The mixmaster story.

So Adam and I were discussing our Christmas menu. Of course to do this, I had in front of me the Christmas editions of my favourite magazines. Australian Home. House and Garden. Better Homes and Gardens. Real Living and Super Food Ideas.

I like hoarding Christmas, in paper form.

Whilst flicking through my magazines, I came across a Pavlova recipe. Now, I've never made a pavlova (how very unAustralian of me) however I do make a pretty sensational Lemon Meringue Pie. 

Yes that does need capitals.

So I'm used to making meringue. But, I'm yet to master this part of the dessert 100% of the time. A few tips I've discovered to nail it every time are to use a metal bowl, room temperature eggs. And to beat those whites silly before even thinking about adding the caster sugar. And even then, adding that sugar slower than an old lady drives her car around corners.

So when I came across this fail safe Pav recipe, I immediately skipped to the 'How to' part. And it very quickly mentioned the importance of a mixmaster.

Ahh mixmaster. Every cook and every mothers (?) dream for their kitchen.

I know it is mine.

But people, have you seen the prices of these babies? There is a reason why many amateur kitchens aren't lucky enough to have one perched on the kitchen bench. Mine being that if I was about to spend that sort of money on something for myself (as I am the only one in this here household who would use it) then I may choose other things first. 

Think Ipad, Flat Screen for the bedroom. You get my drift?

But thinking mixmasters at the kitchen table reminded me that, in fact, we did have a rather old mixmaster stashed away in the cupboard. Adam's mother had tried to throw it out years and years ago. It belonged to Adam's great Aunt who was quite the baker. It was always exciting to go to her house because you knew there would be plates of biscuits and cakes just begging you to devour them. And you would. And she would love it. So Adam took hold of the mixmaster.

Years ago I used to use it. I can't remember why I stopped. And then stupidly along the way, I threw out the beaters and broke the bowls. So it was just the carcass of this mixmaster that remained. We talked about trying to find replacement parts on Ebay and the like and moved on.

The very next day.

True story.

I logged on to facebook. Ahem. Ok, I check in on facebook. Which may or may not stay open on the Mac 24/7. So it looks like I'm on there 24/7 when I'm not. It just looks like it.

Shutup.

And when I logged on to facebook, one of my primary school teachers was advertising a mixmaster, which a dicky motor - but otherwise amazing condition. 

The same model as ours.

I'm not kidding, the timing of it all gave me chills! This woman taught me twenty years ago. I facebooked her, organised a pickup time and went around with my $10 to pay for the mixmaster I would harvest for it's parts. What I didn't expect was the fabulous morning we had together. I wasn't expecting coffee and and a chat with what felt like an old friend, not an old primary school teacher. 

I love these moments.

But people, did you read this?? Ten Dollars.

And now? I have this beauty sitting on my counter. And I am in love with it! After much searching on the internet we have narrowed it down to being made and sold somewhere in the mid 60's. And this just sat in my cupboard for years!!!

So check your cupboards..who knows what gems you have stashed away.

xx