Um: Grating Soft Cheeses Question

[kam]

In the past I have tried (and hated) the deluxe cheese grater for grating cheddar cheese.

Being a new consultant I was getting a little nervous on demo-ing recipes with mozz or cheddar cheeses - just on the fact that I would have to grate the cheese with the Deluxe Cheese Grater.

Then I got my kit and I saw that the UM could be used to grate the soft cheeses! Well, I LOVE using it for that! It works wonderfully - with the exception of one tiny thing.

Does anyone else have a problem with the end of the cheese "balling" up and not grating, or slipping out from under the holder? It seems that I am not using all the cheese.

If a recipe calls for 8oz and I cut the block up into small pieces to use on the UM, then after EACH piece, I have leftover that I am not using. At home, I have no problem using a knife to chop the remainder into smaller pieces, but I don't want to do this in front of anyone.

Any ideas for demos? Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks,
Kathleen

 

[vwpamperedchef]

I am afraid of the UM! I dont want to use it, but this week I will be using it. I am testing it out this week!

Sorry no helpful hints from me.

 

[chefann]

When I grate cheese with the UM, I don't use the food holder. It's not necessary, because the grating blade doesn't have the same safety feature as the other blades. And it's just like using my box grater - you just have to be careful that you don't get your skin or nails in the way at the very end.

 

[cmdtrgd]

Try the DCG again, but nuke the cheese for 7 seconds before grating. The oils will come out and coat the drum. As for the balling, I think it is because it is a softer cheese. Try freezing the cheese for about 15 minutes before shredding.

 

[kam]

Ann & Kate,

Thanks for the tips!

I will have to cook something tonight that requires grated cheese!

-Kathleen

PS: don't be afraid of the UM.

I have another brand Mandoline (purchased years ago) and I have used it maybe once. HATED IT.

BUT, the Pampered Chef UM is so easy to use - I have used it 4x this week so far. I like that the blade closes after each slice. I also like that the blade "stores" closed.

 

[chefjeanine]

When I grate cheese with the UM, I don't use the food holder. It's not necessary, because the grating blade doesn't have the same safety feature as the other blades. And it's just like using my box grater - you just have to be careful that you don't get your skin or nails in the way at the very end.

Thanks for saving my fingers. . .that's what I was going to say.