Annie Watson

Annie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Ask. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book 'Healthy Eating Through the Garden' will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Annie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.

What is the KitchenAid paddle used for?

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Although the beaters on most hand mixers more closely resemble the KitchenAid’s whisk attachment, the paddle is right for most jobs on the stand mixer. It’s especially effective for combining heavy cookie batter and doughs, but it’s also good at mixing cake batters, muffins, mashed potatoes, and quick breads.

How do you know when asparagus is done?

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Asparagus is cooked when it is tender-crispy or crunchy and not mushy and limp. It should turn from a vibrant green to a dull olive green. However, if it’s not well cooked, the spear will be too hard for a fork to pierce, while overcooked asparagus tends to fall apart when you poke it.

Can you add ingredients to premade cookie dough?

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A common complaint with store-bought dough is that it’s too sweet, so some Food52.com commenters suggest adding in a little bit extra of all the ingredients, minus the sweetener. Add the pre-made dough to a mixer and add a few shakes of flour, salt, baking soda, butter, etc.

Which wood is best for wooden kitchen utensils?

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The best wood for kitchen utensils is hardwoods, as they have the right density and are naturally durable. The best wood cooking utensils can be carved from various wood types like cherry, soft maple, black walnut, and poplar. You can also use other woods like the tallow tree, mesquite, Osage orange, or even pecan.

How do you use a roasting box?

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The roasting box is a metal lined wooden box. You dump a lot of charcoal on the lid – a LOT of charcoal – and the heat radiates through the metal lid, turning the box into a high heat roasting oven. The roasting box cooks a whole pig in about 3.5 hours, depending on the size of the pig.

What are standard water heater sizes?

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Household size plays a big role in determining the right water heater size. A home with two or fewer people can be served by a 23- to 36-gallon tank. A tank size of 36- to 46-gallons is best for homes of up to four people. A home with five people can be served by a 46- to 56-gallon tank.

How do you poach an egg in a saucepan?

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MethodAdd water to a large saucepan until 8cm deep. Bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer.Crack an egg into a small bowl. … Allow 3½ – 4 minutes for poached eggs with firm whites and soft, runny yolks. … Remove eggs from the water with a slotted spoon and serve immediately.

Which immersion blender is best?

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The best immersion blenders 2021Braun MQ9007 MultiQuick 9 Immersion Hand Blender. … Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Rechargeable Hand Blender. … Vitamix Immersion Blender. … NutriBullet Immersion Blender. … KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender. … Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender. … KitchenAid 2-Speed Hand Blender.