Chef s Choice 834 Toscano Pizzelle Maker Instruction Manual

Chef s Choice 834 Toscano Pizzelle Maker

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed including the following:

1. Read all instructions before using the PizzellePro® Toscano®.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Always use the plastic handle on the lid and do not touch the stainless cover when hot.
3. To protect against fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, do not immerse the cord, plug, or PizzellePro® in water or other liquid.
4. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
5. Before use, unwind the power cord completely and keep the cord away from hot parts of the appliance.
6. Do not let the power cord hang over the edge of the table or counter or touch hot surfaces.
7. Do not place on or near hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
8. Only operate the pizzelle maker on a dry, flat, non-slip surface.
9. Do not use the PizzellePro® outdoors.
10. Do not operate the PizzellePro® with a damaged cord or plug. If it malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner, return the PizzellePro® to the EdgeCraft Corporation Service Department for examination, repair or adjustment.
11. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the EdgeCraft Corporation may result in fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
12. Always unplug the PizzellePro® from the electrical outlet when not in use and before cleaning, to avoid accidental electrical shock. Allow to cool before cleaning.
13. As long as the appliance is hot, even if unplugged, there is the danger of someone getting burned. Do not touch and do not put it into storage while hot.
14. Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
15. Do not use the PizzellePro® for other than intended use.
16. For use only on 120V 60HZ power. Use a socket with a good ground connection. Do not use a three to two-way adapter on the three-prong power cord provided.
17. For household use only.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

YOU MADE A GOOD CHOICE

The PizzellePro® Toscano® Model 834 comes to you from Chef’sChoice®, known for the unique electronic WafflePro® Series of waffle makers and as the supplier of the world’s finest professional household gourmet products. You will find that the PizzellePro® produces rapidly and consistently two classic-sized pizzelles, just right for any occasion. You will appreciate how quickly you can make pizzelles – a set of 2 in less than 30 seconds. The special heating system and the added power of the PizzellePro® eliminate the commonly encountered need with conventional pizzelle makers to wait for the heat-up of the pizzelle plates between each baking cycle. Remember when pizzelles were only for the Holidays? All of that has changed and now you can enjoy pizzelles anytime, thanks to the ease and speed of the PizzellePro®. Try rolling freshly baked pizzelle into cylinders or cone-shaped pastries for cannolis and fill with a variety of tasty fruit or other sweet creamy fillings. Enjoy!

GETTING TO KNOW THE PizzellePro® TOSCANO®

Take a minute to identify the key features and controls of the PizzellePro®, (Figure 1). To open the lid, release the locking latch (Figure 2) and lift the insulated front plastic handle. Note the red light on the handle (Figure 1), which is “on” whenever the pizzelle plates are heating. This light turns off when the pizzelle plates are fully heated and ready for baking. While the PizzellePro® is plugged in, the light will continuously turn on and off, ensuring optimal baking temperature at all times. The PizzellePro® Toscano® is equipped with a locking latch designed to control the thickness of each pizzelle. This latch can be easily unlocked by lifting the finger release (Figure 2), which is conveniently located under the handle. Provision has been made for cord wrapping as described in the Cleaning and Storage section. The cord can be wrapped around the PizzellePro®. The PizzellePro® can be stored upright to save shelf space. Simply close the lid and stand it upright resting on the hinged end.

PREPARING THE PizzellePro® FOR BAKING

Insert the PizzellePro® power cord into a grounded 120-volt, 60-cycle outlet and close the cover. The red light will turn on immediately, indicating the pizzelle plates are heating. As you close the lid, the latching mechanism under the lid handle should snap securely, locking down the lid. In about 3-4 minutes the red light will turn off to let you know that the pizzelle plates are hot and ready for baking. Once the red light turns off, indicating the plates have reached baking temperature, you may bake pizzelles without further regard to the light. Periodically, the light will come on and then go off as the PizzellePro® continues to maintain baking temperature. On the first heating cycle you may detect a slight odor, typical of new heating elements with non-stick surface coatings. In order to avoid injury as the PizzellePro® heats, do not touch the hot metal lid or the pizzelle plates. Manipulate the PizzellePro® only by the handle of the lid and by other plastic parts. To start making pizzelles, pull up on the release arm to release the latching mechanism and open the lid of the PizzellePro®. Do not attempt to force the lid open without unlatching – or you will damage the latch. Because both of the baking surfaces are factory-finished with a non-stick coating, it is necessary to oil the surfaces only the first time you use the PizzellePro®. It should not be necessary to oil again on subsequent use so long as the plates are at a sufficient temperature before use and enough time is allowed for the pizzelles to fully bake before opening the lid. If sticking tends to occur, close the lid, make certain the plates are hot, then open carefully add a teaspoon of water to each pattern on the lower plate, and close the lid. If this does not fully eliminate sticking, use a commercial non-stick spray – preferably one without lecithin. If you are looking for a good pizzelle recipe, see section “Some Favorite Pizzelle Recipes” (page 6). It takes only about one level measuring tablespoon of batter to make a single pizzella. You will find that some of the batter will remain on the spoon and you can either use a small spatula to push it all off or leave some residue on the spoon for the next batch.

THE BAKING PROCEDURE

Prepare the pizzelle batter and proceed as follows:

1. When the red light turns off, open the lid and, using a tablespoon, drop a spoon of batter onto the center of each of the two pizzelle patterns. Close the lid immediately to spread the batter across each pattern.
2. The batter should be thick but should slide easily off the spoon when pushed. Place one spoon of batter quickly on each of the two patterns and promptly close the lid, making certain the locking latch is fully fastened. Avoid putting too much batter on grids as an excess will cause an overflow and increase the clean-up time. If you prefer pizzelles with irregular edges use less batter, otherwise use more batter to produce full rounder patterned pizzelles with more regular circular edges.
3. You may at times wish to inspect the pizzelle before it is fully baked. Wait 20 seconds before attempting to open the lid. If the pizzelle is not cooked sufficiently you will sense some resistance as you attempt to open the lid. If you do sense resistance, let the pizzelle cook another 5 seconds or so and you should be able to easily and safely lift the lid for inspection. If needed, bake a few seconds longer to obtain the color you wish.
4. When the pizzelles are done, release the latch and open the lid. Lift and remove the pizzelles with a plastic fork or small plastic spatula in order to minimize scratching of the non-stick surface. After removing the pizzelles, you can immediately spoon the new batter and repeat the cycle. The PizzellePro® recovers instantly after each bake cycle and is ready to make the next pizzelles.
5. If you do not start the next pizzelles immediately, the PizzellePro® can be closed until you are again ready to bake.
6. When finished baking, be certain to unplug the PizzellePro®. Only then is the power to the pizzelle maker switched off.

Always unplug the PizzellePro® immediately after use. Never leave it unattended when plugged in. Children should not be allowed to use a pizzelle maker except in the presence of an attentive adult. The PizzellePro®, when unplugged, cools faster when its lid is left fully open. Store only when cold. Save shelf space by storing the PizzellePro® upright, resting on its hinged flat end.

PIZZELLE TRADITIONS

It is generally believed that pizzelles were originated in the Tuscan region of Italy in ancient times to mark an annual celebration. Initially baked over an open fire with relatively simple but effective irons, the early pizzelles often were proudly embossed with the family crest or some hint of the village of origin. Over time it became tradition to use pizzelles to celebrate any holiday or festive occasion but inevitably there were pizzelles for everyone at Christmas and Easter. The modern patterns found on these delicious waffle cookies most commonly are floral on one side and a woven basket-like pattern on the other. The recent increased popularity of puzzles is the result of greater recognition of their delicious versatility. For example, pizzelles, when still hot, can be formed into cylinders, cones and mini-baskets that can hold a wide variety of delicious fillings for festive occasions. The range of taste experiences that can be created with fillings of formed pizzelles is virtually endless.

SOME FAVORITE PIZZELLE RECIPES

The basic pizzelle recipe has undergone little change through the years. However, there are variations based on the selection of cooking oils, including butter, margarine, vegetable oil or shortening, and of course many flavorings, including anise, vanilla or almond extract. Even rum extracts and whisky are used by some in pizzelles. The fundamental ingredients of the pizzelle are eggs, flour, and sugar and the relative amount of these ingredients can be varied slightly to match your preferences of taste and texture. Once all ingredients are fully blended, select and test a tablespoon that you plan to use for dispensing and dropping the batter onto the pizzelle patterns. The consistency of the batter will be of soft dough that holds its shape but can be adjusted to suit individual tastes. A batter that slides off the spoon as a ribbon will produce a slightly thinner cookie and can be obtained by adding a few tablespoons of liquid to the basic recipes described below. Recipes using more sugar and incorporating butter instead of oil often yield a crisper cookie. You can adjust the amount of baking powder slightly in any recipe. It is necessary to use just enough to ensure that the two pizzelles fill out completely during the baking cycle. More than that will do little for the texture and increase the likelihood that the pizzelles will spread beyond the design borders of the patterns. Commonly, pizzelle recipes use 3, 6 or 12 eggs. Most recipes start with 6 eggs, which will make about 70 pizzelles in the Pizzelle Pro®. We recommend first a family recipe from Caterina Casola of Buffalo, New York. This recipe has been handed down more generations in Italy than her family can remember. Each year her delicious recipe has been used to produce thousands of pizzelles eagerly awaited by the family and a host of friends.

Caterina Casola’s Family Recipe

• 6 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 or more teaspoons vanilla or anise extract (pure) 3 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ cups sugar

Makes about 70 pizzelles.

1. Beat the eggs until smooth. Add the oil and vanilla or anise extract. Sift the flour and baking powder onto the mixture. Add the sugar and vigorously blend all of these dry ingredients into the egg mixture until smooth. The mixture will be sticky and stiff. Test by dropping the mixture from a tablespoon. As needed add a few tablespoons of water so that the mix drops conveniently as a ribbon in two to three seconds. If the mix is too thin add a few tablespoons of flour.
2. Bake for approximately 20 seconds, open the lid briefly to examine the color and bake longer as desired to create a darker/browner surface (see Baking Procedure section).

A Sweeter Variation with Butter

For a sweeter pizzelle with the added flavor of butter you will like the following:

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup butter
• 2 or more teaspoons vanilla or anise extract (pure)
• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups sugar

Makes about 72 (6 dozen) pizzelles.

1. Beat the eggs until smooth. Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small saucepan on low heat. Allow the butter to cool briefly while you blend and mix the sugar and vanilla or anise extract into the eggs. Then add the melted butter into the mix, sift the flour and baking powder onto the mix and blend vigorously to ensure uniformity. The batter will be sticky and stiff. As needed, adjust the mixture with a few tablespoons of water or flour to slightly thin or stiffen the batter so it flows ribbon-like off of a tablespoon.
2. Bake for approximately 20 seconds, open the lid briefly to examine the color and bake longer as desired to create a darker/browner surface (see Baking Procedure section).

Chocolate Pizzelles

For a special treat try our chocolate-flavored pizzelles. Using Catarina Casola’s pizzelle recipe above (based on 6 eggs) mix and completely blend all ingredients as described above. Then melt 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate placed in a small bowl in the microwave or in a small saucepan warmed over a very low heat. Stir the chocolate periodically as it melts in order to prevent overheating. Stirring vigorously, blend the melted chocolate slowly into the pizzelle mix. Spoon the batter onto the Pizzelle Pro®, bake and enjoy! (See Baking Procedure section).

OTHER VARIATIONS

Crisco®, margarine or equivalent shortening can be used as a direct substitute for butter using the quantity called for in the recipe. The quantity of sugar can be varied slightly but if the mix becomes too thick add a few tablespoons of water to adjust the stiffness and flow of the mix. Other flavorings such as almond extract, nut oil, rum extract, sweet wine or liquors can add novelty to your party pizzelles.

ENTERTAINING WITH CANNOLIS AND OTHER PIZZELLE DELICACIES

It is not surprising that Italy, the cradle of some of the world’s finest cuisine created the pizzelle and found almost magical ways to use the pizzelle as the foundation for an even greater range of taste sensations (Figure 3). Perhaps the cannoli is the most popular of these pastries. Like the pizzelle itself, the variations are endless and an opportunity to explore delicacies with your own favorite fillings, fruits and flavorings. The cannoli shell (see Figure 3) is formed by wrapping the hot pizzelle immediately as it is removed from the PizzellePro® around a wooden dowel rod, a metal rod or cylinder or a cylindrical spoon handle about 1 inch in diameter. Because this wrapping can be done only while the pizzelle is still very hot, you will find it helpful to; (a) quickly roll the pizzelle around the form;(b) locate the area of overlap (where the pizzelle overlaps itself); (c) then holding onto the form, press and hold that overlap area down on a flat hard surface for a few seconds while the pizzelle cools into a rigid cylindrical form. Practice does help. (To help ease the rolling process, reduce the bake time to 12-15 seconds. If rolling both pizzelles into cannolis, roll the second pizzelle “inside out” so the darker surface is on the inside or you may consider only baking one pizzelle at a time to roll into the cannoli shape.) If, as an alternative, the pizzelle is wrapped around a small wooden or metal cone, a cone-shaped pizzelle shell can be created. The round or cone-shaped shells formed as described above can be filled with any of the following delicious cannoli recipes, kindly provided by Caterina Casola of Buffalo, New York and Marie Doria of Chicago, Illinois.

Traditional Italian Cannoli Filling (Mrs. Caterina Casola)

Another recipe from the Casola family refined over generations in Italy.

• 1 lb. Ricotta cheese
• 1⁄3 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄3 cup confectioners sugar
• 1⁄3 cup mini chocolate chips or candied fruits 1 teaspoon rum extract

Fills 6-8 cannoli shells.

1. Use low-moisture Ricotta or thoroughly drain off all excess liquid from the cheese. Add granulated sugar, confectioners sugar and rum extract to the Ricotta and beat with a power mixer at a medium speed for 10 minutes, scraping the bowl periodically to ensure the ingredients mix well. Then add chocolate chips or fruit and beat for another 3 minutes. At this stage the Ricotta mixture should be creamy, but stiff. If it appears too stiff to extrude from a pastry bag, slowly add more confectioner sugar to mix and blend for another 2-3 minutes until you have the right consistency. Refrigerate for a few hours before use. (It’s safe to hold for 2-3 days). Load pastry bag with mix and fully fill each cannoli shell. For best results, do not fill until ready to serve.
2. Decorate the ends of the cannoli with ground toasted almonds or pistachios. For added decoration, place a raspberry or shredded coconut on each end of cannoli. Immediately before serving, sprinkle lightly with confectionery sugar.

Marie Doria’s Favorite Cannoli Filling Recipe

This adds a slight cinnamon flavor to the filling.

• 1 pound Ricotta cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ – ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons or semi-sweet grated chocolate or chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped nuts (preferably walnuts or almonds)

Fills 6-8 cannoli shells.

1. Use low moisture Ricotta or thoroughly drain off all excess liquid from the cheese. Add the powdered sugar and cinnamon to the cheese and, with an electric mixer, blend the ingredients fully. Then fold in the grated chocolate or chocolate chips.
2. Place the cannoli mix in a pastry bag for easy dispensing into the formed pizzelle shells. Fill each shell fully with the mix, and for decoration and added flavor, press the choppednuts onto the exposed areas of the cannoli. For best results, do not fill until ready to serve.
3. For an interesting variation, blend ½ teaspoon of rum extract into the cannoli mix and prepare a tablespoon of chopped cherries or candied cherries to further decorate the exposed surface of the finished cannoli.

Maria Doria’s Optional Cannoli Filling Recipe

This is an American variation adding cream for a smoother filling.

• 1 pound Ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons orange liquor
• 2 ounces finely chopped semisweet chocolate
• 3 tablespoons chopped mixed candied fruits

Fills 6-8 cannoli shells.

Use moisture-free Ricotta cheese or drain off all excess liquid from the cheese. Combine the cheese, cream, sugar and orange liquor and then blend fully with a hand mixer. The mixture must be stiff enough so that it will hold its shape when used to fill the pizzelle shells. If needed, add more cheese to stiffen the mixture. Then fold in the chocolate chips and candied fruits.

1. Load the mix into a pastry bag and fill each shell fully. If you wish to decorate the exposed cannoli surface, consider using chocolate bits, jimmies, more candied fruits or colored chopped nuts. For best results, do not fill until ready to serve.

DELICIOUS VARIATIONS OF THE CANNOLIS AND PIZZELLE PASTRIES

Pizzelle shells can be used in a variety of other ways. Consider alternate fillings such as thick flavored custards, heavy puddings, whipping cream (plain or with powdered sugar), meringue or cheesecake. It is possible also to create attractive pastry baskets by quickly forming the pizzelle while still hot over the base of a small flat bottom glass or cup. These small baskets can be filled with any of the foods listed above or used as individualized decorative containers for raspberries, chopped peaches, cherries, other favorite fruits or candies. Chocolate-covered pizzelles or cannoli shells are another special treat. To melt the chocolate, place it in a bowl and heat in the microwave or in a saucepan on low heat stirring periodically as it melts. Simply dip the end or entire pizzelle shell (plain or chocolate) in melted dipping chocolate and allow to cool at room temperature or, to cool faster, place it in the refrigerator.

CORD SAFETY

A short power supply cord is provided with this appliance to reduce the risk of someone becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord and causing the PizzellePro® to overturn, spilling its hot contents. While EdgeCraft does not recommend it, extension cords are available and may be used if care is exercised in their use. If an extension cord is used, it must have an integral ground wire, a three-prong plug and the marked electrical rating of the extension cord should be at least 15 amperes. The longer cord should be arranged so that it will not hang over the countertop or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or pets or tripped over.

CLEANING AND STORAGE

Before cleaning the PizzellePro®, always unplug the power cord and wait until the PizzellePro® cools to room temperature. Never clean the appliance under water. If you find it necessary to clean the baking surface, use a soft brush, Q-tip® or a flexible moist cloth. Never use sharp or pointed tools as they will damage the non-stick surfaces. The exterior can be safely cleaned with a mild detergent on a damp cloth or a small soft brush. Then use a dampened cloth followed by drying with a dry soft cloth. Wrap the power cord around the PizzellePro® Toscano® as shown and secure the end of the cord (see Figure 4). You will find it is easy to store vertically, resting on the top-hinged face as shown.

Figure 4. Cord can be wrapped around a fully closed PizzellePro®, which can be stored upright as shown.(Do not store until cool.)

SERVICE

This appliance is for household use only. No user-serviceable parts are inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel. In the event service is needed, return your PizzellePro® to EdgeCraft Corporation, where the cost of repair or electrical or mechanical adjustment can be estimated before the repair is undertaken. If failure occurs within the warranty period there may be no charge. Please include your return address and a brief description of the problem or damage to the pizzelle maker on a separate sheet inside the box. Send your unit insured and postage prepaid to:

EdgeCraft Corporation 825 Southwood Road, Avondale, PA 19311 U.S.A. Customer Service 800-342-3255 or 610-268-0500

• www.chefschoice.com

Chef’sChoice® and EdgeCraft® are registered trademarks of EdgeCraft Corporation, Avondale, PA. Conforms to UL Std. 1083 Certified to CAN/CSA Std. C22.2 No. 64-M91 © EdgeCraft Corporation 2012

References

• Chef's Choice by EdgeCraft

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