The Usefulness of Electric Mixers and Cake Mixes

An electric hand mixer can be a useful thing when mixing together recipes. However, they are only beneficial if the thing needing mixed requires more than thirty seconds of mixing time, which generally means the ingredients need to be 'whipped' not just mixed. This is likewise of note when making recipes that call for "creaming" the beginning ingredients. Because you must spend more than thirty seconds doing the above actions, it is most worth your time to buy an electric mixer that can operate without you holding it in the bowl (such as like the Kitchenaid types).

Note that when creaming or whipping the principle intent is to get the contents smooth and frothy (which is generally because of the presence of egg whites). To cream or whip you should use a whisk or whisk like attachment. Spades, spatulas, or spoon type implements will not give the desired result without an increased effort and more time.

Boxed cake mixes also have their useful properties. If your intent is speed, a boxed mix is handy. Often it is convenient when one already has the oven heated for other baking purposes to quickly prepare a box cake to follow the main dish and therefore use the energy already expended to raise the temperature of the oven. However, it is good practice in using long-term food storage items to create cake mixes from scratch. When possible, create ready-made mixes of your own to use in the tight pinch. Practice using correct portions and substitutes so that you are prepared to make due with whatever presents itself. Applesauce can be used as a substitute for butter or crisco in many recipes. Oil can be omitted and water used in its place. Several alternatives for sugar are available, including natural blended fruit substitutes.

If you do not suceed in your first baking attempts, do not get discouraged. Of all things, a dessert is the least valuable in your meal so an occasional flub will not destroy the eating habits of the family. Yet, if you do succeed in creating more healthy and quick ways to supply the end of meal sweets, your family will rejoice with you in your creativity.