It's Been Established That Most Dislike the Ultimate Mandoline

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants' experiences and opinions regarding the use of the Ultimate Mandoline (UM) for preparing mozzarella cheese, particularly in cooking demonstrations. Many participants express their challenges and preferences related to cheese preparation techniques and tools.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses reluctance to use the UM for mozzarella, suggesting that it damages the cheese.
  • Another participant shares their experience of freezing mozzarella before using the UM to achieve better slicing results.
  • Several users mention that they often joke about using shredded cheese when hosts forget to buy block cheese.
  • One participant states they prefer using a box grater at home instead of the UM or Deluxe Cheese Grater (DCG) for shredding cheese.
  • Another participant notes that they do not like shredding cheese at shows and often suggest hosts buy pre-shredded cheese instead.
  • One participant mentions that they have had negative experiences with microwaving cheese, resulting in puddles or frozen cheese that does not grate well.
  • Several participants express a preference for the DCG over the UM for grating soft cheeses, while others appreciate the UM for slicing various ingredients.
  • One participant recounts a serious injury they experienced while using the UM, which has influenced their feelings about using it in demonstrations.
  • Another participant shares a method of using pre-grated cheese from the freezer to simplify their preparation process for shows.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ significantly among participants regarding the effectiveness and usability of the UM for cheese preparation. Some express strong dislike for the tool, while others appreciate its functionality for different tasks.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences related to cheese preparation in the context of cooking demonstrations, highlighting various techniques and tools they use.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on cheese preparation techniques and tool preferences may find this discussion relevant to their own experiences in cooking demonstrations.

what is the dc?how cani get one because i have a herd time with the mandoline.
 
I don't shred cheese at the shows ... I use the mandoline for other things. Green peppers work pretty well.
 
28sal said:
how cani get one because i have a herd time with the mandoline.
Click to expand...

I think you are asking about the Deluxe Cheese Grater, #1275, $19.50 . I don't have one (I'm waiting to buy most things until my kit enhancement month, so I can mke the most of my PC $!!!), but I've heard it is great once you get the hang of it.
 
I used to hate grating cheese with the ultimate mandoline; until, i stopped using the hand gaurd. it works AMAZING!! Just use it like a box grater! on a side note does anyone have the garden ranch pizza recipe mentioned in this thread? i'm fairly new & can't fine the recipe...Thanks soo much!!!:chef:
 
A quick tip I got at my last team meeting: when grating soft cheese, nuke it if you're using the DCG, chill it if you're using the UM. I tried it on my UM last night (taco night) and it worked great!

I love my UM...wish it had a french-fry blade. I've had tons of requests for it.
 
dannyzmom said:
I adore my UM and couldn't live w/o it!!!
I prefer the DCG for grating soft cheeses and tend to use my UM for slicing lemons & limes
Click to expand...
I love my UM! Use it all the time! And I do cheese and everything on mine! I do like my DCG for small jobs! Especially now that I microwave my cheddar! I love it! That was a tip from National Conference about 5 years ago! Just a plug for National Conference!:thumbup: ;) :sing:
 
I don't really like mine, but I set it up for an interactive show yesterday and sold one with a few more VERY interested customers. I put out some potatoes for everyone to try, then I set the food chopper out and let them chop the potato slices. :)
 
Evelynt said:
Oh My!! I have some "grate" advice for you all.
Whether you are using the Deluxe Cheese Grater or the UM you should cut your cheese into the size you'll be grating,then put it in the microwave for 8-12 seconds. The time depends on the power of the micro. Doing this brings the natural oils of the cheese to the surface and it grates beautifully!!! Remember too that the softer the cheese the lighter the squeeze. No man handling the cheese!!!
Click to expand...

It works, it really works. I shred cheese with the DCG at shows all the time. The microwave really works. Forget the freeze!
 
um-um-good said:
I used to hate grating cheese with the ultimate mandoline; until, i stopped using the hand gaurd. it works AMAZING!! Just use it like a box grater! on a side note does anyone have the garden ranch pizza recipe mentioned in this thread? i'm fairly new & can't fine the recipe...Thanks soo much!!!:chef:
Click to expand...

Here's the recipe.
 

Attachments

DebbieJ said:
Count me in the Love the UM club.
Click to expand...

I love it too, especially for cucumbers! Love that I can cut one in half and do it side-by-side! With tomatoes, do it so it cuts acrodd the stem part (if it were an apple you'd see the seed stars). You'll have picture perfect tomatoes. :)

I love shredding parm into the little storage cup thing and leaving that in my fridge for the family to use.
 
I really like the UM, just not for shredding cheese...ESPECIALLY at shows. It is too awkward and messy. I took the advice of my director and shred it at home. I buy a big block at the wholesale club, then run it through my food processor and store it in a big bag in my freezer. Then, before a show, I take out what I need to bring with me. At the show, I talk about the UM and how great it is with shredding cheese, etc., but I use the excuse of "in an effort to save time..." and "I don't want to bore you...you've all seen cheese grated before" or something like that. It usually gets some chuckles and I have easily slipped by not having to do it in front of them.
 
pamperedmomto3 said:
Okay, what are you doing that I'm not doing? I also have a ton of trouble with tomatoes.
Click to expand...
I no longer use the UM for tomatoes. I now use the Santoku knife. I slice them as thin as possible and let them know it is my favorite knife and has yet to be sharpened.
 
pamperedmomto3 said:
Not to beat a dead horse, but can anyone give me advice on what I should do to prepare mozzarella cheese. I don't want to use the mandoline because it desimates (sp?) the cheese but that is the only tool I have at my disposal to deal with cheese. Should I have the host purchase shredded cheese or would that be a faux pas? Can anyone give me a good pizza recipe that showcases the large bar pan, garlic press, classic batter bowl, prep bowls, utility knife and chopper? Thanks so much in advance!
Click to expand...
3-cheese garden pizza worked for me!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Selling the Ultimate Slice and Grate
  • DebPC
    • Products and Tips
Replies
2
Views
6K
Admin Greg
First Fundraiser Tomorrow Night...some Questions
  • blestmom
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
Essential Kitchen Kit for the Traveling Foodie Chef: A Budget-Friendly Guide
  • lt1jane
    • Products and Tips
Replies
6
Views
3K
lt1jane
Julie Gizzi's Sip & Dip Show: Nov 2002 Pampered Chef Recipes
  • DebPC
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
4K
n8vtxn
Back
Top