Food Processor – True Multi-Tasker For Your Kitchen
When engaged couples prowl the aisles of home goods stores in search of registry items they frequently overlook the humble food processor on their way to the fine china. Even a blender or a coffee maker seems like they are higher on the list. After years of marriage, it is my contention that there is no better appliance with which to stock your kitchen. Blenders come and go- with such a tiny blade, it is inevitable that right around the hundredth smoothie it will give up the ghost. In addition, blenders have a very limited range of functionality-smoothies, soups, margaritas. The food processor, on the other hand, has a wide variety of tasks it can perform.
There are many different brands of food processor, but most of them, from the least to the most expensive, all have several useful functions in common. First of all, a standard one will have a variety of blades. A small blade for a half-capacity load, a large blade for the full amount, and a dual-sided grater blade that operates similarly to a mandolin slicer- with julienne slicing as well as grating are most always included.
With this kitchen tool, one can prepare the mise en place- the true cook’s lifeline of already prepped ingredients, in mere seconds. Spice pastes, which are the secret ingredient in a multitude of amazing dishes, are so easy to prepare- simply place all of the ingredients in the smaller cup, use the small blade, and voila! So much quicker than resorting to the mortar and pestle to grind and blend your spices and aromatics. Using a food processor in this way also prevents any possibility of cross-contamination from raw meat products that are on a shared board. No need to chop garlic or herbs with the same knife used to break down a chicken- simply put the ingredients necessary into the machine and whirl away.
In addition to food prep, the food processor takes the place of more specialized appliances necessary to prepare your own homemade baby food. No need to spend unnecessary money on the purchase of pre-packaged baby food, and no need to buy a baby food grinder, it is so easy to steam your own veggies and fruits, place them in the small cup and process into a puree that is safe for baby. Once pureed, the baby food can be poured directly from the food processor into an ice cube tray, and once frozen, can be stored in a ziploc baggie for instant single size portions.
A food processor also takes much of the work out of pie crusts and other dough preparations. To make a perfect, flaky pie crust, the most important factor is touching the dough the least amount as possible. The food processor makes this absolutely effortless. Flour and shortening are pulsed until coarse crumbs form, then water is added a tablespoon at a time, while pulsing approximately 10 times. At the end of the pulsing, the dough will form a ball, and be ready to go into the fridge. In traditional pie crust making, the dough becomes hard and rubbery as a result of too much interaction with warm hands.
In conclusion, a food processor will simplify your life in the kitchen and make it truly enjoyable to prepare meals for yourself and your family.
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