The Cuisinart Soup Maker has revolutionized the way I make soup, sauces, and smoothies. At this time of year, warming, filling soups served with homemade bread are staples for lunchtime for my family. They love them and the tinned soups are very expensive to buy now.
I didn't find the recipe book helpful and prefer to design my own receipes. Sometimes I use dried vegetables soaked overnight then precooked or fresh vegetables from the garden or shops or perhaps add a tin or packet soup for a base. The various options on the soupmaker means I can pulse the food first then heat so I have chunky soup to serve or I can blend the soup after it is cooked for a smooth soup. I often add left overs from the previous nights dinner in the fridge to give flavour using up the little bits of vegetables or meat.
I've experimented with making apple sauce, too. I peel and cut cooking apples into large chucks and toss them into the soupmaker along with spices, sugar, a little water and pulse them briefly before cooking them. I have a quick and easy dessert for the family in no time and the kids love it.
Cleaning is more tricky, but I found it helpful to cover the bottom with a layer of olive oil before adding stock and the vegetables and also to cook on high only briefly before turning the temperature down to medium and finally simmer. These tips help for eliminate the soup burning on the bottom and sticking, but aren't foolproof.
Immediately after serving-- putting some hot water from the kettle and a drop or two of washing up liquid in before pulsing or blending briefly helps a lot, but too much soap can result in an avalanche of suds. A baby bottle brush is a great help to reach to the bottom around the blades, and paper towels are good to use around the blades to protect your fingers.