Cuisinart DLC-2A Series User manual

INSTRUCTION & RECIPE BOOKLET
Mini-Prep®Plus Processor DLC-2A Series
For your safety and continued enjoyment of this product, always read the instruction book carefully before using.

2
IMPORTANT UNPACKING
INSTRUCTIONS
This package contains a Cuisinart®Mini-Prep®Plus
Processor and the standard parts for it: SmartPower®
Blade metal chopping / grinding blade, spatula, and
instruction / recipe booklet.
CAUTION: THE CUTTING BLADE HAS VERY SHARP
EDGES.
To avoid injury when unpacking, please
follow these instructions:
1. Place the box on a table or kitchen counter.
Be sure the box is right side up.
2. Lift up and remove the pulp tray lid from the work bowl
cover.
3. Grasping the work bowl, lift the unit up and out of the
box and place on the tabletop.
4. Turn the work bowl clockwise to unlock it from the unit
base. Lift up and remove.
5. Carefully lift the protective cardboard off the chopping /
grinding blade shaft.
6. CAREFULLY REMOVE THE METAL BLADE BY
GRASPING THE CENTER WHITE HUB AND LIFTING IT
STRAIGHT UP. NEVER TOUCH THE BLADE, AS IT IS
RAZOR SHARP.
7. Read the instructions thoroughly before using the
machine.
NOTE: Remember to return your product registration card
with all information carefully and completely filled out.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safeguards................................................ 2
Assembly Instructions............................................... 3
Tips For Processing .................................................. 4
Processing Food ....................................................... 4
Cleaning and Storage................................................ 5
Troubleshooting......................................................... 5
Operating Techniques ............................................... 5
Recipes...................................................................... 8
Warranty .................................................................. 11
IMPORTANT
SAFEGUARDS
When using an electrical appliance, basic safety
precautions should always be adhered to, including the
following:
1. Read all instructions.
2. To protect against risk of electric shock, do not put
motor base in water or other liquid.
3. This appliance is not intended for use by children or
by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental
capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge.
Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is
used near children. Children should be supervised to
ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
4. Unplug from outlet when not in use, before
assembling or dissembling parts and before cleaning.
To unplug, grasp the plug and pull from the outlet.
Never pull from the power cord.
5. Avoid contact with moving parts.
6. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or
plug or after the appliance malfunctions, or is dropped
or damaged in any manner. Contact the manufacturer
at their customer service telephone number for
information on examination, repair, or adjustment.
7. The use of attachments not recommended or sold by
Cuisinart may cause fire, electric shock or injury.
8. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or
touch hot surfaces.
9. Do not use outdoors.
10. Keep hands and utensils away from moving blade
while processing, to prevent the risk of severe injury
to persons, or damage to the chopper/grinder. A
scraper may be used, but must only be used when
the chopper/grinder is not running.
11. Blade is extremely sharp. Handle carefully when
removing, inserting or cleaning. Always allow blade to
stop moving before removing cover.
12. To reduce the risk of injury, never place cutting blade
on base without first putting work bowl properly in
place.
13. Be certain cover is securely locked in place before
operating appliance. Do not attempt to remove cover
until blade has stopped rotating.
14. Do not attempt to defeat the cover interlock
mechanism, as serious injury may result.
15. Before using, check work bowl for presence of foreign
objects.
16. Do not operate your appliance in an appliance
garage or under a wall cabinet. When storing in an
appliance garage always unplug the unit from
the electrical outlet. Not doing so could create a risk
of fire, especially if the appliance touches the walls of
the garage or the door touches the unit as it closes.

3
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR HOUSEHOLD
USE ONLY
NOTICE
This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider
than the other). As a safety feature, this plug will fit only
one way in a polarized outlet. If the plug does not fit fully
in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to defeat
this safety feature.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1. With the base unit on the tabletop, place the work
bowl over the center stem and turn slightly to the right,
until bowl drops down to the bottom of the stem.
2. Turn the work bowl counterclockwise to lock onto
base.
3. CAREFULLY pick up the blade by its hub and place
on the center stem until it drops to the bottom of the
stem. NEVER TOUCH THE BLADE ITSELF.
4. Add food ingredients.
5. Place the cover on the work bowl with the long tab to
the right of the rear column.
6. Turn cover counterclockwise to securely
lock into locking post.
7. Plug unit into wall socket.
8. You are ready to CHOP/GRIND.
Motor Base
Cuisinart®
SmartPower®Blade
Cover
3-cup
Work Bowl
With Handle
Spatula (not shown)
* All parts that come in contact with food are BPA-Free.

4
TIPS FOR
PROCESSING FOOD
Preparing the Food
Size
Always cut large pieces of food into smaller pieces of
even size – about 1⁄2inch (12mm) to a side or as specified
under “Operating Techniques” on page 4. If you don’t
start with pieces that are small and uniform, you will not
get an even chop.
Quantity
Do not overload the work bowl. Overloading causes
inconsistent results and it strains the motor. Use the
quantities given in the recipe section as a guide. As a
rule of thumb, remember that after being processed, food
should not reach more than 2⁄3of the way up the central
hub of the blade assembly.
Note: Due to the powerful motor provided with this unit,
Cuisinart recommends using one hand to support the
Mini-Prep®Plus Processor during operation.
Selecting the Right Operating Control
Use the chop function for chopping, puréeing and mixing.
It is the right choice, for example, for chopping soft, fragile
food such as herbs, celery, onions, garlic and most
cheeses. It is also the right choice for puréeing cooked
vegetables, making mayonnaise and mixing salad
dressing.
Pulse action is best when you are using the chop
function. Two or three pulses are often enough. Be sure
to check the food frequently to prevent overprocessing.
If you overprocess, you are likely to get a watery paste
instead of a fine chop.
Use the grind function for grinding spices, and for
chopping hard food such as peppercorns, seeds,
chocolate and nuts.
Continuous-hold action is best when you are using the
grind function. You may have to operate the Mini-Prep®
Plus Processor for several seconds with some food to
achieve the desired results – as long as 20 seconds for
some seeds.
When you operate the unit for more than 10 seconds, use
a pulse action every 10 seconds or so to allow food to
drop to the bottom of the work bowl. This provides more
consistent results.
Never operate the Mini-Prep®Plus Processor continuously
for longer than 1 minute at a time.
Note: The work bowl and cover may become scratched
when you use them for grinding grain and spices. This
does not affect the performance of the Mini-Prep®Plus
Processor. However, you may want to reserve the original
bowl for grinding, and purchase an additional bowl and
cover set for other uses.
These are available from the Cuisinart Customer Service
Department, which you can reach by dialing our toll-free
number: 800-726-0190.
Adding Liquid
You can add liquids such as water, oil or flavoring while
the machine is running. For example, you might want
to add oil when making mayonnaise or salad dressing,
or you could add vanilla or alcohol when making frozen
yogurt. Pour the liquid through one of the two openings
in the cover.
IMPORTANT: Add liquid through only one opening at a
time. The other opening must be left free to allow air to
escape. If both openings are blocked, liquid cannot flow
smoothly into the bowl.
Removing Food from the Sides of the Bowl
Occasionally food will stick to the sides of the bowl
as you process. Stop the machine to clear food away.
AFTER THE BLADE HAS STOPPED MOVING, remove the
cover, and use the spatula to scrape the food from the
sides of the bowl back into the center. Do not put hands
into bowl unless unit is unplugged.
PROCESSING FOOD
1. Place the work bowl firmly on the motor base and
insert the blade assembly. Opening at back of
bowl must face column at back of Mini-Prep®Plus
Processor. Turn counterclockwise to lock in place.
2. Place food in the work bowl. Be sure the food is cut in
small pieces, and the bowl is not overloaded.
3. Lock the cover into position.
Note: Due to the powerful motor provided with this
unit, Cuisinart recommends using one hand to support
the Mini-Prep®Plus Processor during operation.
4. Press the appropriate Chop or Grind Control,
depending on the food you are processing.
5. When you have finished processing the food, stop the
machine by releasing the control button.
6. WHEN THE BLADE STOPS MOVING,
remove the cover.
7. Unplug the unit.
8. Carefully remove the blade assembly,
holding it by the handle on the top of the sheath.
NEVER TOUCH THE BLADE ITSELF.
9. Remove food with the spatula.
Note: Do not operate Mini-Prep®Plus Processor
without food contents in work bowl.
Tip: Process foods in order from dry to wet to avoid
having to clean bowl and blade between each task.
TO REMOVE PREP BOWL
1. Turn the work bowl cover clockwise and remove.
2. Turn the work bowl clockwise to unlock
and lift off of the base.
3. Carefully remove the blade by lifting it up from the
hub.

5
CLEANING, STORAGE AND
MAINTENANCE
To simplify cleaning, rinse the work bowl, cover, and
blade immediately after each use, so that food won’t dry
on them. Wash blade assembly, work bowl, cover, and
spatula in warm soapy water. Rinse and dry. Wash the
blade carefully.
Avoid leaving blade in soapy water where it may
disappear from sight. If you have a dishwasher, you can
wash the work bowl, cover, blade assembly, and spatula
on the top rack. Insert the work bowl upside down and
the cover right side up. Put the blade and spatula in the
cutlery basket. Unload the dishwasher carefully to avoid
contact with the sharp blade.
Wipe the motor base clean with a damp sponge or cloth.
Dry it immediately. Never submerge the motor base or the
plug in water or other liquid.
The Mini-Prep®Plus Processor stores neatly on the
countertop in a minimum of space. When it is not in use,
be sure to leave it unplugged. The hidden cord storage
underneath the motor base will help to keep excess cord
off the countertop. Store the unit assembled to prevent
loss of parts. Store the blades as you would sharp knives
– out of the reach of children.
The Mini-Prep®Plus Processor is intended for
HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.
Maintenance:
Any service other than cleaning and normal user
maintenance should be performed by an authorized
Cuisinart Service Representative.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Motor doesn’t start or blade doesn’t rotate.
• Check that plug is securely inserted into outlet.
• Check that work bowl and cover are securely locked
into place.
• Be sure to press only one operation control button at
a time.
Food is unevenly chopped.
• Either you are chopping too much food at one time, or
the pieces are not small enough. Try cutting food into
smaller pieces of even size and processing a smaller
amount per batch.
Food is chopped too fine or is watery.
• The food has been overprocessed. Use brief pulses, or
process for a shorter time. Let blade stop completely
between pulses.
Food collects on work bowl cover or sides of
prep bowl.
• You may be processing too much food. Turn machine
off. When blade stops rotating, remove cover, and clean
bowl and lid with spatula.
Food catches on blade.
• You may be processing too much food. Carefully
remove blade. Remove food from blade with spatula,
and start over again.
OPERATING TECHNIQUES
With the Mini-Prep®Processor you can chop, grind or
purée small amounts of foods. Use this listing of
ingredients and techniques as a basic guide for
processing (Pages 5-6).
* Surface scratches that may occur will not impair the
function of the Mini-Prep®Plus Processor. You may want
to consider purchasing a second work bowl specifically
for these tasks.

6
Food Operation/Technique Comments/Notes
Anchovies Chop. Pulse to desired consistency. Drain first. Cut in half.
Bacon Chop. Pulse to desired consistency. Cook crispy; drain well. Break into 1-inch pieces.
Baking chocolate/
chocolate chunks/
chips
Chop. Pulse on chop to break up,
then process continuously until
desired chop size is achieved.
Process no more than 1½ ounces at a time. For best results, chill chocolate for 3–5
minutes in freezer before chopping. chocolate chunks/chips. Cut baking chocolate
squares into ½-inch pieces to chop.
Bread for crumbs Chop. Pulse to break up, then process
continuously until desired crumb size
is reached.
Use day-old, hard bread for dry crumbs; fresh bread for moist crumbs. Cut or break
into pieces no larger than 1 inch. For buttered crumbs, add 1 teaspoon of butter per
slice after crumbs have started to form, and process to combine and coat.
Butter Chop continuously. Cut in ½-inch pieces. Best at room temperature. Process up to ¾ cup at a time. Add
to freshly chopped citrus zest, garlic, herbs or shallots to create compound butters.
Celery Chop. Pulse to desired size. Cut in ½-inch long pieces.
Cheese – hard
(Parmesan, Asiago,
Romano, etc.)
Chop. Pulse on chop 10 times, then
process continuously on chop until
desired consistency.
Remove and discard rind or reserve for another use. Cut into ½-inch pieces. If
possible, remove from refrigerator 20–30 minutes before processing. Up to 3
ounces.
Cheese – soft Chop. Pulse to break up, then process
continuously to “cream.”
Chill cheese first.
Cinnamon sticks,
nutmeg, other hard
spices
Grind. Pulse to break up, about 5
times, then process continuously until
finely chopped.
Hard spices may cause scratches on the work bowl and lid.*
Citrus zest Chop. Pulse to break up, then process
continuously until finely chopped.
Use vegetable peeler to remove zest (color only) from citrus; scrape off any white
with sharp knife. Cut strips in half. Adding a small amount of sugar or salt will help
achieve a finer texture.
Cookies, graham
crackers
Chop. Pulse 5 times to break up,
then process continuously until finely
chopped.
Hard cookies only. Break up into 1-inch or smaller pieces. For buttered crumbs, add
1 teaspoon of butter per graham cracker sheet or for every 3 cookies.
Fruits, cooked; fresh
or frozen thawed
berries
Chop. Pulse to break up, then process
continuously until desired consistency.
Cooked fruits may be processed to make baby foods or purées; liquid may be
added for consistency. To process fresh or frozen thawed berries for sauce, pulse to
chop, then process until puréed (sugar may be added to taste).
Garlic Chop. Pulse to chop roughly, then
process continuously for fine chop.
Peel garlic cloves first. Scrape work bowl sides and bottom as needed.

7
Food Operation/Technique Comments/Notes
Ginger root, fresh Chop. Pulse to break up, then process
continuously on chop to reach desired
consistency.
Peel first; cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces or slices. Scrape work bowl
sides and bottom as needed. Up to 4 ounces.
Green onions,
scallions
Chop. Pulse to chop to desired consistency. Trim and cut into 3⁄4inch pieces.
Herbs, fresh Chop. Pulse to chop to desired consistency. Rinse and dry completely. Remove leaves from stems to chop.
Horseradish Chop. Peel first. Cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces. Process up to 4 ounces at a time.
Leeks Chop. Trim off root end and tough outer skin. Wash thoroughly to remove sand and grit; dry
completely. Cut in 1⁄2-inch pieces.
Meats Chop. Pulse to chop, or process continuously
to purée (add liquid as needed).
Uncooked meats should be cold, but not frozen; cut up to 8 ounces into 1⁄2-inch
pieces, trimmed of gristle and soft fat; some hard fat may remain. Cooked meats can
be cold or warm; cut up to 8 ounces in 1⁄2-inch pieces. Add liquid (water, broth or from
cooking) as needed to process to purée consistency.
Mushrooms Chop. Pulse to chop to desired consistency. Choose firm, fresh mushrooms. Cut into quarters or even-size pieces,
no larger than 3⁄4inch.
Nuts Chop. Pulse to chop to desired consistency
before chopping.
Toast nuts first for maximum flavor. Allow to cool completely.
Olives Chop. Pulse to chop to desired consistency. Use only pitted olives. Drain well for best results.
Onions Chop. Pulse 5-10 times to chop to desired
size.
Peel; cut into 3⁄4-inch or smaller pieces of similar size.
Peppercorns Grind. Pulse first, then process continuously
until desired consistency.
Combine peppercorns with dried herbs or spices or coarse salt to create rubs and
seasonings. Hard peppercorns may scratch work bowl and lid.*
Peppers, fresh Chop. Pulse to chop to desired consistency. Core, seed and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces. Do not overprocess.
Seeds, dried berries Grind. Pulse to break up, then process
continuously to desired consistency.
Coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, sesame, poppy, and juniper berries.
Shallots Chop. Pulse 5-10 times to chop to desired
consistency.
Peel first; cut into quarters, or pieces no larger than 3⁄4-inch.
Vegetables, cooked Chop. Pulse 5-10 times to chop, then
process continuously until desired
consistency is reached.
Cook vegetables until tender. Process to a smooth purée for baby food or sauces;
may need to add liquid for consistency.