Your idea of the big kitchen aid mixers sounds like it would definitely work for you. Since they are so expensive, why not keep an eye open for one at second-hand stores, at Goodwill stores, or at yard sales when they finally start back up again? I'm assuming, of course, that NYC has yard sales. Do you even have yards? Thus speaks the country hick from Tennessee!!
I buy most of my goodies at places like that, and end up with things I could never afford otherwise.
Hugs,

Hi,
The goodwill is a great suggestion frequently they have items that are new but sold to them from dept. stores like Target, mostly out of season items but not always and the prices can't be beat.
Also You might want to try eBay there are many new items below retail.Beware though items ending on the weekend are usually higher due to the amount of people shopping then.Late at night & during the week good buys can be found.Be sure to check seller feedback.And use paypal for safety.
Shopping on Ebay when I can't sleep keeps me from going stir crazy.
Denise

I realize this is an old thread, but I suppose cooking is pretty much a current problem for most of us. I just want to share a tip about mixing things. For me, it can be much easier to mix things (such as cookie dough or meat loaf) or crush things (such as crackers) if I put them in a ziplock bag. For mixing, you can just squeeze the bag. The bag also helps keep the cold off of your hands.

Ziplocks bags (I use a brand with the slider deal, it's easier to close-I think it's called OneZip) can also be used to break the work of a recipee into small steps. For example: Step 1: find all dry ingredients and place on counter. Step2: Measure out flour-put in bag and mark with permanent marker. Step 3:
Put rest of dry ingredients in bag & mark it. Step 4: Break eggs into separate bag and set in frig. etc. This way, the steps can be worked on over 2 days even and everything will stay sanitary.

Putting the yolks, mustard, mayonnaise, etc. in a bag to mix, and then cutting off a tip of the bottom corner and using it as a pastry bag is an easy way to make deviled eggs. You can even transport the eggs to a party or potluck and easily pipe the yolk mixture in the whites when you get there.

Another thing that helps: ask family member if they will put things back for you when you are done and check the item for doneness when timer goes off-bc by then, you might be in bed too exhausted to move-or crying in pain from cooking. Remember to ask the family to please bring you a serving when it is done. If you don't-it might not dawn on them that you will be too exhausted to get up and get your share.

Happy cooking! (and eating!)

Have you ever tried to pick up one of the large mixers? I have one and it is incredibly heavy. You would need to put it some place where you have access to it and the ability to use it without moving it.

I agree with the idea of the zip bags. I also purchased a smaller set of mixing, blending and food processing tools that come together. I find they are easy to use.

By the way, for people having these problems an occupational therapist can help you come up with solutions and train you on how to do things.

The sunbeam mixers with the dough hooks should work great for mixing the meatball mixture up.
lighter & cheaper than the kitchen aid.

quite a few in the thrift stores around here for 12 bucks or so depending on condition. and you can still buy bowls, dough hooks & beaters online for them if you need to.

The plastic zip bag is a good idea too, just put it all in there close it up and mush it together - or have Alan squeeze the bag for you to get it mixed.
The gallon size might work best.

If you use a freezer type bag you could do an extra large amount - use what you need for a meal and keep the extra in the freezer til next time.