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 or as specified under "Operating
Techniques" on page 4. 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, remem-
ber 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 the
right 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 are often
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.
Continuous-hold action is best when you are
using the grind function. You may have to oper-
ate 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 grain
and spices. This does not affect the performance
of the Mini-Prep
®
Plus Processor. However, you
may want to reserve the original bowl for grind-
ing, 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: 800-726-0190.
Adding Liquid
You can add liquids such as water, oil or
flavoring while the machine is running. For
example, 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 coun-
terclockwise to lock in place.
2. Place food in the work bowl. Be sure the
food is cut in 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.
Tip: Process foods in order from dry to wet to
avoid having to clean bowl and blade
between each task.
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