Well, it finally happened. My trusty KitchenAid mixer has died. I knew it was coming. About 3 years ago, I was making sourdough bread weekly. I used my mixer to knead the dough for the first five minutes or so before I took over by hand. It wasn't long before I started smelling a faint burning smell coming from my mixer. I started to get really nervous and knew that I had to either give up the bread making or say goodbye to the mixer. I actually think I just needed an excuse to start buying bread again (who can say "no" to a loaf of Tall Grass Bakery bread?) so I gave up making bread. I stopped making bread but I still use my mixer weekly and every so often I smell that burning smell again.
Yesterday, I decided to push my luck and used the mixer to knead some bread dough. Well, about 3 minutes in, I hear this horrible screeching/grinding sound. I look over and notice that the dough hook is not moving. I could hear the gears grinding and slipping and I knew it was over. I turned it off. It was the end. I kneaded the dough by hand, let it rise, and put the bread in the oven knowing it was the last delicious treat to be made with the aid of the mixer.So, my KitchenAid, I will miss you. I thank you for the many loaves of bread you have helped me make and the endless batches of cookies you've mixed...the granola, biscotti, apple pie filling, pie crusts, rum balls, cheese crisps, chocolate mouse pie, pudding and more. It's a sad day.
Here's the thing...I eventually need to replace the thing. I can't really live without one (well, okay, so I COULD live without one but I certainly prefer not to!). I had the best they make...the Professional 600 series and I killed it. I imagine myself making bread again and would like something that could stand up to that. I've looked around online briefly and the only thing I have found is the Viking and I must say - I find it rather ugly...not to mention it carries a pretty hefty price tag. So, if you happen to know of a good quality stand mixer out there that can knead bread dough, please let me know.
That's a bummer, especially considering the history and everything the mixer has been through with you. Unfortunatley I don't know of any good mixers to recommend, except for one. We grew up making bread too and used EG. Doesn't cost anything, but does take a little more time. On the plus side it gives you a nice work out. Maybe get another Kitchen Aid for all the other baking/mixing needs and use EG for the bread. Good old Elbow Greese - no machines needed :)
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