By far, the most used tool in my kitchen-bag-o-tricks is this KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer No, mine is not Empire Red.   I have boring old white… because I am boring and old.  And white.

But.  YOU don’t have to be.  This mixer comes in more than 20 really cool colors. Yes, there IS one you will love.

My entire family literally fights over who gets to mix up the batter or dough or mashed potatoes.  I like to think its because they want to help, but I’m pretty sure they actually have a contest to see who can shoot food the farthest.

You may remember from my earlier post on kids’ aprons that my boys have a love affair with this mixer and unfortunately for the cabinets and floors, they are very fond of the highest of the 10 speeds.  The dog waits patiently underfoot for the guys to crank it as soon as I’m not looking.

This all-metal mixer comes with a bunch of cool stuff.  A flat beater, dough hook, wire whip, pouring shield and a 5 qt. stainless steel bowl are all included.  It also has an attachment hub where you can add on extras like a sausage maker. Seriously.

Oh, and get this, KitchenAid says you can make…in one batch… 4 loaves of bread or NINE dozen cookies or 7 POUNDS of mashed potatoes.  Tell me those babies wouldn’t go flying at top speed.  The dog could eat off the floor for a week!

OK.  Here is the hard part.  This legendary mixer is not cheap.  BUT.  It is worth every single penny and it will last forever.   Literally…you will die first.

It lists for about $350, but is often on sale at Amazon. It’s a few bucks more if you want one of the special colors or finishes.   You’re welcome.