A couple of weeks back, Jaithan and I were on the hunt through a Salvation Army store here in upstate New York, still unthawed from winter, when I came across this gleaming treasure.
It's an industrial mixer from KitchenAid, complete with two bowls, a paddle attachment, dough hook, and whisk! Brand new, these mixers are super expensive. I should know—I have two in storage from my catering days back in Greenwich! But rather than digging through that abyss, I decided to pick this one up for a cool 24 bucks!
That was all the inspiration I needed for another day of baking! As a collectahollic, I love these primitive cookie cutters from Germany. I've been collecting them for years, ever since I was at Culinary Institute, not too far from where we live now. These days, I've noticed the trend is for bigger cookie cutters with plenty of wow factor, but honestly, I just find them overwhelming. They're great for, say, decorating cakes, but more often not, after the kids have a go at them, all you're left with is a plate of half uneaten cookies. Not pretty. These smaller, antique versions I'll take any any day! Just don't wash them when you're through, or they'll rust. Dust them off with a pastry brush, and you're good.
After taking my new mixer for a spin, then chilling the dough until firm, I was ready to get to work!
Here they are are-—baked and cooled, ready to be iced.
From the back working forward, the process of a professional-looking cookie: First, I piped the edge, then flooded the center. Next, with a clean sea sponge, I pained over the pink with white icing, reminiscent of spongeware from the 1800s. The texture, I think, is unusual and very pretty. Next, after piping the yellow center and with the icing still wet, I sugared it. One final edge pipe, and voilà!
Check out the Easter cookie buffet! The pretty herringbone basket at top is pressed glass from the 30s. The one on the left is Checkoslovakian crystal. At right is another pressed glass basket from the 40s with an unusual, modern square-and-circle pattern. And finally, the low one at front is also crystal with a beautiful, deeply etched star.
As you can see, I sugared the whole rabbit and the beaks, feet, and wings of the little ducks. How cute is that?
Here's to a sweet Easter, everyone! Enjoy!
I just have to love you to death because I have finally found someone that has more collections than I do! LOL! Great idea w/ the cookie buffet! The cookies are too cute.
Posted by: Tardevil | February 02, 2010 at 10:26 PM
I got a mixer at an estate sale this week-end...not quite the buy at $95...still better than retail...and my daughter gets my smaller 20 yr old Kitchen Aid which is still going strong..I just wanted the bigger bowls.
Posted by: Pat smith | May 31, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Ok, after reading this close to a month ago I too was consumed with jealousy over your Kitchenaid steal. I've never been thrift-shopping or anything like that, because I always assumed you could only get really old stuff. But you inspired me! So I went on Craiglist and checked the listings for garage sales in my area and got a Kitchenaid for $45! Not quite the deal you got, but I'm ecstatic! And it was a lot of fun. Thanks!
Posted by: Briana | May 02, 2009 at 11:38 AM
$24 for that mixer is a steal! And baking now too...what can't you make pretty? :)
Posted by: Kerry | April 23, 2009 at 12:23 AM
I do like the delicate look of this display! And the SA in our area has not got great deals like you found!
Posted by: Mary Ruth | April 19, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Ooooh, those cookies are adorable! But the fact that you referred to your cookie cutters as "antique versions" made me smile - your cutters belong to the most common kind here in Germany. :-)
Posted by: Sandra Schwab | April 17, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Do you need help eating all those cookies? Surely you have leftovers...
thanks for the blog love for paisley petunia - we heart eddie + jaithan. xoxo
Posted by: stephanie@paisleypetunia | April 15, 2009 at 03:54 PM
Too cute to eat !!!
I would love your cookie dough recipe !!!
All the best,
Kathy :)
Posted by: Kathy :) | April 14, 2009 at 02:52 PM
Eddie - I really don't know how you and Jaithan pull it off. The sink skirt looks terrific.
I'm officially inspired! I made my maiden trip to the Dollar Store a few weeks ago (and was quite wowed), and have been long been thinking about trying to make my own sink look better, but I'd never put the two together. I'm going to try to make my own sink skirt and will send you the photos!!
Bear in mind, it may take me a year before I actually do it.
Thanks,
Kris C.
Posted by: Kris at Sunnymead | April 14, 2009 at 02:00 PM
You got a kitchen aid for $24!!!???!!! - and you have two in storage? - I now officially hate you!
(Only kidding - I long for a kitchen aid mixer - still love you and what you do just as much as ever!)
Posted by: violetsrose | April 14, 2009 at 08:12 AM
Can't get past vintage mixer...
(Actually...of course I did get past it... to oggle those fabulous cookies. ;-)
Posted by: laura @ the shore house | April 13, 2009 at 11:39 PM
I too found a Kitchen Aid mixer a couple of weeks ago at a garage sale - they only wanted $10.00. However, it only had the dough hook with it, so I have to buy the flat beater and other attachments. Sounds like you got a much better deal! I'm still thrilled about it and can't wait to use it!
Posted by: Dianne Ross | April 13, 2009 at 08:49 PM
Wow, what a deal! Your cookies look delish:) Hope you two had an excellent Easter! xoxo Aline
Posted by: hanako66 | April 13, 2009 at 06:05 PM
What a steal! And, again, only you can make bunny cookies look tres chic! :)
Posted by: decorpad | April 13, 2009 at 04:32 PM
You DO always score quite the finds! My Kitchen Aid is just as good as new...they last forever! Your cookies are perfect too, by the way.
Posted by: stacy di | April 13, 2009 at 03:13 PM
Gorgeous cookies and I'm so jealous of the mixer you scored!!
The presentation is as usual - flawless! Thanks for sharing the great ideas!
Posted by: mona from toronto | April 13, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Your cookies look amazing! I would love to know how you get your Royal Icing so thin. I have a great tasting recipe but my the icing is too thick. Any tips?
Thanks so for for the inspiration!
Posted by: Meredith | April 13, 2009 at 07:55 AM
I am all about ENVY and your new mixer. WOW, what a find! Your cookies are wonderful and I would be afraid to eat such pretty little sugar treats. As always, a wonderful read while drinking a cup of jo.
Posted by: Kimberly | April 13, 2009 at 05:52 AM
Gorgeous. I cannot show this post to the offspring, as they will devise a plan to kidnap you and stick you in the kitchen as their hostage making them beautiful + delicious cookies night and day.
xoxo
Posted by: seleta | April 13, 2009 at 12:26 AM
Again you make it seem so easy....
Bargains and baking and decorating...oh, my!
xoxo
Evy
Posted by: Evelyn Weiss | April 12, 2009 at 09:52 PM
SO adorable!! (And I have to say I'm jealous of your mixer steal!!! :)
xoxo,
lauren
Posted by: Lauren | April 12, 2009 at 09:00 PM
SA in Wappiners? I need to go there!
Posted by: Dana | April 12, 2009 at 08:09 PM
Such beautiful cookies you made!
Posted by: ann | April 12, 2009 at 04:50 PM
What beautiful cookies. Great thrift store find!!!
Posted by: Carrie | April 12, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Thanks for sharing with us. We love your stories. Can you believe your good fortune at Goodwill? I love my kitchen aid and have bought them for 2 of the guys in our family--I was tired of grinding their vension for deerburgers. Their wives love them too. Blessings for a happy spring. Hope you thaw out soon. Can't wait to hear about your warm weather adventures.
Posted by: Cathy-by-the-river | April 12, 2009 at 02:57 PM
I make both big and little cookies...love to decorate them .Look at my post about my Easter cookies.
http://igetthewindow.blogspot.com/2009/04/easter-bunny.html
Posted by: Diann | April 12, 2009 at 02:42 PM
what a great find! im jealous!
Posted by: thomas | April 12, 2009 at 02:11 PM
Eddie...I recently picked up another Kitchen Aid mixer at a garage sale for $5.00 with one bowl, a wisk, and a dough hook. I'd lost the dough hook that came with my KA original mixer from 1973 and this was cheaper than buying a new one. We both scored!!!
Love your cookies. Happy Easter to you and Jaithan. ♥Rosemary
Posted by: Content in a Cottage | April 12, 2009 at 01:22 PM
Happy Easter, I'm "hopping" over to my granddaughter's house and I wish I were taking those cookies! Its a myth that all grandmothers can bake but we can create lots of lovely memories and your ideas help me out.
Posted by: cj | April 12, 2009 at 12:27 PM
SO pretty! Can't wait to try the technique. And how jealous am I over your $25 kitchenaid!
Posted by: Laura | April 12, 2009 at 12:09 PM
What a pretty gift to share. I agree with you that the older cutters are fantastic.
Have a great Easter~!
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | April 12, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Those cookies are so cute! I am tres jealous of your mixer score.
Also, I moved my blog to self-hosted site you'll need to update your link to renovationtherapyblog.com
Thanks...now pass a cookie!
Posted by: Renovation Therapy | April 12, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Just ducky, luv! (sorry, couldn't resist)
Posted by: Sharon in Chicago | April 12, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Thanks for such a lovely post. I love sugar cookies! And $24?! how do you always find such great deals?! Argh!
Posted by: Margaret | April 12, 2009 at 09:52 AM
I love that you found the mixer at the salvation army but I must share a similar story of my own. I was returning home one day from preschool pick up when I turned the corner to my home and spotted a black mixer( the same one you found) out by the trash. I freaked! I had a kitchen aid but not the industrial mixer and I LOVE to cook and bake. This would be the perfect addition. I loaded it into the back of the car. When I got home and plugged it in, it began to smoke. I placed a call to kitchen aid to discover that it was covered by a lifetime guarantee and for the cost of shipping I could get a brand new one. Not a refurbished kitchen aid, a brand new one. So that's exactly what I did and it has made a lovely addition to my kitchen. It's amazing what you can find sometimes if you keep your eyes open. Happy bargain shopping or dumpster diving. Whatever floats your boat!
Posted by: Holly | April 12, 2009 at 08:34 AM
What a score on the mixer!! I inherited one from my MIL and love, love, love it.
The eggs look lovely. I'm not one for rolling dough, but this my just be the inspiration to give it a go.
Happy Easter.
Posted by: LIMOM | April 12, 2009 at 08:14 AM
Hi Eddie!
Love the hat!!! Wish I were a better baker- (those cookies are too cute) and that my Salvation Army was packed with such goodies!
Happy Easter!
Posted by: Live In Full Color | April 12, 2009 at 08:13 AM
Once again the "salvation army gods" are shining down on you- A Kitchen Aid Mixer Eddie? Your finds never cease to amaze me- Don't think I have ever seen one even at a consignment store...much less the thrift store-the cookies look straight from a bakery in Paris...Happy Easter Friend!
Posted by: suzanne | April 12, 2009 at 07:23 AM
What a beautiful post! LOVE your cookies and the lovely way you displayed them too!
Please Please Please share your recipes with us! Happy Easter!
Posted by: Kathi | April 12, 2009 at 06:16 AM
Hi Eddie, Another 'magazine beautiful' post, complete with the how-to. You gotta love it! Scrumptious looking! Happy Easter!
Posted by: PJ | April 12, 2009 at 06:16 AM
Eddie, your cookies look delicious! Is it too much to ask for the recipe?
Posted by: Irina | April 12, 2009 at 06:11 AM
$24!! Amazing! Happy Easter!
Posted by: justJENN | April 12, 2009 at 02:54 AM
I am dying over how beautiful your table display is! Sugar cookies are the best and I wouldn't even want to eat yours - I would only want to display them!
Posted by: heather | April 12, 2009 at 02:03 AM
Ok, I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy. I'm referring to your perfectly iced cookies. My mom and I spend countless hours trying to achieve this and they were a disaster. We even took a break and tried again the next day. I'd love to know the secret.
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 12, 2009 at 01:15 AM
Oh I am beyond jealous that you found a kitchen aid for $25. It has been on my list of wants. The spongeware look on the cookies is a wonderful idea.
Posted by: april~living the sweet life | April 12, 2009 at 01:07 AM
The cookies look perfect! How charming! Do you use royal icing? I've yet to find one with a flavor I actually enjoy.
Posted by: Shana | April 12, 2009 at 01:06 AM
Beautiful! One of these days I might get around to that. I don't seem to have the patience for the details.
Posted by: Lazy Mom Leslie | April 12, 2009 at 12:58 AM
Such mouth-watering cookies! Loving your blog entries! Happy Easter!
Posted by: Althea | April 11, 2009 at 11:51 PM
So darling! I too would love to know the recipe you use for the cookies and icing. I've been looking for a good one for years.
You need to go back to that store right now and give them more money for that mixer because you got it at steal! Lucky guy you are!
Hugs,
Joanne
Posted by: Joanne Kennedy | April 11, 2009 at 11:22 PM
What a great deal! And such beautiful cookies. Happy Easter.
Posted by: Kwana | April 11, 2009 at 11:22 PM
Delightful. Wow, would I love to find a prize like that in my goodwill!
Posted by: Kristy | April 11, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Well now that you've tested out that Kitchen Aid mixer, you can put it in your Etsy store! Maybe a box of your iced sugar cookies should be included with it!
Posted by: Shawn | April 11, 2009 at 11:11 PM
I can't believe you got that mixer for 24 dollars!!!! What a deal. I know what I spent for mine a few years ago and it sure wasn't 24 bucks. I love all your cookie cutters and I'm with you on the large cookies. I like to make smaller ones too. You did a wonderful job decorating and displaying them.
Posted by: Judy | April 11, 2009 at 11:08 PM
$24!! On what planet was that Salvation Army located? Not mine. I find deals at SAFS, but that one is out of this world! Want to sell it? I'll give you $50! =) That's more than 100% profit for you!!!
Posted by: Scarlett | April 11, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Thank you for sharing the GREAT tip for keeping the icing from spilling over the edges! Who would have thunk it?! This year's Easter cookies -- not so hot. Next year's -- perfect (just like your beautiful cookies)!
Posted by: Cathy | April 11, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Thank you for sharing the GREAT tip for keeping the icing from spilling over the edges! Who would have thunk it?! This year's Easter cookies -- not so hot. Next year's -- perfect (just like your beautiful cookies)!
Posted by: Cathy | April 11, 2009 at 10:31 PM
A kitchen Aid ! I'm lucky if i find a rusty egg beater :)
Posted by: TOM | April 11, 2009 at 10:21 PM
What great cookies and what great cutters. You got the bargain of the week with that mixer -- $24! WOW! I remember when daughter was small we always did Easter cutout frosted cookies. Alas, she is grown and gone so no more cookies but yours did bring back memories. They were far prettier than mine ever were!
Posted by: Linderho | April 11, 2009 at 10:06 PM
AAAAmazing. I had no idea that sugar cookies could be done so neatly. They are a work of art.
Happy Easter,
Laura
www.whitespraypaint.blogspot.com
Posted by: Laura | April 11, 2009 at 09:05 PM
OMG!! I'm still stuck on 24 bucks for the kitchen aid!!! Wow! How cute are those cookies...adorable :) My grandmother did these jello eggs in real egg shells and put the colored quivering blobs on dyed green coconut flakes!!! It was just kind of eww. Oh how things have changed since the 1970's :) Lovey Easter spread Eddie. Happy Easter to you and all of the blog gang as well.
Christie
ack
Posted by: Christie Lefebvre | April 11, 2009 at 08:16 PM
Happy Easter, will you post your cookie recipe?... your edges are nice and sharp, they look great, my boys would love them.
Anne.
Posted by: Anne | April 11, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Absolutely darling! Is there anything you can't do? I love the flowers and the ducks little feet. I love to decorate cakes and cookies. The little kid in me just gets to play, play, play!
Posted by: Mahala | April 11, 2009 at 08:03 PM
Hi Eddie and Jaithan, I LOVE the Easter cookies they look so amazing in the pressed glass baskets, it truly looks Yumalicious!!! Have a wonderful Easter Day. Hugs, Kathysue PS I will send you pict of my Easter table did something a little whimsical this year. xoxoxo kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | April 11, 2009 at 07:54 PM
I love those cookies, they are soooooooooo cute! I have never made cookies with icing though. Could you share the recipe for icing perhaps??? Would love to make som for the kids! Maybe for the whole daycare even!?lol Happy Easter!
Posted by: Katarina | April 11, 2009 at 07:39 PM
Fun post! You always score the greates finds and make them useful AND beautiful again!! Happy Easter!
Posted by: Ivy Lane | April 11, 2009 at 07:29 PM
* Sooo pretty! Soooo delicate in appearance n' they DEFINITELY make me want one... or two... or............"
Posted by: Linda | April 11, 2009 at 07:18 PM
They are just to sweet for words. Where ever do you find the time to make that many cookies.. You are an amazing team.
Posted by: martha | April 11, 2009 at 07:18 PM
Oh no you did not find such a steal on a KitchenAide Mixer!!! That is my DREAM to find one for cheap, cheap, cheap!!!! Oh, you are GOOD!!!!!
Posted by: Kaye Richardson | April 11, 2009 at 07:09 PM
I make fabulous sugar cookies every year as well!!And my kitchenaide is my favorite appliance!!! Your cookies are just perfect! But the crystal baskets are what make them super-chic! Have a wonderful Easter on the farm!!
Posted by: Tobi Fairley | April 11, 2009 at 05:54 PM
Cute cookies, you never know what is lurking at the salvation army....
Happy Easter!
Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | April 11, 2009 at 05:10 PM
Wow Eddie you have done such an amazing job they look fabulous. I love baking my problem is now I'm vegan and I have been struggling to find dairy free recipes. So until I do I will just have to admire your wonderful creations.
Happy Easter
Angel :)
Posted by: Angel | April 11, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Totally adorable! My kids would go nuts...
Posted by: Naomi | April 11, 2009 at 04:01 PM
Very nice cookies! I've been making similar decorated sugar cookies (using, yes, my Martha copper cookie cutters!) for years - mostly at Christmas. And you can't do it without the Kitchen Aid! Great presentation, as always!
Posted by: Linda Merrill from ::Surroundings:: | April 11, 2009 at 03:56 PM