Sweet Tooth - Cuisinart Elite Die-Cast Food Processor

So I officially put my order in for the new Cuisinart Elite Die-Cast Food Processor. It involves an unspecified waitlist-wait and an ominous phone call from the local W-S. Who knows how long this will take, and I'm practically foaming at the mouth for this one.





For those of you familiar with the old-school Cuisnarts, this handy guide (which I happen to think is a fabulous marketing tool...it's practically dripping with WIIFM, and it's audience-centered for those who only need to know "why it's BETTER than what I already have") should do all the convincing--8 new features.

Honestly I only need 3 of the new features to shell out $300 for this baby:

1. Three (count 'em 3) Bowl Sizes - I love my little Mini-Prep, but seriously, 24 ounces does not a true "food" processor make. I have a "sauce" processor and a "nut" processor, but nothing that in and of itself resembles a full serving of "food" comes out of my Mini-Prep, at least not in less than a few,messy batches. I've longed to upgrade for several months, and have often borrowed my friend J.'s Prep 11 Plus (a very strategic wedding gift from me to her, haha), but I still like how when I just need a little chop-chop, the smaller bowl on my Mini-Prep is perfect (and fits comfortably on my dishwasher's top-rack). So what's better than having two food processors, in appropriate sizes? Having one that does the work of a mini and a maxi. (Oh, and did I mention they are NESTING BOWLS, so yay for more cabinet/counter space for additionally fabulous small electrics!)

2. Spill-Proof Blending - I like to make saucy things in my food processor. With any older version, you get the "slosh factor," especially when you're pulsing. (Like, how many times in a row can I possibly fling some brightly-colored sauce base all over my kitchen counter? And do remember I have grouted tile countertops.) With a new rubber gasket on the lid, I have no fear of any "slosh factor." Bring it.

3. Cord Storage - Three words: Retractable Power Cord. 'Nuff said. (And for those anal-retentive kitchen-keepers out there, you don't need another reason, period.)

Given that there are 50 reviews on Williams-Sonoma's website (with an average rating of 4.9 stars), I think this is a true cook's tool, with a battery of new "revisions" to make this piece of equipment a beloved staple in a serious kitchen.

Let me know if anyone else has experiences with food processors and/or Cuisinart. Let's share the love!

Baked (Not Fried) Cheese Puffs & Product Packaging

Just shopping at Fresh and Easy on 19th and Glendale and I was rendered speechless by the packaging on their new Baked (Not Fried) Cheese Puffs. The bag is the EXACT color of the powdery cheesy goodness that covers your fingers. (See photo, case in point). I could not resist. I came home and ate half the bag. I thought I'd research why this happened to me. I came across the following article that made me feel better:

Food Packaging | Packaging gets psyched | Food Processing Shared via AddThis

And a highlight:

Some marketers contend that of all the visual cues a package incorporates, color is the single most important. Consumers have only seconds to make a purchasing decision in the supermarket, and color registers much faster than text or complex graphics.

Colors are associated with various emotional states and need to convey an appropriate mood for the product and/or brand. In some parts of the grocery store, like the cereal aisle, the colors on the packages “are screaming ‘buy me,’ but not all products want to do that,” says Ed Cristman, design director at Axion Design (www.axiondesign.com), San Anselmo, Calif.

Needless to say I am just another victim of some genius kid-marketer at corporate. I love-hate you, kid!