Saladacco and mandolin question

[Marine Mom]

Ok, fixinta (Texas for about to go get) a mandolin, then read in Alissa's book about the saladacco. Do I need both in the long run? I want the mandolin for thin slicing for dehydrator. I don't think it spiral slices. But does the saladacco thin slice? I do have a food processor but I can't control slice depth. I'm looking at online photos and am having a hard time visualizing. Is comparing these pieces of equipment like a juicer vs a blender? Pulp/no pulp etc.

AND I want to start week 1 of Alissa's plan from the book, she mentions preparing everything in one day....wahhhhooooo!!!!! and forgive me as I have so much to read/learn/shop to get ready for week 1, but do the squashes get watery if prepared early for say the alfredo?

THANKS!

Kris

[DebB]

Hi Kris ~

I have this V Slicer (http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.K5662.desc.Fuller-Kitchen-Solutions-VBlade-Mandoline-Slicing-Kit)(I ordered it here too) is great for thin slicing. You cannot dial the slice, there are 3 thicknesses. You might like to watch the video if you're interested.

I use this all the time for slicing produce for the dehydrator, especially apples. I've dehydrated over 40 gallon ziploc bags full of apples using this slicer. And I use this corer (http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=12&words=corer)for them as a side note. I core the apples, then slice them on the V Slicer and pop in the dehydrator (I don't put lemon juice or anything on them).

I also have this spiral slicer (http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.K119523.desc.World-Cuisine-Spiral-Vegetable-Slicer-for-Curly-Fries), ordered here too. Wow, I see the price has gone up a lot since I bought mine many years ago. I use this almost exclusively for making zucchini or yellow squash pasta. It makes a thicker pasta. I don't use the other blades much however. I wouldn't want to be without this.

I've also used the julienne blade in the V slicer for making wonderful pasta too - that works really well.

I have this Asian Spiral Slicer (http://www.amazon.com/Joyce-Chen-Saladacco-Spiral-Slicer/dp/B0000DDVYE) (ahhh, I see this is the Saladacco) and to be honest, I use it very rarely. It will make an angel hair pasta size noodle. I love kitchen gadgets and I'm glad I have it - it's just that for me, I prefer a heartier noodle from the spiral slicer above.

Yes, the saladacco will thin slice. It will be in one long continuous strip thinly sliced. Or, if you slice down the side of the zucchini or whatever it is you're slicing, then it should slice individual slices instead of a long long strand.

You may be able to type in the name of the appliance into YouTube and see demonstrations on it. I think John Kohler demonstrates the spiral slicer.

About preparing squashes ahead of time. I took a hint from a raw food chef and will spiralize my squash and place it on a towel covered tray and let it air dry for about 4-6 hours, that works well. But recently I've been spiralizing the zucchini and tossing it with a little bit (about 1 teaspoon or so) of EVOO, a little Italian seasoning and some seal salt and tossing it well - that's my favorite way of doing it. *Ü*

Back to add - found these on YouTube. Saladacco (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTfTKJdjjUc)

[Marine Mom]

Great information! Thanks!!

[ginadj]

wow Deb - what a very informative and detailed reply - you are so awesome!!! I also had that same question Marine Mom...just haven't gotten around to asking it!! hmm...now to decide!!!! I also love kitchen gadgets!!!

[DebB]

wow Deb - what a very informative and detailed reply - you are so awesome!!! I also had that same question Marine Mom...just haven't gotten around to asking it!! hmm...now to decide!!!! I also love kitchen gadgets!!!

Ooooh ~ I could talk and talk (and talk) about kitchen gadgets and such! Aren't they fun?

This page (http://www.living-foods.com/marketplace/spiralslicer.html)explains the Asian Spiral Slicer (Saladacco) really well. Back when I was low-carbing and everyone was getting into zucchini noodles, many people bought this and had problems with it. Well, it was because it wasn't being used correctly. So, this is full of pictures and tips. *Ü*