Passing the Mixer from One Generation to the Next

My grandfather's KitchenAid mixer was passed down to me many years ago.  There was always a bone of contention as to whether the mixer was supposed to go to me or to my aunt.   Back in those days, a KitchenAid was a prize possession.  Expensive and reserved for real food enthusiasts or professionals at the time that he probably bought it, it wasn't something that was a part of the ordinary cook's equipment inventory.  Papa used it to bake large, dense pound cakes and his favorite Japanese Pound Cake.  It was always clear that it was Papa's mixer.  Granny had her own mixer, a tried and true Sunbeam stand mixer.

In the end, I wound up with the mixer thanks to the persistent lobbying of my mom. Little did I know at that time that I would use it to make cookies with my very own children.  Sharing the simple joy of making Chocolate Chip Cookies reminded me of the days when I would help out my grandmother and grandfather in the kitchen.  I hope that my boys will remember these moments when they are older with children of their own.  And I promise to make sure that they each have their own KitchenAid mixer.