Too Many Whisks In The Kitchen

The primary function of a whisk is to pull air into a mixture. That air builds foamy peaks or thickens the mixture. The outcome depends on the type... more

by William Rockwell

Title

Too Many Whisks In The Kitchen

Artist

William Rockwell

Medium

Photograph

Description

The primary function of a whisk is to pull air into a mixture. That air builds foamy peaks or thickens the mixture. The outcome depends on the type of whisk used and the speed at which it is drawn through the mixture. The first whisks were made of birch twigs. Julia Child, an American chef who specialized in French cuisine, introduced this versatile cooking utensil to American cooks. Today, whisks are created from silicon, metal and plastic. They also come in many shapes and sizes

The whisk's tines work like a vacuum within a mixture. Tines are the wires held together by the whisk's handle. Each tine creates a channel in the mixture, drawing air through and trapping it, and creating a vacuum in the process. The process is repeated each time the tines are drawn through the mixture. The result is a mixture that is filled with air pockets. After several pulls of the whisk, egg whites, for example, become stiff and form peaks. Sauces thicken with slower whisking.

Uploaded

May 14th, 2014