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.
IMPORTANT: 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.