SBR- Food processor?

IdigDirt

I was looking at this baby food maker that steams food then purees it or whatever one does to food to make it baby food. I thought it was pretty cool but then I got to thinking I could steam the food myself and get a food processor which would have many more uses.

Which would you get if you were me? I am vegan if that sways your decision one way or another. I see that they are good for making pies but I highly doubt I would ever make a pie, what else can I use this food processor for? 

 

MelanieAdam0707

we got one when we got married...I use mine for salsa (onions)...guacamole (avocado)...I do a cracker crumb topping on fish so I crush up my Ritz with mine...big chunks of broccoli a bit smaller for soups...hmmm...smoothies...my frozen berries plus yogurt...tomatoes for sauce...sweet potatoes/potatoes mashed

Just a few of our uses for ours...we plan on using it a TON for baby food this summer after we get the garden going!!!

EDIT: we have a kitchenaid one and we like it VERY much

IdigDirt

Can I use it for making tomatoes into little cubes like in chunky salsa? I can mash potatoes in it? That would make it worth it. I usually make sauce and smoothies in my blender but the chopping would be nice. 

Telly21182

I'm going to get a new FP since we have a mini one and I've been wanting a new, full size one for awhile.  I love to cook and bake though.

You could also just get an immersion blender (hand held blender), or use a regular blender if you don't think you'll use a FP often enough to spend the $.

However, you can use a FP for a lot.  If you ever plan to make your own breads/doughs, etc. you can use it.  Also they're great for hummus, salsa, guacamole, etc. 

bloominautumn

I make large batches of pesto in my 11-cup food processor in the summertime when basil is in season. I've also made hummus and guacamole. I also have a little food processor (a cuisinart mini-chopper) that I use for smaller jobs like chopping herbs and making marinade.

Telly21182

samara826:

Can I use it for making tomatoes into little cubes like in chunky salsa? I can mash potatoes in it? That would make it worth it. I usually make sauce and smoothies in my blender but the chopping would be nice. 

You can definitely use it for tomatoes as well as mashed potatoes.  Basically, anything you want to chop can go in there!

I forgot to mention in my other response that since I'm planning to get a new one I think I'm going to add it to my registry at the very end so I can get the discount, but not actually ask anyone for it.  The one I want is $200 I believe so I'll take whatever discount I can get! 

MelanieAdam0707

samara826:

Can I use it for making tomatoes into little cubes like in chunky salsa? I can mash potatoes in it? That would make it worth it. I usually make sauce and smoothies in my blender but the chopping would be nice. 

mmmhmmm...I tend to go overboard w the FP and mush my tomatoes but alot of people do them in the FP. I definitely make sweet potato mash and reg potato mash...plus you can throw garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper in it and it's DONE  

We LOVE ours...we dont even have a blender (however we do have a jimmy buffet margarita maker in a blender pinch lol)

jcsumm0

I LOVE my food processor.  I have a kitchenaid one too.  You can make bread crumbs, any sort of dip, chop onions, garlic, or anything else, shred cheese or veggies, slice things.  Pesto and hummus are favorites, like PP said.

A baby food maker is a uni-tasker that you'll only use when you have a baby.  You can use your food processor forever.

waterfall11

I don't use mine much, but hope to start using it more.  I always make hummus and spinach artichoke dip in it.  I have a mini one I use for things like nuts and crackers. 

Pockety

You can also get a mini food processor at Walgreens or CVS for well under $20 - can alway see if you like it.

We have a full-sized Cuisinart food processor that we never use, and a mini one from CVS that we never use - I do plan to use the mini one to make baby food.  It's easier to dig out of the cabinet, clean, etc.  DH has used it to make hummus too.   

IdigDirt

Pockety:

You can also get a mini food processor at Walgreens or CVS for well under $20 - can alway see if you like it.

We have a full-sized Cuisinart food processor that we never use, and a mini one from CVS that we never use - I do plan to use the mini one to make baby food.  It's easier to dig out of the cabinet, clean, etc.  DH has used it to make hummus too.   

I actually already have a mini but never use it. I guess I should just stick with that for now. I tried chopping tomatoes in it but they turned to mush and I never used it again. I want to make hummus though so I may dig it out and try again.  

mrs.happy

Use the pulse function to chop tomatoes without turning them into mush.  Basically, if you want something a smooth consistency, turn it on completely.  If you want something chopped, use the pulse and check the size of the pieces after every few pulses.

I have a food processor that I use for some things.  I especially like it for the juicer and grater attachments.  I have a Cuisinart immersion blender that I use MUCH more often - soups, salad dressings, smoothies, etc.  It's one of the best kitchen items I've ever bought or received.  It came with a mini food processor attachment, which I use for smaller jobs like small batches of pesto, chopping nuts, salsa, etc. because it is so much simpler to clean up than the food processor.  I plan to use a regular steam basket and the immersion blender for baby food.  IMHO, those baby food makers are a waste of money.