wooden spoons

[paddywak]

Can somebody please explain why some recipes specify the types of utensil to be used. What difference does it make if a cake ,for instance, is mixed using a wooden or metal spoon?

[Sachs]

Hi paddy, wooden spoons will not scratch non stick pan surfaces. Also the bowl end of a wooden spoon is thicker than a metal one and so properly mixes the mixture instead of just cutting in to it! xxx

[paddywak]

Thanks for the info Sachs, I thought there must be a practical reason (other then the non stick one) but I couldn't see what. I'm afraid I just use what comes to hand first.which is probably why I'm always in trouble for damaging the best pans etc

[Eve]

I find it easier to mix cake mix with a wooden spoon, the thickness and lightness helps.

[kira000]

Some recipes also tell you to use metal, usually for things like stirring flour into a fluffy beaten egg mixture. The metal spoon has sharper edges and doesnt knock the air out of the mixture like a wooden sppon would. So thngs like meringues, and sponges are better done with a wooden spoon, or they may turn out a bit flat and airless!!

Wooden sppons are btter for mixtures that need smooth creamy, non airated mixtures, like a custard or brownie mixture.

[paddywak]

Once again thank you one and all