I Have GOT to Get One of These!!

[little_bopeep]

Came across this in the latest Baker's Catalogue and went in search of a postable picture, but I'll give this link instead 'cause it's got all kinds of pics and info:
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/dotcoms/sthafrstcost.html

I'll be able to make homemade caramels this year without my arm falling off! :cool:

[sneezles]

I have been eyeing that contraption as it's appeared in a couple of catalogs. I'm just sure that DH would really think I've lost it though! If you get one be sure to review for us!

[madpots]

About 10 years ago my friend and I took a class in Cajun cooking and she got one of these for making roux. She really liked it - but when you say making caramels - would that be stirring or beating? I have lost touch with my friend, so I can't ask her about beating.

[little_bopeep]

The recipe I used last year was one of Martha's (I believe) and it called for stirring constantly for what seemed like 3 days but was really a total of almost 2 hours. OMG, if it had been beating continuously for that amount of time, I would never have done it! The end result was fantastic, but it's a lot of work... this gadget would make it so simple, if it works like it says. I'll have to wait a couple of weeks to get it, but I'll post a consumer report when I do. :cool:

[breadmama]

Ha! When we saw that in the KA catalog, we laughed and called it the kitchen robot! (Also joked about an alien landing on the pan, along the lines of "Take me to your leader!" I guess we were punchy that night! :) )

I would be interested to hear how well it works, if there's any risk of scalding, etc.

[little_bopeep]

This thing has been the most wonderful tool during my jam-making escapades. It's in there doing its thang right now as I'm typing here. Definitely worth its weight in batteries! I don't have to stand there and stir constantly for 30 minutes, but that also means that I have to pay attention to it because I almost let a batch cook too long the other night. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Two big thumbs up!

[Ohioan]

madpots, will it really make a roux??? Without burning or missing any spots?

Phoebe

[little_bopeep]

I can't answer for madpots, but my impression is that it wouldn't be that great for a roux. It gently scrapes the bottom of the pan, but it doesn't stir anything higher than about 3/4 of an inch. So your liquid or whatever will continue to heat and boil, and the bottom won't stick, but it doesn't really mix anything. But it's fab for jam, and I'm anxious for candy season so I can try it on those caramels.

[madpots]

I haven't tried to make roux, but my friend said it was great. I think I will try it soon, now that you mention it. I usually make my roux in my big iron frying pan and I'm not sure, but I might have to use a smaller pan. Will let you know.

[little_bopeep]

Unfortunately, the gadget won't go across a big skillet. :( It adjusts to different diameters, but the biggest it will go is about 8 inches.