Better Cooking With a Kitchenaid Mixer

By Zeeman Haus

Holidays, birthdays and morning muffins can't be beat, you have to mix them with your KitchenAid mixer for the best results. Wooden spoons have had their day and the muscle building involved can be saved for the gym when equal time can be given to each limb. A KitchenAid mixer is sure to be the perfect addition to any busy baker.

Hate that heavy cookie dough that always gets stuck in the beaters? Well , hold on to those cookies because the KitchenAid Artisan is one powerful little kitchen tool. It has 7 speeds including Soft Start and 2 Slow Stir speeds for greater control not to mention a heel rest to provide stability. With those seven speeds you might forget how fast your going but this hand held mixer has a digital display showing your selected speed at a glance. Now, hold on, this mixer comes in several different colors so you are certain to find one matching your kitchen dcor.

If speed is a consideration let it be noted that choices abound. For the more Classical mixer, the three speed classic might just fit the bill. However, should you want a little more power behind the beaters you could up the ante to a five speed "Ultra Power" hand mixer. For the cook for whom speed is no object KitchenAid also makes the all important and ever powerful nine speed "Professional" hand mixer. There is no specific requirement for the baker to be a professional, but it sure could feel good to cook like one!

Color chosen and speed determined, the cost of your new kitchens little helper is good to know. While the three speed will take care of business for many, it can run as high as 49.99 while its big brother (or sister) the "Professional" will run you in the area of about 90 dollars. The in-between-ers as you might guess have prices that tend to fall in-between! In fact, you are looking at pretty much a ten dollar increase for each speed you desire.

If standing the by the mixer is not your thing you may be one of the many cooks who opt for a free standing KitchenAid mixer. With handy dandy bowls already a part of the devise the busy cook needs only add the ingredients, flip a switch and let the mixer do its job, thus freeing you to prepare other scrumptious delights or relax a little and catch up with Oprah.

As with the hand held devices, free standing mixers come in a variety of sizes, styles and yes, colors! Most standing mixers are 4.5, 5 or 6 quart capacity. Besides the size you will want to consider whether you want a tilt-head or a bowl-lift mixer. Depending on your needs both types seems to be effective.

As you might, or might not expect, free standing mixers are going to cost a bit more. The smaller tilt-head appliance runs between 200 to 250 dollars depending on the style and accessories you desire, while the bowl lift 4.5 is more in the area 289.99. Five Quart standing mixers cost approximately 299.99 for tilt-head to nearly 350.00 for a bowl life. The much bigger six quart free standing machines are about four hundred dollars.

Morning muffins, the occasional cake or 12 dozen cookies, having the perfect mixer is always a plus. Arm yourself with what suits you and you're sure to mixing in good company. - 32190

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Information Considering Metal Bakeware Pans

By Jack Bennington

A type of pan that you may notice very often are metal bakeware pans. These are pretty popular with people who bake and have been used for a numerous amount of years. They are one of the most reliable types of pans around and always give good results when they are used. Here are some considerations about why metal bakeware pans do so well.

The great thing about these types of pans is that they deliver the right baking results without the individual having to spend a lot of money. The pans are fairly inexpensive in comparison to what you might pay for glass bakeware or even ceramics. The pricing makes it very convenient to buy a full set of metal bakeware if you desire to do so.

There are also a lot of options available with these types of pans. There is a pan for almost everything you might be interested in cooking at some point. This allows the pans to be versatile in comparison to the lack of options you might have with other materials, such as ceramics. Generally, you will not run out of options when you are working with metal bakeware.

There are different types of metal that is used in bakeware. Some are made out of aluminum, others are made out of steel, and others are coated in a nonstick covering. Steel tends to do better than aluminum, because aluminum often becomes discolored over a period of time. However, it is all a matter of preference.

There is never a concern about whether or not your bakeware is going to break when you are using metal pans. At the most, maybe there will be a small dent, but there will not be anything noticeable enough that would cause you to have to replace the pan itself. This is a money saver in itself for the amount of cash you can save by not having to buy replacement pans after one is broken.

Of course, metal bakeware pans tend to hold a lot more heat than most other pans. Heat can spread fairly evenly through this type of material. However, food also tends to cook much faster in these pans because of their heat conduction. Generally, it is a good idea to keep a decent amount of watch on these types of pans when you are cooking with them to make sure the food doesn't burn.

If food burns in a pan like this, the clean up factor varies. If the pans are not nonstick, then you will likely need to soak them to clean them up. The addition to this is that if food is burnt in these pans, it can be hard to get off and sometimes can discolor the pan if you do not remove it completely. Use some sort of nonstick product when you cook with these and you should have less of a problem.

But aside from this, metal bakeware pans are a good investment to make. They allow you the chance to have a uniform set for an inexpensive price and they give great baking results. As long as you take proper care of them, they will remain just as nice as they were when you first purchased them as well. - 32190

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Cooking With Eggs To Make Excellent Cakes

By Adriana Noton

People have many kind of interests, whilst some like reading, writing, listening to music, still some like cooking. Cooking is a great way of passing time, especially if you have children. Children love to bake and help their parents. Although some sponge cakes are made without eggs, most sponge cakes need them.

When shopping for ingredients to make a cake it usually involves looking at different types of eggs. It can be very confusing because each box seems to say something different. There might be free range, battery, organic, barn and more. What exactly do these classifications mean? Although they mean something different they usually describe the way the chicken has been kept. Free range means that the chicken has had free range of the fields whereas battery keep the chicken in very tight enclosures.

When you first start baking it can seem very confusing. There is a lot to learn about and failure might seem to happen more often than success. However, when you have young children, baking can be a lot of fun and a great activity to participate in. Baking is a fantastic rainy day activity.

If you are inventive there is a lot that you can do to make a sponge look more appetising. Many people who love baking open up their own businesses and do designer cakes for birthdays and other special occasions. These professionals seem to know the healthy recipe to make the perfect sponge.

Baking can teach children at a young age how to cook and be interested in cooking. It is very good if a parent can teach their child to have an interest in cooking as they will learn this at school as well. Opening up a cake shop can be a whole family business. When baking it is important to learn the basic sponge cake recipe as this forms the base for nearly all desserts.

Eggs will help any sponge cake to be lighter, softer and stronger. Knowing just how many eggs to use is essential as this can significantly alter the cakes texture. There are many methods of blending cake mixture together. These methods are known as, rubbing, boil and bake and all in one. Each of these methods brings a whole different taste to the cake.

Sponge cake is often used to form a base for various types of cake and dessert. Sponge cakes can be cooked in a lot of varying ways, this gives them a whole new flavour every time they are baked in a new way. Sponge cake can be classified into 3 main categories: Basic sponge, egg-less sponge and chocolate sponge.

If you are concerned about your health then there are different methods that can be used. Lower fat variations of baking can be tricky because it is completely different to cooking fuller fat versions. Reduced fat butter is far different than ordinary butter because it bakes differently. Lower fat butter reacts more sensitively towards things like over cooking, over blending, different ingredients and other factors.

The protein that egg whites contain provide a lot of strength for batter or dough, this makes it rise and not fall when it is put in the oven. Gluten makes the batter stronger, the more the batter is blended. When baking the precise blend of ingredients and skills are needed to ensure the perfect cake is made. - 32190

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Determining The Best Bakeware Pans

By Jack Bennington

While there are a number of bakeware pans on the market today, none of them relate to one individual situation. For, each person has a different way of doing things, including both cooking and shopping. To this end, it is important to know as much information as one can about both old and new cookware.

Today, while after years of cooking in non-stick style pans, more professional chefs as well as home chefs have once again started using a variety of other cookware. This is in large part due to the health warnings relating some non-stick coatings to memory loss and other disorders. Regardless, sales of this cookware is surging past similar non-stick pans at a rapid rate regardless of whether this is proven science or simply, theory.

What are the other types of cookware that are popular today? As of today, glass, silicone and stainless steel are the three most popular forms of cookware. However, silicone can also absorb flavors and odors so never wash silicone pans any way other than by hand. In addition, these pans need be washed, rinsed, dried and put up immediately after use.

Each individual is different with their likes and dislikes of cookware, some prefer glass where others prefer metal and others yet, silicone. Whichever one selects, one may want to know a bit more about both the quality of the item, issues with same and what foods are best to cook in each. To this end, most of the information regarding same is included in the following paragraphs.

As glass casserole dishes are generally oven and dishwasher safe up to a certain temperature depending on the manufacturer, this ovenware may actually be the easiest to use and clean of the three most popular. As glassware pans are exceptional in the way of preparing deserts, casseroles and food such as lasagna, they are also quite versatile. However, silicone and stainless steel are not far behind when taken care of properly.

When it comes to silicone, which is the newest trend on the market today, most people love this new line of bakeware; However, one need be aware never to wash silicone pans in the dishwasher. As, although some may indicate they are dishwasher safe, this only refers to the material, not the fact that it seems dish washing liquid and other odors can not be removed with an immeasurable amount of rinsing. So far, the cookie sheet appears to be the best silicone related product followed closely by the muffin pan.

Both glass and silicone are great for baking. When it comes to bakeware, silicone is definitely an interesting concept. Also, if one is thinking of purchasing a pan, the bread pan, cookie sheet and muffin pans are definitely the way to go. In addition, the cookie sheet is quite flexible. Therefore, it can be used as a place mat, a background for taking pictures of food and in other interesting ways.

Last but definitely not least, is that of stainless steel cookware which can be used both in the oven and on top of the stove. Also, while a touch more expensive, one can break down the cost by purchasing items one at a time. Thus, also saving money by only buying pans which one actually needs rather than getting a box full of pans in which only one or two are used.

After one has decided on their preferred bakeware pans, then it is time to go home and get cooking. Therefore, regardless of which pan one is using, all of these are easier to clean than a cast iron skillet. Although extremely messy to clean up, cornbread and fried bread remain the best ever when cooked in an iron skillet. To this end, whether glass, silicone, stainless steel or cast iron skillet, one thing is for sure and that is that there is definitely a wide variety of pans from which to choose and many ways in which to use them. - 32190

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Making A Fantasy Reality With Silicone Bakeware Pans

By Jack Bennington

It is quite frustrating to encourage kids to learn the art of baking. Normally they would just brush off the idea and head out the door when you start placing those tin pans in the working area. They are thinking it is no fun, just hard work. Eventually you do want to ruin your baking materials or hold those hot bakeware pans straight out off the oven. But not anymore.

Nowadays leading manufacturers of bakeware pans are discovering the wonders of using a more flexible material in replacement of those traditional tins and steels. After a long while they finally have launched a new improved product to address the frustration of having perfectly baked goods each time using a controversial material that shaped the history of cosmetic surgery in 1980.

You heard it right. Silicones are now invading the kitchen. This material have gone out of its way from the medical field into a household must have. This type of bakewares are ideal for low fat baking.Flexible yet functional, it surpasses the other materials used in bakewares. It is a must have in any kitchen.

Its versatility has made a name in the industry. Store it just anywhere. No matter how cozy it is the bakeware pan can perfectly fit the space. Roll it. Stack it. Fold it. It does not matter. It would just go back to its original form when needed. It is safe to use. Expect no burns or wounds that can scare of your children. It cools down in two minutes. You can put it inside the freezer or microwave. Cleaning it is such a breeze. Pop it inside the dish washer or soak it in warm soapy water the residue and oil would just brush off.

It has a high heat resistance level. It can withstand high temperature up to 500 or more Fahrenheit degrees. Unlike other bakeware there is a low chance of burning those cakes. No burnt bottoms or sides. It cooks evenly each time and requires less cooking time.

It is non-stick so forget using oil to line those pans. It is an ideal material for people who would like to maintain a low fat diet without the frustration of obtaining a perfectly baked product all the time.

There is one reminder though. Always use a tray or cookie sheet when pouring out the batter. Silicone bakeware pans is unable to support itself once filled with liquid. Expect some spills when transporting it to the oven. Unless you are a good balance artist then try using this recommendation.

The kitchen is no longer for slave. An exciting material to have combining flexibility, versatility and function into one. Enjoy using it with your kids and save some money from replacing those old rusty bakeware pans. It can last you a long time creating more tasty bonding moments with your love ones. So what are you waiting for? It is time to teach those children how to enjoy the art of baking. So grab one today and start having fun in the kitchen. - 32190

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Ideas For Everyday Healthy Recipes

By Adriana Noton

In today's world, obesity and weight problems have become epidemic in many countries. Due to the augmentation of work and stress, and the lack of free time, people have started to rely more and more on "junk food". Everybody has their own excuse to avoid cooking good foods at home. But the truth is that healthy recipes are at everybody's hand. There are many different foods that are good for your body that you might not even know of!

Plenty of fruits and vegetables are the key to eating healthy. They are filled with the essential vitamins and nutrients your body and your brain needs to function and make it through the day. If you think you do not possess the time required to cook those healthy recipes, you are wrong! Of course there are some more complex recipes, but there are also plenty of super easy and super fast ones.

So for your next breakfast, try this: 30g of whole grain cereals and 175g of yogurt mixed together, with 125ml of orange juice on the side. You don't like orange juice? Not a problem! You can substitute for your choice of vegetable of fruit juice, as long as it is 100% pure. You can also add as many fresh fruits as you want to your breakfast. For even more delicious nutritious, add in some scrambled eggs. Now that is a quick and nutritious morning!

Now if you work out of the house, lunch can be a little tricky. So if you must eat out, try to remember what not to eat: no fast food and no over processed food. Feeding your body this kind of stuff will not make you feel better. Also try to keep an eye on sugary, fatty or salty food. You do not have to avoid them, moderation is always the key.

Blend together some tuna, fat free mayonnaise and some shredded cheese or your choice to make your own tuna spread. See? It is as simple as that! These healthy recipes are just an example of what you could eat. If for any reason you do not like what is suggested in those, here is a simple tip to remind you of what consists of a healthy meal. You should pick 3 food groups for a healthy breakfast, and 4 for lunch.

Also remember to take it easy on the protein. For a balanced diet, you need a little bit of everything. Unfortunately most people's daily protein intake in greater than what it should be. You need to know that there are the good proteins and the lesser good ones. Things like dairy products and eggs are a good source, but careful to the fat percentage. Nuts likewise, but careful on the portion, again because of the fat.

For example: 1 lb of boneless chicken cut into strips, 1/4 cup of fat free Italian dressing, 2 cups of frozen of fresh mixed vegetable of your choice and 1 teaspoon of light soy sauce. Fry the chicken and dressing in a large skillet, add the veggies and soy sauce and fry for another 5 minutes. Dinner ready to eat for four! Have any leftovers? Why not make them the next day's lunch and save yourself even more time!

Try to keep an open mind and stay creative when trying some new healthy recipes. Nothing is impossible, and you will slowly but surely get more and more confident in your new found cooking skills. Eventually, mixing ingredients together will come naturally. Until then, feel free to surf the net, or get a new cookbook to inspire you! - 32190

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KitchenAid Food Processors Are Better Than Blenders

By Mark Diesel

When most people think of smoothies, and frozen drinks, they typically think of the blender. The blender has long been a staple of kitchens and bars everywhere.

Blenders can chop ice, it can puree soups and salsas and it can even chop up fruits and vegetables into fine pieces. However, if you've never used a food processor before, you'll be surprised to find out that a food processor can do many things a blender can't.

Blenders and food processors do look somewhat similar. Each have a large opening on the top where the ingredients are added to be cut-up. Plus, the bottom of both units have the motor that is turned on by controls on the front. This is where the same characteristics end.

It's no big secret that blenders are super at blending stuff up. As stated earlier, iced-drinks are quickly made with one of these handy little gadgets. A lot of kitchens around the world have these appliances. Many who are into aerobics use them to make healthy meal replacements, restaurants use them to speed up their meal preparation, and the rest of us use them to make fruity drinks.

However, when it comes to blenders, they really can't hold up against food processors when it comes to more solid foods. Have you ever put a whole apple into a blender to see what would happen? The apple does get chopped, but it's often halfway done. The blender's just not efficient when it comes to solid foods. That's why many people prefer a food processor over a blender.

Solid foods are no match for a food processor. It can slice, cut, and chop the hardest of foods so just go ahead and add anything you can think of. Try using that with a blender and you'll be sorry. The functions of a food processor accommodates pretty much any hard food. Don't cut-up anything buy hand, use a food processor. Plus, the food processor can do the shakes and fruity drinks too.

Food processors are now the obvious choice over any blender. It's hard to understand why their are not more kitchens with them. All of their features and functionality makes them the perfect appliance for restaurants and homes for making meals day in and day out. - 32190

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Several Thoughts On The Use Of Glass Bakeware Pans

By Jack Bennington

Glass bakeware pans currently do not seem to be as popular as they once were. Although they are decent for cooking many foods, they can generally pose a lot of problems. However, there are some people that still insist upon using these types of bakeware pans for their personal baking. Here are some of the main noteworthy points about glass pans.

Glass pans are generally pretty heavy and weighty to work with. They are equal to or even heavier than some ceramic pans even. But some people enjoy this factor about this type of bakeware. They claim that the thickness makes it more sturdy and reliable to work with while baking.

But because of how heavy these pans can be, they can be easier to drop than other pans. Being made out of glass, these pans are very easy to break. This is not the most convenient option to be using for your baking, obviously. If you just think about how much money can be spent replacing broken glass pans, you'll see that these are not a money saver.

In general, glass pans tend to be very expensive. They are more of a value for their appearance than anything else it would seem. The price that you pay for a glass pan, you could spend buying multiple metal or ceramic pans. And even these would be more versatile than glass can be.

The pans are not very nonstick friendly either. If you want to avoid sticking, then use flour or a nonstick cooking spray before you start baking. Otherwise, you are going to have a hard time getting food off of the surface and it will be even worse if the food has been baked or burnt on. Your best bet is to do what you can to contribute to nonstick cooking. It will save you a lot of time on cleaning up.

Outside of this, the pans do a good job sustaining in the heat while cooking. Various types of glass can handle various types of temperatures. Pay attention to your packaging to find out how high your glass bakeware pans can handle when you are baking with them.

So should you invest in glass bakeware pans? It really depends on what your own preferences are. Some people enjoy pans like these and other people completely dislike the use of them at all. If you like pans with a little more weight to them, then this can be a good option for you. However, if you don't like something so easily breakable, you should probably consider a different type of bakeware instead.

Overall, glass bakeware pans can give you the same results that any other bakeware pans will give you as long as you bake correctly with them. There is no wrong or right in this case. If you are not sure if they are right for you, consider trying a pan out and seeing what you really think of your experience with it. - 32190

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