I Don't Like It! I Tried Using the Mandolin in My New Consultant Kit

[luvmypomeranian]

I don't like it! I tried using the mandolin in my new consultant kit last night. It was very frustrating. Any tips and tricks for using it? I gave up on grating cheese on it (I was trying out the 3 cheese garden pizza recipe). My husband finally got the hang of it for slicing potatos after about 20 minutes.

Seems to be one of those things that is great once you figure out how to use it, but not so great if you don't have the hang of it yet.

 

[luvmypomeranian]

Re: Mandolin?One more question.....if I still want to use the 3 Cheese Garden pizza at a show.....do I HAVE to use the mandolin where the recipe says to? Or can I cut with a knife and focus more on the knives for that show? If I use the mandolin at my first show....I am afraid it will be a disaster and I won't be able to make it work right.

 

[tys1031]

Re: Mandolin?I don't really like the Mandoline either. I always use my knives at shows instead & I use the microplane for grating cheeses. For Mozarella, though, you will need to put the cheese in the freezer for about 10 minutes (4 oz block-more or less depending on size of block) before using the microplane. It is too soft and crumbles easily.

 

[byrd1956]

Re: Mandolin?I really don't think you have to use the specific tool they tell us to for a specific part of a recipe. I've always used what I feel comfortable with. I do like the mandolin, but every now and then have a love/hate relationship w/it. Once I re-read the directions or watch the video on using it I always do better w/it. I have never used it to grate cheese.

 

[Shell Northway]

Re: Mandolin?I had a hard time using the mandoline when I first got my kit. I even had a training session in how to use it and did just fine, until I was home by myself. I walked away from it and then reapproached with a different mind set. Make sure it is put together correctly. Make sure you have a flat edge going against the blade. Apply small amount of pressure when sliding the food across the blade. It is now a favorite tool of mine.

 

[lockhartkitchen]

Re: Mandolin?I love the Mandoline, but I wouldn't use it at a show until you are comfortable with using it. Use it often at home, and you will get the hang of it. We use the grating tool and the V the most in our house. Baby reds sliced on it, add butter and pressed garlic and bake on your stone. Delicious. Green peppers on the V work great for fajitas.

 

[babywings76]

Re: Mandolin?Check out this recent thread: http://www.chefsuccess.com/f8/am-i-only-one-who-hates-ultimate-mandoline-63392/?highlight=mandolineJust so you know, there's a demo video on CC that shows you how to use it. It really is worth taking the time to watch it, it's not that long. If you aren't comfortable with using it for a show, skip it. It's not the end of the world. You feeling comfortable with your demo is more important. Plus, people love our forged cutlery. Getting people to try our knives really works at selling them. The mandoline is a love it-hate it type item. Go check out that thread--There's lot of advice and opinions on it.

 

[AmyDare]

Re: Mandolin?I didn't like it when I first started either. I told people at my first shows that the Mandoline and I weren't ready to go publick with our relationship. That seemed to loosen things up a bit when I had trouble with it. (I really enjoy it now...even use it in my own kitchen.)

 

[esavvymom]

Re: Mandolin?TIP when using it for cheese- I don't use the Food Holder....but ONLY for the grater. I just hold the block of cheese and use it like I would any box-type grater. There is a video on CC if you go to the Products tab and find the videos. It's mentioned in thread someone linked above too.

 

[JackieB999]

Re: Mandolin?

One more question.....if I still want to use the 3 Cheese Garden pizza at a show.....do I HAVE to use the mandolin where the recipe says to? Or can I cut with a knife and focus more on the knives for that show? If I use the mandolin at my first show....I am afraid it will be a disaster and I won't be able to make it work right.

I really dont like the mandolin either... people can buy shredded cheese at the store! It's probably the only PC tool I don't care for.

Try this recipe at home, Grecian Party Squares. It's easy, tasty, and you dont have to use the mandoline! You can still demo lots of tools that came in you kit with it. Good luck to you.

grecian party squares recipe | pampered chef recipes | pampered chef

Jackie

 

[skaugchef]

Re: Mandolin?Again, I LOVE the Ultimate Mandoline. You just have to get the hand of it. I couldn't imagine making Dutch Oven potatoes without it. geez... imagine slicing all of the potatoes by hand? It's so much easier to just put it in the guard & swish a bunch of times! Seriously! Just keep trying!

 

[lesliec]

Re: Mandolin?I would say for a show, buy grated cheese, or grate it before the people get there. Use it a bit and get comfortable using it with onions. They are easy to do.
I have found that if you go a little faster, the Mandoline works better. Definitely get comfortable with it before using it at a show. I won't say I hate it, but I honestly don't frequently use it in my own home, and I did own it before becoming a consultant.

 

[scottcooks]

Re: Mandolin?Checkout the online training for it as well. The big secret is you need to push farther than you think, so the spring pops back down and you get to slice another slice. It is much farther than you think - farther than just slicing your item.Once you learn to use it well, you'll sell many - and that $60 boost is a PLUS for your shows!