The Kitchen Appliance I Cannot Live Without

on March 3, 2011
in All Posts

I need to sing my food processor’s praises.  A food processor makes healthy eating so much easier!

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My mother-in-law gave me this food processor at Christmas, and I’ve been amazed at how versatile and handy it is.   We owned a large, heavy processor before but it broke earlier this year.  This processor is light (it uses suction cups to stay on the counter during blending) and comes with an attachment blade for finely chopping veggies.

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(Fun fact: My leg is in that picture because I actually stood on my countertop for the shot…)

 

I love the food processor because it helps me prepare veggies SO MUCH FASTER than if I hand-chopped everything (snooze).  For example, my processor chopped up the carrots in my lunch salad in seconds!

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I also use the processor to made homemade hummus and Roasted Carrot and Kale. 

 

Who else has love for their food processor?  Holla for the processor!

 

As mentioned, lunch was a delicious salad of spinach, goat cheese, sunflower seeds, carrots, tomatoes, and balsamic.

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Plus a Chobani:

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And breakfast was the infamous and always delicious Grilled Banana Sandwich with syrup.

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Off I go!

What’s your favorite kitchen appliance?

 

PS – PLEASE head over to Katie’s blog and bid on my Sunflower Butter Bars kit.  It’s for an amazing cause, and you’ll get a cute package with the wet and dry ingredients to make those amazing homemade granola bars that I’ve been munching on non-stop.  It would make a great gift – to yourself or a friend. 🙂

{ 108 comments }

 

  • Natalia - a side of simple March 3, 2011, 12:36 pm

    A food processor is on my dream list for kitchen appliances. I think I might even ask for one for a graduation present 🙂 I’ve wanted one for so long!

  • Heidi March 3, 2011, 12:43 pm

    Looooooove my food processor. I only got it less than a year ago and it was so awesome to finally have one! You’re right it saves so much time!

  • Erica March 3, 2011, 12:44 pm

    I have a food processor, but I hardly ever use it. Maybe I need to give it a spot on the counter next to my Vitamix-which is my FAVE kitchen appliance, btw!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey March 3, 2011, 12:45 pm

    Why have I never chopped vegetables in my chopper?

  • Anna March 3, 2011, 12:46 pm

    Food processors are SWEET! My parents have this incredible commercial-grade one that they got for a wedding present way back in the day. That thing could cut concrete. I keep trying to steal it but they never let me. I think my favorite appliance is my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. I know that’s the sort of thing most people register for when they get married, but I asked for one for Christmas when I was 15. Truth.

  • Gavi @ Gavi Gets Going! March 3, 2011, 12:46 pm

    I love my food processor, too, although I find that for some things–particularly onion and garlic–it chops it TOO fine for my liking. When I’m making soups or other dishes where I really need the flavor to come through, I prefer to chop by hand. I also love my Cuisinart blender…although I’ve been hankering for a VitaMix for some time now!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) March 3, 2011, 12:47 pm

    I LOVE my food processor. If I could marry it, I would. Seriously! It has changed my life!!! 😀

  • holly @ couchpotatoathlete March 3, 2011, 12:50 pm

    I want a food processor, but I make due with my Magic Bullet — perfect for smoothies!

    Other than that I love my electric tea kettle — it makes hot water in just a few minutes!

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life March 3, 2011, 12:51 pm

    I love my food processor, but it’s a little on the small side so I have to process everything in batches.

  • Ali @ Ali Runs March 3, 2011, 12:51 pm

    My favorite appliance is coffee maker! My apartment is super small (think a step up from a dorm room) so I don’t have much storage for food/kitchen appliances. Hopefully when I move into a bigger place someday I’ll be able to get fun appliances. 🙂

  • Katie March 3, 2011, 12:51 pm

    Girl, I am so with you! I love my food processor because 1) I love fresh herbs, but chopping them by hand is a pain 2)it makes making falafels so freakin easy 3)it can go in the dishwasher.

  • Gracie (complicated day) March 3, 2011, 12:54 pm

    Coffee maker, duh…
    😉

    • Caitlin March 3, 2011, 4:04 pm

      I forgot about that…

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) March 3, 2011, 12:55 pm

    We just got one… haven’t used the chopping functions, but I did already make some date/nut snacks with it!

  • Laura March 3, 2011, 12:57 pm

    I love my food processor! It is great for mixing up bean/veggie burger “dough” (not sure what else to call it!), banana soft serve, hummus, chopping/shredding veggies, shredding cheese, I could go on and on. 🙂 I have a Cuisinart 9-cup processor that I got as a wedding gift if anyone is looking for another recommendation.

  • Kara March 3, 2011, 12:57 pm

    I like my food processor, but I hate hand washing all the pieces. Do you put yours in the dishwasher?

    My favorite kitchen appliance is the stick mixer. I love it and it doesn’t even take up much room in the drawer.

    • Caitlin March 3, 2011, 4:04 pm

      Yup it can go in the dishwasher!

  • Allison @ Food For Healing March 3, 2011, 12:58 pm

    I definitely love my food processor as well, such a handy piece of equipment. That and my panini press, cant live without!

  • Parita @ myinnershakti March 3, 2011, 1:02 pm

    My Ninja blender! It’s the best!

  • Ann March 3, 2011, 1:08 pm

    I love my food processor! I think it’s the one kitchen appliance you MUST invest in. I use it all the time, everything from hummus to cheesecake to bread. You just can’t substitute anything for it. Mine is a KitchenAid, and it rocks!
    It’s a very close tie with my stand mixer, though. You can whip up a batch of cookies, frosting, or pizza dough in no time!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat March 3, 2011, 1:09 pm

    I LOVE my food processor! I just got it at Christmas (it has a blender attachment too, and it’s a Cuisinart) and I use it all the time. I used to make hummus in my blender but it’s so much easier and smoother in the processor!

  • Erin @ The Grass Skirt March 3, 2011, 1:18 pm

    Too funny- as I was using my food processor yesterday, I thought, “Wow. I’ve gotten so much use of this thing!” It is probably my favorite appliance too. I also love my juicer.

  • Cristina March 3, 2011, 1:19 pm

    I just got a food processor and I love it, especially for making pesto. However, my favorite appliance has to be my slow-cooker: http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-33134-Cooker-6-Quart/dp/B000R8BT0A

  • Juli D. March 3, 2011, 1:20 pm

    I LOVE my food processor! We’ve had it for a year and my fav thing to make is hummus. I just figured out the veggie chopping attachment last month (I’m quick like that) and that was utterly amazing.

  • Emily March 3, 2011, 1:22 pm

    I love my food processor, too. But I must admit, my beloved Rabbit wine opener is a favorite, too.

  • Kelly March 3, 2011, 1:22 pm

    I find the clean-up to be off-putting. I LOVE the way a food processor chops veggies and grates cheese, but then it’s all these bits here and there that need cleaned. I’m lazy…plus, those bits here and there are HARD to clean. I guess I could/should just whack them in the dishwasher, eh?

    • Caitlin March 3, 2011, 4:05 pm

      Yup that’s what I do!

  • Little Bookworm March 3, 2011, 1:24 pm

    My favourite kitchen appliance is my food processor too! 😀

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman March 3, 2011, 1:24 pm

    In the past few months I’ve realized I really need a food processor. I think it would save me a crazy amount of time preparing foods.

  • Stacie @ Imperfectly Healthy March 3, 2011, 1:26 pm

    I’ve been looking for a good food processor for a while so thanks for the recommendation!

  • Jen @ She said. She said. March 3, 2011, 1:31 pm

    I cannot pick just one! I too love my food processor. I also adore my kitchen aid mixer and my immersion blender. Life would stink without them.

  • Johanna B March 3, 2011, 1:32 pm

    I love my blender. I start every morning with a big green smoothie – frozen banana, spinach, almond milk and whey protein. I feel it gives my day a good start nutritionally.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife March 3, 2011, 1:37 pm

    I love my Magic Bullet and blender too. Life is so much more amazing with a food processor…oh and my crock pot. Looks like I am lazy in the kitchen, no?! 😉

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me March 3, 2011, 1:40 pm

    I don’t have one! I do have an immersion blender though that I can’t wait to use. I’m thinking homemade hummus, salsa and definitely guacamole! Holla!

  • Maryann (The Balanced Bean) March 3, 2011, 1:41 pm

    I am totally going to try your spinach-hummus today! Cant wait!

  • Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment March 3, 2011, 1:47 pm

    I used to PINE for my very own food processor after many attempts at blending/chopping ingredients in my Magic Bullet, only to end up with clumpy, murky messes. Then I inherited my food processor from one of my best friends, who happens to be a pastry chef, because her grandmother passed away and left her her AMAZING processor that’s some crazy amount of years old but works like magic. I wish I knew what all the little plates and everything do, though! There was no manual when I got it.

  • Ashley March 3, 2011, 1:48 pm

    I love my food processor too~ It’s so easy, I only hate how hard it is to clean sometimes.

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy March 3, 2011, 1:51 pm

    I got a food processor for Christmas. I’ve never used one before so I feel a little challenged with it. I put liquids in it and that was a terrible idea. I had no idea what I was doing. It didn’t grind up peanuts like I thought it should. I think I need to read the manual …

  • Jen F. March 3, 2011, 1:51 pm

    Pick me pick me!!! I don’t have a food processor but want one!!! My coffee maker is my favorite appliance thus far!! 🙂

    • Caitlin March 3, 2011, 6:08 pm

      Haha I’m not giving it away! I would pick you one if I did 🙂

  • Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen March 3, 2011, 1:54 pm

    I’m also in love with my food processor, but my stand mixer is pretty tied for my affection 🙂

  • J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) March 3, 2011, 1:55 pm

    That salad looks fantastic! My favorite appliance is my food processor, too! So useful, love it.

  • Amanda @ AmandaRunsNY March 3, 2011, 2:03 pm

    I cannot live without my food processor. I even use it as a defacto blender because I’m too lazy to have another kitchen appliance in my teeny tiny nyc kitchen.

    Only my coffee machine comes in higher than the food processor

  • andrea @ a cake for a wife. March 3, 2011, 2:04 pm

    Well, I’m definitely in the market for a food processor (hello, banana soft-serve, and cheap coconut butter!) but I never got the chopping veggies thing. You might save a few minutes in chopping, but don’t you just end up spending those minutes cleaning the darn thing? At least for me, time spent chopping veggies > time spent cleaning.

    • Caitlin March 3, 2011, 6:09 pm

      Nope – I pop it in the dishwasher!

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe March 3, 2011, 2:06 pm

    I don’t know how people live without a food processor, it’s such a great tool. My favorite though is my rice cooker. I wasn’t sure if I would use it enough to justify the price but now that I have it I use it every day, sometimes twice!

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence March 3, 2011, 2:06 pm

    egg poacher!

  • Kira March 3, 2011, 2:11 pm

    Food processors are truly the best! woo. but i love my blender a lot too.

    xx

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) March 3, 2011, 2:12 pm

    I definitely have major love for my food processor! That thing does so much for me…could not live without it!

  • Cyclist Kate March 3, 2011, 2:17 pm

    This is too funny–just this morning, as I was scooping my hot apple cinnamon steel cut oats from my rice cooker for breakfast, I decided that the rice cooker and food processor tie for most beloved kitchen appliances. I think if it came down to it, I’d choose the food processor, but it would be SO HARD to see the rice cooker go.

    • Caitlin March 3, 2011, 6:09 pm

      I really want a rice cooker!!!

      • Cyclist Kate March 3, 2011, 9:08 pm

        sister, get yo self one!!

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) March 3, 2011, 2:19 pm

    I need to get a full-size food processor. I just have the mini now, which is great for dips but not so much for anything larger.

  • Dorien @ Striped Happy March 3, 2011, 2:29 pm

    I bought a blender/food processor combo in January and I LOVE it! Wouldn’t miss it for the world! I’ve only used it for smoothies though, haven’t tried the vegetable chopping parts yet but it looks like I should!

  • Ellie @ The Mommyist March 3, 2011, 2:31 pm

    I love my bread maker. We wake up to fresh baked bread a couple times a week. So good.

  • Nancy March 3, 2011, 2:32 pm

    I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong with my food processor. It has 2 buttons: Chop, and Grind. They both do exactly the same thing… mince everything. Nothing chops 🙁 But I do use it, a lot.

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} March 3, 2011, 2:34 pm

    Love my food processor, too. I’m kind of an appliance addict, but that is the one I probably use the most.

  • Danielle @ InDeesKitchen March 3, 2011, 2:41 pm

    Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve been looking for one for a year!!

  • Katie March 3, 2011, 2:43 pm

    I am in the market for a food processor and was trying to save up to get a Cuisinart one since that is the only one I’ve used in the past and it’s fabulous. After this post I’m intrigued by your Hamilton Beach one. Do you use it to make banana soft serve? It just seems like it wouldn’t be sturdy enough, but the price is definitely right. (By the way, are you aware your link is to the Canadian version of Amazon?)

  • Camille March 3, 2011, 2:44 pm

    I have the same food processor and I looove it!

  • Ashley @ Ashley's Adventures in Alaska March 3, 2011, 2:45 pm

    Hmm. Maybe I need a food processor! My favorite kitchen appliances are the Magic Bullet and Kitchenaid mixer. They’re so handy- for both my daily Green Monsters and making awesome things like cheesecake and pizza dough.

  • Joanna@ Drizzle of Sunshine March 3, 2011, 2:46 pm

    I love my Kitchen Aid mixer! It makes baking fun and it looks rather stylish in the kitchen!

  • Dee March 3, 2011, 2:52 pm

    I really love the food processor too. I bought a really cheap one that eventually broke, but I was so happy with how easily I could make fresh guacamole, hummus, and salsa. I used it for banana nice cream too, but I think that’s what broke it. I need a more powerful one.

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) March 3, 2011, 2:54 pm

    fave appliance = a good knife and a cutting board! That and my Vitamix 🙂

    Thanks for the review on that food proc! Great price, great size, love that it really WORKS for you.

  • Meaghan March 3, 2011, 2:57 pm

    I want a food processor, so badly! I would have to say it would be a tie between that and the kitchenaid mixer (I currently have a wannabe sunbeam one, but have been hinting to family that a great b.day present would be the light pink kitchenaid mixer)

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table March 3, 2011, 3:10 pm

    My food processor is definitely a staple. Between that and my Magic Bullet, I can do anything! 🙂

    Thanks for the heads up on the Bake Sale – this is really cool.

  • Kris @ tryingtotri March 3, 2011, 3:18 pm

    Love my Black & Decker food processor/blender combo! It and my Kitchen Aid stand mixer get used all the time in my kitchen – shredding cheese, chopping veggies, making smoothies… can’t live without it!

  • Lana March 3, 2011, 3:19 pm

    I totally agree with the food processor. I don’t know what I did before I had it!
    I probably use my blender about as much as my food processor for green smoothies and winter soups. Choosing my favorite would be like choosing a favorite kid. Well, not really, lol!

  • Hallie March 3, 2011, 3:26 pm

    I like my crock pot but my fiance LOVES the food processor. And I love that he makes really good salsa.

    P.S. I think I remember this from a Tweet you did a million years ago. Did you do honeyfund.com as your wedding registry to help pay for your honeymoon? That’s what we are doing because really, that’s all we want! But I’m reading wedding boards and now I’m paranoid that people will think we’re greedy or something. I think our friends and family know us better than that, but still. Curious how it worked for you (unless I’m totally making it up).

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In March 3, 2011, 3:32 pm

    I was singing the praises of my food processor after making Falafel Burgers last night! I think my blender might win though..for green monsters!

  • KT80 March 3, 2011, 3:33 pm

    Grilled banana sandwich!? That sounds incredible! I can’t wait to try that tomorrow morning! I don’t use my food processor as much as I should, but I pulled it out the other night for taco night. I cooked the chicken a little and then blended it in the food processor, which gave it the exact consistency I wanted.

  • Baking 'n' Books March 3, 2011, 3:37 pm

    I’ve always just thought of the processor to “pulverize” food more – never thought that it would actually just chop to save time…duh.

  • Erin @ Big Girl Feats March 3, 2011, 3:43 pm

    I heart my food processor! I finally felt like a grown up when I bought it last year. It saves so much time and money!

  • Charlie March 3, 2011, 3:45 pm

    I have a cuisinart mini-prep plus that I love (can’t afford a real food processor :P). Sometimes I have to make two batches, but it’s worth it for homemade hummus and veggie burgers ;).

  • Jeni @ stepping out March 3, 2011, 3:48 pm

    I really like my food processor when I use it. I have a small one (great for making small amounts of things) and a big one. Fact: I haven’t used my big one yet. I keep wanting to try it out but the recipes I have time for (while teaching) don’t require it. Hopefully this summer it will get a lot of work.

  • Kacy March 3, 2011, 3:52 pm

    I wish I used my food processor more often, but I hate cleaning it! I’d say my favorite appliance is my toaster oven. Lazy girl’s best friend 🙂

  • Jill March 3, 2011, 3:53 pm

    Does anybody have a suggestion of how many cups to buy? I will only be using it for myself and have a smaller kitchen so I don’t want a huge one that will take up the countertop. I want it to be powerful and good quality, but small. Thanks!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) March 3, 2011, 3:53 pm

    Def. my food processor too! From pestos, to slicing veggies, to makeing sauces – it gets used almost every day!

  • Stephanie @ Live Cook Love March 3, 2011, 4:04 pm

    Food Processor all the way. I make so much stuff with it!! I can’t believe I lasted as long as I did without one!

    Oh and Jill – I also live by myself and I have a 7 cup one and it seems like just the perfect size with room to grow. My mom has it for her, my dad and brother who is in HS and it works for them perfectly too!

  • Lauren @ Sweet & Twisted March 3, 2011, 4:55 pm

    I have that same food processor! I havne’t used the slicing/grating blades though – I’m scared! Haha!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss March 3, 2011, 5:17 pm

    I wish I had a food processor!! But the Magic Bullet works alright I guess. 😛

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) March 3, 2011, 5:30 pm

    I love my food processor! How else would I make tofu mousse or banana soft serve?!

  • Jenn @ Frost Bites March 3, 2011, 5:49 pm

    Love my Kitchenaid stand mixer and my espresso maker…can’t live without coffe and cake!

  • faith @ gracefulfitness March 3, 2011, 5:57 pm

    My food processor changed my life. I use it nearly daily and would be lost without it. Hummus, date balls, coconut butter, carrot soup…my blades are getting dull!

  • Amilia March 3, 2011, 6:07 pm

    Love..love..love..love…love my food processor.

    Last week I was on window shopping ‘therapy’ when I found the lovely food processor was on sale for 46% discount… Couldn’t resist it anymore as I have been eyeing it for soo long… 🙂

    I have made banana ‘icecream’ (recipe from your blog), cookies..and again last night maroon colour banana berries ‘icecream’… 🙂

    • Caitlin March 3, 2011, 6:13 pm

      MMMM I want banana cream ice cream!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now March 3, 2011, 6:25 pm

    LOVE my food processor. Use it to chop up veggies, make nut butters, even use it for dough sometimes!

  • Laura (Starloz) March 3, 2011, 6:46 pm

    i own a magimix but don’t use it, it’s so heavy. i need to muster the strength to pull it out.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin March 3, 2011, 7:07 pm

    I got a food processor for Christmas and I haven’t opened it yet. What is wrong with me!? 😛

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul March 3, 2011, 7:14 pm

    I love the processor, but I love my Kitchenaid stand mixer more!!! I’ve wanted to use one ever since I was a wee little girl and surprisingly got it on Christmas. Hey, we have the same processor btw! TIGHT 😛

  • Erin Hack March 3, 2011, 8:58 pm

    OMG I JUST bought this food processor on Monday! I’ve been wanting one forever and it is on sale at Target for $38.00 through Saturday. I can’t wait to try it out! I’m so glad that you love yours. 🙂

    • Caitlin March 4, 2011, 12:16 pm

      Oh my goodness!! What a steal.

  • Kris March 3, 2011, 8:59 pm

    I love, love, love my food processor!! It’s the same one my mother had when I was growing up (a Hamilton Beach) and my parents gave it to me for my 24th birthday. Hate to say it, but it’s almost 30 years old! I use it almost every day. I make lots of hummus, chop veggies, puree soups (cauliflower, broccoli — yum!). I also have a small one. One of these days I’ll get a new, fancier one, but in the meantime I love using my old one w/ all the memories over the years.

  • BroccoliHut March 3, 2011, 9:07 pm

    Ever since my tofu loaf fail, I’ve been thinking that a food processor would be a good addition to my appliance collection. Thanks for the rec!
    My favorite right now is my immersion blender–perfect for making small batches of hummus!

  • Khushboo March 3, 2011, 9:21 pm

    Hi Caitlin! I was so ready to quit after 20 mins of running- wasn’t feelin it all today. Then I remembered about your walk-run method and ended up doing 45 mins, 37 mins of which were running! Feel great now 🙂

    • Caitlin March 4, 2011, 12:31 pm

      Wow that is AWESOME 🙂 walk/run rules!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 3, 2011, 11:00 pm

    I love my Vita-Mix most, but I really want to get a food processor.

  • kristen March 4, 2011, 5:10 am

    that grilled banana french toast looks amazing! I also love my food processor, and am just now discovering its potential!

  • Ella March 4, 2011, 7:51 am

    Does… a waffle iron count?

    If not, I’d have to agree with the food processor as a favorite appliance.

  • Cindy Robinson March 4, 2011, 8:16 am

    Holla for the food processor!! 😉 I also love to make pesto, mmmm. I bought my food processor at a garage sale about 7 years ago, and it works like a charm. I just love stumbling upon stuff at garage sales!

  • Charise March 4, 2011, 9:15 am

    I heart my food processor, but not as much as I love my immersion blender. 🙂

  • Miranda March 4, 2011, 10:51 am

    I had a grilled banana sandwich today too, I am so glad I tried them, they are amazing!

    I need a new food processor, I just have the small version.

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef March 4, 2011, 12:26 pm

    mmm i love my food processor. it’s totally from the 1970s but still works like a charm 🙂

  • Amber K March 4, 2011, 1:08 pm

    I totally love my food processor! I can use it to make nut butter, homemade Larabars, banana soft serve, chopping veggies, LOVE it!

  • Donna March 4, 2011, 4:40 pm

    I have a kitchenaid blender i love but a new food processor is on my list of must haves for my kitchen! Yours looks great 🙂

  • Joy March 5, 2011, 12:42 pm

    Caitlin,
    Have you made any nut butters with that? I am dying to try to make a nut butter (idk why since I’m not a fan but…)

    • Caitlin March 5, 2011, 12:54 pm

      Yes – it works quite well!

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