped cream - in the blink of an eye. It kneads bread dough, too, although I rarely use it for that because i just do it by hand; more fun.
I think any serious cook would really enjoy playing with this fabulous toy. And, yes, it is large and in charge - I've got a tiny kitchen w/ very limited counter space and this baby is on my counter 24/7.