There are a ton of kitchen gadgets with cords on the market, the question is, are they worth the time, money and space?

Let's take my food processor as an example, ok?  Thursdays dinner was to be scalloped potatoes and ham.  Seriously, I was procrastinating making this dish because of all the slicing.  Let me take you on a little side trip of my convoluted thinking.  A short time ago I helped a client organize her kitchen and we unearthed a wonderful mandolin, barely used, that we gave pride of place in her kitchen.  I was so impressed with this piece of equipment I decided to start shopping for one of my own.  See, that way making things like scalloped potatoes and ham, with all the slicing, would be less daunting and I'd do it more often.  Right!  Fortunately for my budget I took a step back.  My decision was to give the food processor, which sits on my counter, a shot at slicing.  My thought was if the food processor does the job I don't need a mandolin, if I'm unhappy I'll go ahead and buy the darned thing.

The food processor ROCKED!  I have absolutely no need for a mandolin.  I am totally kicking myself for not using this little machine way more. 

So, to the original questions:

• Was using the food processor worth the time to use it and clean it up?
  • Heck yeah!  It took seconds to cut the potatoes and onions to a size acceptable to the feed tube.  Clean up was popping it into the dishwasher.
• Was it worth the money?
  • It sure would be if I used it as often as I should.  New resolution, use the food processor once a week.
• Is it worth the space?
  • Again, a resounding yes, if I USE it. 

My suggestion for you, look around at the small electrics in your kitchen and ask yourself these same three questions.  If there are things you wish to use more often, make room for them on the counter top.  If it just doesn't happen, accept the inevitable and let them go.  They are clutter.  To give you a head start, here are three things I know I've gotten rid of: 

1. Electric can opener
2. Panini grill
3. Bread maker

Life with a quick way to slice potatoes is bliss.

Tricky Duck Tip:  Bake ham in a 275 degree oven for 25 minutes per pound.  It is amazing!