Wednesday, October 8, 2008

In Mourning

Yesterday, I witnessed a true and loyal friend call it quits. It had lived a full and rich life, providing baked goodness for my family and loved ones for the last few years. I am referring to my Bosch Compact Mixer.

I will confess that I shed real tears when it was apparent to me that there would be no resurrection for this mixer. You see, I have been making all of our family's bread for 10 months now. Not only did I use this mixer for bread, but also for rolls, cookies, frostings, cakes, and pretty much anything I make that requires more power than a wooden spoon. And deep down, I knew that I hadn't been fair in what I asked of it. My projects were mostly fit for it's bigger sibling, the one whose price made me cringe. Now I know that it is probably better to just save your pennies for the one that really meets your needs.

My sister came over about an hour later and I broke the news to her. Ever practical, she suggested that since it clearly wasn't going to start again by jiggling the handle or reinserting the dough hook, we should give it an autopsy. Perhaps we could bring it back to life? I looked for the proper surgical tools and she began.

We first discovered an extra layer of fat around the internal organs. A layer of old, crusty bread dough clung to the lining of the mixer. It must have crept in, a tablespoon at a time, through the small opening where the attachments go. We never knew that it was in there at all. (I will confess that it made me wonder what my insides look like.) Once we cleaned it out, it looked to us like a gear was broken, but we couldn't find the broken pieces anywhere. Could they have been somehow consumed by the evil bread dough? It's a mystery we will never be able to solve.


As I contemplated life without my little friend, I began to desperately call all of my friends who bake enough to have a stand mixer but not often enough to miss it if I borrowed it for a week. Thankfully, I was able to locate one (thanks, Teresa!)--a nice big 800 watt Bosch that will not shrink at my four-loaf batches, with which I intend to load the freezer. I hope my little mixer understands and forgives me for moving on so quickly.

Funeral services will be held today, as I remove the remains from my kitchen. Anyone interested may attend, but don't expect cookies at the event!

In lieu of flowers, condolences may be sent in the form of cookies, bread, and icing. Tip-offs to yard sale mixers (full size) would also be appreciated.

16 comments:

TheQueen@TerrorsInTiaras said...

Oh, that is sad. We have an old KitchenAid mixer that has recently been sounding not so good. I dread the day of it's passing. If I lived near you, I'd bring you some of the bread I made today. Sorry.

A mother heart said...

Oh, my. I am sad for you! I heart my Bosch. It is the only way to go to make home-made bread.

May peace and the warmth of fresh made bread fill your heart at this trying time.

P.S. Try ebay or craigslist. My sis in law found her wheat grinder on craigslist. You might strike gold there and find a new bosch.

Molly said...

I guess you know what you'll be asking Santa for this year and your birthday and anniversary and valentine's and Easter and Labor Day and Flag Day and...

Life At MandyLand said...

So sorry for your loss I know it was a dear friend... I sorry to I loved the bread you made in it... I guess i know whats on your Christmas List...

Mozi Esme said...

Much sympathy sent your way! We just got a Bosch Universal mixer last year and I'm glad we went full size. I think I max even it out.

We actually got it $100 less than the regular price since we went with a red model that they no longer make.

By all means check ebay, but be careful. I saw several "deals" there that were more than what I paid new - for something that was used.

Hope you find something soon . . .

Erika said...

You know, we LOVE our kitchen-aid!
is that considered mutiny? or betrayal?

Scrappy said...

Oh no! I am so sorry, I know how much you loved it.
Good luck finding a good (inexpensive) replacement.

Prudy said...

Woe is you. That's a terrible loss indeed. Why don't you take a week off of bread making and come visit me?

Stephanie said...

Rest in peace. (sniff)

Andrea said...

I am amazed at how long it lasted. Christmas is coming though... It's a bummer when things you use so much break!

tutu lady said...

This is a very sad story. What a lucky (blessed) family to have you for a chief cook and bottle washer. Nothing like that "home made bread"! Other than this tragedy, I hope all is well with you all. I check up on your doings every once in awhile when you comment on Malia or Mahina's blogs. Very interesting.

I'll be in Sacramento next week-end the 16th thru the 20th and would like to visit if I have time. I haven't seen Ali's baby yet. If this is conveniet, please e-mail me: jillitar@cox.net.

Suldog said...

Isn't it funny how we truly become attached to inanimate objects? I have the hardest time throwing away broken things that have been in the family since I was a child.

Thanks for popping by over at my place. I should have been here more often, too.

An Ordinary Mom said...

What a sad, sad day. I am glad you found a "new" one :) !!

Ice Cream said...

I would die if my big kitchenaid mixer ever died, and I don't even bake 1/2 as much as you must. It would be like loosing an arm or leg.

david mcmahon said...

Applauding your style, Michal - as always.

Saz said...

I have been trying to replace my old mixer blender for over a year..you just get so dam attached to these things..they do a great job then pooof!! over from Davids conrats