Nina wrote:

> >The best bet is a good set of knives, learn how to use them and keep them
> >sharp. I had one of those cheap Japanese mandolins and it was handy for
> >some things. For Christmas last year my wife bought be a better <?>
> >mandolin. I accepted it graciously, wondering what the heck I needed it
> >for. I tried it a few times. By the time I get it out of the cupboard and
> >assembled I could usually be finished the job with a knife. Then it has
> >to be disassembled, cleaned and put away.
>
> The only exception for me is really big jobs. For a large volume, a
> mandoline is terrific. I have to say, though, that I cut my finger
> very badly a long time ago with one of these, and so they still
> terrify me.

If I have l lot to do, sometimes it is easier to use the food processor with
the appropriate attachment. That's what I use for marmalade. If I have a
small amount of cheese to grate I use the hand grater ....in more ways that
one :-) .... but if there is a lot to do the FP sure comes in handy. It is
worth the extra work to get it out, clean it and put it away again.