3
TIPS FOR PROCESSING FOOD
Preparing the Food
Size
Always cut large pieces of food into smaller pieces of even size – about
1
⁄
2
inch (12mm) to a side . If you don’t start with pieces that are small and
uniform, you will not get an even chop .
Quantity
Do not overload the work bowl . Overloading causes inconsistent results
and it strains the motor . Use the quantities given in the recipe
section as a guide . As a rule of thumb, remember that after being
processed, food should not reach more than
2
⁄
3
of the way up the central
hub of the blade assembly .
Note:
Due to the powerful motor provided with this unit, Cuisinart
recommends using one hand to support the Mini-Prep
®
Plus Processor
during operation .
Selecting the Right Operating Control
Use the Chop function for chopping, puréeing and mixing . It is the right
choice, for example, for chopping soft, fragile food such as herbs, celery,
onions, garlic and most cheeses . It is also a good choice for puréeing
cooked vegetables, making mayonnaise and mixing salad dressing .
Pulse action is best when you are using the Chop function . Two or three
pulses can even be enough . Be sure to check the food frequently to
prevent overprocessing . If you overprocess, you are likely to get a watery
paste instead of a fine chop .
Use the Grind function for grinding spices and for chopping hard food
such as peppercorns, seeds, chocolate and nuts . It is also excellent for
combining delicate mixtures that you do not want to be over-chopped
or processed . Alternating between Chop and Grind reduces the need for
scraping down the sides of the bowl during processing .
Continuous-hold action is best when you are using the Grind function .
You may have to operate the Mini-Prep
®
Plus Processor for several
seconds with some food to achieve the desired results – as long as 20
seconds for some seeds .
When you operate the unit for more than 10 seconds, use a pulse action
every 10 seconds or so to allow food to drop to the bottom of the work
bowl . This provides more consistent results .
Never operate the Mini-Prep
®
Plus Processor continuously for longer than
1 minute at a time .
Note:
The work bowl and cover may become scratched when you use
them for grinding grains and spices . This does not affect the performance
of the Mini-Prep
®
Plus Processor . However, you may want to reserve the
original bowl for grinding and purchase an additional bowl and cover set
for other uses . These are available from the Cuisinart Customer Service
Department, which you can reach by dialing our toll-free number:
1-800-726-0190 .
Adding Liquids
You can add liquids such as water, oil or flavoring while the machine is
running . For example, you can add water to control the consistency of
baby food . You might want to add oil when making mayonnaise or salad
dressing, or you could add vanilla or alcohol when making frozen yogurt .
Pour the liquid through one of the two openings in the cover .
I
MPORTANT:
Add liquid through only one opening at a time . The other
opening must be left free to allow air to escape . If both openings are
blocked, liquid cannot flow smoothly into the bowl .
Removing Food from the Sides of the Bowl
Occasionally food will stick to the sides of the bowl as you process . Stop
the machine to clear food away .
AFTER THE BLADE HAS STOPPED
MOVING,
remove the cover, and use the spatula to scrape the food from
the sides of the bowl back into the center . Do not put hands into bowl
unless unit is unplugged .
PROCESSING FOOD
1 . Place the work bowl firmly on the motor base and insert the blade
assembly . Opening at back of bowl must face column at back of
Mini-Prep
®
Plus Processor . Turn counterclockwise to lock in place .
2 . Place food in the work bowl . Be sure the food is cut into small pieces,
and the bowl is not overloaded .
3 . Lock the cover into position .
NOTE:
Due to the powerful motor
provided with this unit, Cuisinart recommends using one hand to
support the Mini-Prep
®
Plus Processor during operation .
4 . Press the appropriate Chop or Grind Control, depending on the food
you are processing .
5 . When you have finished processing the food, stop the machine by
releasing the control button .
6 .
WHEN THE BLADE STOPS MOVING
, remove the cover .
7 . Unplug the unit .
8 . Carefully remove the blade assembly, holding it by the handle on the
top of the sheath .
NEVER TOUCH THE BLADE ITSELF.
9 . Remove food with the spatula .
Note:
Do not operate Mini-Prep
®
Plus
Processor without food contents in work bowl .
