The kitchen gadget under scrutiny today is the Kitchen Aid Counter Top Mixer. I have one. I love it. When I moved recently I made sure it was in the car with us so I knew where it was at all times. Crazy, huh? I know! But this thing is probably the best thing in my kitchen! It does everything. I don’t even use it to it’s capacity. I don’t think I even know how to use it to it’s capacity. The one I have pictured here is the Professional 600. I also have an older one, a white one that is a little smaller. I wish I had a picture to show you, but it is still not unpacked from the trailer, from when we moved. No more moving!!! Anyway! Do you need this mixer? No. A smaller, handheld mixer will do the job for most cooks. A handheld can make potatoes, cookies, and even mix bread dough. They are making them bigger and better. 
But this mixer will do it without having to be held. It can also do large batches at a time. Such a convenience. So, no, you don’t need it, but yes, it makes everything easier. It is definitely worth it. It can make really good cookies like these: 
 Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies (adapted from Ocean Spray Recipes) 2/3 cup softened Butter 2/3 cup Brown Sugar 2 large Eggs 1 1/2 cups Old Fashioned Oats 1 1/2 cup Flour 1 teaspoon Baking Soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cup Craisins Dried Cranberries 2/3 cup White Chocolate Chips 
 Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Using your mixer, beat butter and sugar together. 
When it is fluffy, add your eggs. Thoroughly mix. 
In a separate bowl, mix together your oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. 
Add your flour mix to the butter mix a little bit at a time, mixing well after each addition. 
Stop mixing with the mixer, and add cranberries and chips by hand. I put my cookies together by hand. I usually use a cookie scoop, but these really need to be hand formed. The scoop made them too rounded, Â and they stayed round while they cooked. I formed them into a round, flat cookie, and I think they looked better! Bake for 10-12 minutes, then cool on a wire rack! 
ENJOY! Join me tomorrow for next weeks grocery list. We are going to make a delicious picnic type meal that you can make for your Memorial Day Weekend. See you then!
