How cute is this little stocking? This is block 3 in the Christmas at Granny's quilt-along. This block didn't give me too many issues, as the piecing of the stocking was pretty simple. The next block features an ornament with a teensy little star in the center, which I expect will be more challenging.
Next, I wanted to share with you a gadget I just bought on Amazon. This could be a great gift idea for the cook who has everything, or maybe something you want to try out for yourself.
This thing is called the Fullstar 4 in 1 Chopper. I know it's a gimmick, but I saw a cook on YouTube using it and it just looked so slick I had to try it. It consists of a plastic box with a lid that contains a grid made of sharp metal that chops veggies when you whack the lid down.
So here I have half an onion laid on the square grid of sharp metal. The lid is up in position for me to whack it down on the onion, forcing it to be cut into tiny dice.
And I am telling you, I whacked the heck out of that thing and at first did not make a dent in that onion. Finally, and it took some muscle power, I was able to smack the lid down hard enough to force the onion through the sharp metal grid.
Now, this would be an excellent task for a husband, or even better, a strong teenage boy if you have one around the house. I bet they'd love to show off their strength and give you a hand.
As you can see the results are an excellently and evenly diced onion.
Next, I tried the apparatus with a red pepper. The gadget comes with two different-sized sharp metal grids, and I used the larger one for the pepper because I wanted a larger chop rather than the small dice. I had to cut the pepper into four flattish sections for the cutting. It was easier to cut the pepper than it was the thicker onion.
I will say that I like the 4 in 1 Chopper because of the nice uniform cuts it makes. I will use it with mushrooms next and see how that goes. Once I figured out what I needed to do, the process was super fast.
What do you think? Would you rather just use a knife and a cutting board, or would you give a gadget like this a try?
Added later: The thing was kind of a pain to clean. The red pepper smooshed up into the grid that presses the food down into the metal blades and it was not easy to get out. The gadget comes with little picks and brushes to help with the process. The onion didn't make a mess, so maybe it is worth it just for dicing onions.
11 Responses
I smiled at your chopper. I have one. It has been residing on the top shelf of a kitchen cabinet for YEARS. Sounds good, but all the cleanup was not worth it for me. Sticking with a knife.
I love gadgets but the wisdom of age has taught me that you then have to store all those gadgets to be used a few times a year. I get sucked in pretty easily…Your quilt is looking good, probably just what you need to take your mind temporarily off all you have going on. Your husband remains in my prayers, and I hope progress is visible.
The stocking block is adorable! It’s so cheery! I have a food chopper similar to the one you purchases. Definitely not able to just whack the top down and get a nice chop. I found that it takes a bit more effort. I’m still using it I think putting the skin size down works better for me. Thinking of you and your husband. I hope you’re seeing continuing progress in his recovery. Take care! 🌻🦃🌻
I have a similar chopper and we love it. Use the tip of a knife to clean when it mushes into the top grid. We also use a chopstick sometimes for the other part. It’s so fast.
I’m glad you’re getting some sewing in—and hope your husband continues to improve. ♥️♥️♥️
I have gone full circle and am back to very good quality sharp knives and a cutting board.
I rehomed my food processor, mandolin, and two kinds of chopper machines.
Vickie
The stocking block is super cute! The fabrics go together so well! I’ve garage sale’d & given away so many gadgets that I’m just using a sharp knife & cutting board these days. I did keep my Cuisinart, but that’s it!
When I get mine out, I chop up a bag of onions and put each chopped up one in a small zip loc, then put all of them in a larger bag in the freezer. You can pull a bag out when needed and save time. I do the same with bell peppers. Glad to hear your husband is making progress. Love your piecing, so precise. I’m hoping to get as good as you. Practice, practice.
I have a couple of older versions of the chopper and I use them all the time. Really good if you have arthritis in your hands or carpal tunnel.
I have one of those choppers. I found if I cut the pieces smaller I could push them through the chopper easier. I would cut a quarter onion at a time. I also use it for dicing celery too. Goes much faster with smaller pieces and you don’t need to stand on the top to push them through. Since it is a pain to wash I make an afternoon of it and dice up baggies of all the veggies I like to use and put them in the freezer for whenever I need them. Granny blocks are cute. Susan
Your stocking block is darling!!
Clean up is always the killer for me.
Ive gone through 2 of these-and am on-my 3rd. I LOVE it! Cut your onion in half and then whack it. Much easier. Once your familiar with it clean is a snap! Easy-peasy! Don’t give up on it too soon.