Michelle answers:

It’s so nice to have a processor. Gyoza and meatloaf are so easy to make in the process. Here are a few more recipes we use it for. =)

Red Lentil Soup with Curry and Coconut Milk

4 to 6 servings

* 3 Tbs. Vegetable oil
* 2 medium onions, chopped (2 cups)
* 1 cup red lentils
* 3 medium carrots, peeled and roughly chopped (1 cup)
* 14-oz. Can coconut milk
* 1 bay leaf
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
* 1 Tbs. Curry powder, preferably hot
* 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1. In medium saucepan, heat 2 Tbs. Oil over medium heat. Add onions, and cook, stirring often, until onions start to brown, about 10 minutes. Add 4 cups water, lentils, carrots, coconut milk, 1 tsp. Salt and bay leaf. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in small skillet, heat remaining 1 Tbs. Oil over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, curry powder and cilantro. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add to soup.
3. Remove bay leaf. In food processor or blender, puree soup in batches until velvety smooth. Taste, and add a bit more salt if desired. Serve hot.
Http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/8315

7-Vegetable Chicken Stew with Dumplings (You can add different veggies if you choose.)

SERVES 4

* 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, each breast cut in 2 or 3 pieces
* 4 small potatoes, preferably red ones,cut into quarters
* 2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
* 2 onions, peeled and quartered
* 2 stalks celery, sliced
* 1 1/2 cups cubed, peeled rutabagas
* 1 1/2 cups cubed, peeled sweet potatoes
* 4 cups chicken stock
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 cup frozen peas

Dumplings

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup milk, preferably lowfat milk

1. In a large pot, combine chicken, all veg except peas, stock and spices; bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes; stir in peas.
3. Meanwhile, in a food processor or by hand, make dumplings: combine flour, parsley, butter, baking powder and salt until mixture is in coarse crumbs; stir in milk, then drop by tablespoonfuls onto the hot stew; you should have about 6 mounds.
4. Cover pot and simmer– don’t boil hard and DON’T lift the lid– for 15 minutes.
Http://www.recipezaar.com/7-Vegetable-Chicken-Stew-with-Dumplings-16412

Update: Most recipes say to process other ingredients and add to meat by hand but some don’t. Example : ” Mix all the ingredients except the meat in the food processor. Add the meat and pulse until fully incorporated with the other ingredients.” http://blogs.familyeducation.com/parenting/moms/sweet-pea-chef/ten-rrific-recipe-9-food-processor-meatloaf
It depends the ingredients you’re using and how you like the texture. I would tend to use it more with ground turkey and less with ground beef.
Alton Brown doesn’t use the processor for the meat and adds wants you to not even squeeze the meat. Http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-meat-loaf-recipe/index.html

Michelle answers:

I agree completely. I think he’s a self up lifting asshole. Haha

Michelle answers:

1. Paula Deen for her southern charm and her smile. I started cooking with more butter and bacon because of her.
2. Bobby Flay for his recipes.

Michelle answers:

Yes, I’ll star this and fill in the “nasties” later……………

Christopher K.

EDIT I : As much as I like her ideas, I’ve NEVER been able to get ONE dish from Rachel Ray in 30 minutes…..45+, and I’m fast in the kitchen.

And the “pasta” deal with her: Hey, I’m half Italian, but just how much pasta CAN you eat a week???

EDIT II: As much as I absolutely LOVE Paula Deen (and she’s as nice and genuine in person) the fat and cholesterol levels are pretty scary………..

More to come..

EDIT III: Here’s the one that REALLY slayed me:

Plum Tatin Cake, from Ina Garten:

It called for 10-12 “Italian Prune Plums” which I purchased at Costco. I was busy with the recipe, it’s pretty easy, but you have to have a burned sugar topping for it: Once I had the baking dish ready, I cut the “10 to 12 Italian Prune Plums” into halves, I had enough for the Ninth Regiment!!! It ended up making 4 of the cakes, and while they’re delicious, the recipe was WAY off in the measurements.

I guess that forever caveat “buyer beware” has to be employed on the recipes from the FN………..

Christopher K.