KitchenAid stand mixers have a devoted following, and those who have one say it's totally worth the splurge. If you have a mixer, love your mixer, and find yourself squealing every year over the new 2013 KitchenAid mixer colors, then do we have a treat for you: fabulous, colorful, oh-so-cute gingerbread cookies in the shape of that beloved KitchenAid mixer!

We've been talking a lot about mixers this week, so it was fortuitous that a Kitchn reader sent us this visual guide to all the ways mixers help out in the kitchen. In short, 12 mixer accessories can replace 25 kitchen items. Curious what they are? See the whole guide below: More

While booking it through the Home + Housewares show yesterday in Chicago (there is so much to see), Faith and I passed these gorgeous pastel machines, and immediately stopped to ooh and aah. "Ankarsrum," I read on the booth sign. "Swedish quality since 1940." The shape of the machine was interesting, and we were particularly intrigued to see a few units lying on their side. What were we dealing with here? A stand mixer? Juicer? Blender? Meat grinder? Turns out an Ankarsrum machine is all those things, and more: More

The stand mixer market is really dominated by KitchenAid (earlier we showed you their new colors for 2013), with some competition from Cuisinart and Breville. So we were really fascinated to see a few fresh new options at the Home + Housewares show yesterday — most notably this stylish machine from Bodum, who is more commonly known for coffee and tea ware than small appliances. Want a closer peek? More

Yesterday Cambria and I spent a day in Chicago at the International Home + Housewares Show, the massive annual trade show where new products for the kitchen and home are introduced. There's always a dizzying array of stuff on display, much of it not worth mentioning, but we spotted a few gems we thought worth telling you about.

And we're starting with everyone's favorite little tidbit: the new KitchenAid mixer colors for 2013! Vibrant green, bubblegum pink, and read on to see a photo of the Watermelon... More

When I moved from a college dorm into an apartment, my mother helped me stock my kitchen, allowing me to use precious Greenbax Stamps to purchase a sleek white hand mixer. When she saw it, she asked to trade, offering me her Iona avocado green mixer, a wedding gift from my father’s college friend English McCutchen. The mixer was only 20 years old then, and in fine condition. 

Last year KitchenAid went hot pink with Raspberry Ice, and it looks like they're staying bold and bright with the addition of Crystal Blue, a vibrant lagoon blue. But they've also introduced Frosted Pearl, a soft creamy white, for something a bit more classic. (And perhaps perfect for a wedding registry?) More

Q: I received a beautiful 4.5 qt stand mixer as a Christmas gift, and I can't wait to incorporate it into my cooking/baking routines. The problem is, I don't have any recipes that involve stand mixers! Can you share your favorite stand mixer recipes??

Sent by Amanda More

Q: What is the best introductory stand mixer for someone who is trying to get into baking bread on a budget? KitchenAid mixers seem to be the favorite but they also have a higher price tag than I'm willing to spend on something I'm not sure I'll use.

Sent by Travis More

In the world of stand mixers, there's two different types. Those with a tilting head and those with a bowl that raises and lowers while the head stays still. I've never been much for tilting models, but the process of adjusting both styles is nearly identical. It's easier than you think and will make your appliance last longer and food taste better! More