Food processor- hoping I haven’t made a mistake

[Porcupine83]

Hello wise ones, I have just bought an expensive food processor- it arrives tomorrow- and I think I have made a mistake. It was a bit of an impulse buy (bored, fed up, covid shmovid etc) and I’m not sure I really know what I can use it for. I think I overestimated its usefulness- is it really only good for making dips and coleslaw?? (This is all I have found after a quick google.)
Can anyone suggest some recipes or ways you use your food processor that will save me time and help me justify the purchase?

Sorry one more thing you can do with the JO rainbow salad. Instead of dressing it, take a couple of handfuls, add two tablespoons of flour and an egg and you have a mixture you can fry up for vegetable fritters.

If I'm making something that requires the food processor, it is unlikely to be a Tuesday night after long day in work kind of meal. I've had mine forever but for the 30 times a year I use it, I would not get rid of it. Most used for Jools pregnant pasta, hummus, making breadcrumbs from leftover bread to stick in freezer and blender bit for smoothies.

I have a Magimix and I love it. I never bother with the whisk attachment - all in one sponge is fine with the blade.

Finely chopped veg for bolognese, hidden veg sauces etc. Coleslaw, pesto, baby food, hummus, nut butters, root veg purée. Dauphinois and don't forget pomme Boulanger, everyone loves that here especially with added carrots which is inauthentic but delicious. Shredded leeks, salads, German style sliced potato and bacon mayo. Actually homemade mayo, and hollandaise. Smoothies for the kids. Shredded cucumber for tzatziki. Mince lamb for kofta & kibbe.

I have a Kitchenaid food processor and use it every few days. I keep it on the counter top, so it's there ready when ever I need it. I use it for grating cheese, making hummus, mixing cake ingredients, making halloumi & green lentil patties and so on. I'd really struggle without it.

Thanks all!
I hadn’t realised I could make cakes etc. as well so looking forward to that.
Made a version of the JO salad tonight and it was a big hit. Thanks for the tip karma - I’d like to use the leftovers as you suggest, but would it not work now I’ve put oil and red wine vinegar on it?

Have also bought ingredients for chocado and Jools’ pregnant pasta, and planning to try potatoes Boulanger. All sounds delish.

Will definitely keep it out on the counter top, as I agree hiding it away in a cupboard would make it far less likely to be used.

limplettuce- bacon mayo, where have you been all my life?

Forgot to add that making cauliflower rice on processor is super easy. Bliz it through the grating disc and fry it with some olive oil. Million times better than the microwaveable version bought ready made.

You can watch American QVC demos on Youtube, lots of handy tips there what and how to use your Kitchen Aid processor. That's where I learnt that you can quickly wash the jug in between dishes by putting in a drop of washing up liquid, some warm water and give it a bliz.

Made a version of the JO salad tonight and it was a big hit.

Glad you liked it! Re the veg fritters, I’ve never tried it with the dressed salad as I take half out before I dress it. The biggest issue is that it might be too wet to crisp up. Perhaps try squeezing out any excess liquid?

Ok thanks karma - most of it got used as leftovers for lunch but will try the fritters another time.
Have made cauliflower rice, chocado mousses this week, and dauphinois in the oven now

Ours mainly gets used for chopping onions.

DD & I got a magimix at Christmas, so far top uses have been grating potatoes for hash browns (much better results than hand grating as well as easier), making falafel, making herb 'pesto', and making bread dough (using the knife rather than dough hook).

I used to have one years back but had to give it away when I moved & didn't have the counter space, very glad to have it again :)

Today I used mine for fat free ice cream.
First I keep ripe bananas cut in pieces in the freezer. If I feel like ice cream, I blitz some frozen pieces with a glug of yogurt or similar (if I don't have it I just use bananas) . Makes instant ice cream.

I also do a version with soft frozen fruit (any kind), but that definitely needs some yoghurt or similar to cream it.

Sicilian whole orange cake.
A really dense cake using a whole pulped orange.

I've got this - never bloody use it!

Tried grating cheese - it all kept pushing up into the rim area.

I'm definitely going to watch that Jamie Oliver video tomorrow and will watch this thread with interest!

Thanks for all the suggestions, keep them coming!
I made some date crumble slice things yesterday which are delicious and great for (sugary) snacking - always find making a crumble a lot of effort for a one off pudding, but these keep for a week.

Workyticket I have used mine quite a lot so far but was also underwhelmed by the cheese grating... I don’t think it works brilliantly unless you have quite large quantities to grate / shred. So maybe would be good for cheese if you’re making a dish with it in, plus you want extra ready to make sandwiches for lunches etc.

I use the small bowl for fish pates, mainly salmon or mackerel. Also bean based ones, and hummus. Today I made a crumble topping in mine and also pulsed bread fir breadcrumbs with garlic and lemon to go on top of chicken.

I have very few kitchen gadgets, but would not be without my ?15 yr old Magimix. All the recipes given above.
Particularly for large batches of pastry/crumble (use one portion, freeze several); hummus; nut butters.
You can also use the plastic blade for kneading bread dough (much quicker than in a mixer with dough hook), and making things like yeast Ed (Danish) pastry.
Nigella’s recipe use a processor a lot; she has many recipes for quick cakes, which tend to be almondy/fruity/egg-rich, rather than Victoria sponge types. All excellent for fancying up for birthdays/guests if needed. Easy almond cake from How to Eat, apricot, pistachio and lemon polenta versions all delicious.

Yeasted, not yeast Ed!

I have the KitchenAid one that worky linked but in black . It sits out on the worktop looking gorgeous .

Pastry , yes , keeps it cold
Dips
Chopping loads of onions which I roast and freeze
Grating cheese

I should do more with it too .