Food Processor Question - How does one know how much to chop??

[Peggy]

I recieved a KitchenAid food processor for Christmas and have been very happy with it. The only problem I have experienced is deciding how much of each ingredient I need to put in to get the right amount of chopped ingredient for the recipe. Does that make sense? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/confused.gif For example, if I want to end up with 1/2 cup of chopped onion, how do I estimate how much onion to add to the processor to get that amount?? So far, I'm just guessing and hoping for the best... Does anyone have any advice or guidelines on this subject?

Thanks so much!

Peggy

[BethML]

Peggy,
I have a simple way to approach this. Using your example of 1/2 cups of chopped onions, cut the onion once and see how closely one of the halves fits into a measuring cup of 1/2 cup size. Then add more pieces or reduce, as appropriate to fill the cup. The volume of the unchopped onion equals the volume of the chopped onion.

[Gail]

Foolish question here, perhaps, but you got me thinking. Before you got the food processor, how did you figure the amount?

I'm realizing that I guess I've always just eyeballed it-- whether I'm using a processor or chopping it by hand my method has been the same. I'd pick up an onion, whack off a hunk and I'd usually end up pretty darn close.

For some reason, until you asked, I'd never given the matter a thought... Interesting.

[Peggy]

I know this is kind of a weird question. The onion seems to work but last night, I had to chop up some carrots and I had a heck of a time figuring out how much to put in. That is where my question came from...

Gail, Before I got my food processor I would start chopping by hand until I filled the measuring cup. I would just keep adding. Maybe that's what I should do. Just alittle bit, measure and then do more. Just trying to save the time, I guess.

BethML, Thanks for the measuring cup idea. I will try that with other vegetables until I learn to eyeball better.

Peggy

[This message has been edited by Peggy (edited 01-11-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Peggy (edited 01-11-2001).]

[HARRYET]

Peggy,

I just kinda always eyeballed it, only because in cooking it really doesn't matter as much as in baking to be so exact.

When i do chop for baking (ie: carrots) if i have left over i freeze it for the next time i make the same recipe or for something else.

hope this helps a little Ann

ps I have left over shreeded carrots in the freezer from my last carrot cake, next time i make it i won't need as many carrots!

[Leslie w]

I've noticed with my Cusinart if I give the veggie a few short pulses it comes out in larger chopped pieces. The longer you leave it on the more minced it gets. You have to play with it. If you want to shred lettuce or cabbage use the slicer disk not the shredder disk. The shredder disk is for things like potatoes and carrots or cheese. Lettuce turns into soup with the shredder disk. Incidentally, the processor is great for kneading dough. Takes only a min. or two. I make pizza dough in 3 min. Couldn't be easier!

[luv2cook]

i use the larger slice for shredding lettuce. Works great. I have two different size slicers and shredders with mine. that should make it pretty easy - and put away that knife! You'll love the processor once you remember to use it!

[Cyn]

Nydia, you are not alone. I got a mini-processor for Christmas. After reading your post, I realized that the last time I cooked I pulled out the knife and forgot about the cuisinart completely. Oops.

[NydiaC]

Ok, here's another question. I got a food processor for Christmas as well, but haven't had the opportunity to use it yet. I guess I just haven't gotten into the habit since I've never had one. I keep grabbing for the knife because it's on the counter and my food processor is in a cabinet since I have very limited counter space. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif

... So, can you chop things into different sizes with it, or does everything always come out minced?

Do ya'll use your food process to chop everything, or just when things need to be minced or chopped small? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/confused.gif

[This message has been edited by NydiaC (edited 01-12-2001).]

[This message has been edited by NydiaC (edited 01-12-2001).]

[NydiaC]

I used my food processor today for the first time to make a salad dressing and the processing was WONDERFUL! It only took about 3 minutes to chop, mince, and blend the shallots, basil, and liquid ingredients. I think I'll put my chopping/mincing knife away for ever! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif