Automatic Mashed Potatoes

Automatic Mashed Potatoes FARM HOME Food 27-5-30 The inventor of an automatic potato masher is optimistic that her invention will make it to market sometime next year. Although Carmina O'Connor admits it has been a long, slow road to success, she says media attention has really helped pave the way. O'Connor was a finalist in a Hammacher Schlemmer Invention Contest, winning $5,000. She was subsequently included in a Time Magazine best inventions feature and received further coverage from newspapers and TV stations such as CNN. A number of manufacturers contacted O'Connor about potential deals. She came up with her ingenious device by breaking down some of the kitchen appliances she already had, and using various parts of them to make a prototype. "I used parts of a rice cooker, electric mixer, a couple pots and containers, and parts of a food processor," she explains. The unit works by placing raw potatoes, cut in quarters, into the main cooking vessel, with enough water to cover the potatoes an inch. You can either peel the potatoes or not. Then you place the desired ingredients (such as milk, butter, chives, etc.) into the automatic ingredient dispenser. Select either "Country Style" (peels on) or "Whipped" buttons. The machine automatically cooks the potatoes, drains the water, dispenses the ingredients, and mashes the potatoes according to the setting selected. When done, a buzzer sounds, and the machine will switch to a "keep warm" temperature setting. The electrical cord is detachable, and the potatoes may be served directly from the appliance at the dinner table. It holds two to three pounds of potatoes, enough to feed about six to nine people. O'Connor guesses it will be priced in the $40 to $100 range. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Carmina O'Connor, 30W026 Laurel Court, Warrenville, Ill. 60555 (ph 630 231-7268; email: carminaoconnor@yahoo.com).

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