Unleash Your Culinary Creativity: Delicious Recipes with the KitchenAid New Evergreen Stand Mixer
## Introduction
The KitchenAid stand mixer is a kitchen icon, renowned for its versatility, power, and durability. The new Evergreen color is a stunning addition to the KitchenAid family, bringing a touch of nature and sophistication to any countertop. This article explores how to leverage the capabilities of your new Evergreen KitchenAid stand mixer to create a variety of delicious recipes, from classic baked goods to savory delights. We’ll provide detailed steps, helpful tips, and variations to inspire your culinary journey.
## Getting Started: Understanding Your KitchenAid Stand Mixer
Before diving into recipes, let’s familiarize ourselves with the key components and attachments of your KitchenAid stand mixer:
* **The Bowl:** Usually stainless steel, it comes in various sizes. Make sure you have the right bowl for the amount of food you’re preparing.
* **The Beater:** The flat beater is your go-to for most mixing tasks, like creaming butter and sugar, making cookie dough, and preparing cake batter.
* **The Whisk:** The wire whisk is ideal for whipping air into ingredients, such as egg whites, cream, and meringue.
* **The Dough Hook:** The dough hook is specifically designed for kneading bread dough and other heavy mixtures.
* **Speed Settings:** Understanding the speed settings is crucial for optimal results. Lower speeds (1-2) are for gentle stirring, medium speeds (4-6) are for mixing and creaming, and higher speeds (8-10) are for whipping and aerating.
## Recipe 1: Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
This recipe is a timeless classic that showcases the KitchenAid’s ability to effortlessly combine ingredients for perfect cookies every time.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In the bowl of your Evergreen KitchenAid stand mixer, fitted with the flat beater, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes 2-3 minutes on medium speed (speed 4).
2. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed (speed 2) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a spatula until evenly distributed.
6. **Chill Dough (Optional):** For thicker cookies, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). This allows the gluten to relax and the flavors to meld.
7. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
8. **Drop Dough onto Baking Sheet:** Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
10. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **For Chewier Cookies:** Use melted butter instead of softened butter.
* **For Crispier Cookies:** Use a higher ratio of granulated sugar to brown sugar.
* **Add Nuts:** Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for added texture and flavor.
* **Use Different Chocolate:** Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or chunks of your favorite chocolate bar.
* **Sea Salt Sprinkle:** Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the sweetness.
## Recipe 2: Homemade Bread
The KitchenAid’s dough hook makes kneading bread a breeze. This recipe yields a delicious and crusty loaf of homemade bread.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 ¼ cups warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
* 1 ½ teaspoons salt
* 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing
**Instructions:**
1. **Activate Yeast:** In the bowl of your Evergreen KitchenAid stand mixer, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. **Add Flour, Salt, and Oil:** Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Attach the dough hook to your KitchenAid stand mixer.
3. **Knead the Dough:** Knead the dough on low speed (speed 2) for 8-10 minutes, or until it forms a smooth and elastic ball. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and be slightly tacky to the touch. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
4. **First Rise:** Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. **Punch Down Dough:** Gently punch down the dough to release the air.
6. **Shape the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a loaf or a round. Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. **Second Rise:** Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
8. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
9. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F.
10. **Cool:** Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **For a Crustier Crust:** Place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking to create steam.
* **Add Herbs:** Knead in chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for added flavor.
* **Add Seeds:** Sprinkle the loaf with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or sunflower seeds before baking.
* **Whole Wheat Bread:** Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Start with a 50/50 ratio and adjust to your liking.
* **Sourdough Starter:** Use a sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast for a tangy and complex flavor. Adjust the recipe accordingly.
## Recipe 3: Meringue Kisses
The KitchenAid’s whisk attachment makes creating stable and glossy meringue a breeze. These meringue kisses are a light and delicate treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 large egg whites, room temperature
* ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* Food coloring (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Baking Sheet and Piping Bag:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Fit a piping bag with a round tip or a star tip.
2. **Whisk Egg Whites and Cream of Tartar:** In the bowl of your Evergreen KitchenAid stand mixer, fitted with the wire whisk, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed (speed 6) until soft peaks form. Soft peaks are when the tips of the egg whites curl over when the whisk is lifted.
3. **Gradually Add Sugar:** Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed (speed 8) until stiff, glossy peaks form. Stiff peaks are when the tips of the egg whites stand straight up when the whisk is lifted. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
4. **Add Vanilla and Food Coloring (Optional):** Beat in the vanilla extract. If using food coloring, add a few drops and mix gently until the color is evenly distributed.
5. **Pipe Meringue Kisses:** Transfer the meringue to the prepared piping bag. Pipe small kisses or swirls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each kiss.
6. **Bake at Low Temperature:** Bake at 200°F (95°C) for 1-1.5 hours, or until the meringues are dry and crisp. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. The meringues should be easily lifted from the parchment paper.
7. **Cool Completely:** Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This prevents them from cracking.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Room Temperature Egg Whites:** Room temperature egg whites whip up to a greater volume than cold egg whites.
* **Clean Bowl and Whisk:** Make sure the bowl and whisk are completely clean and free of any grease or oil, as this can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
* **Different Flavors:** Add a few drops of your favorite extract, such as almond extract, peppermint extract, or lemon extract, for different flavors.
* **Chocolate Drizzle:** Dip the bottom of the cooled meringues in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
* **Sandwich Cookies:** Sandwich two meringues together with a dollop of whipped cream or buttercream frosting.
## Recipe 4: Perfect Mashed Potatoes
The KitchenAid stand mixer takes the effort out of making creamy and lump-free mashed potatoes.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered (Russet, Yukon Gold, or a combination)
* ½ cup milk or cream, warmed
* 4 tablespoons butter, softened
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, chives, or other seasonings
**Instructions:**
1. **Boil Potatoes:** Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
2. **Drain Potatoes:** Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot.
3. **Mash Potatoes:** Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until they are mostly smooth. This step helps to prevent overmixing in the KitchenAid.
4. **Add Warm Milk and Butter:** In the bowl of your Evergreen KitchenAid stand mixer, fitted with the flat beater, add the mashed potatoes, warm milk (or cream), and softened butter.
5. **Beat Until Smooth:** Beat on low speed (speed 2) until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
6. **Season to Taste:** Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to taste.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Warm Milk/Cream:** Warming the milk or cream prevents the potatoes from cooling down too quickly and helps them to absorb the liquid more easily.
* **Brown Butter:** Brown the butter before adding it to the potatoes for a richer and nuttier flavor.
* **Roasted Garlic:** Roast a head of garlic and mash the cloves into the potatoes for a delicious garlic flavor.
* **Sour Cream or Cream Cheese:** Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
* **Herbs:** Stir in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for added flavor.
## Recipe 5: Creamy Cheesecake
Creating a perfectly smooth and creamy cheesecake is easy with the help of your KitchenAid stand mixer.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Crust:**
* 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
* 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* **For the Filling:**
* 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* 3 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¾ cup sour cream
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Crust:** In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup to help pack the crust evenly.
2. **Bake the Crust (Optional):** For a crispier crust, bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely before adding the filling.
3. **Prepare the Filling:** In the bowl of your Evergreen KitchenAid stand mixer, fitted with the flat beater, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This is a very important step; do not skip it! It will help to ensure a smooth cheesecake.
4. **Add Sugar:** Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. **Add Eggs:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cheesecake to crack.
6. **Add Vanilla and Sour Cream:** Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until well combined.
7. **Pour Filling into Crust:** Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust.
8. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 55-70 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly. A slight wobble in the center is perfect.
9. **Cool Gradually:** Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps to prevent cracking. Then, remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
10. **Chill:** Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
11. **Serve:** Run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan. Remove the sides of the springform pan and serve.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Water Bath:** To prevent cracking, bake the cheesecake in a water bath. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly in aluminum foil. Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water to the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
* **Different Crusts:** Use a different type of crust, such as an Oreo crust, a gingersnap crust, or a shortbread crust.
* **Flavor Variations:** Add different flavors to the filling, such as lemon zest, chocolate chips, or fruit purees.
* **Toppings:** Top the cheesecake with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce.
## Maintaining Your Evergreen KitchenAid Stand Mixer
To ensure your KitchenAid stand mixer lasts for years to come, follow these maintenance tips:
* **Cleaning:** Clean the bowl and attachments immediately after use. Most are dishwasher safe, but check the manufacturer’s instructions.
* **Wiping the Base:** Wipe the base of the mixer with a damp cloth to remove any spills or splatters.
* **Checking the Grease:** Occasionally, you may need to check the grease in the gears. If the mixer is making excessive noise or running roughly, it may need to be regreased. Consult the owner’s manual for instructions.
* **Proper Storage:** Store the mixer in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
## Conclusion
The KitchenAid Evergreen stand mixer is more than just a beautiful appliance; it’s a versatile tool that can help you create a wide range of delicious recipes. From classic cookies and homemade bread to creamy cheesecakes and perfect mashed potatoes, the possibilities are endless. By following the recipes and tips in this article, you can unlock your culinary creativity and enjoy the many benefits of owning a KitchenAid stand mixer. So, get in the kitchen, embrace the joy of baking and cooking, and let your Evergreen KitchenAid be your trusted companion on your culinary adventures!