Those few things that are hard to get rid of... [Archive]

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Geila

6-7-16, 6:32pm

I got a food processor as a wedding gift and it's a nice one - probably cost $300 new. In 14 years I've used it at most 12 times and a lot of those were to make fruit smoothies, which we don't do anymore. I tried doing the pie crust (brise pate?) and it came out eh, I tend to overwork the dough both by hand and by machine so now I stick to things like cobblers. I've tried shredding carrots and other veggies and it feels like the work to set up, change out blades, clean all the bowls, blades, lids, and such is more of a hassle than just chopping things by hand.

I've also tried doing salsas and such but again I'm so used to doing by hand that it just feels easier and faster. And in a pinch, the blender works and is easier to clean. I've not tried hummus, though I hear that one is a good one to try. Guess we're just not big hummus eaters. I prefer the garbanzos whole in salads.

I know that I should donate or gift this thing, but this one's hard. It feels like such a huge waste of money and potential. Maybe someday I will make my own enchilada sauce, or mole, or something.... It seems every chef on tv has one and uses it lots. I love pastries and maybe this would be just the thing to have for that. And at $300 there is no way I would buy a new one so I could potentially miss out on so much good food in the future.... these are the thoughts that go through my mind every single time I think of getting rid of it.

Teacher Terry

6-7-16, 6:56pm

I would sell it on craig's list.

iris lilies

6-7-16, 8:25pm

I would sell it on craig's list.
Yes! Someone will be thrilled to get this at a greatly reduced cost. I think food processors are still considered a kitchen staple.

jp1

6-7-16, 10:25pm

I've never owned a food processor. I had the opportunity to take mom's when she passed away but declined since none of the things she used it to prepare were things that I would ever make. My braun stick blender, however, I use at least once per week. I'm on my second one in 20 years and worry that one of these days it's just going to stop. When it does I will immediately be going on amazon to find a new one.

Personally I'd say that after 14 years you've given it sufficient time to prove its worth to you and it has failed. Sell or give it away to someone who will be able to give it a chance to live up to its full potential.

Geila

6-8-16, 12:57pm

I don't think I'm ready to give it up yet. I love Mexican food and have a couple of Rick Bayless cookbooks that use the processor quite a bit to make sauces from scratch. I've just been buying the canned sauces so I'm going to give myself a challenge to use the machine to make one new thing from his books every month for the rest of the year. If I find that I just don't do it or that the hassle is not worth the difference in taste, then let it go.

I'm also going to put it out on the counter and keep it there to see if that helps me use it more. I don't find the machine attractive so I always have it put away which makes the likelihood of me using it pretty low. We'll see how it goes.

Ultralight

6-8-16, 1:01pm

Personally I'd say that after 14 years you've given it sufficient time to prove its worth to you and it has failed. Sell or give it away to someone who will be able to give it a chance to live up to its full potential.

This makes sense.

Also: I just think that this is a really good topic. Hard-to-get-rid-of things can really bog us down when trying to simplify. This is worth ongoing examination.

Geila

6-8-16, 1:12pm

Yes, all of you guys are right and I know that the prudent thing would be to send it on it's way. But dang'it I'm not ready yet! :)

beckyliz

6-9-16, 4:39pm

I use mine mainly to make guacamole. A lot of times, Ald's has avacados for .29 or .39 each.

ToomuchStuff

6-10-16, 1:11am

I know that I should donate or gift this thing, but this one's hard. It feels like such a huge waste of money and potential. these are the thoughts that go through my mind every single time I think of getting rid of it.

It does seem to me to be a huge waste of potential to keep it from someone who would use it and a waste of money for its climate controlled storage.

TxZen

6-10-16, 9:34am

I had a sewing machine like this. Hubby bought our first Christmas and I have used it maybe a handful of times in 12, almost 13 years. I finally took it out and made a deal that if in six months, I don't use it, out it goes. I sold it to a young woman who makes her own clothes and is in design school in college. Gave her a heck of a deal and received an awesome story out of it. :)

sylvia

6-10-16, 11:39pm

Yes I see that is funny I have a husqvarna electric sewing machine from my college fashion days I used it 15 years ago but I should sell it yet I have visions of sewing curtains , tablecloths dresses. But honestly I have no time and hate to sew. So I will try it your way Txzen and give it 6 months.I know its like you go blank when you see it and its in limbo -why?

freshstart

6-11-16, 3:31pm

my mother acquired 2 food processors, 1 was a gift, the other a smaller, less expensive one. Guess where they are? Lost in the basement hoard and maybe used once in the decade she's had them. I should dig them out and sell them. But I hear you on giving away things you are ambivalent about. I think leaving it out on the counter is a great idea

beckyliz

6-14-16, 4:47pm

Geila

7-5-16, 3:42pm

Those of you who encouraged me to let the food processor go made an impact on me, and I'm happy to report that it has been given a new home! My friend's daughter was delighted to get it.

I also rehomed a large Ethan Allen bedroom dresser with tri-fold mirror and a 42" lateral filing cabinet. These were large items that were given to us when people moved and we never really used them to their full potential. My heart and home are lighter for it!

:thankyou: for the encouragement.

freshstart

7-6-16, 9:59am

well done!