I seem to have rekindled my love affair with my food processor.
We go through phases: sometimes, I find myself pulling it off the shelf twice in one day, with ideas for puréed goodness simply screaming to be made. Other times, the thought of cleaning it, or even pulling it down from the top shelf where it sleeps seem like all too great tasks with which to be bothered.
When the machine and I are in the steady part of our relationship, I can’t seem to get enough. I went through my nut-butter-making phase last fall, which I admit I have slacked on, due to the discovery that Costco sells 2 pound jars of pure almond butter. Then there was the soup stage in the depths of winter, where practically every recipe seen on this blog came in a bowl with a side of a spoon. I go through periods where I crave lots of raw, and that often results in quality time with the Cuisinart.
a recent blended dip: black bean peanut “hummus.” this recipe is not quite there yet.
Of course, inevitably, I get bored with the blending. Then it’s back to my pots and pans, or my cutting board and knives. It’s an on-again, off-again kind of thing.
This time, I blame my mom for sparking the love again. She brought me some fresh basil, and well, the fresh scent of the herb kept beckoning for a transformation into sundried tomato pesto. The following day, I decided my vegetables needed to be shredded instead of finely chopped. Then, I needed patés instead of simple nuts. I suppose I tend to get a bit overzealous.
Thankfully, all this food processor use typically results in some delicious plates. I dreamed up a particularly good one last weekend and was thrilled to have it be an easy success. It took all of five minutes to prepare – and twice as long to clean up. Sigh.
savory sunflower seed and pepper sauce
- 1/2 c sunflower seeds
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 T evoo
- 1/3 c cilantro, packed
- 1 t curry powder
- 1/4 t salt
- 3-4 T water
Blend all ingredients in food processor or high speed blender. Adjust water to achieve desired consistency.
on a bed of red chard and kale: totally unattractive. also not quite raw, as there were roasted potatoes too. [i always get into potatoes in the spring. anyone else?]
Goodness, this was yummy. It would be delicious as a pasta sauce or served over a nice white flaky fish. On this occasion, I was in the mood for something raw, so I went with shredded zucchini and carrots.
We’ll see how long the relationship lasts this time.
Do you go through these phases too? I have a similar relationship with my hair straightener, although we tend to get back together every few days. Currently though, we’re on a break.
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I totally know what you mean about going through phases. Right now for instance I’m totally into having vitatops and greek yogurt as snacks at night when I’m home.
I don’t know if this is a concern for you but I know I have to be careful myself to not let phases fall into routines that I’m scared to break. I have alot of trouble moving out of my comfort zone so I try not to let phases last TOO long. Obviously this is different from what you talked about because you still mix up ingredients and stuff but I just know I need to be conscious of it for myself.
Nicole G
I certainly go through these phases! I’ve been in “off” mode lately… alst night I really wanted to make quick chocolate mousse, but didn’t want to clean the FP. Ice cream it was.
I don’t have a food processor at school, so that’s an easy answer :) But when I’m at home, I go through phases with the kitchen appliances as well- I’m more of a blender girl myself. Of course, the food processor gets plenty of basil action in the form of pesto! Hope you have a great hump day!
Totally. You just described me and my bread maker. I also haven’t used a hair straightener in two months. Wow.
love your inventive spread recipes. i unfortunately have a baby cuisinart, purchased at a yard sale for five bucks. gets the job done, but i’m thinking when i grow up (and stuff), i want this:
http://www.cuisinart.com/products/food_processors/fp-14dc.html
in regards to phases, i definitely go through phases, but these days it usually depends on what’s in my fridge. large head of kale? kale for four days. no yogurt, only milk? cereal with milk for the week. you know. keep things simple. but i used to eat the same.freaking.thing. for dinner at least three nights out of the week for about a year, then switch it up. like the burrito phase last year. yeah, that got gross. or the pizza bagel (bagel pizza?) thing too. as discussed, i am most definitely a creature of habit and convenience.
wow, i’m chatty today. anyway… life updates puh-leez?
This post makes me wish I owned a food processor! I sometimes use my blender but lugging it out seems like such a hassle. I need some cuisinart in my life!
I definitely go through food phases. I’m loving adding panko to pretty much everything lately – such a satisfying crunch, even with just a little bit. And I’m obsessed with eating pears as snacks. I hadn’t had a pear in years until last week and now I have to have one every day.
can i just say how much i love ur blog and ur posts!!!! SO MUCH!
I totally have on and off months with my flat iron as well. Except when I met you, your hair was straightened, correct? If not, I can’t imagine what more straightening could do! Hehe. But I did love your hair.
And cheers for the food processor!