Article - Easy Desserts

Famous chefs on cooking shows make the creation of desserts look easy. A twist here, a flip there and a fabulous looking dessert has the audience drooling. Do you fantasize about creating pastry masterpieces but your hands just don't have enough strength? Are you inspired to start baking but you can't see the numbers on the timer?

Don't despair. Your results may not win you a job as head pastry chef at a restaurant, but you can still make fabulous desserts and enjoy yourself at the same time! The staff at Dynamic Living has some tips (and products) to help you make delicious desserts with as little effort as possible.

Tip: Have the right tools

Remember that you don't have to compete with the TV chefs. There is no need for fancy expensive appliances when there are other products that can help you create the same results. Even a battery operated sifter can provide relief to your hand or wrist.

Look for ergonomic handles and equipment that doesn't require an engineering degree to figure out. For example, a rolling pin with upright handles on each side gives you more leverage to roll out dough. Offset handles are also easier to grasp and reduce the need to bend.

Small stick blenders, countertop choppers and other small appliances are generally easier to handle and can help you save energy in the preparation stages. Non-stick pans make cakes pop out easily and reduce cleanup time.

Tip: Look for tools that hold things in place.

If you are single handed, have arthritis or are clumsy with your hands, you may find that things slide away from you while you work.

• Bowls are the worst offenders! You can try a bowl that sits at an angle on a non-skid base or one of the Suctionware products where the base is securely mounted to the counter. The bowl fits snugly in place, not moving until it is released. Now you can add ingredients and stir without the bowl sliding around on the counter.

• Try a Dycem Mat on your countertop. Dycem mats are not sticky, yet grip on both sides. The mat won't slide on the table and the objects placed on top won't move either. These mats are great for holding plates or cups.

• Clean in between baking tasks because it is much less tiresome than cleaning up a big mess at the end of the project. If you knock something over, grabbing a paper towel quickly to contain an unexpected spill is easier with a One Handed Paper Towel Holder.

• Stirring can be a tiring process. If you are making something like homemade pudding, it needs to be stirred constantly. An automatic stirrer can handle that task while you move on to the next step in the recipe.

Tip: Prevent squinting at small numbers or print while you work by using tools that are easier to see or hear.

• Large Print Measuring Scoops and Spoons will help you get the right measurement every time. If you need to weigh your ingredients, try a Talking Kitchen Scale. It will announce the weight so you don't even have to look at the numbers!

• Timing is another important ingredient in the baking process. A Talking Timer will count down the remaining time for you. An oversized timer with big numbers will help you see just how much time have left until your brownies are ready.

• Big print recipe books are available in most book stores. You can also use your computer to print your recipe in a larger font. If you are still using your great grandma's recipe card, try a lighted magnifier to help you decipher her handwriting.

Tip: There are always substitutes and work-arounds.

These are the trade secrets of every chef, but with some creativity you can develop your very own. The idea is to make the task as easy as possible. Here are some examples:

• While home made whipped cream is richer and sweeter, whipped cream from a can may do the trick for visual appeal and save you preparation and clean-up time too.

• Great desserts can begin with ingredients that are already prepared. By cutting up a store bought chocolate cake and reassembling it with canned fruit and whipped cream, you've created a whole new dessert that can become a family tradition.

• Experiment with boxed baking ingredients, like cake mixes. These ingredients have been tested over time for success and are the foundation for many award winning desserts. Add nuts and raisins, use a baking pan in an interesting shape, drizzle some honey or a glaze over the top and suddenly you have a divine cake!

With a combination of an easy recipe, easy-to-use tools and a pinch of creative thinking you will be able to bring your own sweet treats to the table rather than just watching those people on TV. One final tip: take a moment to dress up your creation to make it special. A few sprinkles, a nice plate, a handsome pie cutter or knife all add eye appeal and make the dessert feel more like an indulgence. As they say "Life's short. Eat dessert first!"

© Copyright 2006 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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