Sparrow Darling asked:


For those of us that are great food lovers, a food processor makes our prep work in the kitchen so easy. My personal preference for a food processor is a Cuisinart, because of the superior performance. If you are not familiar with this brand, then do yourself a favor and check it out.

Anyway, as summer begins, many of us will be eating cool salads and not heating up the kitchen by cooking at the stove. You'll probably be grilling out more often, too. There are so many side dishes that can be made quickly to go with whatever you are grilling. Using a food processor makes very quick work out of making refreshing cole slaws--if you hate using a hand shredder and shredding your knuckles. With a food processor you can choose to shred,dice or slice your cabbage. The different textures give a different flavor to your salad.

It's quick and easy to make salsa, pesto, shred cheeses, shred carrots, make purees. You can puree some pinto beans for refried beans to go on nachos. Just shred the cheese first, then do the beans and spread over the tortilla chips. Sprinkle the cheese over the nachos. Homemade salsa over this, perhaps? Or shred lettuce for tacos, then make your tacos with the beans, lettuce, salsa, whatever you like. A very fun, quick meal at home with minimal clean up.

Eating at home is the whole point really, as we are all trying to cut back on expenses and sometimes where we cut back, is eating out in restaurants. But, even if you are not eating out as much, you can enjoy many great foods at home. Take any of your favorite recipes and adapt them to the food processor. With just a little effort, you will soon become your own gourmet.

Nothing says love like the smell of fresh bread baking in your oven. It fills the whole house with a delicious aroma. You can make beautiful loaves of cinnamon raisin bread, which makes fabulous French toast. Bake a couple and freeze one. Of course, we are all busy and baking bread sounds very time consuming to many, but since you are doing all of the kneading in the food processor that will save you time and energy. Then, while the bread dough is rising, you can be doing something else. Believe me, your family will love this!

Your food processor will become your silent partner in the kitchen! 

Let's all gather around the family table and enjoy a great meal prepared at home and great conversation. So many of us do not share dinner time together because of busy schedules. We need to be re-introduced to the family.  Try to have at least one meal together as a family once a week. More often would be better. Come to the table and enjoy your meal!