Forum Thermomix

Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: WenV on December 14, 2012, 07:18:46 am

Title: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 14, 2012, 07:18:46 am
Hi Everybody! I have finally taken the plunge and bought a TM yesterday after thinking long and hard, and watching my first demo almost 2 years ago.  What really tipped me was wanting to put healthier food on the table and in my kids' lunch boxes, and to do it with ease in terms of effort and time.  I'm really time-poor (like most people) and anything that makes life easier is a bonus.

I joined the forum a few months back to learn more about TM recipes from members, and find out if there are any complaints or disadvantages to the TM machine as compared to other thermal mixers in the market now.  In the end, my decision came down to after sales support, printed TM cookbooks and having a community of 'thermies' to share TM cooking success and failures with.

I enjoy cooking but my repertoire is rather limited to a few dishes due to lack of cooking experience and also limited time. I also tend to rely on supermarket seasoning packets which is quick and easy.  Hopefully, this will change with the TM.   Hence, I look forward to learning from you all, and hopefully have some early successes with my cooking using the TM. 

Thanking you all in advance and look forward to sharing with you my cooking as well!  I can't wait to take delivery of my machine, and hopefully before Christmas!  Woohoo!!

Best,
WenV
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: cookie1 on December 14, 2012, 08:07:46 am
Welcome WenV. You have come to the right place for the solution to all the things you mentioned.. I hope your machine is delivered before Christmas for you. Then you will have some time to play with it.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: astarra on December 14, 2012, 08:11:53 am
Hello and Welcome WenV.  :D
As cookie said, you have come to the right place for your solution!  ;D
Another 'rule' we have here is: no question is silly - so feel free to ask anything, someone will mostly be able to help.  :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: judydawn on December 14, 2012, 08:46:47 am
Hi & welcome to the forum WenV.  Your reasons for choosing the Thermomix over all others is a valid one, all points noted are correct and are a great aid to anyone with one of these machines.  The forum is probably the best thing that happened for owners of a TMX, our members get asked to motivate people, talk people into buying and there is hardly a question that someone won't know the answer to (and that isn't limited to cooking).  I hope you have had time to have a good browse of our recipes and pick out a few that you would like to try.  If you are finding it hard to choose, have a look at CP's favourite list (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=6470.0) - it's very helpful.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Amy :-) on December 14, 2012, 09:12:15 am
Hello WenV and welcome to the forum! There's plenty of support on here as you start expanding your cooking repertiore, and we are more than happy to share own own experiences and advice :D
I hope you get your TM before Christmas! :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Kimmyh on December 14, 2012, 09:37:47 am
Hi WenV and welcome to the forum. You have made a great decision and hopefully your tmx will arrive before Christmas. The forum is a great fun place with lots of advice. It's like having all of us sitting on your kitchen bench, except less squishy ;D
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Aussie Brenda on December 14, 2012, 09:54:40 am
Congratulations on a great decision, I'm, sure you won't regret it one bit. Today I had overly fresh soup on the table for lunch, 30  mins.  So healthy and quick when unexpected visitors ring to say they are calling in.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Cornish Cream on December 14, 2012, 11:10:39 am
Welcome to the forum WenV.Hopefully your TM will arrive for Christmas. Then you will be back posting telling us all the delicious food you have made.Have fun :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: mcmich on December 14, 2012, 01:58:58 pm
Welcome to the forum WenV. Hope your thermomix comes before Christmas.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Greyhoundmum on December 14, 2012, 02:57:38 pm
welcome WenV you will be able to share your TMx beginnings with plenty of other new members who are also waiting for pre Xmas deliveries.  Enjoy!
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: fundj&e on December 14, 2012, 04:16:45 pm
Welcome to the forum WenV
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 15, 2012, 07:45:13 am
Thank you all for your warm welcome!... I've been told by my Consultant that the TM will be picked up at head office next week and I should get it before Christmas.  The anticipation and excitement is almost unseating me as I type this message!  Just like getting a new car... :D

I'm hoping I would be able to use it to cook a dish that I'll be taking along to the family & friends Christmas feast.

In the meantime, wishing you all and your families a blessed and wonderful Christmas...and a safe and happy New Year.

Best,
WenV
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: JeremyUK on December 15, 2012, 08:18:51 am
Love it - healthy(ier) cooking! That was my intention too but my Thermomix has turned me into a bread junkie. :-)

Welcome though :-)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: cookie1 on December 15, 2012, 09:34:09 am
Jeremy we have become bread junkies and lovers of jams made in the machine. I love making all sorts of breads, rolls and anything with yeast. Also without yeast as Chookie has helped us so much with sourdough breads.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Kimmyh on December 15, 2012, 11:08:31 am
I think it was chookie that said we all have an inner bread genie. I have found mine too.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 15, 2012, 12:47:37 pm
Hi JeremyUK, I love breads too and the thought of making sour dough bread is getting me excited.  Love that bread! Conjures up memories of my trip to San Francisco years ago, and having seafood chowder in a sour dough bun....mmmm.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: jeninwa on December 15, 2012, 07:14:33 pm
Welcome to the forum, hope your thermi arrives soon.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: goldfish on December 15, 2012, 07:22:21 pm
A very warm welcome to the forum WenV - hope your tmx arrives soon.  Look forward to hearing more from you soon!
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: gertbysea on December 15, 2012, 09:01:23 pm
Welcome to the forum. Hopefully those nasty pre mixed foods will,be a thing of the past ;D

Gert
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Katiej on December 15, 2012, 10:24:34 pm
Hello WenV & welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: obbie on December 17, 2012, 01:35:51 am
Hi and welcome :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Yvette on December 17, 2012, 03:47:02 am
Hello and welcome to the forum hope your TM arrives before Christmas  :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Alexis on December 17, 2012, 04:09:51 am
Welcome to the forum and you can look forward to a steep learning curve (that you will love). I'd recommend Tenina's books to get started.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Jamberie on December 17, 2012, 07:48:15 am
Hello and welcome! Now is the time to organise your pantry and read up about recipes you want to try :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 17, 2012, 12:38:41 pm
Hi obbie, Yvette, AlexisMarya & Jamberie!

Thank you all for your warm welcomes...thank you for the tips. I've already started saving recipes to use with the thermomix. But have yet to stock up on essential items. Said to my husband yesterday that we should visit Kakulas Brothers in Northbridge when we get back from our holidays, and stock up on spices, dried fruits & nuts, and dry goods for the pantry. Should be a fun visit! :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Greyhoundmum on December 17, 2012, 12:42:32 pm
yes WenV Kakulas is wonderful, so is weigh and pay if you are NoR. Also a good selection in the Malaga markets.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 18, 2012, 07:05:44 am
Thanks, Greyhoundmum!  I live SoR but  may check out the other place if I happen to be that way.

I just got news that my TM is arriving tomorrow. Hooray!!!

Any suggestions for an "easy recipe" to start off with?  I've promised my 5yo that I would make him a slushy like at the shop, and he's all excited by it. Now to look for a healthy slushy recipe...
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Aussie Brenda on December 18, 2012, 07:20:50 am
Wen, you need to get some fruit frozen for that slushie tomorrow.  I hope you can sleep tonight.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: goldfish on December 18, 2012, 07:25:20 am
WenV - this thread might help with the slushies . . .
http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1301.0
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 18, 2012, 10:24:27 am
Thank you, AussieB and goldfish! Thanks for the great ideas and links. Have bookmarked them.

Will report back once I made a batch. :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 18, 2012, 10:25:12 am
Oh, I think I would be dreaming abt my TM if I fall asleep tonight. :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Girlpower247 on December 19, 2012, 12:10:19 pm
Hi WenV....do you have your new helper yet?

I just got mine last night, already feel like I made the right choice and having hubby at my one on one demo was a great idea to help
seal the deal  ;D
He loved my beetroot salad as part of his dinner tonight (tick)...I served it on top of some cos lettuce with rocket and topped it off with cubed
avocado and a few pepitas (pumpkin seeds) extra drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

I think we have found a wonderful forum to be part of, don't you?
Good luck with your TM delivery  :)

Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Greyhoundmum on December 19, 2012, 12:58:38 pm
Hi WenV all the best for D day tomorrow!!
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 19, 2012, 03:28:14 pm
Hi Girlpower247 and Greyhoundmum!

Unfortunately, my TM has yet to be delivered to my consultant. But I did receive a text today confirming she should get it tmrw and has made an 11am appt with me to drop it off. Must be the busy Xmas period and consultants are doing the delivery instead of couriers to ensure Pre-Xmas delivery.

I agree that this forum is wonderful! So many nice and welcoming members who are so helpful. Can't wait to make healthy meals with it. :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 19, 2012, 03:29:58 pm
Hi WenV....do you have your new helper yet?

I just got mine last night, already feel like I made the right choice and having hubby at my one on one demo was a great idea to help
seal the deal  ;D
He loved my beetroot salad as part of his dinner tonight (tick)...I served it on top of some cos lettuce with rocket and topped it off with cubed
avocado and a few pepitas (pumpkin seeds) extra drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

I think we have found a wonderful forum to be part of, don't you?
Good luck with your TM delivery  :)

Your beet root salad sounds yummy!! Will have to give it a try.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 20, 2012, 11:42:16 am
My TM arrived today! Yay!!  We had two meals out of it today, a pumpkin soup that my consultant kindly made in order to show me the ropes around the machine, and then a mushroom spinach risotto that I made myself this evening.  Both dishes were delicious!  Can't wait to try out another recipe tomorrow morning.  Perhaps a cooked oat porridge or eggs in the TM for breakfast....I love poached eggs and I wonder if this can be done in the TM.

Must say, I am pretty please with my purchase and early Xmas present :D

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and help.  :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Cornish Cream on December 20, 2012, 02:10:40 pm
Slow cooked poached eggs (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=4473.0)
Poached Eggs (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1480.0)
Personally I crack a couple of in two silicone individual cupcake holders and place them in the internal steaming basket and cook Varoma /9 minutes /speed 1 (place 500g of water in the TM bowl)
if you go to the home page and type in Poached Eggs in the search box many more helpful hints and tips will help you.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Greyhoundmum on December 20, 2012, 02:13:34 pm
I found that poached eggs take quite a while done this way so helps if you start with boiling water in the TM.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 20, 2012, 02:33:42 pm
Thank you CC and Greyhoundmum!  Useful tips... :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: trudy on December 21, 2012, 06:44:30 am
Welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 21, 2012, 08:41:57 am
Thanks Trudy!  I feel so privileged to be part of such a select group of positive people! :)
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Girlpower247 on December 21, 2012, 10:20:32 am
Congrats! Your new kitchen helper has arrived  ;D Pleased you are enjoying yours too.

I'm going to make the pumpkin soup tomorrow (using 1/2 pumpkin / 1/2 sweet potato) as per the EDC recipe, I have read mixed reviews on here for this recipe but you mentioned yours was delicious, just wondering if your consultant tweaked the recipe at all? Thanks

There are sooo many recipes on forums, cook books....I don't know where restart!  LOL
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: VieveMS on December 21, 2012, 11:47:33 am
So glad your TMX has arrived WenV.  Enjoy your cooking.
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 21, 2012, 01:04:16 pm
Hi GP247!
Thank you, and yes I an enjoying having the Thermie in the kitchen :D. I actually look forward to cooking more now then ever.

As to the pumpkin soup, my consultant used carrots instead of sweet potato. And she also didn't skin the carrots or pumpkin, and included the pumpkin seeds in the soup. The result was slightly seedy (finely blended texture - speed 8-9, I think) but doesn't detract from taste. My consultant also mentioned to use slightly less water so the soup would be thicker. 

When I added rice to the pumpkin soup to feed my 16mth old, he ate it up without hesitation. He loved it!  Hope that helps.

Best,
WV
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on December 21, 2012, 01:05:40 pm
So glad your TMX has arrived WenV.  Enjoy your cooking.

Thanks, VieveMS!  I sure am.... :D
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: Girlpower247 on December 23, 2012, 02:00:04 am
Thanks WenV.....I made it last night, forgot to check back in here first .....tweaked it a bit by using ( pumpkin/sweet potato) carrot, garlic , less water, extra salt free stock concentrate.....it was so delicious and thick, big hit and will def. make again.
Will post my tweaked recipe in EDC area either later or after returning from break away.
Also made the 5 seed breed in my convection microwave (same setting as a fan forced oven)....worked out really well....will make it again in big oven just to compare.

Can't believe how often I've used TM since only Wed...really feels like I've had it longer than a few days.....
Hope you are still enjoying getting to know yours to and have a lovely Christmas    ;D

Cheers
- gp
Title: Re: Another newbie here!...
Post by: WenV on January 30, 2013, 12:04:57 pm
Hi GP, thanks and I'm glad your pumpkin soup turned out well! :)

I've just returned fm my holidays and am getting back into thermomixing. I made Chelsea's creamy garlic prawn risotto on the weekend and it was a hit! Planning to try Faffa's Fig Bar next as I've been given some fresh figs at work. And attempt to steam a whole fish on the weekend. We have been enjoying the Fremantle Octopus (fm Burswood Seafood store) and am thinking of making my own. Would be so much cheaper. Will post recipe once I've gotten it right. :)