Why use a food processor ?

I have had a food processor for many years now and I find it an indispensable tool, saving both time and energy. For me they slice fruit and vegetables quickly and evenly and pulverize soups, dips, and sauces into smooth liquids. Yes I know that you can do all of this by hand, but it will take a lot longer and you will tire out your hands, wrists, and contribute to wearing out your knives. Most food processors today have an On, Off and Pulse settings. Some machines have more speeds, so as always consult your owner's manual for the best use.

You will need to carefully monitor the ingredients so that you do not produce puree when you wanted diced or cut ingredients. The food processor is not a set and forget piece of kitchenware. As with all good pieces of equipment you will need to adapt your way of preparing food.

A few general guidelines:

* Make sure the machine you choose is powerful enough to handle the tough jobs such as: kneading stiff dough's etc. If they cannot handle these things you may find that your burn out the motor - and believe me that is a smell that you do not forget in a hurry.
* The only thing I don't put in my processor is cream or eggs to be whipped. As the food processor does not have the speed to make good peaks. User a hand or stick mixer for mixing eggs or cream.
* Always select the appropriate blade you wish to you use and put into the processor.
* Lock the lid down according to your manufacturer's instructions.
* Prepare the food you wish to chop (by trimming leaves, etc) and put the food into the processor's feed tube.
* Usually there is a fill line on the bowl of the processor so do not fill beyond this line. This is especially important when using liquids!
* Use the plastic pusher provided with your processor to help move the foods down the tube if needed. NEVER use your fingers to push food down the tube especially if the motor is running.
* Be extra careful when handling the blades of your processor as they are very sharp.
* You can use your food processor for chopping, making graham cracker crusts, smoothing sauces, making soups or pureeing baby food.
* To chop food without making it into a puree you should use the S-shaped blade. It is important to use the pulse button and keep an eye on the food consistency.

Other things you can do in your food processor

* Grate cheese using the shredder blade and the pulse setting.
* Coleslaw is made easier if you use the shredding disk.
* With some practice, your food processor has become indispensable because everyone's cooking styles and needs are different.