If anybody is interested in an easy way to make steel cut oats in the crockpot (the one Cyndi refers to), here's the method I use:

http://annkroeker.wordpress.com/2008...l-cut-oatmeal/

Thanks all!

The idea of a used appliance freaks me out. I don't know why, but there it is. The ideas are good ones though.

I will need the bigger processor, I know. DW has a small, maybe 2 cup if that, chopper and it is not good. I also want to use it for slices so I can make sweet potato chips ;) There are a few Cuisinart ones I've eyed but checked out a few on Amazon and decided to add one to my wishlist (hint hint DW) and had added a Hamilton Beach crockpot a few months back.

I checked ebay and they are at least $20 cheaper than amazon so, I may go to them in the end.

Overall, your tips have been very helpful and have cued me in to what I want. I think I will go for the bigger items as I always make enough for leftovers! We just got a $800 car bill so none of this will happen as soon as I had hoped though. It's always something.

Anyway, thanks again. I will let you know what we buy, when we can get it!

I have the combo cuisinart food processor/blender and it works fine for me. I also have a crock pot brand crock pot which I love BUT I wish I had gotten the largest size available and an oval shape rather than a round shape.

My DH bought me a new rival crock pot for christmas (the oval 6 qt), and it DESTROYED the first meal in it I made...was way too hot on "warm". I'm upset...I don't know if it's a bad one, or a bad design. I haven't braved another recipe yet, I want to do it when I'm home (it was actually boiling on warm). I'm using my old 5 qt. Rival that I've had (gulp) nearly 20 years now...still a little work horse.

I have a Cuisinart Smart Stick immersion blender...which comes with a little wisk, small blender, and another thingee. This thing is awesome! Have you considered something like that? (if you're making small quantities)

Have fun!

I bought my crock pot at walmart. It was like 20.00 and I love it. It is a hamilton beach brand. I have had it for about a year now. It isn't fancy, but it has everything I need. It is big enough for what I need it for.

I love my food processer too. I use it a lot.

Tammie

Originally Posted by TwynnB:
I have a Cuisinart Smart Stick immersion blender...which comes with a little wisk, small blender, and another thingee. This thing is awesome! Have you considered something like that? (if you're making small quantities)

Have fun!

I had one and it broke! Same brand and it didn't even last a year -- I used it for soups and it was great. But it wouldn't work the same for things like chickpeas and I really want a mandolin but they are $$$ so this might work for slicing too!

Jenn, if you want the food processor for slicing too, look at the bigger ones. My hamilton beach is the "wide mouth" one and it's awesome because I can fit bigger things in there to slice. (like if you want to do a big onion or something) Remember though that the slices will be pretty thin. I wanted it for tomatoes but I have yet to figure out how to slice a tomato neatly with it and I have had it for several years.

Just an update: I bought a food processor tonight!!! Cuisinart, 11-cup, fancy schmancy. I will break it in tomorrow when I make baked falafel!!!!

Crockpot soon. I figure they might be going on sale now that it's getting warmer out.

Congratulations!! I'll be over for supper ;)

lol twynn! lunch is at 2p

New toys..... :yay: Ya know what we use our food processor for more than anything else, Jenne? Fresh cabbage for Crackslaw.... Nummy... :D

Originally Posted by 1oftheLuvs:
New toys..... :yay: Ya know what we use our food processor for more than anything else, Jenne? Fresh cabbage for Crackslaw.... Nummy... :D

That was the FIRST thing I said to DW after I used it -- buying heads and shredding for CRACKSLAW!!!! :spin:

Originally Posted by jenne1017:
That was the FIRST thing I said to DW after I used it -- buying heads and shredding for CRACKSLAW!!!! :spin:

Crackhead! :lol3:

I've read that cabbage starts to lose it's nutritional value once it's been cut, so you should get more nutrients in your crackslaw using your new food processor. It definitely tastes fresher than when you use the packaged stuff.

So now, onto blenders. I had a cuisinart one and it broke - the plastic topper, the tread for the spigot, everything. Leaks like no one's business. Would cost $57 plus shipping to replace the parts so it might be time for just a new one.

Recs??

I can't believe you dug out this thread :) After much asking and agonizing I just sucked it up and bought a VitaMix. We absolutely love it and it has a 7 year warranty so I won't need to replace it anytime soon. If you really start getting into smoothies this is the way to go.