THE PERFECT WEDDING GIFT….THE VERSATILE KITCHENAID STAND MIXER….

Though the traditional bridal registry has been around for years, the needs of modern brides have evolved beyond just the standard formal, fine china….the iconic KitchenAid stand mixer that comes with attachments for every imaginable task including  pasta making, cheese shredding, sausage stuffing etc. it is the ultimate kitchen tool available in eight exciting colours in India and is the hottest new wedding gift as one wants to fill one’s home with pieces that are an expression of their own style, just like building one’s own wardrobe…..

DID YOU KNOW?

The KitchenAid Stand Mixer is expertly hand assembled in Greenville, Ohio, home of KitchenAid since 1919.

A NOSTALGIC CONNECT

Brides to be lust after and look forward to get past the wedding so they can spend more time with the love of their life: a shiny, colour of their choice KitchenAid stand mixer. Like many brides of generations past and present, most brides put the iconic mixer atop their gift registry abroad.

For girls who grew up watching their grandmothers or mothers make homemade meringue and bread, the KitchenAid mixer is just as much a symbol of nostalgia as it is a kitchen tool to be passed down through the generations. These brides say the best thing about getting married; besides falling in love is finally being able to satisfy their thirst for nostalgia and adorn their countertops with this wedding present. Sample this, the mixer enthusiast’s devotion runs so much so from naming the appliance and working it into divorce agreements, to getting a tattoo and taking it with her to the grave. Today, many to be married couples are mixing different styles; incorporating both casual and formal elements to create an environment that they love to come home to and Wedding registry gifts a timeless trend is catching up in India as well as what could be a better way  for your loved ones to honour a milestone in their life. Simply put, this is the greatest indispensable appliance of all time and it will last forever like a good marriage one hopes for!

TIP

For a more creative and personal touch a good idea is to include some family recipes with the stand mixer gift.

  

WHAT MAKES IT TICK?

The mixer has had a long time following and continues to be a coveted wedding gift, according to wedding industry experts. Owing to the fact that not only is it a very useful tool to have, but it comes in fun colours. Even people who don’t cook all that much want the KitchenAid to stand proudly on their counter and accessorize their kitchen. In India KitchenAid offers the mixer in colours such as Tangerine, Raspberry Ice, Candy Apple, Onyx Black etc. The most popular colour for newly married couples, however, is the Empire Red. One of the newest improvements to the KitchenAid stand mixer is their sturdiest wire whip yet. Unlike the dough hook and paddle attachments, the whip have several different parts affixed together, making it the part that takes the most abuse literally. When the couple already has the mixer, the pasta roller attachment is phenomenal for making fresh pasta a regular event rather than a special chore. Other attachments include the ice cream maker, a meat grinder, and a citrus juicer. Known as the workhorse and the ‘John Deere of the kitchen’, the appliance is valued by most users because it makes cooking easy and fun. It saves the hands so much time to continue prepping other ingredients as one need not stand and watch as things mix together. Basically this decadently versatile stand mixer is a smaller version of commercial-size models; and is designed with enough power and capacity to prepare large batches of cake batter or cookie dough without compromising one the kitchen counter space. ‘Food should be fun’ as Thomas Keller once said and the KitchenAid Stand mixer just does that…. as the KitchenAid mixer can turn any novice to a bonafide chef. Happy Cooking on that note!

FUN FACT

The KitchenAid mixer company got its name when the founder of KitchenAid Herbert Johnson gave the wives of the executives at his company a prototype model and one of the exclaimed, ‘I don’t care what you call it, but I know it’s the best kitchen aid I’ve ever had!’

THE CHEMISTRY

Retro styled and easy to use, the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer is the perfect kitchen companion. Employing a unique tilting head to facilitate bowl and content removal, this mixer is undeniably handy

THE BIOLOGY

The Planetary action allows attachments to spin independently while making continual rotations around the bowl for thorough mixing. Ten speeds range from very slow stirring to very high beating. Head tilts for easy removal of work bowl and beaters. Has a Power hub for use with optional attachments. 5-qt. stainless-steel bowl locks to base and Includes flat beater, dough hook, wire whip and pouring shield.

  

VEGETARIANISM THE LATEST FAD

Hectic lifestyles with a bombardment of health messages sure leave most of us confused. Most of us try diets, and the latest trend now is a Vegetarian food diet and there are posh only vegetarian restaurants opening by the dozen! Transition to vegetarianism is on the rise and more and more people are worried about what they are eating and soon enough Vegetarian food consumption will boom worldwide.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to research, vegetarians tend to live longer on an average than those who eat meat-based food regularly. This is the main reason why people all around the world are becoming vegetarians. After all, herbivores are generally healthier than carnivores. This is also the reason why doctors recommend following a vegetarian diet to patients with obesity, arthritis, asthma, osteoporosis, gout, ulcers, arthritis, hypertension, allergies, gallstones, piles, colitis, kidney stones, depression, and premenstrual syndrome.

Interestingly Vegetarianism dates back to a time before recorded history. Many anthropologists believe that most early humans ate primarily plant foods, being more gatherers than hunters. While being a vegetarian isn’t for everyone (including me), I meet lots of people every day who tell me they are vegetarians or would like to become one! According to many big name industry analysts and food companies, is that vegetarian dining and a reduced level of meat consumption is a rapid growing top food trend across the world. Proof of this can be found in the grocery store. Where Heinz used to be the only vegetarian baked beans available, now there are several varieties on the shelf, from Campbell’s to store brands. On most menus throughout the US, Canada and Europe I noticed vegetarian options for those who prefer the vegetarian diet. Vegetarians believe that this diet is much healthier than the average diet, which includes animal products. Last time when I flew by Emirates to Seattle, I noticed the vegetarian meal option seemed very creative for an airplane.

The Vegetarian Mezze Platter On Emirates Business Class

At a wedding dinner I again noticed a gamut of dishes for the vegetarians and while eating in a restaurant in India, l have noticed the growing trend toward vegetarianism. 

 Verdure Ripiene - at Artusi, a posh Italian Restaurant in Delhi

Interestingly on a recent trip to Mumbai I stayed at the Sofitel Luxury Hotel and I was mesmerized by the splendour of classical French Heritage and the magnificence, beauty and luxury of a world-class hotel. Interestingly with The Bharat Diamond Bourse aka the world’s largest Diamond Bourse having moved to Bandra Kurla Complex, Sofitel Luxury Hotel has been smart and opened ‘Tuskers’, a Vegetarian Dining Bar especially for the selective eaters.

True to its name the restaurant is inspired by the most regal of creatures, the merciful vegetarians i.e. the Elephants. I found Tuskers to be a delicious mix of contemporary ambience echoed in the rich warm leathers, walnut chesterfields, carpets, grill works, elephant motifs and plush wood. The restaurant had on offer the choicest vegetarian fare, simmered to perfection in the most exotic spices. To complement the food, the wine cellar houses a fine repertoire of wines and the bar offers a range of exclusive and rare single malts, as well as classic cocktails.

A VEGETARIAN SAGA BY MICHELIN STAR CHEF VIKAS KHANNA

Master chef Vikas Khanna recently launched his book alongside KitchenAid’s cordless hand blender with excellent Vegetarian recipes.

‘Hymns from the Soil’ is an exquisite amalgamation of gentle, pure, heart-warming tales from a vegetarian kitchen that overflows with nature’s harvest. The recipes in the book accentuate the purity and spirituality of vegetarian food while bringing in cultural and regional nuances. This food journey is interspersed with Vikas’s own personal journey – whether it is going back to his kitchen garden in Amritsar and waiting for the cardamom to grow as a curious child or to exploring the cardamom spice farms as an adult, with the same level of excitement and enthusiasm. Hymns from the Soil offers a heartening tribute as Chef Vikas Khanna bows to Mother Earth.

CELEBRITY BYTES

Gaurav Gera

Shahid Kapoor is the winner of the title of Asia's Sexiest Vegetarian Man for 2011 after a fierce battle on PETA Asia Pacific website. Singer Faye Wong had been crowned Asia's Sexiest Vegetarian Woman. 

Actor Director Deepak Tijori

Actor Director Deepak Tijori has been a vegetarian all his life, ‘I relish simple vegetarian spicy food. I love moong and masoor dal and any good dish made out of potatoes… and I make the most awesome masala rice and aloo pyaaz tamatar ki subzi’, shares Tijori. 

Gaurav Gera, who is now the famed “Jhumroo” at Kingdom of Dreams is a vegetarian too and loves salads, ‘Being a pure vegetarian sometimes I don’t have too many options if Iam travelling’, jokes Gera, ‘That said, My favourite cuisine is South Indian. I often come to ‘Chennai’ at culture gully at Kingdom of Dreams for the Dosas’, he further adds. 

Comedian Gurpreet Ghuggi gave up Non-vegetarian food as he thinks vegetarian food is healthier.

Comedian Gurpreet Ghuggi

 ORGANICALLY VEGETARIAN

Certified organic vegetarian products are generally more expensive than their conventional counterparts; this is because the organic food supply is limited as compared to demand. Production costs for organic foods are typically higher because of greater labour input and because farmers don't produce enough of a single product to lower the overall cost. In spite of that within the last year most supermarkets began setting up organic vegetarian food sections to sell mostly locally grown organic produce including fresh vegetables, fruits, rice and tea. The popularity of organic foods can also be attributed to promotional and educational efforts conducted by local academic and environmental groups.

All in all vegetarian practices meet the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs…so GO Green…what say?

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEING A VEGETARIAN

> Studies have shown that by following a well-balanced low-fat high-fibre vegetarian diet one would have lower incidence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, obesity and a fewer varieties of cancer.

>This diet is lower in total fat, and one consumes proportionally a lot of polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat compared with non-vegetarians.

> Look younger - The content of fibre and lycopene in fruits and vegetables can prevent wrinkles as it serves as an antioxidant that reduces the potential for skin damage caused by free radicals.

  > With a diet is full of nuts, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables; one is likely to maintain a stable blood sugar level more stable. The outcome of this stability is consistent energy levels, which eventually does not bring about any fatigue feeling, especially post meals.

    > Most of the diet is capable of detoxing your body naturally.

O SUMMER SUMMER!

In this heat, try to keep your food easy, cool and light. Preparation is to be kept to a minimum, and forbid any heat generating appliances. In my home, this means it’s time for frozen fruity mocktails using the KitchenAid cordless hand blender that crushes ice in a jiffy!

To be honest I was quite lukewarm about chilled mocktails and always associated them with drinks made out of leftovers! But the other day when the husband whipped up the most delicious mocktail in our KitchenAid cordless hand blender… chopped fruits, ice, fresh juice and some herbs…mama mia I was a convert! Over the years I have now realized that all chilled mocktails are fun, conversational, and best of all, a great way to stay cool as the heat wave crests towards June. Pair with a fabulous salad made with some great fare from your local market and you have a great summer meal that doesn’t require your stove top, oven or grill. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

FRUIT SMASH TROPICAL

A refreshing blend of tropical fruits

Fresh banana- ½ no

Fresh pineapple-1/2 slice

Toned milk-1 fl oz

Pineapple juice-3 f l ozs

Ice-5 ozs

Method

Blend all ingredients together until smooth, serve frozen garnished with a lemon or pineapple slice.

PINASPRITE

A refreshing mix of pineapple juice, chopped fruits topped with sprite.

Chopped fruits- few (banana and seasonal)

Pineapple juice- 2 fl ozs

Sprite-1 fl oz

Ice- 5 ozs

Method

Blend all ingredients together until smooth, serve frozen, garnished with a sprig of mint.

CALYPSO

Pineapple & coconut-the classic combo

Coconut cream- 1 fl oz

Pineapple juice- 2 fl ozs

Grenadine-1/4 fl oz

Ice- 5 ozs

Method

Blend all ingredients together until smooth, serve frozen, garnished with red cherry

P.S 1 FLUID OUNCE = 28.34 ML (APPROX 30 ML)

A CULINARY ADVENTURE

KitchenAid factory and store “experience” offers a neat excursion

On my recent travels I visited Michigan, home of KitchenAid’s global head office and discovered why all foodies the world over are crazy about this brand.

At Whirlpool's KitchenAid division factory here, visitors get to experience the company motto: ‘KitchenAid, for the way it's made.’ Downtown, guests are welcomed at the consumer product centre, called the KitchenAid Experience.

BEHIND THE SCENES

There was a time when it took four days to build a stand mixer. Today a talented work force produces hundreds of mixers every day. The factory is an astonishing testimony to the craftsmanship and quality of KitchenAid products and the people who build them. I thoroughly enjoyed my guided tour of the factory and walking through the entire manufacturing process and understanding what it takes to bring a legend to life.  I think it was the perfect mix of detail and speed for the average person and it was great to have the tour presented by someone who’s actually working on the factory floor. The best part for me was peeking over the shoulder of an assembler as the stand mixer moved into the final assembly stage. The tour highlights some interesting facts, like the fact that this is the only factory in the world making KitchenAid Stand Mixers, the detail in the assembly process and only lasts about an hour. It sure left me with a new appreciation for the way KitchenAid products are made.

INTERACTIVE SHOPPING

The KitchenAid Experience downtown (read 10,000-square-foot building) is more like a factory outlet shopping, and gave me the feeling of being in an adult playground; where mixing, slicing, chopping, blending equipment were my toys.

This has 10 interactive cooking activities, the entire line of KitchenAid portable appliances and staff that can show you how to use any of the products and attachments. Interestingly most of this staff has worked at the factory at assembling the products and have an answer to almost every query and can actually also help you custom make a stand mixer if you so, desire. And while the adults play the children along can be left to be busy in a play area dedicated to them. The first floor is all current line products while the basement is refurbished and their museum which is more of a display area with old mixers and advertisements from various decades. For those who do not know, refurbished does not mean that they sat on the shelf so long, etc., etc. It means they had a slight defect, possibly cosmetic, within the first year of purchase. It was returned to the factory, fixed, cleaned & sanitized, and sold for fraction of the cost of a new product. What caught my fancy at the museum below was one of those first 1919 Hobart stand mixers, which weighs 68 pounds.

    It was sold door-to-door, and most of the sales force, I was told, was women (strong women I am sure).

All in all, I found the centre to be unusual owing to the fact that it stocks every product in the line in all the colours and what’s more, one can also buy from here refurbished units at 40 to 60 percent discounts and with a six-month warranty.

FAST FACTS

423 S. Broadway, Greenville, Ohio 45331

Toll-Free: 1-888-886-8318

Hours: Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday Closed
Parking: Free

Tours at the KitchenAid factory (1701 KitchenAid Way; the address above is for the retail store) are offered at 12:30 Tuesday-Friday for $5 (cash only) 

TOP 6 REASONS TO VISIT THE KITCHENAID RETAIL CENTRE

1.    The retail store offers the most complete collection of first-quality countertop and culinary products available in an expansive assortment of colours and styles.

2.    The demonstration kitchen hosts free cooking sessions, giving you the chance to see the appliances in action while learning tips and tricks of the trade.

3.    The outlet store sells refurbished countertop appliances at a great value.

4.    The factory gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the entire manufacturing process and will leave you with a new appreciation for the way products are made.

5.    The manufacturing facility offers a repair and return service, where trained technicians will make sure your KitchenAid products are performing like they’re brand new.

6.    The museum is home to authentic, vintage KitchenAid artefacts, advertisements, and products that will take you back in time.

Pubished in Food & Wine magazine

INTERNATIONAL HOME & HOUSEWARES SHOW CHICAGO

Industry Equivalent to the Fashion week where Companies both large and small showcased their products in three huge halls at McCormick Place in Chicago, was absolutely stunning and I felt like a kid in a candy store with no cash…

FOODIES PARADISE

The trade show was filled with colour and so many gorgeous new products that made me want to experiment more in the kitchen. Sample this, the Aero Garden available in multiple sizes lets you start and grow your own herbs and spices right inside your home, no matter what the weather is outside. The Sous Vide (pronounced ‘suu-veed’) technique involves cooking food in vacuum-sealed pouches submerged in a water bath held at a precisely-controlled temperature. This fool proof method eliminates guesswork and lets anyone cook foods with incomparable taste and texture. I was equally mesmerised by the popcorn and Hot Dog machines for home use.

95 YEAR LEGACY

The star of the show for me was the KitchenAid booth. Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for cooks. Today, the KitchenAid brand offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen with a collection that includes everything from countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars. To mark its 95-year legacy of making high performance kitchen essentials beloved by both home and professional cooks, the iconic brand’s debut was an interactive digital culinary timeline at the show. It was a first for me to experience the timeline on a 55-inch LED commercial touch screen.

THE ICONIC STAND MIXER

I also happened to bump into Dave Elliott, General Manger KitchenAid Appliances at Whirlpool Corporation who took me through the various colours of the stand mixer. And I finally convinced myself I must save up my money for my dream kitchen accessory – a KitchenAid stand mixer. I always thought it was a lazy person’s tool, but now I’m obsessed with them. I keep on checking online for vintage ones, while the new Bordeaux, Sea Glass and Ice colours keep trying to reign me in. ‘As kitchen designs are evolving, so are the colour options for accompanying countertop appliances,’ says Beth Robinson, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid. ‘Appliances can help enrich a kitchen space by adding a pop of contrasting colour or enhancing an existing colour palette.’ she further added.

FAST FACTS

The International Home + Housewares Show offers you the opportunity to see first-hand consumer lifestyle and product trends for all areas of the home, both inside and out, under one roof every year in March.

Published in Statesman

BEBINCA ...STEP BY STEP RECIPE BY CHEF SAMANTHA NUNES AT THE GOA MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA

'A traditional rich Goan dessert, Bebinca is a must have at any celebration . Making Bebinca requires tons of patience - a layer can only be added when the one below it is cooked - but it is so much easier if you have a KitchenAid stand mixer to work with for all the pre-prep' says Chef Samantha Nunes as she makes this delightful and yummy Goan Delight.

Water: 250 ML; Sugar: 500 Gms; Egg Yolks: 10 nos; Refined flour: 150 Gms;  Nutmeg Powder: 2 Gms; Coconut milk: 500 Ml; Pure Ghee: as desired.

In the KitchenAid stand mixer bowl pour coconut milk

Adjust the whisk

Add the Egg yolks

Add the Sugar syrup

Turn it on the KitchenAid Stand mixer to whisk

Add the flour ( nutmeg powder is added to the flour)

remove bowl from stand and strain for any lumps

In a pan over heat pour ghee

when the ghee melts pour a cup of the batter and spread evenly

when it looks like this take it under the grill or salamander

Under the grill

 Bake till golden brown, spread another spoonful of ghee and pour another cup of batter and spread evenly

keep baking and layering for lots of layers

This is what your bebinca will come out as

Bebinca by the beautiful backdrop of the Goa Marriott & Spa Hotel

Chef Samantha Nunes stands proudly with the Bebinca....with the stunning Goa Marriott Resort & Spa in the Background

And I dine proudly with my childhood hero and star of India...Goan Rock star Remo Fernandes at the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa

AT THE CORNER COURTYARD, KOLKATA, KYLE SPEAKS ABOUT KITCHENAID & JOHNNY ...

THE VALENTINE LOVE STORY

‘Good Morning Honey, Wish you a Happy Valentine’s day’, calls up Adam and wishes his fiancée. Extremely pleased Eve says, ‘Same to you sweetheart’. In a rush to go get ready Adam says ‘Got to go for work, but I hope you remember our plans for the Evening, we’re cooking dinner together, I’ll pick you up at Eight, or maybe a bit early, cooking together will take some time,’ he adds wickedly. ‘All right see you then, and have a good-day, I got to go too’, answers Eve.

Adam has something else on his mind, he takes a half day, (he’s worked late in the evening a day before to make up for it), and guess what! Eve has done the same. So off to the market they both go (separately of course), to buy the ingredients for the dinner, they have planned. Knowing how health conscious Eve is Adam plans to surprise Eve with a smoothie and pasta for dinner (before she arrives) and Eve knows that Adam simply loves fish cakes, so she plans to make that.

Sharp at 7:45pm, Eve hears the bell ring, and she gives a last minute look at the mirror before opening the door. ‘You look gorgeous as usual’, says Adam ‘Let’s go, hungry aren't we?’ he says in good humor. ‘Sure we are, and cooking will take a while. Bye mom, I’ll be back around 11’, says Eve to her mother and they both rush off.

On reaching Eve quietly goes to the kitchen and puts her packet, but well there’s a surprise for Eve.

The table is laid, candles are lit and so is the dinner!! And Adam is equally surprised and happy with what Eve has got for him. As they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

Adam seats Eve on the dining chair and says ‘I’ll be back in a jiffy’, Eve can hear him whistling and true to his words he’s back with 2 glasses of strawberry smoothies. ‘This is amazing, and how did you make it?’ questions Eve. ‘It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 if you own some KitchenAid products baby!’

STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE

For a couple

INGREDIENTS

Yoghurt: 450gms; Honey: 2 tsps.; strawberries (sliced): 250gms.

Method

] Combine all ingredients in the KitchenAid cordless hand blender.

] Use the Puree until extremely smooth.

HOT FACT: Strawberries improve blood flow; and feed the capacity of sexual and carnal desire. Strawberries tipped with chocolate can get the ultimate in desire!

After the smoothie, both go to the kitchen together, Eve with the KitchenAid stand mixer makes the fish cakes while Adam rustles up the pasta for his darling. And they start with their favorite main course. ‘You would have made an excellent Chef if not a chemical Engineer, and what may I ask is the recipe for this, it’s just the way I like it,’ says a mesmerized Eve. ‘Sure sweetie, and here it goes,’ shares Adam.

PASTA WITH MUSHROOMS IN BASIL SAUCE

Makes 2

Pasta: 150gms (made using the KitchenAid pasta attachment); Basil leaves: 10 Gms; Lemon juice: 15 ml; Salt: as reqd; Olive oil: 8 ml; Mixed mushrooms (regular, oyster, shitake):130 Gms; Vegetable stock: 75ml; Rocket leaves: a large handful; Parmesan shavings: Accompaniment/garnish.

Method

] Boil pasta for 5-6 minutes. Drain and keep warm

] Chop basil finely and put into a small bowl with the lemon juice and 4 ml of the olive oil.

] Heat the remaining oil in a thick based frying pan and fry mushrooms over high heat for about 3 minutes. Pour in the vegetable stock and continue cooking until the mushrooms have softened and stock evaporated.

] Pour basil sauce over the mushrooms. Add the cooked pasta and rocket leaves to it and toss. Serve in bowls, sprinkled with parmesan shavings.

‘And darling how do you make the fish cakes, I just love them’, says Adam. ‘It’s really simple and easy when you know it.’

FISH CAKES WITH CUCUMBER RELISH

Makes about12 cakes

Fish fillet (sole): 300 Gms; Red curry paste: 25 ml; Egg: 1 no; Granulated sugar: 5 gms; Corn flour: 30 Gms; Kaffir lime leaf: 1 no; Coriander (chopped): 15 Gms; Green beans (finely sliced): 50 Gms; Oil: For frying.

Relish

Rice vinegar: 60 ml; water: 60 ml; Sugar: 50 Gms; pickled garlic: 1 head; cucumber (quartered and sliced): 1 no; spring onions (finely chopped): 100 Gms; Ginger (finely chopped): 20 Gms.

Method

] Relish: - Bring vinegar, water and sugar mixture to a boil, stir till sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool. Combine the rest of the relish mixture in a bowl and pour vinegar mixture.

] Combine the fish, curry paste and egg in the KitchenAid chopper attachment and process well. Transfer to a bowl and add in the rest of the ingredients. Mix well.

] Mold and shape mixture into cakes.

] Heat oil in a wok or deep fat fryer, fry the cakes for 4-5 minutes or golden brown, serve hot with relish.  

‘So, honey what we do for dessert, should we make that together?’ suggests Adam naughtily. ‘Yes, sure, we’ll have fresh a wild berry sorbet, that’s simple, easy to fix with the KitchenAid ice-cream attachment and just delicious and very valentine!’ adds Eve with innocence.