Cuisinart DLC-2A Series - Manual (Page 4)

TIPS FOR
PROCESSING FOOD
Preparing the Food
Size:
Always cut large pieces of food into smaller
pieces of even size – about 1/2 inch (12mm) to
a side or as specified under "Operating
Techniques" on page 4. If you don't start with
pieces that are small and uniform, you will not
get an even chop.
Quantity:
Do not overload the work bowl. Overloading
causes inconsistent results and it strains the
motor. Use the quantities given in the recipe
section as a guide. As a rule of thumb, remem-
ber that after being processed, food should not
reach more than 2/3 of the way up the central
hub of the blade assembly.
Note: Due to the powerful motor provided with
this unit, Cuisinart recommends using one hand
to support the Mini-Prep
® Plus Processor during
operation.
Selecting the Right Operating Control
Use the chop function for chopping, puréeing
and mixing. It is the right choice, for example,
for chopping soft, fragile food such as herbs,
celery, onions, garlic and most cheeses. It is also
the right choice for puréeing cooked vegetables,
making mayonnaise and mixing salad dressing.
Pulse action is best when you are using the
chop function. Two or three pulses are often
enough. Be sure to check the food frequently to
prevent overprocessing. If you overprocess, you
are likely to get a watery paste instead of a fine
chop.
Use the grind function for grinding coffee beans
and spices, and for chopping hard food such as
peppercorns, seeds, chocolate and nuts.
Continuous-hold action is best when you are
using the grind function. You may have to oper-
ate the Mini-Prep
® Plus Processor for several
seconds with some food, to achieve the desired
results – as long as 20 seconds for some seeds,
or 40 seconds for coffee beans.
When you operate the unit for more than 10 sec-
onds, use a pulse action every 10 seconds or so
to allow food to drop to the bottom of the work
bowl. This provides more consistent results.
Never operate the Mini-Prep ® Plus Processor
continuously for longer than 1 minute at a
time.
Note: The work bowl and cover may become
scratched when you use them for grinding
coffee, grain and spices.
This does not affect
the performance of the Mini-Prep ® Plus
Processor. However, you may want to reserve
the original bowl for grinding, and purchase an
additional bowl and cover set for other uses.
These are available from the Cuisinart Customer
Service Department, which you can reach by
dialing our toll-free number: 800-726-0190.
Adding Liquid
You can add liquids such as water, oil or flavor-
ing while the machine is running. For example,
you might want to add oil when making mayon-
naise or salad dressing, or you could add vanilla
or alcohol when making frozen yogurt.
Pour the liquid through one of the two openings
in the cover. IMPORTANT: Add liquid through
only one opening at a time. The other opening
must be left free to allow air to escape. If both
openings are blocked, liquid cannot flow
smoothly into the bowl.
Removing Food from the Sides of the Bowl
Occasionally food will stick to the sides of the
bowl as you process. Stop the machine to clear
food away.
AFTER THE BLADE HAS
STOPPED MOVING , remove the cover, and use
the spatula to scrape the food from the sides of
the bowl back into the center. Do not put hands
into bowl unless unit is unplugged.
PROCESSING FOOD
1. Place the work bowl firmly on the motor
base and insert the blade assembly.
Opening at back of bowl must face column
at back of Mini-Prep
® Plus Processor.
Turn counterclockwise to lock in place.
2. Place food in the work bowl. Be sure the
food is cut in small pieces, and the bowl is
not overloaded.
3. Lock the cover into position.
Note:
Due to the powerful motor provided
with this unit, Cuisinart recommends using
one hand to support the Mini-Prep
® Plus
Processor during operation.
4. Press the appropriate Chop or Grind
Control , depending on the food you are
processing.
5. When you have finished processing the
food,
stop the machine by releasing the
control button.
6. WHEN THE BLADE STOPS MOVING,
remove the cover.
7. Unplug the unit.
8. Carefully remove the blade assembly,
holding it by the handle on the top of the
sheath. NEVER TOUCH THE BLADE ITSELF.
9. Remove food with the spatula.
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