Cuisinart Mini-Prep® Processor

Introduction

The Cuisinart® Mini-Prep® Processor is designed for a variety of food preparation tasks including chopping, grinding, puréeing, emulsifying, and blending. Its patented two-position blade features a super-sharp edge for delicate chopping of herbs and blending soft foods, and a blunt edge for grinding hard foods like coffee beans and spices. With two operating speeds and pulse activation, it offers precise control. The powerful high-speed motor efficiently handles small tasks like chopping herbs, onions, garlic; grinding coffee beans, spices, hard cheese; puréeing baby foods; and blending mayonnaise and flavored butters. This compact appliance takes up minimal counter space and stores neatly.

Important Safeguards

When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including:

1. Read all instructions.
2. To protect against risk of electric shock, do not put the motor base in water or other liquid.
3. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
4. Unplug from outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning. To unplug, grasp the plug and pull from the electrical outlet. Never pull the cord.
5. Avoid contacting moving parts.
6. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions, or is dropped or damaged in any manner. Return the appliance to the nearest authorized Cuisinart® Service Facility for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
7. The use of attachments not recommended or sold by Cuisinart may cause fire, electric shock, or injury.
8. Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
9. Do not use outdoors.
10. Keep hands and utensils away from the moving blade while processing food to reduce the risk of severe injury to persons, or damage to the food processor. A scraper may be used, but must be used only when the food processor is not running.
11. The blade is sharp. Handle carefully when removing, inserting, or cleaning.
12. To reduce the risk of injury, never place the cutting blade on the base without first putting the prep bowl properly in place.
13. Be certain the cover is securely locked in place before operating the appliance. Do not attempt to remove the cover until the blade has stopped rotating.
14. Do not attempt to defeat the cover interlock mechanism.
15. Check the prep bowl for the presence of foreign objects before using.

Notice

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). As a safety feature, this plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to defeat this safety feature.

The Parts

The Cuisinart® Mini-Prep® Processor consists of the following parts:

• A. Compact Motor Base: Contains the motor, shaft (B), LO Speed-Control lever (C), HI Speed-Control lever (D), a round bowl-support platform with two locking tabs (E), a column at the back with an interlock slot (F), and a power cord with concealed storage underneath (G).
• H. Prep Bowl: Features a central opening (J), two openings on its lower surface for locking onto the motor base (K), and two tabs on its top surface (L). The part number is indicated (I).
• M. Prep Bowl Cover: Has tabs on opposite sides (N), a long descending tab at the back (P) for locking, and a handle on top (Q) with two openings for adding liquids.
• R. Plastic Sheath: Includes a handle on top (T) and ridges along opposite sides (U).
• V. Blade Assembly: Comprises a central hub with holding ribs (grips) (W). The blade has a curved sharp edge (X) and a flat blunt edge (Y). Note: The blade is very sharp. Always handle it by the central hub. Never touch the blade itself.
• Z. Spatula

Diagram Descriptions:

• Motor Base Diagram: Shows the compact motor base with a power cord, a shaft extending upwards, and two speed control levers labeled "LO" and "HI". It also indicates an interlock slot on the back column.
• Prep Bowl Diagram: Depicts the clear plastic prep bowl with a central opening at the top and two openings on its lower surface designed to lock onto the motor base. It also shows two tabs on its top surface.
• Prep Bowl Cover Diagram: Illustrates the clear plastic cover with tabs on opposite sides that align with the bowl's tabs, and a long descending tab at the back that engages with the motor base's interlock slot. It features a handle on top with two openings for adding liquids.
• Plastic Sheath Diagram: Shows a plastic sheath with a handle on top and ridges along its opposite sides.
• Blade Assembly Diagram: Displays the two-part blade assembly. One part is the central hub with holding ribs (grips). The blade itself has a curved sharp edge and a flat blunt edge. It is emphasized to handle only by the central hub.
• Spatula: A simple illustration of a spatula.

Assembling the Parts

Before processing food, assemble the parts and try the HI and LO processing speeds to familiarize yourself with the Mini-Prep® Processor.

1. Place the Motor Base on a flat, dry, stable surface, close to an electrical outlet of the same voltage as stated on the unit.
2. Locate the part number on the bottom of the Prep Bowl. Place the Prep Bowl on the motor base with the part number slightly to the left of center. Rotate it counterclockwise until it locks and clicks into position, following the Bowl Lock arrows on the motor base.
3. Connect the Blade Assembly to the Blade Sheath. HOLD THE BLADE ASSEMBLY BY THE CENTRAL HUB ONLY. DO NOT TOUCH THE RAZOR-SHARP BLADES.
4. The Blade Assembly can be placed over the Sheath in two ways:
• Way A (Sharp Edge): If you hold it this way, the word "Sharp" is visible on the blade. Assemble the blade this side up to use the sharp edge for chopping, puréeing, and mixing.
• Way B (Blunt Edge): If you hold it this way, no writing is visible on the blade. Assemble the blade this side up to use the blunt edge for grinding and chopping hard foods.
5. The hub of the Blade Assembly has notches (C) on opposite sides that fit over the ridges on the sides of the Sheath. Place the Sheath, handle side up, on a flat surface. Pick up the Blade Assembly by its hub holding ribs (grips) and align the notches in the hub with the ridges on the Sheath. Let the Blade Assembly slide down to the bottom of the Sheath.
6. Lift the Sheath by its handle. Hold the Blade Assembly by its hub holding ribs (grips) and turn it very slightly clockwise. This locks it in place on the Sheath and prevents it from sliding up during processing.
7. Hold the Sheath by its top handle and place it over the central opening of the Bowl, then slide the Sheath down over the motor shaft. The lower blade on the Blade Assembly should almost touch the bottom of the Prep Bowl.
8. Hold the cover by its handle on top, with the descending tab in approximately the 2 o'clock position. While holding the Motor Base, press the cover onto the Prep Bowl. Use the handle to turn it counterclockwise until the descending tab on the back locks into the slot on the column of the Motor Base. IF THE TAB DOES NOT FULLY OR COMPLETELY ENGAGE IN THE SLOT, THE MOTOR WILL NOT START.
9. Plug the cord into an electrical outlet.
10. Place one hand on the cover of the unit and press the LO Speed-Control Lever with the thumb or forefinger of your other hand. Remove your thumb or finger from the control.
11. Now press and release the HI Speed-Control Lever.
12. When the blade stops moving, remove the cover by turning it gently clockwise and lifting it straight up.
13. You are now ready to process food.
14. Disassembling the Blade Assembly: Lift the Sheath. Holding the Blade Assembly stationary, carefully turn the Sheath Cylinder clockwise, then guide the Blade Assembly up over the Sheath.

Tips for Processing Food

Preparing the Food

Size: Always cut large pieces of food into smaller pieces of even size – about 1/2 inch (12mm) to a side. If you don't start with pieces that are small and uniform, you will not get an even chop.

Quantity: Do not overload the Prep Bowl. Overloading causes inconsistent results and strains the motor. Use the quantities given in the recipe section as a guide. As a rule of thumb, remember that after being processed, food should not reach more than 2/3 of the way up the Sheath of the Blade Assembly.

Selecting the Right Blade Edge

Use the sharp edge for chopping, puréeing, and mixing soft, fragile foods such as herbs, celery, onions, garlic, and most cheese. It is also suitable for puréeing cooked vegetables and making mayonnaise and salad dressing.

Use the blunt edge for grinding coffee beans and spices, and for chopping hard foods such as peppercorns, seeds, chocolate, and nuts.

Selecting the Right Operating Speed

Use low speed (LO Lever) for chopping, puréeing, and mixing food with the sharp edge of the blade.

Use high speed (HI Lever) for grinding and for chopping hard food with the blunt edge of the blade.

Note: Due to the powerful motor, Cuisinart recommends using one hand to support the Mini-Prep® during operation, especially at the Hi speed.

Selecting the Right Lever Action

Pulse action is best when using the sharp edge. Two or three pulses are often enough. Check food frequently to prevent overprocessing, which can result in a watery paste instead of a fine chop.

Continuous-hold action is best when using the blunt edge. You may need to operate the processor for several seconds (up to 20 for seeds, 40 for coffee beans) to achieve desired results.

When operating for more than 10 seconds, use a pulse action every 10 seconds or so to allow food to drop to the bottom of the Prep Bowl for more consistent results.

Operating Techniques

Chop, grind, and purée small amounts of food with the Mini-Prep® Processor. The following table lists ingredients alphabetically and shows the recommended processing method for each.

*If cheese is fresh and slightly crumbly, use the SHARP edge. Use the BLUNT edge for extremely hard, imported, or older cheeses only. Many cheeses available are actually only semi-hard.

Adding Liquid

Liquids such as water, oil, or flavoring can be added while the machine is running. For example, add oil when making mayonnaise or salad dressing, or vanilla or alcohol for frozen yogurt. Pour liquid through one of the two openings in the cover. IMPORTANT: Add liquid through only one opening at a time; the other must be left free for air to escape. If both openings are blocked, liquid cannot flow smoothly into the bowl.

Removing Food from the Sides of the Bowl

Occasionally, food will stick to the sides of the bowl during processing. Stop the machine to clear it. AFTER THE BLADE HAS STOPPED MOVING, remove the cover and use the spatula to scrape the food from the sides of the bowl back into the center.

Reversing the Blade in the Middle of a Processing Task

To switch the blade from sharp to blunt or vice versa during a recipe:

1. Ensure neither Control Lever is pressed down.
2. Unplug the unit.
3. Remove the cover from the Prep Bowl.
4. Lift the Sheath by its top handle and remove the Blade Assembly. NEVER TOUCH THE BLADE ITSELF.
5. Remove the contents of the bowl to another container.
6. Carefully remove the Blade Assembly by its Hub Holding Ribs. Turn the blade upside-down and reinsert it on the Sheath.
7. Insert the Sheath over the central opening of the empty bowl.
8. Insert the food to be processed.
9. Replace the cover, locking it into place.
10. Plug the unit into the electrical outlet and continue processing.

Processing Food

1. Place the Prep Bowl firmly on the motor base and insert the Blade Assembly, ensuring the correct blade edge is used for the food.
2. Place food in the Prep Bowl. Ensure food is cut into small pieces and the bowl is not overloaded.
3. Lock the Cover into position. Note: Due to the powerful motor, Cuisinart recommends using one hand to support the Mini-Prep® during operation.
4. Press the appropriate Speed-Control Lever (LO or HI) depending on the food being processed.
5. When finished processing, stop the machine by releasing the Speed-Control Lever.
6. WHEN THE BLADE STOPS MOVING, remove the Cover.
7. Unplug the unit.
8. Carefully remove the Blade Assembly by the handle on the top of the Sheath. NEVER TOUCH THE BLADE ITSELF.
9. Remove food with the spatula.

Note: Do not operate the Mini-Prep® without food contents in the Prep Bowl.

Troubleshooting

• Motor doesn't start or blade doesn't rotate:
  • Check that the plug is securely inserted into the outlet.
  • Check that the Prep Bowl and cover are securely locked into place.
  • Ensure only one speed-control lever is pressed at a time.
• Food is unevenly chopped:
  • You may be chopping too much food at one time, or the pieces are not small enough. Try cutting food into smaller, uniform pieces and processing smaller amounts per batch.
• Food is chopped too fine or is watery:
  • The food is overprocessed. Use brief pulses or process for less time.
• Food collects on Prep Bowl cover or sides of Prep Bowl:
  • You may be processing too much food. Turn the machine off. When the blade stops rotating, remove the cover and clean the bowl and lid with the spatula.
• Food hangs up on blade:
  • You may be processing too much food. Carefully remove the blade. Remove food from the blade with the spatula and start over.

Cleaning and Storage

To simplify cleaning, rinse the Prep Bowl, cover, and blade immediately after use so food won't dry onto them. Wash the Blade Assembly, Sheath, Prep Bowl, cover, and spatula in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry. Wash the blade carefully. Avoid leaving it in soapy water where it may disappear from sight.

If using a dishwasher, you can wash the Prep Bowl, cover, Blade Assembly, and spatula on the upper shelf. Insert the Prep Bowl upside-down and the cover right-side up. Place the blade and spatula in the cutlery basket. Unload the dishwasher carefully to avoid contact with the sharp blade. Wipe the motor base clean with a damp sponge or cloth and dry it immediately. Never submerge the motor base or the plug in water or other liquid.

The Mini-Prep® stores neatly on the countertop, taking up minimal space. When not in use, ensure it is unplugged. The hidden cord storage underneath the motor base helps keep excess cord off the countertop. Store the unit assembled to prevent loss of parts. Store blades as you would sharp knives – out of the reach of children.

The Mini-Prep® is intended for HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY. Any service other than cleaning and normal user maintenance should be performed by an authorized Cuisinart® Service Representative.

Recipes

The Mini-Prep® Processor is excellent for preparing a variety of dishes. Below is a selection of recipes:

• Baby Food: Puréed vegetables, fruit, meat, or poultry. (Page 7)
• Tuna Fish Salad (Page 8)
• Chopped Meat/Hamburger (Page 8)
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (Page 8)
• Chocolate Frosting (Page 8)
• Applesauce (Page 8)
• Graham Cracker Crust (Page 8)
• Classic Mayonnaise (Page 9)
• No-Cholesterol Mayonnaise (Page 9)
• Vinaigrette Salad Dressing (Page 9)
• No-Fat Herb Salad Dressing (Page 9)
• Tonnato Sauce (Page 9)
• Walnut Pesto Sauce (Page 10)
• Lemon Garlic Butter (Page 10)
• Cajun Spice Blend (Page 10)
• Ground Coffee Beans (Page 10)
• Ground Whole Grain Berries (Page 11)
• Freshly Ground Nutmeg (Page 11)
• Banana Strawberry Smoothie (Page 11)
• Banana Frozen Yogurt (Page 11)

Warranty Information

18-Month Limited Warranty

This warranty is available to consumers only. It covers defects in material and workmanship under normal home use for 18 months from the original date of purchase. It is not available to retailers or other commercial purchasers. Consumers are encouraged to complete and return the warranty registration card, though it is not a condition of the warranty.

If the processor proves defective within the warranty period, Cuisinart will repair or replace it free of charge. To obtain warranty service, call the Cuisinart Service Center toll-free at 1-800-726-0190 for information and instructions, or write to:

Cuisinart®
150 Milford Road
East Windsor, NJ 08520
Attn: Customer Service Center

To facilitate returns, enclose $7.00 for shipping and handling (California residents may need to call for specific instructions). Include a return address, a description of the defect, product serial number, and other pertinent information. Payment should be by check or money order.

The Cuisinart® Mini-Prep® Processor is manufactured to strict specifications and designed for use only with authorized Cuisinart® accessory and replacement parts. The warranty expressly excludes defects or damages caused by unauthorized accessories, replacement parts, or repair services. It also does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, shipment, or other than ordinary household use. Incidental or consequential damages are excluded.

Index to Recipes