This is a fairly new thing I like but something that I have wanted for the past ten or so years. For Christmas this year I got a Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer from my mom. I have wanted a Kitchen Aid Mixer when I started baking with my Nannie and started watching Martha Stewart's Living television show. Growing up we had a hand electric mixer or spoons and man power to making cookies and other baked goods. Watching Martha use her mixer effortlessly made me want to have that too! My mom and I had a running joke that a Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer was the only thing I was going to put on my Wedding registry ( that’s how bad I wanted it). I was so surprised to get this for Christmas this year as its an expensive mixer!! My mom got a smokin' deal she said was too good to pass up and it's too long to wait until I get married haha! I knew it would make my Christmas baking and everyday baking more effortless but I had no idea how wonderfully it works. The past weekend I made my first attempt at homemade buns for some pulled pork I was making. I used the dough attachment and WOW! No kneading or struggling with the dough. The buns came out wonderful and beautifully mixed. I think it was a good recipe but I attribute it all to the mixer :)
Why I like my Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer:
The mixer helps users to easily mix ingredients, especially for doughs, cakes, and cookies.
10 speeds allow the user to select the right speed for the mixing job
Easy clean up
Lots of great attachments available (that would make great Christmas presents for years to come ~hint hint~)
Homemade Hamburger Buns
Makes 8 buns
1 tablespoon active-dry yeast
1/2 cup (4 oz) warm water
1/2 cup (4 oz) milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups (15 oz) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
In the bowl of a standing mixer (or a large bowl, if mixing by hand), stir the yeast into the warm water and let it sit until dissolved.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, oil, sugar, and salt. Add this to the yeast mixture and stir until combined. Add all the flour and stir until it forms a shaggy dough. Knead at low speed, or by hand against the counter, for 10 minutes. The finished dough should be smooth, feel slightly tacky, and spring back when poked.
Return the dough to the mixing bowl and cover. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in bulk, about an hour.
Dust your work surface with a little flour and turn out the risen dough on top. Divide the dough into 8 pieces and shape each into a tight ball. Transfer the balls to a baking sheet and let rise until they look puffy and hamburger-sized, roughly 30-40 minutes.
Pre-heat the oven to 375°F.
Melt the butter and brush it over the risen hamburger buns. This helps the tops to brown and keeps the crust soft. Bake the buns until golden, 15-18 minutes.
Let the buns cool to room temperature before slicing and using.
Homemade Hamburger Buns
Makes 8 buns
1 tablespoon active-dry yeast
1/2 cup (4 oz) warm water
1/2 cup (4 oz) milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups (15 oz) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
In the bowl of a standing mixer (or a large bowl, if mixing by hand), stir the yeast into the warm water and let it sit until dissolved.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, oil, sugar, and salt. Add this to the yeast mixture and stir until combined. Add all the flour and stir until it forms a shaggy dough. Knead at low speed, or by hand against the counter, for 10 minutes. The finished dough should be smooth, feel slightly tacky, and spring back when poked.
Return the dough to the mixing bowl and cover. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in bulk, about an hour.
Dust your work surface with a little flour and turn out the risen dough on top. Divide the dough into 8 pieces and shape each into a tight ball. Transfer the balls to a baking sheet and let rise until they look puffy and hamburger-sized, roughly 30-40 minutes.
Pre-heat the oven to 375°F.
Melt the butter and brush it over the risen hamburger buns. This helps the tops to brown and keeps the crust soft. Bake the buns until golden, 15-18 minutes.
Let the buns cool to room temperature before slicing and using.
