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!