For crisp vegetables, do the following at least one day prior to use:

1. Trim and clean vegetables as needed. Root vegetables should be stored with roots intact.
2. Soak vegetables in tepid water (70°-90°F) for 2 to 4 minutes.
3. After re-introducing moisture, drain off all excess water and place in plastic bags or containers with small drainage holes.
4. Chill for at least 6 hours.

If you forgot to soak your beans overnight: Place beans in cold water and bring to a boil and strain. Place again in cold water and bring to a second boil. This will cut the cooking time in half!

To clean mushrooms that are covered with dirt and mud: Fill the sink with cold water and put mushrooms in the water. Add a heaping handful of flour over the mushrooms, fold vigorously and let stand for a few minutes. The mud and dirt will fall to the bottom of the sink.

So you need a new mixer and you start to shop for the best value for your money. You know that purchasing the best mixer for your operation is imperative so you don't end up having more problems and spending more money in the long run. Follow these simple rules to find the right mixer for your operation.

First, make a list of all the things you use the mixer for. Things you need to consider are:

- What is the largest batch size and the recipe that will be made?
- Will you be mixing dough, and if so, what is the largest batch size that will be made?
- How much floor or counter space do you have available for the mixer?
- Electrical connections and amp draw available
- What other functions are you performing with the mixer, for instance cheese grating, vegetable slicing, and meat grinding?

Once you have determined all your needs, schedule a time to meet with your local equipment dealer. Review your list with your Salesperson. He will show you a mixer capacity chart that will help you determine the mixer size that is best for you.

Why is the batch size and recipe important? It is all about making sure the mixer is able to handle the batch size. If you undersize the mixer, you will overload the mixer, damaging the transmission and motor. If you are mixing dough, understand absorption ratio. To calculate the absorption ratio, divide the weight of the water by the weight of the flour. For instance, if your recipe calls for 2 gallons of water and 32 lbs. of flour, you would calculate 2 gallons X 8.33 lbs/gallon = 16.66 lbs. of water. 16.66 divided by 32 lbs. of water = 52% absorption ratio. This is important because dough with a lower AR is tougher and requires more power to mix. Once this is calculated, use the Mixer Capacity Chart to properly size the mixer for your application.

Another important piece of information that is needed is space limitations. Just because you have used a 30 qt. mixer before, does not mean that a new 30 qt. mixer will fit in the same space. Some new mixer designs require 50% more space due to swing out bowls. This design limits your floor or counter space dramatically. Take care to verify dimensions prior to purchasing a unit.

Checking the available electrical voltage is a must if you're purchasing anything larger than a 20 qt. mixer. You should also verify the amperage capacity prior to purchasing your mixer.

Most mixers come with an attachment hub, which can greatly increase the versatility and productivity of the mixer. Attachments available include meat grinders, vegetable slicing, cheese grating and meat tenderizing. If you decide to utilize the attachment hub with accessories, remember that you can not run the attachment hub while mixing. This will increase the demand on the motor and transmission and may result in a failure. Other add-on items include bowls trucks, mixer tables and bowl reduction kits.

It is highly recommended that you ask your salesperson about having the mixer professionally installed. Mixers are heavy and bulky. If the mixer falls, serious damage can occur that is not covered under a manufacturer's warranty. By paying for professional installation, you can feel confident that your mixer will operate at its optimum capacity.

You can bypass potential pitfalls by knowing a few basic items prior to making your purchasing decision. The result will be a pleasant buying experience and a trouble-free operation for years to come.