Get the best deals on small appliances for the holidays

Everyone’s gearing up for the big day—and we don’t mean Thanksgiving. We’re talking about Black Friday, that only-in-America shopping bonanza that kicks off even before the last leftover turkey scraps make it into the fridge.

The big news amid this season: small appliances. Major retailers like Target, Lowe’s, the Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and Amazon are offering impressive deals on toasters, microwave ovens, blenders, choppers, and slow cookers. Indeed, sales of small appliances are up or at least staying afloat even as big-ticket items like ranges and refrigerators are some 25 percent off their peak a few years back. Small wonder, then, that the number of visits to our small-apliances forum keeps percolating upward. We neither endorse nor pooh-pooh the Black Friday bonanza, and the information below should be helpful throughout the holiday-shopping season and beyond.

Whether you’re the type who likes to give useful holiday gifts—or just want to save money slow-cooking cheaper cuts of meat or avoiding stops at overpriced coffee shops—here are some especially good performers from Consumer Reports’ ongoing small-appliance tests. Ratings are available to subscribers, but we’ve also provided links to our free buyer’s guides.

The best big-ticket appliances? You’ll find dozens of top picks and Best Buys to choose from in our ratings (available to subscribers). We’ll also keep you posted on the $300 million cash for clunkers appliance-rebate program coming to an appliance store near you. So take advantage of the lower prices, and be careful when you shop. And remember, you’ll find more timely holiday-shopping advice by reading Tightwad Tod on our Money blog and on our Holiday Shopping Guide.

Blenders: The top-rated Blendtec Total Blender excels at a wide range of tasks (such as grinding coffee beans), but both retail regularly for up to $400 each. One lower-cost pick that did well in our tests was the Oster Counterforms BVLBO7-L, $80. See our free buyer's guide to blenders for other choices and their capabilities.

Coffeemakers: Our top-performing Cuisinart DCC-1200, $100, has been sighted selling online for as little as $74. Best Buys like the funkily styled Michael Graves 40304, $40, are also worth your dime. For more shopping and ratings information, see our free buyer’s guide to coffeemakers.

Food processors and choppers: Watch for markdowns on the Magimix Cuisine 5150, a very impressive machine with an equally impressive price of $480.The KitchenAid KFP715[WH], $100, is an excellent choice if you don’t need kneading capabilities. We also tested the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth 70573H, $80, and include its scores in our ratings. See our free buyer’s guide to food processors and choppers for more information.

Mixers: Among stand mixers, the KitchenAid Classic K45SS[WH], $200, and Hamilton Beach Eclectrics 6322[1]stood out for value. See our ratings for other standouts. And check out our free buyer’s guide to mixers for more details.

Microwave ovens: The Panasonic Inverter NN-SD697[S], $170 and Magic Chef MCD1611ST, $100, outperformed other models costing twice as much or more. Looking for extras like convection and speed cooking, which combines microwave and convection? You’ll find them on the $330 Kenmore Elite 6790[9], $330. How did Cuisinart’s first microwave, the CMW250, $245, fare in our tests? See our ratings and our free buyer’s guide to microwaves for more information.

Slow cookers: These can save you time and money by preparing meals while you attend to other tasks as well as turning cheaper cuts of meat into tender pot roasts and stews. Our tests found that the Hamilton Beach Set ‘N Forget 33967, $70, and the Rival Crock-Pot SCVC604H-SS, $50, offer lots of features and performance for the money. But a $100 model from VersaWare lets you brown meat in a stovetop-safe pot beforehand, as some recipes require.

Toasters and toaster ovens: New and retro designs abound, but the Proctor-Silex Cool-Touch 22203, $15, combined good performance and a bagel setting—provided you’re willing to give up a few features. See our free buyer’s guide to toasters and toaster ovens and look for an update on toasters in our January 2010 issue, online and on newsstands in early December.

Wine cellars and corkscrews: Worthy freestanding wine cellars included the Kenmore 9913, $500, Danby DWC283BLS, $350 and Frigidaire FWC425GS, $300. Also consider the Emerson Electric Wine Bottle Opener BO60 and its virtual twin, the Oster Inspire Collection Electric Wine Opener 4207. Both cost about $20 and provide drama-free opening of holiday wines.

Meat and refrigerator thermometers: These excellent stocking stuffers make for safer keeping and cooking of food. Undercooked meats are a known hazard, but sickness-causing microorganisms can rapidly increase in a refrigerator that isn’t kept below 40°F.) The extremely accurate Taylor 1448 refrigerator thermometer costs only $9; their Weekend Warrior 806, $16, topped our tests of instant-read meat thermometers. Another $40 model from Weber boasts this gee-whiz wireless feature: You can check the temperature of your roasts from up to 300 feet away.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential Information: Find the top gear, gadgets, and gizmos­ and avoid the worst gotchas and gimmicks with our Holiday Shopping Guide.

Buyer's guides to carpet cleaners and juice makers now on ConsumerReports.org

Carpet cleaners and juicers don't appear to have much in common. Except that we've gotten a surge of requests to provide buying guidance for both; in one case, it happened within the same discussion in our forums.

So we've recently launched buyer's guides on carpet cleaners and juice makers/juicers. The former covers rental deep cleaners, vacuum-sized cleaners/extractors, and scrubbing machines. The guide to juice makers has details on citrus juicers and juice extractors. Essential information: Watch the video (right) to learn how quick action can minimize the long-term damage that wine, soda or juice spills can cause to carpets.

Our forums on laundry and cleaning and small appliances offer discussions and user reviews of both products.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter

Essential information: These buyer's guides to vacuums, blenders, and food processors feature buying advice and ratings (available to subscribers).

Last-minute Mother's Day gifts for the home

Unless you've somehow managed to avoid reading, watching, surfing, or listening to all media sources, you know that Sunday, May 10, is Mother's Day. It's up to you determine what your budget allows for gifts, but whatever you buy the moms in your life, it's probably money well spent: A recent study said fair corporate-world compensation for a stay-at-home mom would be $123,000 a year. (The Mom Salary Wizard is another way to determine that salary.)

If you haven't yet picked up your Mother's Day gift(s), consider the items below. And if you'd rather go the DIY route, fire up your gas or charcoal grill and make lunch or dinner this Sunday using these easy, delicious recipes for the grill. (Hint: Do postmeal cleanup, too.)

The Fiesta Blue Ember FG50069-U409 and the Char-Broil Red 463250509, each $450, surpassed grills costing as much as $1,400, as covered in our June 2009 report on gas grills (available to subscribers) Or consider the NuWave Pro Infrared Oven, $120. In our test, it cooked some foods well in less time than a conventional oven and was easy to clean.

If you're looking for a kitchen gear, here are some good options:

• The top-rated Cuisinart DLC-2011BCN food processor, $200, outperformed models costing twice as much when it came to chopping, pureeing, and mixing dough. If you don't need a machine that's good at kneading dough, consider the $180 Hamilton Beach Eclectrics 6322 stand mixer.

• If mom needs new kitchen knives, consider the stamped-steel knife sets from Oxo and Chicago Cutlery or the forged-steel set from Ginsu; the sets cost $60 to $100.

• And the $40 Michael Graves model was among the top scorers in our latest report on coffeemakers.

If mom's a DIYer, our tool-and-power-equipment guru Peter Sawchuk recommends the 2.3-pound Ryobi HJP001K, an easy-to-handle cordless drill/driver with a fast recharge time. For yard care, Sawchuk likes the $70 Toro Ultra Blower Vac leaf blower, with a compact design. A top-mounted motor and curved shaft makes the Black & Decker GH1000 electric string trimmer, $70 easy to handle. And if the yard's on the small side, mom might like the Black & Decker MM875 electric lawn mower, $230, which is easy to use and offers very good mulching.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter

Essential information: Check out the recommended Mother's Day gifts from our colleagues who cover consumer electronics.

May 2009 food processors report: Which ones made the cut?

Our May 2009 report on food processors, “Chop Time and Costs” (available to subscribers), revealed a strong trend toward multifunction machines and some good bang-for-the-buck performers.

The Magimix Cuisine 5150, $480, for example, includes a juicer and citrus press attachment and three different-size chopping bowls; the smallest one us useful for chopping items like garlic. It also has a whipping attachment for cream and egg whites.

While it would be nice to chop, slice, shred, puree, blend, bake, beat, whip, and juice with just one machine, the price of the Magimix kept us from recommending it or naming it a CR Best Buy.

The top-rated Cuisinart DLC-2011BCN, $200 (shown), chopped, pureed, and mixed dough well, outperforming models that cost twice as much; other machines struggled especially with the latter two tasks.

If you don’t bake, consider the KitchenAid KFP715[WH], $100. It’s quiet and small, with a 7-cup capacity. Note that most food processors in our tests could hold less than half of their dry capacity when processing liquids, before leaking. Read the rest of the report for more details.

Essential information: Let your machine show its chops by making these food-processor recipes. And visit our food-processors product page for more free buying advice.

New home content from the May 2009 issue of Consumer Reports: Mowers, lawn care, toilet paper, NuWave oven, and more

It's that time of the year again. No, not tax season. Outdoor season, when you need to get your yard in shape. The May 2009 issue of Consumer Reports features our latest review of lawn mowers and tractors and expert advice to make your lawn look its best. You'll find links to these reports and other home-related content below. (Several stories here are available only to subscribers.) e-mail | Twitter

Lawn mowers & tractors
Our tests of 81 machines find eight CR Best Buys to help keep your lawn in its best trim.

Hassle-free lawns
These time- and money-saving tips will allow you to enjoy your yard this summer.

Review of the NuWave Pro Infrared Oven
Does this countertop cooker sizzle or fizzle in our test?

Toilet paper
Our Best Buys can save you money.

Refrigerators
Shop in May and June to get a better deal.

Food processors
The best models chop prep time and cut costs.

Hidden costs of home remodeling
Learn how to keep things from going wrong on your next remodeling project.

Where to buy groceries
Find the best and worst supermarkets and cut hundreds from your grocery bill. And, are reusable totes a good buy?

Which big-box retailer is the best?
Find out how Costco, Walmart, Kmart and others compare.

Selections from Consumer Reports' Selling It

In each issue of Consumer Reports, the Selling It page covers the goofs, glitches, gotchas, and howlers that appear on product packaging, in advertising, and elsewhere. Below you’ll find a few recent Selling It entries that relate to the home. We’ll present these pieces on this blog from time to time. (Click on each image to enlarge it.)

Look for more Selling It items on our Web site—new ones are added monthly—and submit ideas to this section.

Military mix-up
This offer for a door knocker (right) says, “Show your pride for our Armed Services.” Just don’t be picky about which service you support. As a Maryland reader pointed out, the knocker identified as “Army design” has the Navy design; “Navy” is Air Force, and “Air Force” is Army. The Marines design is correct. (From the December 2007 issue of Consumer Reports.)

Maybe you use scissors?   
Cuisinart’s Mini-Prep food processor (right) came with directions to heed before use: To get an even chop, “always cut large pieces of food into smaller pieces of even size—about 1/2 inch.” (From the January 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.)

A kinda sorta guarantee
The language on the package at right is common in lightbulb packaging (longevity depends on how bulbs are used), but those two tiny words—"up to"—still shed very little light. As a Georgia reader reasoned, “If it lasts one minute, one hour, or one day it fulfills the guarantee.” (From the February 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.)

Gee, no GE
This package for a replacement part (left) had a Massachusetts reader scratching her head. (From the March 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.)

Essential information: Learn more about entry doors and door locks. Find the best food processor. Consider replacing incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs. Choose a new coffeemaker.

Best home appliances for the holidays

Unless you're hiring a caterer and a cleaning crew, appliances are essential for preparing for holiday gatherings and tidying up after them. If you need to update your arsenal of small and big appliances, check out this list of some of our best-performing products; they'll make the jobs go easier and give you more time to enjoy yourself.—Helen A.S. Popkin

Best wine chiller to keep your top bottles in tiptop shape
GE Monogram ZDWR240PABS, $1,400
The one-compartment, stainless-steel-edged GE (shown) stores 52 standard-size bottles, runs very quietly, and adjusts to desired temperatures with aplomb. This model is also energy efficient, though there are other fine models that cost far less. Kenmore and other brands are offering small, freestanding units for $300 or so. For more wine chiller-tips, check out our report and updated Ratings (available to subscribers, like all the Ratings below).

Best blender to mix cheer-inducing libations
Braun PowerMax MX2050, $50
This Braun was tops in our tests for smoothies and among the best for crushing ice. Pluses include a glass jar and a removable blade. It’s also less noisy than other models, making it the least intrusive during a cocktail party.

Read up on blenders in our latest report and use the Ratings to find a model that fits your budget.

Best refrigerators to store the fixings for holiday meals and treats
Whirlpool ET1FTEXS[Q], $850
This well-equipped 21-cu.-ft. top-freezer Whirlpool features spillproof shelves and offers excellent energy efficiency and very good temperature performance. It’s also quiet. The eye-level freezer offers easy access, and the fairly wide refrigerator shelves make it easy to reach the back.

Amana AFD2535DE[W], $1,700
This 36-inch-wide bottom-freezer offers French doors at a relatively low price. Other handy features include a pullout bottom freezer drawer, and more usable fridge capacity overall than most others in our tests. Bottom-freezer models are best for putting often-used items at eye level, and they're relatively inexpensive to run.

GE GSH25JFT[WW], $1,000
This full-featured 36-inch-wide side-by-side comes at a relatively low price. Features include touchpad controls with digital display; built-in water dispenser and filter; a freezer light; gallon storage on door; an icemaker and dispenser; pullout shelves/bins; and a temperature-controlled meat/deli bin. Side-by-sides are best for kitchens that can't fit wide-swinging doors.

GE Monogram ZICS360NR[SS], $6,400
This 21-cu.-ft. GE built-in cabinet-depth drawer-type-bottom-freezer is pricey but energy efficient and full of handy features, including touchpad digital controls, spillproof shelves, pullout shelves in the freezer, an icemaker and a water filter, and a freezer light. It’s also available with a stainless-steel look.

For more information on refrigerators, see our latest report, buying advice, and Ratings of bottom-freezers, built-ins. side-by-sides, and top-freezers.

Best food processor and chopper to whip up hors d’oeuvres
KitchenAid KFP710, $80
This medium-capacity food processor was best at slicing and shredding, has easy-to-clean touchpad controls, and is relatively lightweight, making postparty cleanup a snap.

Black & Decker Ergo EHC650, $15
This inexpensive 3-cup chopper was tops at chopping and good for puréeing, making it a handy tool for food preparation.

Read our latest report and use the Ratings help find the right tools for your kitchen.

Best ranges to cook gourmet festival meals
Kenmore (Sears) 9421[2], $530
An excellent basic appliance at a low price, this 30-inch freestanding coil-top electric model (shown) still has plenty of handy features, including a warming drawer, six oven rack positions, and a cooktop that can contain spills. It’s also available in a stylish stainless-steel finish.

Hotpoint RGB745WEH[WW], $550
If you prefer a gas range, the 30-inch gas freestanding model Hotpoint offers the most performance for the money. Features include one high-power and one low-power burner, five oven-rack positions, and steel grates.

Use our buying advice and gas and electric range Ratings to see how the tested ranges boiled, simmered, baked, and broiled.

Best microwaves to heat up tasty leftovers the day after
Kenmore (Sears) 6325[2], $110
This space-efficient countertop model is easy to use and excelled in our defrosting test. Its 1.2-cu –ft. capacity make it ideal for thawing a medium-sized holiday bird. Detailed prompts for automated functions are a welcome aid when it comes to a potluck meal made from holiday leftovers.

LG LMV2053[ST], $300
This 2.0-cu.-ft., 1,100-watt model is a very good overall over-the-range oven that’s also a good value. Features include sensor cooking, auto defrost and touchpad controls, and a wire rack. It scored very good at heating evenness and ease of use, excellent at defrosting.

Read our latest report and use our buying advice and Ratings to find the best model for your kitchen.

Best coffeemaker or espresso maker to create a quality cup of joe
Black & Decker SmartBrew DCM2500, $35
This Black & Decker coffeemaker excelled in our tests. Features include a glass carafe and a setting that allows you to set the time the coffee starts brewing—a nice touch if you need that aroma to pop your family out of the turkey fatigue.

Nespresso Essenza C100, $230
If you want a tasty cup of espresso with minimal hassle, the Nespresso C100 (shown) is the machine to buy. While it's relatively inexpensive for a pump-style model, you will have to buy the company's coffee capsules. But, because you don't have loose grounds or filter holders, cleanup is a snap.

Learn more about coffeemakers and espresso machines and see our Ratings of drip, pod, and espresso models.

Best dishwasher to clean party plates and dishes
Kenmore (Sears) 1373[2], $580
This midpriced Kenmore provides excellent cleaning, flexible loading, and quiet running. It also managed to handle our most rigorous test (baked-on brownie mix) well with its normal cycle. That takes the worry and the work out of busy holiday dinners when you don’t have time to load the dishwasher right after the big meal. See our buying advice and read the latest news in “Models that carry the load.” Our Ratings list dozens of models.

Best vacuum cleaners to tidy up after they’ve all gone home
Kenmore (Sears) Progressive With Direct Drive 35922, $300
This all-purpose upright model excelled at cleaning carpets and bare floors, pet-hair pickup, and our emissions test. It’s also good at cleaning with tools, a handy extra for eliminating hard to reach crumbs, pine needles and tinsel.

Kenmore (Sears) Progressive 27514, $300
This canister model is very good at cleaning carpet and excellent at cleaning bare floors. It excelled at keeping emissions low and was very good at picking up pet hair.

Read “Cleaning vs. Allergy Claims” for the latest information on vacuums then use our buying advice and Ratings of uprights and canisters.

Tip of the day: Use your small appliances during the holidays

While your dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven and cooktop (or range) are likely to be the workhorses in your kitchen this holiday season, your countertop appliances can be real work savers. To get the most from this gear, follow these tips from Katherine Alford, test kitchen director for Food Network Kitchens.

Note: If you’re in the market for new countertop appliances, use our free buying advice for each product (listed below). Ratings are available to subscribers.—Kimberly Janeway

Coffeemaker
• To make a great cup of brewed coffee, buy high-quality beans and grind them right before you make the coffee.
• Don’t make too much coffee at a time. After about 15 to 20 minutes, coffee can lose flavor and become bitter.
• If your coffeemaker has a thermal carafe, warm the vessel before you brew by pouring hot water into it. (Pour out the water before you make the coffee.)

Learn how to choose a coffeemaker. Then check our Ratings to find the model that’s right for you. Also read our review of espresso makers.

Food processor and blender
• Use the feed tube on your food processor to make emulsified sauces, such as salad dressing or mayonnaise.
• If you’re making a pie from scratch, use the processor to make the crust—the blade is ideal for this task. Note that the sealed container of a food processor means this appliance isn’t good for whipping cream.
• Chop whole fruits and vegetables into chunks before you place them in the processor.
• When chopping nuts in a food processor, use the pulse button; otherwise, the nuts might get oily.
• When using a blender, put the liquids in first, then add the solids. The mixture will move around the blades more easily.
• Before you turn on a blender when pureeing hot foods, hold down the lid. Heat and pressure could build inside the carafe and explode—onto you and all over your kitchen.

Learn how to choose a food processor and blender. Then check our Ratings of food processors and blenders to find the models that are right for you. Try our tasty recipes you can make with a food processor, which were created by a Culinary Institute of America graduate. They’re ideal for the holidays.

Kitchen knives
High-quality knives are expensive but can last a lifetime if you take care of them.
• Store knives in a knife roll or block or on a wall magnet.
• Wash knives by hand in warm, soapy water. The water pressure of a dishwasher can dull the blade and he high temperatures can damages a wood handle.

Learn how to choose kitchen knives. Then check our Ratings to find the knives that are right for you.

Microwave
• Use the microwave to melt butter or chocolate when baking. Cover butter so it doesn’t spatter. Put chocolate in a medium-size bowl. Melt it at 50 percent power until soft—about one minute. Stir the chocolate,  then continue microwaving until it’s completely melted, about one to two minutes.
• Instead of roasting garlic in the oven, do the job in your microwave—you’ll get the same soft texture in a small fraction of the time. Break the head of garlic into individual cloves. Pierce the skin with a knife but leave intact. Place the garlic in a bowl, cover, and microwave until soft, about 30 seconds.

Learn how to choose a microwave oven. Then check our Ratings to find the model that’s right for you.

Toaster oven
• Don’t overfill your oven when using it to cook. Moisture can build up in the oven if you place too much food in it. That might be good for keeping fish moist or warming bread and rolls, but not if you want your roast chicken to be crisp, for example.
• Use your toaster oven to bake a small batch of frozen cookies—perhaps your own homemade dough—for an afternoon snack or dessert or when guests come by unannounced during the holidays.

Learn how to choose a toaster. Then check our Ratings to find the model that’s right for you.

Black Friday sales for the home

Sales the day after Thanksgiving—Black Friday—can mean big savings on home items both big and small. Whether you’re talking tools, appliances, or home furnishings, deals are available at the major retail stores as the end-of-year holidays approach.

While Consumer Reports has not tested many of the products listed here, our free buying advice (listed with each section) can help you make wise shopping decisions. Also check out our all-star appliances and kitchen gear, and be a smart shopper when you’re looking for new kitchen and laundry appliances.

Check local store locations for product availability, and note that prices and models are subject to change. (Prices have been rounded up to the nearest dollar.)

For more information on Black Friday deals, visit Black Friday 2007.—Helen A.S. Popkin

• Blenders & Mixers
• Coffeemakers
• Cookware & Cutlery
• Dishwashers
• Food Processors
• Gas & Electric Grills
• Heating, Cooling & Air
• Mattresses & Mattress Toppers
• Microwaves
• Ranges, Cooktops & Ovens
• Refrigerators
• Sewing Machines
• Steam Irons
• Toasters & Toaster Ovens
• Tools & Power Equipment
• Vacuum Cleaners, Wet/Dry Vacs
• Washers & Dryers
• Wine Chillers

Tip of the Day: Holiday-themed recipes fit for a food processor

These simple, delicious dishes are perfect for the holidays

Food processors are the fastest-growing category of small kitchen appliances. One reason for their popularity is that they're so versatile—they can chop, slice, grate, whip, and blend. The best are also good at kneading dough. Given these multiple talents, food processors are an ideal tool to use during the busy holiday season since they'll cut the amount of kitchen gear and dishes to clean.

The four recipes here were created in the Consumer Reports test kitchen by a Culinary Institute of America graduate. They are easy to make and they're delicious, too.

Cheese Wafers Prep time: 15 minutes. Total time: about 1 hour. Makes 48 wafers. • 2 cups (about 6 1/2 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese • 1/2 cup (about 2 ounces) parmesan cheese • 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/2 teaspoon salt Using the shredding disk, shred all of both cheeses. Remove the shredding disk. Install the blade, add butter to processor bowl, and mix butter into cheeses. Add flour, salt, and cayenne to cheese-butter mixture, and combine until just blended. Gather the dough into a ball and flatten into a disk. Put disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400° F. On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle 1/8 inch thick. (Note: It is very important that surface is well-floured, as the dough will stick as it warms. Add flour as necessary.) To make the cheese wafers, cut them with a small round cookie cutter or small glass. Place the wafers on an unbuttered sheet pan and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and crunchy.

Latkes (aka Potato Pancakes) Prep time: 20 minutes. Total time: about 45 minutes. Makes about 18 pancakes. • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley • 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled • 2 medium yellow onions • 2 large eggs • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (more as needed) • Salt and pepper to taste Using chopping blade, mince fresh parsley and set aside. Install shredding disk and process onions and put aside. Then, shred potatoes. Place potatoes and onions in a clean, dry dishtowel and wring as dry as possible. (This step is important because the latkes will not hold together if there is excess moisture.) In a medium bowl, mix potatoes and onions with eggs, parsley, and mustard. Do not overmix. Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet to medium-high. Oil will be ready when a water droplet sizzles on contact. Spoon 2 tablespoon of potato mixture into pan and flatten with a spatula. Cook on each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel. Repeat. Season liberally with salt and pepper. To keep warm, place on a sheet pan in a 200° F oven. Serve with sour cream and/or applesauce.

Lentil & Sausage Stew With Caramelized Onions Prep time: 30 minutes. Total time: about 2 hours 30 minutes. Makes about 3 quarts (16 6-ounce servings). • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 16 ounces sausage, casing removed (any type except breakfast sausage) • 2 large yellow onions, sliced with the slicing disk* • 2 large garlic cloves, minced with the chopping blade • 2 large carrots, sliced with the slicing disk • 2 celery stalks, sliced with the slicing disk • 2 quarts chicken broth • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • 1 pound lentils • Salt and pepper to taste *If you have more than one slicing disk, use the thinner one. In a large stockpot, heat olive oil to medium-high. Oil will be ready when a water droplet sizzles on contact. Add sausage and cook until brown; remove sausage, let cool, and chop into small pieces using the chopping blade. Set aside. Drain most of the fat; turn heat to medium. Add onions. Cook about 10 to 15 minutes, or until brown and soft. Be sure to stir onions from time to time, as the natural sugars of the onion will caramelize and can stick and burn. Add garlic to onion mixture. Add chicken broth, sausage, carrots, celery, and tomato paste, turn heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil. Add lentils, stir, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 90 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and lentils are soft. Puree mixture in food processor, using the blade. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Pumpkin Pie Prep time: 25 minutes. Total time: about 2 hours 40 minutes. Makes one 9-inch single-crust pie. Crust • 3/4 cup flour, all-purpose • 1 tablespoon sugar • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 4 tablespoons salted butter, cold and cut into small cubes • 4 tablespoons ice water Filling • 1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin • 3 large eggs • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/3 cup sugar • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice or cloves • 1/4 teaspoon salt Crust Place dry ingredients in the food processor and, using the blade, pulse until just blended. Add butter and pulse until mixture is coarse and butter pieces are pea-sized. Drizzle ice water over flour-butter mixture while the processor is running until dough begins to clump together. Dough should be soft and slightly moist. Gather dough from bowl and press flat into disk. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. On a well-floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Dough should overhang the edge of the pie pan by at least 2 inches, so roll it out to a diameter of about 11 inches. To transfer dough to the 9-inch pie plate, fold it in half and place gently in the plate. Fit into the plate, making sure enough dough fills it adequately without stretching. Trim excess dough off the sides, leaving at least 1 inch of dough. Fold overhang of dough under itself. Crimp the edges, working your way around the pan. Chill for at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375° F. To partially prebake crust, place a piece of parchment paper (or aluminum foil) inside piecrust and hold down with pie weights or uncooked rice or beans. Bake in 375° F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Filling To make filling, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, cream, and vanilla. Add sugars and spices. Whisk until blended. Pour into crust. Bake in 375° F oven for about 45 minutes, or until filling is firm around the edges and jiggles slightly in the center. Cool on a rack for about 1 hour, cover with foil, and chill in the refrigerator overnight.