DU chefs! Should I get a mortar and pestle or a food processor?

I already have a blender, but the thing is lousy for making pesto. Thing is, I can't imagine using a food processor for anything else--and a mortar and pestle gives off an aura to lady visitors as if I actually know what I'm doing in the kitchen. Plus it costs on the order of $90-100 less. Opinions?

can always come in handy as a pill crusher.

I can think of very few instances where one would be a suitable substitute for the other...

I only find a mortar and pestle useful for grinding up small quantities of spices.

And the mere fact that you step into the kitchen at all other than to eat will speak volumes to your lady friends!

Stone grinds better.

Food processors are fast, but mortar and pestles rule!

I can use it as an excuse to buy a Thai cookbook as well.

cheap food processors for under 50 bucks actually work. I use mine for cookie dough, making bread crumbs, grating cheese, shredding carrots and cabbage, slicing mushrooms and celery and lots of other stuff when I cook for more than me.

The slicing and shredding blades are a godsend-- don't get one without them.

I've got two mortar and pestles, actually. A small marble one I use for spices, esp grinding the white pepper I use on steaks, and a molca jete, a big lava stone thing I picked up in Tijuana, that I use for bigger jobs, like the sage and rosemary oil I use for leg of lamb.

Or to put it more precisely, get an electric coffee grinder and use it for a spice grinder. Mine's a Braun.

Different tools for different uses.

Morter and pestle -- First, how would you cut yourself on a a bowl or a wodden mallet? I use mine for herbs and spices, I place all of the herbs and spices for a recipe in and crush them to help release the oils and to break them for better flavor. You can also use it for small grinding and mashing projects but they are not real useful for larger quantities, think a half cup at most. Last night it was used to crush crackers for bread crumbs, about a half a cup.

Food processor -- Depending on size, they can be very useful. I use the larger one I have for larger quantities of course but also for quick bread kneeding or pizza dough. I usualy use it for making pesto as I tend to make a bunch and then freeze some of it. The smaller processor I have I use for chopping onions, cellery, grating the chance half cup or cup of cheese that sort of thing when I will only realy need a cup to a cup and half. I also use it for masing bananas for bread, that sort of thing.

I also have and use a kitchen mixer (1950's Kitchenaid) for bread dough, mashed potatowes, whipped cream, cookie dough, sausage making and for varius other projects.

They all have reasons for use depending on size, depending on desired consistency of end product and motor strength. If you own none and can only choose to own one I would go for the small food processer. You will find uses for it and you will soon learn the draw backs to the little one but will have a better idea of what you want/need from a larger one. A morter and pestle will prove to be less used and less versatile for most people, even though I assure you a smallish bowl and small wooden mallet/hammer are useful in more ways in the kitchen than most anyone could ever name.

Oh, and just so you know, I for one, cannot fathom ever trying to make pesto in a mortar and pestle. Seems like trying to whip a gallon of cream in a tea cup using only a spoon.

It's best to break them up in the mortar, and then stir in the parmesan and romano or whatever rather than process it--it really changes the texture of the pesto. I used to have roommates with all the tools of the trade, so I'm more or less familiar with the process. :)

(plus, my inane poll option refers to being unable to cut yourself on the mortar, as opposed to the processor)

edit: But yes, I'm still a relative babe in the woods as far as fine cooking is concerned--so if I'm totally wrong, pay me no mind.

i make a bucket of pesto every season with food processor, used to use a blender but it took forever.
But you can also use it for soups, blending, bread making (with attachments etc). Save the blender for drinks.

Mortar and pestle i only use for dry ingredients, or small batches of herbs, seeds, and things.

whipped out the food proc just last nite to whip up vichysoisse for tonites dinner. French bread rising in the oven right now. Picking a bit of lettuce later for small green salad. Yes, life is good.

vote for both.
dp

They're about 1/4 the price of the ones you can buy at kitchen supply stores.