recipe knowledge

mumu · #1 08-31-2007, 04:54 PM

Hi,

Can any one help me on this question? I have many recipes written that say with a electric mixer , are they talking about a stand mixer or a hand held ? How are you suppose to know which one they are referring to, and would the recipe be written differently for each one? Or should I say does the recipe direction change for either one? Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.
Mumu

Suzanne · #2 08-31-2007, 05:09 PM

Sometimes it doesn't matter which type of electric mixer you use -- when you are mixing something light like a batter, or whipping egg yolks, egg whites, or cream. You can do those easily with either a stand mixer or a handheld one. But when you want to mix something heavy and dense, like bread or cookie/biscuit dough, a stand mixer is the way to go. Stand mixers usually have stronger motors and beaters, and are more stable. So your first clue is: what is the recipe making?

You might be able to tell which they mean (if they actually prefer one type but don't tell you) by whether the recipe says to use attachments: if it says to use the paddle attachment or dough hook, most likely it means for a stand mixer. When it calls for a whip or whisk attachment, it's also probably a stand mixer -- I'm not sure if whips are standard attachments for handheld mixers.

But really, if one type of mixer will do the job better than the other type, the recipe should be specific about which to use. That's something I see (or don't see

) a lot in my work, and it drives me crazy. The cook reading the recipe needs to know what tools are best to use!!!!

mumu · #3 08-31-2007, 05:44 PM

Thank you for your response. Does the recipe directions change for either of the mixers? I guess i mean when a recipe is written can it be meant for using either one? My recipes do not give any hints like paddle etc... just says with a electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds beat butter and sugar. This is a cookie recipe I am trying to make. Just starting off in baking and really would like to know if recipes are short like the one above and no hints how does one like myself just starting off tell which to use? Thats why I ask about can directions be meant for both mixers. HELP!

Mumu

mumu · #4 09-02-2007, 03:46 PM

Hi,

Sorry to bug every one ! I just would like to clarify my question. On my recipes, because they dont say or go in depth i plan on using a hand held mixer when they say electric mixer and was wandering if i ever decided to use a stand mixer in place of hand held would i have to adjust the recipes any, like for instant say medium speed? Any help would be appreciated. Would a hand held mixer recipe be the same for a stand mixer?

Thanks,
Mumu

siduri · #5 09-02-2007, 04:02 PM

A stand mixer would take less time to beat, the hand held mixer more. Don;t worry too much about it, if it says beat till light and fluffy, then that's what you have to think about. You could also beat by hand and it will come out, if you have the strength. I used to do all my recipes by and because i didn;t have any mixer at all. It's not such a big deal, believe me.

DC Sunshine · #6 09-02-2007, 10:01 PM

I agree with Siduri. In this case use whichever you prefer, depending on your endurance

I would assume in most recipes that they would be referring to a stand mixer, but just use what works for you, thinking about what the recipe is asking for. If it says beat for 15 minutes for example, I'd go the stand mixer. Pretty boring and/or exhausting otherwise!!!

Good Luck,
DC

joujoudoll · #7 09-02-2007, 10:05 PM

One time when I was about 10 years old, I tried making marshmallows at my grandma's house with a hand held mixer because she didn't have a stand mixer.... That was the biggest mistake I've ever made. The mess was horrible and it took about 8 hours to clean all the sticky egg white off the floors, counters, and cabinets.... So, ALWAYS USE A STAND MIXER FOR MARSHMALLOWS!!! Hahahaha.

.<3
Stephanie

mumu · #8 09-04-2007, 03:58 PM

So am I understanding that when a recipe says use medium speed and if I choose either hand held or stand mixer,I wouldnt change the speeds on either ones and the only result would be that by using stand mixer I would get done faster. RIGHT? Also could some one answer me on this, why do recipes mention a range like for instant beat with an electric mixer on medium to high for 30 seconds. They are talking about softening the butter, but why do they have medium to high for? I am very new in baking and just trying to understand the recipes. Thanks for all the help!!!

Mumu