So, after we bought the house, I beelined it to Kitchen Collection and bought a mixer. Many people say that it's a waste of counter space, that I would use my hand mixer way more than I would use a stand mixer, etc. But I wanted it, so I got it! And I've never looked back!
It's so easy to mix butter and sugar to start a cookie dough base, and so easy to add wet and dry ingredients to a cake mixture. I've used my mixer to make everything from brownies and cookies to corn casserole, and everything in between.
I was never very successful at using my hand mixer without making a mess of my entire kitchen. Batter would fly everywhere, and I HATE that sound of the beaters scraping the side of the bowl. With my KitchenAid, no mess, no fuss, and I can leave it running while I grease pans, add ingredients, and anything else I need to do!
Last week on Pinterest, I learned you can use your KitchenAid to shred chicken. I was a little skeptical, but I was making spinach and chicken enchiladas the other day, and I decided to try it. I put the chicken breasts in the crockpot to cook, and then cut them into pieces. Then I dumped it all in the mixer. I attached the paddle attachment, turned it on, and seconds later, I had perfectly shredded chicken. Next time, I want to see how it does without cutting it up first. It sure beats shredding it with two forks!!!
Mashed potatoes have also become a staple in our house - white and sweet potatoes. I always grew up on boxed mashed potatoes, but it's so easy to whip (no pun intended) them together with the mixer, I've become a convert to fresh. I never knew it could be this easy! You always here about using a masher, and then getting lumpy mashed potatoes (NOT my cup of tea!). Just boil the potatoes, add your favorite "fixins" and whip! I've really grow to love the Yukon Gold potatoes for mashed potatoes - they're so buttery and delicious!
Needless to say, I love my mixer. I don't have any of the fancy attachments yet, but Christmas is just around the corner! ;)
