A cookie cutter is a kitchen tool used to cut out shapes from rolled cookie dough. It is typically made of metal or plastic and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. The main purpose of a cookie cutter is to create uniform shapes for cookies, allowing them to bake evenly and look visually appealing. Cookie cutters can be used for various occasions and themes, such as holidays, birthdays, or special events. They come in a wide range of designs, including animals, letters, numbers, and holiday symbols such as Christmas trees or hearts. Some cookie cutters even have intricate details, allowing for more elaborate designs.
When it comes to my own preference, I like my audiobooks dark, spooky, snarky, and full of drama. But I’m not the only person in this house! In fact, I share it with (among several other mammals) a pair of elementary school aged girls for whom I am the staff. I mean mom. They’re five and eight, and some of my favorite books aren’t appropriate to play when they’re around. (I’m fairly progressive but I’m not ready to explain what exactly they’re doing on the movie set in Jim Butcher’s Blood Rites, for example.)
The authors avoid this through a sense of humor that is self-aware without being arch, a keen awareness of the very real difficulties involved for both the kids and their caregivers, and the sensitivity to plot things in a way that doesn t magically ha ha make those difficulties disappear. The challenges of their magical difficulties, like the challenge of possessing a brain or body that works differently than others , are more than enough to provide plot tension.
Some cookie cutters even have intricate details, allowing for more elaborate designs. Using a cookie cutter is fairly simple. First, the dough is rolled out to a desired thickness and then the cookie cutter is pressed firmly into the dough.
Deeper Messages in Upside Down Magic
Imagine a world of magic where every child comes into their powers at 10. At that point, they come into their abilities and are “supposed” to fall into the neatly organized categories of magic – fluxer, flicker, flare, fuzzy, and flyer. Now imagine that when your magic comes in, it doesn’t quite fit the “normal” mold. That’s the concept behind the great series by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins, Upside Down Magic.
My 8 year old daughter is in love with this series and I felt that I had to understand what drew her to it so much. Plus, I had listened to pieces of most of the books while with my daughter. The books center on Nory Horrace and her classmates who have magical abilities that don’t fit into the mold that everyone expects. Nory is a fluxer, someone who can change into animals, but rather than a single animal, she typically becomes a combination of things such as a kitten and dragon, a dritten! The problem is that Nory’s father happens to be the headmaster of an elite magical boarding school and they do not accept students who are not “normal.” Because of this, Nory gets sent to live with her aunt and enrolls in a program for kids with “upside down magic.”
Now that I have read and/or listened to most of these books, I have come to realize that there are a number of really important messages that weave their way through every book in the series. Two of my favorites are embracing differences in yourself and others and that it takes a village. Wow. Those are really amazing concepts to instill in kids without bashing them over the head with it. I especially like how they deal with the pressure that Nory gets from her father.
So far, each book focuses on a different kid and how their magic impacts their life, with Nory getting attention in every title. In addition to feeling a bit out of place and celebrating your differences, the three authors try to look at the other issues the class (and kids this age) might be facing.
- The students are often bullied for being different, but the point is also made that bullying can be done both intentionally and unintentionally.
- Stepping out of your comfort zone and into new situations can be scary, but it can also be totally worth it.
- Friendship, and how we treat our friends, is a common theme. You are not always going to agree with your friends and sometimes you are not always treated the way you should be, and vice versa.
- Overcoming obstacles is a way of life for these kids. Sometimes obstacles make it hard to keep up with everyone else, but sometimes being differently-abled can work to your advantage because there are things that you are capable of doing that no one else can.
The quality of books for early middle grade readers these days is phenomenal and this series is one of the reasons why. The characters are just silly enough to keep you from even realizing there is something deeper going on. Nory continues to change into all sort of different animals and the pictures you can create in your head are priceless. Who wouldn’t be shocked by a blue-bird/elephant? The 6th book is coming out in September and I know this will be one of my purchases when our book fair comes around!
The excess dough is removed, leaving only the desired shape. The shape can then be transferred onto a baking sheet and baked in an oven according to the recipe instructions. Cookie cutters are not limited to just cookies. They can also be used with other types of dough, such as pie crust or fondant, to create decorative designs for pies, cakes, or other baked goods. Some people even use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from other food items, such as sandwiches or fruits, to add a fun and creative touch to meals. In addition to being a useful tool in the kitchen, cookie cutters can also be a fun and engaging activity for children. They can help children develop fine motor skills while allowing them to be creative and express themselves through baking. Cookie cutters can also be used as a teaching tool, helping children learn shapes, letters, or numbers. Overall, cookie cutters play an important role in the world of baking. They allow for uniformity and creativity in creating visually appealing and delicious treats. Whether used for traditional sugar cookies or more intricate designs, cookie cutters can bring joy and a personal touch to any baking experience..
Reviews for "From Amateurs to Pros: Baking Like a Chef with a Wutch Cookie Cutter"
1. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars
I was really disappointed with the Wutch cookie cutter. Firstly, the design was not as clear and distinct as advertised. When I tried to cut the cookies, the shape was not well defined and the details of the design were completely lost. Secondly, the cookie cutter itself was not sturdy or well made. It felt flimsy and cheap in my hands, and I was worried it would break while I was using it. Overall, I would not recommend the Wutch cookie cutter to anyone looking for a quality cookie cutter with a clear and defined design.
2. Alex - 1 out of 5 stars
I purchased the Wutch cookie cutter based on the positive reviews, but I was incredibly disappointed with it. The size of the cookie cutter was much smaller than expected, and it was difficult to use on larger batches of cookie dough. Additionally, the shape of the design was not consistent, and the cookies ended up looking misshapen and unappetizing. Overall, I regret spending my money on the Wutch cookie cutter and would not recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 3 out of 5 stars
I had high hopes for the Wutch cookie cutter, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The design of the cookie cutter was adorable, and the shape itself was easy to use. However, I found that the edges were not sharp enough, resulting in a messy and uneven cut on the cookie dough. The cookies did not have the clean edges I was hoping for, and the overall presentation was lacking. While the Wutch cookie cutter has its charms, I was disappointed with the execution.