cityhopper's Profile
What can a food processor do that a mortar and pestle, Kitchenaid Professional stand mixer, Shun mandoline, and Vitamix Professional blender cant do?
I'm no longer a college student AND still on a budget. As I began to build a kitchen collection, I came to the same dilemma. I opted with the Cuisinart Stand Mixer, Cuisinart Spice Grinder, and a Swissmar Mandoline. Overall, I do not regret my choice.
This combination of equipment is easier to clean and serves the purpose of cooking for one. I could not justify the FP when I don't normally cook for a large group. However, if I can snag a quality FP at an amazing deal, I'll probably purchase it.
Given that you have the Vitamix too, I think you have adequate small appliance coverage.
What Did You Cook Today? Part 1
Breakfast: crescents and bacon
Dinner: Chicken, mushroom and wild rice
Glass food storage: Luminarc vs Pyrex vs GlassLock?
I purchased the Kinetic GlassLock 10-pc set from BBB around 6 months ago.
1) I'd say it's easy to open and close but requires a little force because of the locking mechanisms.
2) I have not had anything leak (sauces). I have not put soup in the containser; therefore, I cannot comment.
3) Very easy storage and cleaning!
4) No problem from fridge to microwave. I do not put the lid in the microwave.
5) No material issues to date.
6) I have not experience any leaching odors with the glassware. Keep in mind that I have not kept food in in the containers for greater than two days. I also cover my food with a thin layer of wax paper before covering. I wash the glassware and lids immediately after use. BTW, the lids are BPA free.
Verdict: I love them. Will buy another set and pick up a few round pieces too!
Favorite cooking blogs?
Fortheloveofcooking-recipes.blogspot.com
Lebovitz
The Kitchn
Safe glass containers with leak proof lids?
Yes, I purchased a similar set at BBB (bed, bath, & beyond)
What's for Dinner? Part 88 [OLD]
To my fellow chowhounders, my dinner is rather embarrassing. Sam's Club broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken and steamed veggies.
A million (good) things have been going on in my life and keeping me very busy and thus away from the kitchen (and the forums). I have the 10lb weight gain to prove it :(
What do you take for lunch to work?
I've struggled with this as i travel between my main office and various client's office throughout the year. Simultaneously, I'm trying to consume the majority of my calories between breakfast and lunch. Currently, I'm doing wraps with snacks (crackers, fruit, or pretzels). If I have leftovers, I'll take those to work.
I'm struggling to start preparing 1-2 weeks worth of (real) meals for lunch.
What discontinued products do you miss?
OMG...I only ate the McNuggets with honey!!!
TODAY ONLY - Cuisinart Elite 12 cup food processor $119!!!
This is a SMOKING deal (but I'm broke)!!!!
5 Kitchen Gadgets you can't live without???
Gadgets....
1. Swissmar Borner Mandoline - Life saver
2. Titan Veggie Peeler - Another life saver
3. Spice Grinder
4. Cuisinart Mixer (Hand or Stand-alone)
5. OXO Salad Spinner
Best icecream/gelato maker?
Delonghi GM6000 REVIEW
UNBOXING
The machine takes up huge footprint. This is nothing you would leave on the counter unless you have a big kitchen with unlimited counter space. It's shape oddly but my impression is that it is smaller than the Cuisinart ICE-50BC. I carried the machine from the store to my car (not easy) and then transported into my house (exerted a little sweat); I figure this would help burn the calories from my first batch. Included is the machine, gelato paddle, instruction manual, recipe booklet, and the extended warranty offer ($60 for two additional years).
INSTALLATION
No installation is required for the machine. It's package with the bowl and churner resting in the machine. It is very easy to remove the churner and bowl; however, I found that the top is a bit harder to put back on and close properly.
It is suggest that you rub the bottom of the bowl with alcohol (liquor) to prevent the ice cream at the bottom from freezing and/or having a hard time removing the bowl. I did not have any on hand.
RECIPES
Delonghi provides a booklet with 32 gelato and sorbetto recipes. Some recipes include eggs and others so not. Recipe varieties range from standard vanilla and chocolate to green tea and pistachio gelatos.
FIRST RUN
Based on what I had on hand, I opted for a diary gelato which included milk, cream, sugar and vanilla extract. I reduced the sugar by a 1/4 cup. I allowed the machine to "rest" on the counter for about an hour as the mixture re-cooled in the fridge. Afterwards, I poured the mixture into the machine and per the directions had my kitchen timer set on 30 minutes.
FYI, the machine is note quiet. In the future, I would likely run this in the hallway or in my laundry room. Unfortunately, I cannot compare this to any other machine as I have never owned a ice cream maker.
After 30 mimutes, I was ready to taste my first homemade batch of ice cream **ever**. The consistency was soft-serve but I did taste it. Honestly, I probably would have preferred to cut-back the sugar some more. I transferred the ice cream to a air-tight container and placed in the freeze. A few hours later, I had firm but scoop-able ice cream. I think the machine does an excellent job but I was not thrilled with the recipe. Perhaps I will opt for recipes with eggs and the dairy gelato is more like sweet ice-milk.
I attached some photos for your viewing pleasure :)
I will also update this review when I try out some other recipes.
August 2010 Cookbook of the Month VOTING (Through Weds., 7/21)
THE COMPLETE ASIAN COOKBOOK
Best icecream/gelato maker?
Some locations were closing them out for $99; I scored one today at that price but it was the last one in stock.
Best icecream/gelato maker?
Picked up a unit at W&S today for $99.99. At this price, I had to bite. Looking forward to making my first batch tomorrow.
Best icecream/gelato maker?
Trying to suppress the urge to indulge in this purchase. The price is EXTREMELY tempting.
Best icecream/gelato maker?
I have been eye-balling this machine and the price that WS makes it more tempting (even when I know I should not even be thinking about making such a purchase).
I have notice shinning reviews of the Delonghi from other websites confirming your experiences too. I do have a question, is the machine only capable of making gelato and not "standard" ice cream?
Storing Home Made Ice Cream
Thanks for the BBB link; those 26 ounce stainless steel containers work perfect for 1.5 pint of ice cream. Thanks!!!!!
Best Food Processor
FYI, the new model of the Ninja, Master Prep Professional, is available at Sam's for $49 (YMMV). It includes the 48 oz pitcher, 40 oz bowl, and two 16 oz bowls. The website is charging $89 and only has one 16 oz bowl instead of two.
Also, the original Ninja is available at Kohl's and Kohl's CC customers can take advantage of 15%/20%/30% off days.
Kitchen Gadgets You've Come Around to Liking
The mandoline that I hate was purchased from Sam's Club. The mandoline took up half of the counter place. The counter grips were at times faulty. Plus, changing the blades and gauge were a huge pain.
However, I love the Swissmar Borner mandoline. The unit is small and lightweight; this does NOT detract from its sturdiness and performance. Cleaning is a dream and blade storage is great. Cuts are perfect and I do not have to waste energy. Here is the model I purchased (available at Amazon) : http://www.swisscatalogue.com/swissmar/usa/FMPro?-db=swissmardb&-format=record_detail.htm&-op=eq&SKU=V-4000&-Script=Counter&-find=
Kitchen Gadgets You've Come Around to Liking
New (coffee) grinder convert for spices, too.
Kitchen Gadgets You've Come Around to Liking
Ditto on the scale!!! I am not good at "eyeballing" method of measuring.
I love my Titan veggie peeler. I am probably going to buy another pair just in case the company disappears.
Mandoline. I spent $40-$50 on a mandoline from Sam's a few years back and absolutely hated it. I should have returned it. I still did not have the space for a food processor and I already had a mixer so I purchased the Swissmar Borner with detachable bowl. Absolutely love, love, love.
Kitchen Gadgets You've Come Around to Liking
Another salad spinner convert. I have the smaller version of the OXO. I have used it nearly everyday that I have cooked since I purchased it.
As a cook, what do you love or hate about your kitchen?
Grievances as a renter:
- Kitchen does not have any access to windows
- Microwave over ELECTRIC oven
- ELECTRIC oven
- Standard Refrigerator
- Pantry shares wall with W/D room
- Limited counter space (especially by ELECTRIC oven)
- Oven and refrigerator are too close.
To date, I have not had one kitchen I really liked. Once I am able to purchase a home, the indoor AND outdoor kitchen will be a major priority I focus on. .
Getting My First Apartment, Total Foodie--What Is Absolutely Necessary to Buy?
That's a great tip!!!!
Perhaps this is also good in regards to what ingredients you should keep in stock versus purchase when needed.
Getting My First Apartment, Total Foodie--What Is Absolutely Necessary to Buy?
For foods with softer texture, I'll reheat on the stove top occasionally. Of course, it can be done a lot quicker in a microwave.
Perhaps I am becoming extremely old fashion and more and more like my grandmother. She uses a little toaster oven to this day. :-)
Getting My First Apartment, Total Foodie--What Is Absolutely Necessary to Buy?
When I say reheat (muffins or pretzels), I mean less than 10 to 15 seconds if made same day; if not, then it'll go in the oven.
Yes, I am aware of the MW/convection oven combos. I prefer a broiler/convection oven combination. I suppose the only thing I would lack with not having a microwave would be popcorn and even that could be popped on a stove top.
This is all just my preference. I am just not very microwave friendly anymore.
Getting My First Apartment, Total Foodie--What Is Absolutely Necessary to Buy?
The last time I used a microwave was to warm corn muffins or fresh pretzels. Typically I reheat via stove or oven; this is part of the reason I would like a small convection oven. IMHO, the quality/taste of food suffers when using the microwave versus the stove/oven.
