Food Processor

I love my Food Processor and use it often to make cupcakes, scones, biscuits and pastry.

When I first got married we (or rather I) were given a small processor. I didn't use it that often at the start but soon came to rely on it as a very versatile and useful kitchen appliance.

It was only a 3 cup processor so by the time we had our first child we outgrew it and needed a larger model. Over the next 15 years I used a processor more frequently and wore out several of them.

As with everything, you get what you pay for. After 20 years of marriage and three growing children in the house I splurged and bought myself a Breville processor. It quickly and easily wizzes up the mixture for my orange and poppy seed cupcakes where all the ingredients, including the orange, are processed together.

It makes the lightest scones and I no longer worry whether they will turn out ok. They are so reliable when made in the processor that I make scones whenever guests arrive unexpectedly.

The same goes for pastry. Quiches and flans are easy to make as the pastry is always perfect.

A processor can also be used for slicing, chopping, grating, whipping, pureeing and kneading. I threw away my bread machine as the processor kneads the dough just as well and I have more room in the cupboard with one less bulky appliance.

I have tested several makes and models over the years and also canvassed friends about their processors and have come up with this list of favorites.