Cooking Resources

lilybean · 09-26-2011, 02:16 PM

Sorry but I'm really new to baking. I wanted to bake cakes in the past but all the mixes I saw in the store indicated that I would need an electric mixer that has different settings in order to mix the batter. I can't really afford to invest in a mixer right now, and I really don't need the clutter of an extra gadget. Is there any technique I could employ using a hand wisk that would give me decent results? TIA

**Katie H** · 09-26-2011, 03:08 PM

Don't know how toned up and strong your arms are, but many cake mixes call for whipping eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, which can take up to 10 minutes using a mixer. That could be quite a workout by hand.

However, instead of investing in a stand mixer, which you say is not in your financial cards right now, take a look at some of the lesser expensive hand mixers. I have a 5-speed KitchenAid one that is a real trooper and it can be had at a reasonable price if you shop wisely. Especially if you surf Internet sites.

You might go that route until you can get a stand mixer.

betterthanabox · 09-26-2011, 03:09 PM

I'm sure you can make a cake without a mixer. After all, cakes are older than kitchenaid mixers. I really like my kitchenaid though. If you are looking for something inexpensive why not get a cheap hand mixer. But what you can achieve with a mixer, you can do with a little muscle.

jabbur · 09-26-2011, 03:15 PM

I always use my hand mixer for my cakes. I only pull out my kitchenaid stand mixer for big batches of cookies or pizza dough. You can get a decent hand mixer for around $35-$40. There are cheaper ones in the $20 range but I've never been very impressed with less expensive ones.

betterthanabox · 09-26-2011, 03:24 PM

Yard sales are a great place to look.

CharlieD · 09-26-2011, 03:28 PM

My grandma had two pots, two frying pans and one baking dish. No electric mixers were even available. I still do not know anybody who can cook or bake better than she did.
As long as you can wisk really hard and really fast you are good to go without one.
Don't believe anybody that you need one.

**Katie H** · 09-26-2011, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by betterthanabox

Yard sales are a great place to look.

Omigosh! Absolutely. I've gotten some of my nicest and most expensive (if purchased new and in a retail store) appliances at yard sales and thrift stores. Plus most users manuals can be easily downloaded from the Internet if those are missing. I can't believe I forgot to recommend this avenue for you.

betterthanabox · 09-26-2011, 04:44 PM

I have found a lot of times, if you ask if they have the users manual they have it and give it to you.

babetoo · 09-26-2011, 05:16 PM

you don't have to have one. but they sure handy. i have one that is on a stand but comes off for a hand mixer. it is an inexpensive Cuisinart.

bakechef · 09-26-2011, 07:35 PM

If you can get a 70's era hand mixer or older in good shape, it will likely last you forever. My mom only had a hand mixer and did just fine.

I learned to make everything with a bowl and wooden spoon in a vocational school. I also learned to whip egg whites and cream with a whisk.

If you are only going to give a mixer light or occasional use, they are handy to have especially for the whipped cream and egg whites, go with a cheap one. If you are going to give one any serious use, go for something in the $40-50 range.