When we were (read: I was) working on creating our wedding gift registry three-ish years ago, one of the items that I made sure was on there right away was a KitchenAid stand-mixer. I know I've said before that I don't mind mixing batters with a wooden spoon, but I certainly wouldn't say no to the opportunity of NOT using a wooden spoon! I think out of all the items that I had selected, the stand-mixer was the one I was most looking forward to potentially owning.
We ended up getting TONS of gift cards, so we used them to get various items on our registry. We were in our local Home Outfitters (I really don't know what it is about those stores that makes me want to redecorate the whole apartment; I can honestly spend a good hour in there if allowed) and I actually had a stand-mixer, sitting in our cart. It was a gorgeous navy blue one. I was then vetoed by both hubby and my mom; mom somehow managed to reason with me that the food processor we received should do the trick just fine. So, back on the shelf the mixer went.
After a few uses with the food processor, it became quite apparent that it would not do the same job as a stand-mixer, especially because the thing operates on one speed: STUPID FAST. Perfect for pulverizing food into puree or crumbs, or quickly slicing a bunch of vegetables, or even making your own ground meat, not so much for making dough or batter. So the obsession with having a stand-mixer begun anew. It certainly does not help that they have so many pretty colors! Up until a couple of days ago, I had resigned to having to purchase one with our RBC reward points (we were halfway there!).
On Thursday, I picked up the mail when I got home. As well as the Christmas issue for Food Network (I love Christmas issues for pretty much any magazine; I'm a total sucker for the gift suggestion sections), I found a flyer for London Drugs. The next day was Black Friday in the States, but there were quite a few stores in the lower mainland participating in Black Friday, mostly the stores that are in the States and Canada, along with a few big Canadian stores. I was idly flipping through the flyer when I happened upon the housewares section: they were selling KitchenAid stand-mixers for more than 50% the normal retail price! To say that I was excited is an understatement, I was ECSTATIC. Luckily, hubby had taken Friday off, and was able to pick one up for me. :D Didn't even have to worry about stiff competition to get one!
Methinks that I'll have to christen it this weekend with some kind of treat, I just have to give the accessories a quick wash. I'm already making plans to purchase some of the accessories in the future (an extra bowl, the ice cream maker attachment(!), maybe the pasta ones). So very happy!
Here is the meal plan for the week. Lots of oldies but goodies (I've been craving some ribs and meatloaf!), culminating with the Vancouver Christmas Market on Friday. SO excited for the market this year! They are finally selling some good 'ol schnitzel, can't wait to have some. :D Enjoy the weekend and happy cooking all!
November 25-30
Sunday: Oven-BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes, veggies
Monday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, veggies
Tuesday: Grilled cheese, soup
Wednesday: BLT wraps
Thursday: Chicken paprika with egg noodles
Friday: Vancouver Christmas Market