Can I use my Vitamix to make brownies?

[SmilingRawDancer]

Hey all, I was just looking at all the food pictures and everyone raving about RP's brownies, and I want to know if I can use my vitamix instead of a food processor?
Honestly, I'm quite new to food preparation of any sort, so if this is the dumbest question in the world....sorry :D

But yeah, as I progressively build momentum into this raw lifestyle, will I NEED to purchase a food processor? I guess I figured the Vitamix did most everything! (For that price especially:p)

Thanks!

[Sharon in Colorado]

Do you have a food processor? You could probably use the Vitamix but the mixture is so thick it might be a little bit of a challenge to get it out. Your best bet is the food processor, if you have one.

Duh, I didn't notice that you don't have one. You could get a really cheap one at Walmart or Target for $30, I think it's the Black and Decker.

The Vitamix is great for blending and pulverizing but not chopping or mixing thick mixtures. The food processor slices, dices, chops and shreds and makes great nut butters but not recommended for soups, smoothies, or stuff that a blender would do.

Hope that helps. :)

[SmilingRawDancer]

Thanks for responding!
No, I don't have a food processor, and I'm trying to figure out if that will be something I'll like/need to have around :-\

I guess I just wonder if the food processor is used for thicker doughy type things, and the vitamix for creamier stuff? My vitamix was expensive, so I definately don't want to beat it up trying to make something it's not intended for :)

[Revvell]

Your VM will have a VERY hard time with the brownies. It is for creamier stuff yet, even then I'll use my fp for pates and such. As Sharon says, it's difficult to get certain things out from under/around the blades.

Revvell

[SmilingRawDancer]

Thanks so much! Yeah, I made Carol Alt's Hummus recipe the other day, and my Vitamix decided to utilize it's automatic pre-overheating shutdown...I'm still feeling guilty! I apologized to it though, and I think we'll be ok ;)

Okkkk I'll work on the food processor situation. But I don't want to buy something that won't last, nor do I want to pay $475 (like my Vitamix) for something I won't use as often :-\

And I want easy cleanup too :)

Okkkk got it. Thanks! I'll be searching.

[Veganforlife]

I got a Hamilton Beach food processor and if I remember correctly it was about $60.00, which I don't think is bad for a kitchen tool that I use almost daily. This was is the Wide-Mouth version (matches me - HA!!!).
I wouldn't be without my FP!

[eatyourbroccoli]

Thanks for responding!
No, I don't have a food processor, and I'm trying to figure out if that will be something I'll like/need to have around :-\ its worth gettin one!! i got a cheap-ish one from target..and i use it 2-3 times a day. i dont even do raw gourmet that much either!

[SmilingRawDancer]

Yayyy I have an excuse to buy a new toy! *Excited*

Well, I think I'll head over to walmart, find out what they carry, then check epinions.com to see what I like best.

I want a big capacity one, with easy parts and cleanup.....hmmm
Counterspace is the issue :-p

[Veganforlife]

Yep, counterspace can alway be an issue. I covered my stove top (after taking off the burners) with a leftover piece of wood from a tv cabinet (company sent me the wrong thing) and I have my dehydrator on there. My countertop is always crowded.
< sigh >
What's a raw foodist supposed to do??? lol

[SmilingRawDancer]

Well I'm still living with my parents and family, and it's hard to find a place of my own around here :-\

I always get complaints about my "constant blending noise" :p

*sighs*

[cenaw/10]

My ancient Vita Mix did a lovely job on RP's brownies. But I looked today at a Cuisenart at Costco $149, I'm saving...

[carolg]

I don't own a VM, but Cuisinart FP for years. Buying from Costco is a great thing but save your receipt for another machine just in case. Regardless have been dealing with Costco had a problem with my Cuisinart, and the receipt saved me and I got a new Cuisinart. Mine is 11 Cup for just two but prefer that size for more choices like making tons of saukerkraut.

carolg

[Veganforlife]

Well I'm still living with my parents and family, and it's hard to find a place of my own around here :-\

I always get complaints about my "constant blending noise" :p

*sighs*

That's funny! Hey! It could be worse. You could be in a rock band and practice around the house!!! :eek:

[Chickadee]

I made RP's brownies in my Vitamixer, but had to do it in 2 batches. I did the nuts & cocoa powder(and 1 Tblsp coconut oil) first, put that in a bowl, then put my dates and 1 Tblsp water in my Vitamixer, mixed until it was a paste, then added it to my chocolate nut mixture and mixed by hand. I know it sounds like alot of work, but it really wasn't and OMG the brownies are sooooooooo worth it! Works for me...at least until I get a food processor.

[SmilingRawDancer]

That sounds perfect.
Thanks for the tip!