Walk into any department store, and you will be blown away by the sheer volume of kitchen gadgets that are available. In fact, it could get positively intimidating if you are a beginner cook just in search of more information. Of course, some of these appliances are easy to figure out, like a popcorn maker or waffle iron. It only needs to make popcorn or cook waffles. But how do you find your way around some of the more complicated items, like food processors? Stay with me, and let’s clear this up as well as learn four easy food processor recipes.

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One appliance, many jobs

A food processor is designed to chop things up and mix ingredients together. The precise blades that are responsible for most of the work it does, will give you a mixture of evenly-chopped pieces. Most models also give you the option to switch out blades to adjust the size of those chopped pieces. Some of the more advanced models might offer even further options, such as a ricing attachment.

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It is not a blender

A food processor is not a blender. While it can offer limited blending capabilities, the shape and construction of the machine creates a different end result. How do you use a food processor correctly? Food processors are designed to keep the moisture content of the food near the outside edge, whereas a blender is designed to integrate all parts into an evenly-distributed mass.

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One item, many uses

The versatility of a food processor makes it a valuable piece of machinery in any kitchen, but you need to understand how to get the most from your food processor. From chopping vegetables to blending dough or making sauces, one small adjustment is all it takes to turn your food processor into a multi-purpose powerhouse. Not only is a food processor handy, it is also fast. What would have taken you a significant amount of time if you were to attempt it manually, is reduced to a mere few seconds with a food processor. Think chopping, slicing, ricing and everything in between, all done more easily and with less hassle than with a knife. It can arguably also be considered a safer way of getting the job done, as you do not have to deal with blades and knives directly. The functionality of the food processor can expand as your cooking skills expand, and you will experience its increasing usefulness as you grown more adept in the kitchen. The blog Chasing Foxes have a really interesting post on 8 ways to use a food processor that you never thought of.

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Which one will be best for me?

When you buy a food processor, look at it as a long-term investment. It should address your current needs, but it should also allow you room to adapt and grow as your culinary skills improve. When making your selection, look for useful extras, like a pulse setting, which allows you to work in short, sharp bursts. A powerful motor will guarantee a desirable end result, and make sure that the model you choose includes all of the attachments that you might need too.

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Recipe photo credits – Frugal Hausfrau, Elephantastic Vegan, The Forked Spoon and Midwest Foodie Blog.

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