1/29/2012

KitchenAid PRO 500 Series 5-Quart Mixers Review

KitchenAid PRO 500 Series 5-Quart Mixers
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This mixer is absolutely fantastic! The lift mixer is so much better than the stand style mixers in that the stand mixers get worn out and the bowl tends to jump around. I used to work with a stand style mixer and I would have to put all of my weight on the bowl while I was mixing stuff to keep the bowl from flying out into the kitchen! The motor is super powerful and I am very pleased with it. Since I started making everything we eat from scratch it is nice to have this great mixer to save me the labor of hand mixing stiff doughs and such. I noticed other people had problems with it. One person wrote that the bowl didn't stay in place at all, it needs to be snapped in, if you look at the back on the mixer you'll see a strip of metal where the bowl slides into, on the bowl where it meets the mixer is a metal nub, that's where it is supposed to snap in. They also said that they put the attachments in the dishwasher and they changed color. The instructions say to hand wash them ONLY!!!
It was an absolute pleasure just opening the box up that it came in. It came just as the seller described, brand new and shiny red. I look forward to years of use and everyday I admire it in my kitchen!

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Attractively housed in durable, die-cast metal, this stand mixer features a high-performance 325-watt motor that produces enough power to handle the heaviest mixtures and mix large batches easily. The unit's 10 speeds range from a very fast whip to a very slow stir, allowing for everything from whipping egg whites to slow churning bread dough, while its Soft Start function helps prevent ingredient splatter and flour clouds by gently accelerating to the selected speed after start-up. To ensure even blending, the appliance creates a unique mixing action that spins the beater clockwise while the shift spins counter clockwise. The mixer provides a 5-quart-capacity brushed-stainless-steel mixing bowl with a contoured handle, as well as a burnished flat beater, a burnished dough hook, a wire whip, and a one-piece pouring shield. Other highlights include a 9-cup flour capacity, direct-drive transmission with all-metal gears, automatic safety shut-off in the event of an obstruction or overloading, and a sturdy lifting mechanism that uses a metal arm and steel lever to effortlessly raise the ingredient-filled mixing bowl. Available in a variety of fashionable colors, the stand mixer measures 13-2/7 by 10-2/5 by 16-2/5 inches and carries a one-year hassle-free replacement warranty.

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MAC MTH-80 8" Chef's Knife w/ Dimples Review

MAC MTH-80 8 Chef's Knife w/ Dimples
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My wife and I have been using Henkels knives for some time, but were looking to switch to Japanese steel knives for the superior hardness and sharpness of the blades. We were very drawn to Kershaw Shun for both the beautiful look (who doesn't like Damascus steel?) and strong reputation and reviews. That kind of ended when we actually picked them up. The several Shun knives we tried were just too heavy and large-handled for me and particularly my wife's hands. We took a look at Global and liked the sharpness, but they seemed a bit too light for our tastes, as well as seeming like they might get slippery when wet with the metal handle. I'd read good things about MAC, but didn't have a local dealer. On a trip to Chicago, we finally got a chance to handle these and found the weight and balance to be perfect for our hands. We bought a few and have been overwhelmingly happy with them. While they may be fairly utilitarian in appearance, they're perfect workhorses in the kitchen. In addition to the perfect handles for medium to smaller hands, the thinner Japanese steel cuts through tougher vegetables (potatoes, carrots, etc) with less resistance than thicker blades. They hold their edge incredibly well with only occasional ceramic steeling. I have taken the time to put them across a couple Norton Arkansas stones and have been able to bring out a new degree of sharpness that has increased our satisfaction even further. Highly highly recommended.

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1/28/2012

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife Review

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife
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This knife was part of a gift, and I am pleased to say that it exceeded all expectations. There may be other brands with equal utility, but I have not had the pleasure of using them. I am not shy about blasting Wusthof or Henckels for charging obscene prices when another brand offers the same quality for less, but like several specialty knives in the line, this one is a winner. Put your electric whiz bang in the closet, and amaze your guests with this useful (and large) gem.

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This multi-purpose knife features a scalloped edge rather than a serrated one, so it's less abrasive when slicing through meat. With its wavy edge, juices from your meat stay intact. It's also ideal for slicing bread, pastries or cakes, offering cleaner, smoother cuts so there are fewer crumbs. It's fully forged, balanced and weighted and fits perfectly in the hand.Wusthof's newest state of the art technology incorporates a new computer controlled method for putting the edge on Classic knives. This technology allows for an exacting edge from the tip of the knife down to the heel of the knife. With this newer precision, the knives are made sharper to 14 degrees per side for a total of 28 degrees. The knives are now sharper and this refinement increases the sharpness retention because exacting angles and edges last longer than edges sharpened by hand. The result is a knife that is 30% sharper and the ICP (Initial Cutting Performance) lasts twice as long.

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Norpro Marble Pastry Roller Review

Norpro Marble Pastry Roller
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I had the all wood Norpro 3078 and I loved it because the handle was longer and fit my "Man Hands". The 3078 has cast aluminum on each side of the wooden grip to hold the rollers which make it longer and easier to grip. I have I admit I've kind of abused it. I left it soak which I know makes the wood swell and eventually the wood cracks and discolors. So after I ruined the one I had I thought I'd step up to the Marble Roller.
The Marble roller seemed better for many reasons I could neglect it and not worry about it being ruined, it is heavier so it would have more weight to roll the dough out, the marble would not stick to the dough and there are no pores that the dough could get into. I was correct about all of these assumptions but there are flaws other than the small handle that I didn't like. The first thing I noticed is the wire that holds the rolling pins to the handle were bent so the rolling pin was crooked, I bent that out. The next thing i noticed is that the bushings on the side of the marble rolling pins fall out all of the time, I guess I could have epoxied them on.
I gave this one up and just bought a new 3078 again. I just take better care of so it lasts longer than the previous one.
P.S. I've noticed Amazon shows two different versions of the wooden roller with the same item number. there is the longer one like I've mentioned and a short version that looks like this marble one.

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This heavy marble pastry roller by Norpro uses its heft to effortlessly flatten dough. Ideal for rolling out pie, cookie and pizza dough, this tool is double sided, with a 4 inch roller for broad surfaces and a 2.5 inch edger. Take advantage of the weighty marble to crush nuts, crackers and peppercorns, too. Stainless steel frame.Hand washing recommended.

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Staub Oval Cocotte Review

Staub Oval Cocotte
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I have hoped to find a true competitor to Le Creuset for years, one that was more affordable and of the same quality. Staub fills the bill, and fills it with style. This cocotte is large enough to accomodate a good-sized chicken, and is perfect for slow-cooked stews and braises. The interior coating is easy to clean and effectively non-stick. While its weight may be a deterrent for some, it is so attractive that it can be left on the stovetop or on a counter for easy access. It is my best purchase of the year and I look forward to using it for years to come.

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The Staub journey begins in Alsace, France.Rich in history, food, and craft, it is a region renowned for hearty one-pot recipes. Staub has been producing the best cast iron products for professional and aspiring cookssince 1974. Staub\'s French oven is a timeless standby for stews, roasts, soups, casseroles and other one-pot classics.Staub has perfected this tradition in our signature "La Cocotte" French Oven, the choice of some of the world's best chefs.La Cocotte moves beautifully from the stove to your table.

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Architec Gripperwood Endgrain Acacia Cutting Board, 13 by 13-Inch Review

Architec Gripperwood Endgrain Acacia Cutting Board, 13 by 13-Inch
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This cutting board is great. I love the look of the end grain, that's 50% of the reason I bought it. The other 50% is the price. It's an affordable end grain cutting board, which is not exactly easy to come by.
It's a bit lighter then the pictures here display, also a bit more brown then red. But after coating it with board oil it's gorgeous. I kind of want to hang it on my wall.
The rubber feet work great hold the board firmly. I should also note that mine is perfectly flat, no warping. I'm a stickler for cleaning it and it cleans easily. The board itself shows scarring from deep knife cuts but there is NO cut off or chipping. The cut lines seal nicely and only remain as lines, no physical imperfections.
The only reason this didn't get a 5 star rating is that it being end grain there is some knotting. The knotting is filled with some sort of resin that covers it to make it flat with the cutting surface (no depressions). I think the sealer/filler might wear out over time but I'm sure I could find a non-toxic filler if it ever needs it.
If you are looking for an affordable end grain cutting board that will hold up, look no further. If you're looking to spend a lot on a cutting board.... buy two.

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The Gripperwood End Grain Board is a beautiful non-slip cutting and serving board.Made of 100% Acacia Wood from controlled and sustainable forests. The End Grain design of each board is unique in pattern and shade of wood and is finished with a food safe moisture seal.A patented process permanently secures Gripper non-slip feet inside the wood without glue.The soft feet grip the counter while you work.Hand wash.

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1/27/2012

Electrolux DLX-2000 Magic Mill Assistent Stand Mixer, MagicMill DX200 N24 Assistant Review

Electrolux DLX-2000 Magic Mill Assistent Stand Mixer, MagicMill DX200 N24 Assistant
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Electrolux DLX-2000 Magic Mill Assistent Stand Mixer is a superb dough kneader. I make bread so I have not used it to make other food items. I took up bread making last year after a 25 year lapse. I started with an all in one bread maker but it was not versatile enough. I sold it. I then tried a Kitchen Aid Professional 600 which burned out after 5 minutes of kneading 6 cups of whole grain flour. I returned it. I bought the DLX-2000 and I haven't looked back. It handles 12 cups of whole grain flour without a hiccup. The resulting dough is beautiful.
This mixer is solidly constructed. The foot print is about the same as the large Kitchen Aid stand mixers but it is not as tall. It is much easier to use because the bowl is completely open. I bought the grain flaker attachment. I'll report later how it works.

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