Equipment - lack of processor

[ashabean]

I picked up my dehydrater recently and I am really keen to try to make some raw burgers or nut loafs.

The problem is I don't have a food processor, and I can't afford to get one right now, I do have a blender though.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can mashed and mix stuff (especially for burgers) to get a similar effect of a processor?

thanks for any helpful hints anyone can offer

:confused:ashabean:confused:

[Sharon in Colorado]

You can actually chop up veggies in the blender if you use a lot of water. I can't guarantee this will work exactly, you just have to 'pulse' until it is fine, but not so fine that it's going to turn into slush. Then strain and you have your chopped veggies.

For nuts you can probably get away with sticking them in a dry blender.

Or, just use a knife and mince everything real fine. That way you can skip your regular work-out! :)

[sweetgoddess]

I went to walmart and bought a Black and Decker food processor for 29.00
If that hadnt have been possible, I would have searched through thrift shops, garage sales...anywhere! I use it all the time. I too have heard that you can chop veggies in a blender if you cover them with water, but have never tried it.
Best wishes!

[SedonaSun]

I'd suggesst asking around, too. To get mine, my mom asked a friend of hers if she had one she doesn't use--she did! There might be one sitting in the kitchen cabinet of a family member or friend who would be willing to donate to the cause or do some bartering or take small payments.

[Minibean]

I got mine for free too, from my aunt who didn't want it anymore. A lot of people have kitchen stuff they don't use. Definitely ask friends and family, you might find someone who's glad to get rid of one!

[ashabean]

Thanks guys for your help and insight.

I would gladly ask family and friends but sadly I live about 4000 miles across the big pond form them all (I'm in US, they are in the UK)..... and I would be *concerned* abut getting one from a second hand store due to my *has it ever been near meat* issue (long term vegetarianism ash left me with a VERY sensitive stomach!)... so I think next week I'll be looking for that $30 processor!!! Are the mini ones any good?

Thanks again

Ashabean

[Rawkinlocs]

The one Sweetgoddess speaks of...the Black and Decker one for $30 is a good one. In fact, it's the exact same one Alissa used on her DVD. I went with my neighbor who is heading towards being raw to Walmart and we got hers. It's an 8-cup model by B & D and she paid $29 plus tax.

So, definitely check into that one as it'll get the job done!

[tracyinfo]

Ashabean, I have a mini processor and a 8 to 10 cup processor. I used to use the mini alot, but have been using the bigger one now most often.

Yes, you can use a blender for some things. You may have to work in smaller batches, and you may have to add more liquid, to keep things moving. Even the food processor, I have to stop and stir sometimes.

Good luck, Tracy

[rawpriestess]

Hi,

I only had a mini one for the first 3 years I was doing raw Gourmet Feasts, with many people attending, so it can be done, you just have to make smaller batches, but the fun thing is you can make one batch really smooth and fine, andother batch kind of chunky and mix them together, I still haven't got my big new cuisinart to do that, without taking out part of it and blending in batches, just like I did with the little one.

The way to chop veggies in the blender is this, put veggies in the blender in large chunks, cover with water, pulse blend for about 3 to 5 seconds, it is very quick, pour off the water, and drain the veggies, you will have fresh crispy chopped veggies, as you can tell this will not work with tomatoes, but will work with any other kind of veggie thata won't disintigrate in water. It is the ONLY way I cut cabbage for coleslaw etc. Takes exactly 1 second of blending time. Hard to believe.

[vegangelist]

i had the Black and Decker for years till i recently upgraded to the 14cup Cuisinart. The B & D will do the job...it is just not as heavy duty so be very careful with quantities. I tried making things in the B & D that were just too much quantity for it. So, watch out for that and for very heavy/stiff batters, like raw cheesecake filling or something. But, for the price, it will definitely do ya fine. Also, scour salvation army locations and other thrift stores. and/or look for big garage sales such as a local high school that has an annual garage sale. most high schools (usually the junior class) and many churches even have their annual garage sale in the fall or the spring. my old high school has one of the biggest ones in this city and my mom has gotten more than one cuisinart food processor there for about 5 bucks. sure, the older ones won't last as long as a brand new one (maybe only 4 or 5 years)...but hey, for 5 or 10 bucks you can't beat it. The best place to look as far as garage sales go are in more wealthy areas. Wealthier churches, private schools, even private home garage sales (yes, they do have them too) in wealthier areas are most likely to provide you with a good quality appliance (like Cuisinart)....b/c rich people tend to buy expensive appliances :)

kristi
(tried and true dedicated bargain, thrift and garage sale shopper!)