Hamilton Beach Flatbread MealMaker Express User manual

Over 75
Recipes!
Flatbread MealMaker
Express™

2•Flatbread Maker Safety
Flatbread Maker Safety
CONSUMER SAFETY INFORMATION
This appliance is intended for household use only.
This appliance is equipped with a grounded-type 3-wire cord (3-prong plug). This plug
will only fit into an electrical outlet made for a 3-prong plug. This is a safety feature. If
the plug should fail to fit, contact an electrician to replace the obsolete outlet. Do not
attempt to defeat the safety purpose of the grounding pin, part of the 3-prong plug.
To reduce risk of electrical shock, do not immerse the flatbread maker in water.
To avoid an electrical circuit overload do not use another high wattage appliance on
the same circuit with the flatbread maker.
This appliance has a short cord to reduce the hazards of becoming entangled or
tripping over a longer cord. An extension cord may be used if the electrical rating of
the extension cord is equal to or greater than the rating of the flatbread maker. Use
only an extension cord rated 10 amperes or greater. Care must be taken to arrange
the extension cord so that it will not drape over the countertop or table top where it
can be pulled on by children or tripped over.
Always use hot mitts to protect hands when opening the flatbread maker.
CAUTION: Escaping steam may cause burns.
WARNING: To reduce risk of personal injury, allow unit to cool before lifting or
moving. Do not lift or move while in operation.
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be
followed including the following:
1. Read all instructions.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
3. To protect against risk of electrical shock, do not immerse appliance, cord or
plug in water or other liquid.
4. Close supervision is necessary when this appliance is used near children.
5. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before
putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
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. Call our toll-free customer
service number for information on examination, electrical repair, mechanical
repair, or adjustment.
7. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by Hamilton Beach/
Proctor-Silex, Inc. may cause injuries.
8. Do not use outdoors.
9. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces,
including stove.
10. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
11. Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or
other hot liquids.
12. To disconnect, turn all controls to “OFF,” then remove plug from wall outlet.
13. Do not use appliance for other than intended purpose.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

Contents
Parts and Features
Press On/Off Switch
and Indicator Light
Cover
Griddle
Handle
Storage
Cord
Storage
Removable
Press Handle
with Latch
Latching Pin
Bread Paddle
Press
Griddle
Temperature
Settings
Griddle
Indicator Light
Parts and Features •3
Flatbread Maker Safety ....................2
Parts and Features ............................3
Operating Instructions....................4-5
Cleaning ............................................6
Storing................................................6
History of Flatbread..........................7
Fusion Cooking..................................7
Flatbread Basics ............................8-9
Tips for Success ..........................10
Mixing the Dough by Hand ............11
Convenience Dough........................12
The Fold, the Roll, the Wrap ............13
Ethnic Foods, Ingredient
Substitutions, and
Package Sizes ..................................14
Nutritional Information......................15
Troubleshooting ................................16
Flatbread Recipes ......................17-45
Filling Recipes ..........................46-122
Customer Service..........................123

4•Operating Instructions
Operating Instructions
Select a flatbread and filling
recipe to prepare.
2
1
1
2Plug unit into 120 volt AC
outlet.
Push the Handle down, then
rotate clockwise to lock onto
the Latching Pin. Turn the
Press Switch on to preheat.
The Press Indicator Light will
stay on constantly. The Bread
Paddle should remain in the
Press so it will preheat.
Line up pin on Handle shaft
with slot in upper plate.
Insert Handle into Flatbread
MealMaker Express. This is
the unlocked position. The
Handle will rotate freely if
properly inserted.
5
5
Before first use, wash the Cover and Bread Paddle in hot, soapy water.
Rinse and dry. Use a hot, damp cloth to wipe the Griddle and both upper
and lower surfaces of the Press.
3
3
Turn on the Griddle to preheat.
Keep Cover on to preheat. As
the Griddle heats and cools to
maintain the set temperature,
the Griddle Indicator Light will
cycle on and off.
6
6The Press and Griddle should
be preheated in about 10
minutes.
4
4

Operating Instructions •5
10
Operating Instructions (cont.)
The flatbread can be trans-
ferred to the Griddle for
warming, further cooking,
or browning if desired or
needed. The Griddle can
also be used to cook the
filling for the flatbread.
9
9Open the Press and remove
the Bread Paddle with the
cooked, pressed flatbread.
With the Latch in the unlocked
position, push the Handle
down. Press and cook as
recipe specifies.
Unlock the Press, remove
Bread Paddle, and place
specified amount of dough
onto the Bread Paddle. The
dough should be positioned
toward the rear of the press.
Replace Bread Paddle into
unit. The Bread Paddle
handle will fit into slots on
either the right or the left of
the Latching Pin.
7
7
8
8
10

6•Cleaning
Cleaning
Turn all controls off, unplug,
and let cool.
2
1
1
2
4
4
Wash Cover and Bread Paddle
in hot, soapy water. Rinse
and dry.
Wipe all other surfaces with a
clean, damp cloth.
To clean the Griddle, and upper
and lower plates of the Press,
wipe with a hot, soapy dishcloth
or sponge. Rinse the dishcloth
or sponge in clean, hot water
and wipe surfaces again.
3
3
To clean burned-on food from
the Griddle, pour 1 cup hot
water into Griddle. Let soak,
then scrub with a nylon brush.
5
5
To store the Flatbread
MealMaker Express, let cool
then clean as instructed.
2
1
1
2Remove the Press Handle
and store in the slot provided
on the back of the unit.
Push the cord into the cord
storage area also on the back
of the unit. To store the unit, we recommend a
storage area under a countertop.
Please do not try to lift and store
the unit on a high shelf. Remove
the Cover, then lift the Flatbread
MealMaker Express by placing
your hands under the unit. Once
stored, replace the lid with the unit.
3
3
Storing

History of Flatbread •7
People all over the world have been using flatbread as a wrap for food for
thousands of years. Even though many of these breads are from different
ethnic cuisines, they are still remarkably similar. Most use basic ingredients
such as wheat flour, corn flour, rice flour, or buckwheat flour and water.
Some also use salt, fat, yeast, or baking powder as leaveners. Although the
flatbread concept is not new, it continues to grow in popularity—not only
presenting a delicious solution to today’s cooking, but providing a healthy,
quick one-dish meal for today’s busy families. Discover what you can create
using primitive bread recipes with a modern twist with your Hamilton
Beach Flatbread MealMaker Express.
The world of cooking is becoming a smaller place. Everywhere you look—
from fast-food restaurants to monthly cooking magazines—you’ll find people
mixing basic foods from different cultures—from Chinese and Indian to
Italian and Tex-Mex cuisines.
For example, you can make the basic Mexican Flour Tortilla, fill it with Thai
Shrimp, and you have blended two cultures into one delicious meal. Add
sun-dried tomatoes or pesto to that same Basic Flour Tortilla and wrap in
Chicken Primavera for an Italian twist. This concept, called fusion cooking,
is a growing trend in food preparation today. The recipes that have been
developed for the Flatbread MealMaker Express will show you how to take
the basic ingredients from different cuisines and wrap them up into a meal
that your family will have fun making—and eating.
Why stop with wraps? Many of the flatbreads in this book may be used
as other parts of a meal like edible “plates” or as a “scoop” to pick up a
filling. Serve them as a unique bread alternative to accompany a meal. Be
creative with your Flatbread MealMaker Express. It’s easy to create delicious
dishes using a fritatta, an omelet, a pizza crust, and even a dessert like a
crepe—all made in your Flatbread MealMaker Express.
History of Flatbread
Fusion Cooking

8•Flatbread Basics
Thickness
•The consistency of the dough will
be a major factor in the thickness
of the flatbread. Softer, wetter
dough will be easier to press
resulting in thinner, larger breads.
The type and amount of flour and
fat, and the use of leavening
agents, will also influence the
consistency of the dough.
•The dough for all recipes should
be soft and pliable. Ideally, the
dough should be wet, but not
sticky. You will know if the dough
is too wet if it sticks to your hands
or the Press during pressing.
Measuring Tips
Accurate measurement of the
following ingredients is the best
way to ensure that the dough will
be the right consistency.
Liquid
Use a clear plastic or glass
measuring cup when measuring
liquids. Place the cup on a level
surface; make sure your eye is
level with the amount you are
measuring.
Flour
Before measuring, stir the flour to
“lighten” it. Use a metal or plastic
cup made for measuring dry ingre-
dients. Spoon the flour into the cup
and level off with a knife or spatula.
Do not dip the cup into the flour or
bang down on the counter to level
the cup. This will pack the flour and
result in over-measurement.
Texture Tips
Oil, Shortening, and Butter
•You may use vegetable oil, short-
ening, or butter. Many of the recipes
call for 2-3 tablespoons of oil.
Tortillas made with 3 tablespoons
of oil will press out slightly larger
and have a flakier texture.
•If using 2 tablespoons of oil, add
1 additional tablespoon of water
to replace the liquid.
•If using shortening, use a rubber
spatula to press it firmly into a
dry measuring cup. Level off
using a knife or metal spatula.
Baking Powder
Baking powder has been added to
all of the tortilla recipes in this book.
It can be eliminated, but its addition
helps to give the tortillas a lighter
texture and thickness.
Size
•The amount of dough and the
pressure you exert when pressing
the dough will determine the size
and thickness of the flatbread.
The tip of the Latch on the Handle
produces an average flatbread.
The further the handle rotates
clockwise the thinner the flatbread.
For Example: The recipe for the
flour tortilla instructs you to divide
the dough into 6 pieces. If you
press each piece 2 to 4 times and
turn the Latch clockwise to the
end, you will get an 8-inch tortilla.
In this case you are exerting the
most pressure and flattening as
much as possible.
Flatbread Basics

Flatbread Basics •9
However, if you press fewer times
and lock at the tip of the Latch, you
will be exerting less pressure and
you will get a smaller, thicker 6-inch
tortilla.
Temperatures
Press
Once the Press is preheated, it
will remain at a thermostatically-
controlled constant temperature.
This is ideal for making all of the
flatbread recipes in this book.
Griddle
Three thermostat settings allow
foods to be cooked at the perfect
temperature.
•KEEP WARM – With the Cover
on, this setting keeps prepared
fillings, flatbread, or wraps warm
for up to 40 minutes.
•MEDIUM (Bake) – This setting is
used for baking thick breads.
Using the Cover during baking
turns the Griddle into an oven.
•HIGH (Cook) – Sauté, stir-fry, and
pan-fry foods for breakfast, lunch,
and dinner as you would with any
traditional electric griddle. Use
this setting to cook most of the
flatbreads and fillings for the
recipes in this book.

10•Tips for Success
Tips for Success
Indicates that this recipe
will need additional time
for rising or imparting
extra flavor.
Indicates a great “make
ahead” product. Some
flatbreads can be made
ahead of time and
refrigerated or frozen
until you are ready to use them.
NOTE: To rewarm the pressed and
cooked flatbreads, place them in a
250°F oven before using.
Indicates recipes that
have a preparation
and cooking time of
20 minutes or less.
Indicates low-fat recipes
as established by FDA
guidelines.
Indicates that you will
need to refer to the
“Mixing the Dough by
Hand” section on page
11 for more information.
About “Rising” Time
The time needed to make flatbread
from scratch will vary from recipe to
recipe. For example, flour tortillas,
which have no yeast, can be made
in just a few minutes. However, pita
bread, which is leavened with
yeast, will need time for the yeast
to activate.
About the Recipes
In the filling recipes, the bread
choices are located at the end of
the ingredient list. This allows you
to quickly locate the suggested
bread. You may use our sugges-
tions, or substitute any of your
favorite flatbread or refrigerator
convenience doughs.
NOTE: If you change the quantities
recommended in the recipe, this
may change your cooking time and
temperature.
About the Symbols
Our easy-to-use recipe symbols
give you information at-a-glance!

Mixing the Dough by Hand •11
Mixing the Dough by Hand
Dry Ingredients
Combine all dry ingredients that
are being used in the bread recipe
(flour, salt, baking powder, etc.).
Liquid Ingredients
Combine water with any oil that is
listed in the recipe. Add the liquid to
the dry ingredients slowly. Reserve
a small amount until you are sure
that the dough forms a ball and is
not too wet. For example, if the
recipe calls for 1⁄2cup of liquid, add
all but 1 or 2 tablespoons. If the
dough is too dry, add the remaining
liquid a little at a time. The dough
should be moist, soft, and smooth
but not sticky.
Kneading
Turn the dough out on a lightly-
floured board and knead for at least
1 minute. To knead, fold the dough
over toward you and press into it
with the heel of your hand—not
your fingertips. Turn it a half-turn,
fold, and press again. Repeat this
process.
If the dough is too wet or sticky,
sprinkle it with a small amount of
flour (about 1 tablespoon) and
continue to knead until the dough
is smooth and elastic, usually about
3 minutes.
Standing Time
Allow the dough to stand for at
least 20 minutes. This will give the
dough time to “relax” and make it
easier to stretch and flatten. If time
does not allow for standing, you
can eliminate this step. However,
it will be necessary to stretch the
dough more by hand or press
several more times to obtain the
best results.
NOTE: Other options for making
dough include using an automatic
breadmaker, food processor, or a
hand or stand mixer. You may use
any method you prefer. All will
produce good results.
The following steps are standard instructions for mixing dough
by hand. These instructions can be used when preparing any of
the Bread Recipes in this book.

12•Convenience Dough
Convenience Dough
Open canister and roll dough
into equal-size balls.
Switch the Press on and
preheat the Griddle to the
temperature suggested in the
filling recipe.
Prepare the chosen filling as
directed in the recipe.
While you are preparing the
filling, press the dough balls.
To do this, carefully remove
the Bread Paddle from the
preheated Press and place a
dough ball toward the rear of
the Bread Paddle.
Replace loaded Bread Paddle
into the Press. Press down
twice to flatten the dough.
Then hold the Press down for
15 seconds. The dough
should cook but not brown
NOTE: To ensure the bread
will remain flexible for wrap-
ping, do not overcook.
Finishing Option 1: As each wrap
is pressed, fill it with some of the
prepared filling, place it on a serving
platter, and loosely cover with foil.
Continue to press and fill the wraps
until you have used all of the dough
balls. This should take less than
5 minutes. Serve immediately.
Finishing Option 2: Press all of the
dough balls and fill them all at once.
2
1
1
2
5
5
3
3
4
4
If time is short or you don’t feel like making a wrap from scratch, you can use
a convenience dough product, such as canned biscuits, cornbread sticks,
pizza crust, crescent rolls, and breadsticks. These are readily available in
the refrigerator case of your supermarket. The use of convenience dough
will allow most of the recipes to be done in about 20 minutes. Choose a
recipe from the Filling section and follow the cooking instructions below.
NOTE: When using convenience dough it is not necessary to use the
Griddle to finish baking the wrap because the baking is completed during
pressing.

The Fold, the Roll, the Wrap •13
The Fold, the Roll, the Wrap
The Fold
To fill a flatbread, place filling in the
center of the prepared flatbread.
The Fold is simply folded in half.
The Roll
The Roll may be easier if the filling
is spread over the flatbread and
then rolled up like a jellyroll.
The Wrap
Begin the Wrap by folding one-third
of the flatbread bottom up over the
filling. Fold over both sides, then
fold the top portion like an envelope.
NOTE: All folds are easier when the
flatbreads are warm.
Finished Wraps
Wrap
Roll
Fold

14•Ethnic Foods, Ingredient Substitutions, and Package Sizes
Ethnic Foods, Ingredient
Substitutions, and Package Sizes
• Curry paste = 3 parts curry
powder & 1 part chili powder
• Coconut milk = Simmer equal
parts water and shredded
coconut until foamy; then strain
through cheesecloth.
• Fish sauce = 1 part red wine
vinegar & 1 part soy sauce
• Oyster sauce = 1 part soy sauce
& 1 part steak sauce
• Bok Choy is Chinese cabbage.
Regular cabbage may be
substituted.
• Scallions are also known as
green onions or spring onions.
• Many recipes use a seasoning
or sauce mix which may come
in a variety of envelope sizes. If
a recipe calls for a 1.8 ounce
envelope and you can only find
1.2 ounce, the difference will
not affect the final results of
the recipe.
Many ethnic ingredients are now readily available in most large
supermarkets. If you cannot find a specific ingredient listed, however,
we offer the following list of substitutions. Some foods do not have a
similar food to list as a substitution. In this case, we recommend replacing
the liquid. The final recipe will not be ethnically representative but you
may discover a new recipe with possibilities.

Nutritional Information
Calculating Nutritional
Information Guidelines:
• Whenever there is a choice
given in a recipe, the nutritional
information that is given is for the
first ingredient listed.
• Whenever there’s a range in
amount of an ingredient, the first
number is the one that was used
for the calculation.
• Ingredients listed as optional or
as if desired are not included in
the totals for the nutritional
information that is given.
Information on the Size and
Type of Ingredients Used in
the Recipes:
The following ingredients were used
in the testing of the recipes. The
nutritional information given reflects
these ingredients:
– large eggs
– 1% milk
– 85% lean beef
– vegetable oil
– lean, trimmed pork, beef, and lamb
– low-fat sour cream and yogurt
– frozen whipped topping
– skinless, boneless white meat
chicken
– low sodium soy sauce
– cooking oil spray*
* Cooking oil spray was used in the
recipes to keep the fat content
of the recipes as low as possible.
One tablespoon of oil can be
substituted for added flavor and
browning. If you substitute oil,
preheat the griddle first and then
add the oil. Allow the oil to heat
for 30 seconds to 1 minute before
adding the food to be sautéed.
Nutritional Information •15

16•Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
QUESTION
The flatbread dough
squeezes out the front
of the Press.
The flatbread is not flat.
The pizza dough won’t
press flat.
When pressed the
flatbread sometimes
get holes in it.
The flatbread seems
doughy or uncooked.
The flatbread is too
crisp or overcooked.
The flatbread “breaks”
when I try to roll or fold it.
When pressing, the
dough makes a funny
sound.
The Bread Paddle
looks warped.
Sauces or liquids are
difficult to remove from
the Griddle.
ANSWER
Position towards the back of the Bread Paddle in
the Press. Press lightly, open and push back bread.
Finish pressing. Also check to make sure you’re not
using too much dough.
Check that the position of the dough is towards the
back of the Press. Then press firmly and quickly. Also
make sure you’re not using too large a dough ball.
The thicker breads, like pizza, should first be
flattened in the Press. Then move the dough to the
Griddle and cover with a piece of aluminum foil.
Using an oven mitt on your hand press down on the
foil covered dough to help flatten.
Try using less pressure or several quick presses.
The holes are caused when moisture in the dough
turns to steam too quickly and “breaks” the dough.
Try using smaller amounts of dough or increase the
cooking time in the Press and/or Griddle.
Use less pressure when pressing and remove from
the Press or Griddle sooner.
If too thick, make thinner more flexible bread by
less dough or more pressure when pressing. If too
crisp, try shorter cooking times. If the flatbreads
were made in advance and have cooled they must
be reheated to be folded or rolled.
This results from the air being rapidly pressed out
of the dough. This is normal.
The paddle may have a slight bend to it due to the
thinness of the metal. It was designed this way for
a quick transfer of heat. This does not affect the
performance of the unit.
Use a spoon with a thin edge to remove the most
liquid from the Griddle. A regular flatware spoon is
better than most kitchen spoons.

Customer Service •17
Customer Service
TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc. warrants this appliance to be free
from defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years
from the date of original purchase, except as noted. There is no warranty
with respect to the following, which may be supplied with this appliance:
glass parts, glass containers, cutter/strainer, nonstick soleplate and/or
nonstick cooking surfaces. This warranty extends only to the original
consumer purchaser and does not cover damage from abuse, neglect,
use for commercial purposes, or any other use not found in the printed
directions. HAMILTON BEACH/PROCTOR-SILEX, INC. EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
OR INCIDENTAL LOSSES CAUSED BY USE OF THIS APPLIANCE.
Some states or provinces do not allow this exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential losses, so the foregoing disclaimer may not
apply to you. If you have a claim under this warranty, DO NOT RETURN
THE APPLIANCE TO THE STORE! Please call our CUSTOMER SERVICE
NUMBER. (For faster service please have model and serial numbers
ready for operator to assist you.)
In the U.S. 1-800-851-8900
In Canada 1-800-267-2826
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other legal rights which vary from state to state, or province to province.
Call our toll-free customer service numbers. Please note the model,
type, and series number on the bottom of the flatbread maker, or have
the flatbread maker close by when you call. This will help us answer
your questions.
In USA: 1-800-851-8900
In Canada: 1-800-267-2826
Web Site Address: www.hamiltonbeach.com
Keep this number for future reference!