Recipes - Food Processors

A food processor can take a lot of the “work” out of kitchen work for you. When you need to slice, dice, chop, or shred ingredients, the food processor does it much quicker than even the fastest set of hands could.

Several people

Moreover, it is great if you are preparing food for a large amount of people. Items like cole slaw that would normally take 30 minutes or more for prep time can be reduced in half with a food processor.

Baby food

Some people use their food processors to grate cheese, puree food for babies, chop vegetables and fruits, even grinding up graham crackers to make a piecrust.

Types of food

When considering purchasing a food processor, think about how much food you will be preparing. If you have never purchased a food processor before and there is only two or three people in your family, a smaller food processor should work fine. A smaller food processor that holds two cups is very economical, starting at $20.

Processor costs

A medium food processor that holds 7 cups with stainless steel blades and two speed plus pulse control can be purchased for as little as $30. Remember that the less expensive food processors also are less powerful, but should still get the job done. However, if you want a food processor that had more power, multiple speeds, extra discs, and additional controls, you will have to pay in $50 and up range. An 11-cup food processor can be as much as $175, but if you have a large family and prepare a lot of food at home, it is well worth the cost.

Shredding

Some food processors are strictly for slicing and shredding ingredients only. The Hamilton Beach Change-A-Bowl Electric Slicer Shredder will allow you to slice or shred ingredients right into a handy container. There are also food processors that have a juicer function so you can make fruit or vegetable juices without having two appliances.

Cleaning your processor

When buying a food processor, check to see if the one you want is dishwasher safe. You will not be able to put the motorized base in the dishwasher, but you can save cleanup time if you can put the bowl, lid, and blades in there. You may want to consider how much counter space you have to hold a food processor. Some can be rather large and if you do not have room for it on your counter, you will need to store it somewhere.

A food processor is a great kitchen appliance to help you prepare nutritious, tasty items for your family in a quick and easy manner.