Attachments for KitchenAid Mixer

I really like my KitchenAid mixer, for the fact that it mixes my cakes batter really well and for its aesthetic value.  To top it, I like that there are many attachments available that make the mixer versatile for many other uses : pasta making, food grinding and shredding, sausage making, juicing, etc, etc.  The only drawback is that, while these attachments are nice and useful, they are very costly in Malaysia.

 

People have been saying left and right that KitchenAid products are very cheap in the USA and naturally, I planned to purchase the attachments that I need (want) during my work visit there two weeks ago.   However, I was also cautioned against the compatibility of the attachments purchased in USA with the European model mixers, which is exactly what I own.

 

The main difference between the USA and European model is the voltage.  KA mixers for used in USA are of 110V while the European models are 220V.  The difference in voltage will either cause the mixer to not work properly or even in some cases, burnt the motor.  Information that I obtained online said that using a USA model in countries with 220V is still possible with the right power transformer.

 

The second difference between the two models is the presence of a small circular metal piece located just below the motor head and right above the area where we attach the dough hook and balloon whisk and the paddle/beater.  This circular metal piece can be found in the European models but not the USA.  I was told that the ice cream maker attachment that is meant for USA models will not fit the European models.  So question is, will other attachments fit?

I have been searching online for information about this.  What I found seemed to be contradicting and so did the word by mouth from people around me.  Nevertheless, I went ahead with the purchase of some of the attachments when my KA vendor said they will fit.  I was thinking, at least there will be someone responsible if they are not usable.

So, I purchased the pasta roller and cutter set, food grinder and the flex edge beater. Upon coming home, I tested them right away and was delighted to see that they fit like a glove and work without any problem at all. 

Food grinder

Pasta roller

Flex edge beater

Very pleased for getting all these attachments at a fraction of their prices in MY.  These will surely make it into my shopping list the next time I go to the USA again.

Halloween Party aka Playgroup

This is the first time my kids attended a Halloween party or also known as playgroup.  I would say I was more excited than them to attend this party.  

The kids were dressed as characters from Flintstones : Fred Flintstone, Wilma Flintstone and Betty Rubble.   The three of them looked so cute and pretty in their costumes.

Kids as Flintstones' Characters

Upon arrival at the party, we could see that the host took great trouble to decorate the house to the occasion.  There were mummy, spider webs and balloons in the shade of black and orange.  Even the food were of Halloween theme.  Since it was a potluck party, others brought food in accordance to the theme too.

 

 

 

 

Halloween themed food :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After helping ourselves with the delicious food, there was a craft session, contributed by myself.  Each kid made a Halloween basket to be filled with sweets and goodies later.   Needless to say, the kids stuffed themselves with all the chocolates, sweets, etc.

 

 

 

It was games next where kids went around the garden to search for hidden spiders, scorpions, etc.

We had so much fun at the party.  Many thanks to the host for organising.

Flinstones for Halloween

Halloween comes and go.  This is the first time my kids attended a Halloween party though it was unclear whether mummy or the kids were the one more excited. 

 

The kids were dressed in costumes from the characters of Flintstones :  Fred Flintstone, Wilma Flintstone and Betty Rubble.  It all started when I sewn the Fred's costume just for fun.  Then, someone requested to have the costumes of Pebbles and Bamm Bamm sewn for her twins.  This gave me an idea : it would be nice to have the complete costumes of the show. 

Fred Flintstone


 

Wilma Flintstone



Pebbles Flintstone



Bamm Bamm Rubble

 

 

Betty Rubble

It  would not be fair to have favourites, but I would say my little boy looked very cute as Fred Flintstone  :)