It's been awhile since I've posted. I have taken my time to enjoy life without a computer. As it turns out, much can be accomplished without its constant nagging!
This weekend was my birthday. 27 on the 27th! I was whisked away by my sweet, charming, handsome husband for a weekend of peace, comfort, and play time.
I thought I'd share our photo from Benihana's. This place is one of my favorite. I enjoy sitting around a flat top grill with people who I've never met, listening to the incessant chatter. The table chefs are goofy, making volcanoes out of cooking onions and shaping fried rice into hearts.
I just thought I'd mention... Treat your hubby well. When it's your birthday, be specific about what you want to do, where you want to go, who you want to spend the time with, what gift would float your boat, etc. Specifics make all the difference in the world. It worked for me!
Speaking of being specific, check out my birthday gift:
I let him know what I wanted, I let him know where to get it, and I didn't mention it again! This weekend I'll post what I've whipped up. I'm planning english muffins, strawberry jam (with my berries from the produce co-op), and Heather's hot cross buns.Seeing that it's Works for me Wednesdays: Backwards Edition, I thought I would ask - does anyone have any tips for a newbie with a stand mixer? Maybe there are some hints you have that EVERYONE needs to know about stand mixers? :) I know when you make butter, you need to set the mixer in a roasting pan, but I don't know what the difference is between 8 minutes and 10 minutes of mixing a batch of bread or how to ensure the dough doesn't stick to the hook. What about great recipes for newbies too? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
~Allie
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You lucky! I would love a stand mixer like that. Let me know what you think of it. I might need to start hinting around - Mother's Day is coming up!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
When you add flour, use the lowest setting until it's incorporated.
ReplyDeleteIf you make heavy doughs or knead bread, check the motor every once in a while. If it feels warm, stop and finish by hand or let it cool off.
And don't let the dough creep up the hook! If it gets up to the gears or shaft of the attachment, it will pick up mechanical grease and taste really, really bad!
Oh, and every bread recipe is different. Look for the gluten window to know when it's done.
Gluten Window how to
I have the same mixer and I really like it. It's so much more powerful than the KitchenAid.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I have any tips, but I will say that since getting this mixer, homemade bread has become a beautiful reality!
What a wonderful gift and weekend for you! Happy birthday!
Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI shopped around, consumer reported, read reviews, etc. I have Cuisinart small appliances and have been happy with their performance. I found that most Kitchenaid owners (of the newer lines, say past 10 years) have had to replace between years 2 & 3. Kitchenaids come with a 1 year warranty so that was a bummer to find. The Cuisinart has a 3 yr/5 yr warranty so I'm more comfortable with the purchase.
Milehimama, thanks for the great tips AND the link to the Gluten Development. The wildyeastblog.com looks like a fun site to peruse!
Andrea, great to hear! I'll have to check out your blog and see if there are any recipes I should try.
~Allie
Awesome! Great hubby! Happy late birthday! :)
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