Makes Pesto in less than three minutes!

A quick story before my review of my Cuisinart Professional Series Pro Classic Food Processor:

This morning while tending to my small herb garden, I realized that my basil needed some pruning. After gathering a bowl-full of leaves, I decided to make some pesto instead of letting the fresh picked leaves go to waste (as pesto is easy to freeze for another day). This was simple, since I can use my nifty food processor to whirl those leaves with some garlic, pine nuts, parmesan and olive oil!

I would not have been able to make the pesto so quickly if I hadn't received my Pro Classic food processor, by Cuisinart, two years ago as a bridal shower gift. Prior to that I was forced to use my blender for everything from pesto to pina coladas. The blender just didn't cut it with the pesto, although those cocktails tasted pretty good!

This version is just one of many food processors that Cuisinart offers. It is the basic Pro Classic, seven cup capacity version. The plastic work bowl, which is virtually indestructible, holds approximately seven cups, less liquid however(their is a liquid fill line, so one doesn't over flow like me!) The machine comes with the basic stainless steel chopping blade, a medium slicing disc, a medium shredding disc and plastic dough blade. (More blades can be ordered from the Cuisinart catalog). The lid features two "feeding" tubes, one large for things like cucumbers or potatoes, and a smaller one for smaller vegetables and pouring liquids. I like the smaller one for pouring liquids, as I have never experienced a problem with splattering.

The manufacturer states that the entire unit (not the motor base of course) can be cleaned in the dishwasher. I have not tried this, as I prefer to hand wash it. A friend of mine does throw hers in the dishwasher. Besides a few scratches on the bowl, she hasn't had any problems. The bowl and lid unit is also advertised as break resistant. So far this has been true for me, although I try real hard not to drop the parts on the floor!

The motor is turned on by a large grey switch on the front of the unit. There are two speeds: "on", which constantly runs, and "pulse" which does just that--pulse. This is similar to a basic blender. The motor unit is easy to clean--just by wiping with a damp cloth. I've overfilled my bowl a few times, creating quite a mess with pea soup that I was trying to puree. I can assure you that this unit cleans fast and easily.

The machine has a built in safety feature. It will not operate if the work bowl and the cover are not properly attached. I suppose one could stick a hand or finger inside the feeding tubes, but then that would be very careless. Try explaining that one in the ER!

I use my food processor for a variety of recipes, not just pesto (which came out yummy and quickly!) I love to make pizza dough in it. It is very simple and saves a lot of time and backache because the processor does most of the kneading. I puree soups as well, which, when I don't overfill the bowl, works great. I also use it for the traditional slicing and dicing. (Careful with onions--leave the machine on too long and you'll end up with onion puree!)

This machine also came with a recipe booklet (which includes the care and use directions) as well as a video of how to use it. The video is good for those of us who hate to read directions, although I would recommend reading the directions for this product.

Cuisinart includes their phone number in the instruction booklet: 1-800-726-0190. I have seen this product sold in most major department stores and specialty kitchen shops. One could call the manufacturer directly too for availability, as well.

Overall, I highly recommend this product to anyone who enjoys cooking and is in need of a food processor. Its simplicity is great; its versatility is even better.