You would have better results using a full-sized processor for a full-sized recipe. Also, if you were using canned mandarin oranges you would probably end up with mush no matter what size processor you used. Try a fresh orange, with the rind (seeds removed). But the Mini Prep isn't the right tool for the job.

Those little small processors are just for mini jobs like chopping a few nuts or making some bread crumbs from a couple pieces of bread. I have a large food processor that I never use. I could honestly go without having it. One day I'm going to use it for bread....

Ditto above, but it also helps if all the components are cut into similar sized pieces. Cut the apple into smaller chunks etc.

The little mini preps are fussy. It is a small batch item, though doable. I doubt you want to try again, but one possible method is to take half your bag of cranberries with a chopped shallot and half the juice of an orange. A tablespoon of sugar optional. Simmer until the cranberries start to pop.
8-10 min is all. Off the burner it will thicken. Once cool, add a 1/2 cup to your chopper with 1/2 cup fresh cranberries. Should help them chop faster. Repeat with cooled sauce and chopped apple until you like the mix. Mix together in a bowl. Might add the other half orange as removed sections or juice to taste. Too tart, add a bit of honey.

It isn't really a 'processor' like the larger ones. The blades are not quality, the motor not that strong. Need to pulse using the low setting, then pulse high.

You're using a tool in a way it is not designed to be used. Like stirring soup with a chef's knife. Use the proper tool for the job and everything works well.

Ha! Yes, I agree. I am definitely using a tool not designed to be used...ME!

Have to add my voice to the others. A mini-processor isn't designed to do the job you assigned it, unfortunately. If you're one who doesn't really enjoy prep work (I LOVE chopping, dicing, etc, using a knife and board and rarely use my processor, even though I have a very good one)--then you would probably make good use of a full-sized processor. Try an inexpensive one, and see if you don't end up using less energy for anger. Really, I bet you'd love one.

Yes and no. If it keeps you from cooking or enjoying the cooking experience, (my zen therapy),
then learn a bit and get the tools that give you pleasure in the kitchen. If it is new, return it.

But i see no problem embracing a bad purchase to do something useful. It will do small things, though not very well. Don't get angry at the wrong tool for the job.
I use the wrong things at my parents and friends homes...i can make them work.
Often bring the right tools in my luggage to make may life, and food prep, easier.
Embrace what you have and toy with it. Experiment. If on a fixed income...or just frustrated with less than 'recommended' appliances for the job, you really need to open up your research,... the trial and error game.

Not everyone can pump out the cash for fancy stuff.
If you want to get an upgrade to make some good use of home cooked food, just ask and research here before purchasing. : )

I also think you should do your research before you purchase a kitchen item that may or may not do what you want it to. We'll be happy to help you, we LOVE to spend other people's money. (grin) As sleevendog mentioned, though, not everyone has a bunch of expendable cash for new and expensive kitchen equipment and gadgets.

If you don't like to cook the best tools in the world aren't going to make you love it, I don't think, but if you might kind of like it, good tools will make a difference. I keep telling my son in law that a kitchen is like a garage, there's a big difference between a Dollar Store wrench and Snap On.

Now understand, I didn't always have fancy appliances, when I started posting here more than a decade ago my most used kitchen device was a wooden spoon, Larry Englehardt (who used to post here) told me he was amazed at what I could accomplish with a wooden spoon, LOL. I didn't have even a mixer and I was chopping onions with an old hunting/skinning knife of Dad's. It can be done but it's a lot harder.

I don't have a mini-processor, so I can't remark on that. I do have a big one but I don't think chopping things is a big plus with it. Everything I chop is either uneven sizes or turns to puree or something. Many things I prefer to chop by hand. Thankfully now I have some good knives.

If you might like to cook and just want to try different things, we'd love to help, really we would. Just give us a chance. Between everyone here you can probably even find a lot of easier ways to accomplish things, I know I've learned a LOT.

Happy Cooking (I hope).

Annie

Invest on a full size food processor - it will open up a world of cooking options for you.

My favorite use is home made Cole-slaw.

Art87025 -if you would like to cook, even just simple dishes, please do not give up but do as these experienced cooks suggest and come here for your information. I have been cooking for years and am way older than you, but still need help and do not hesitate with my 101 questions to this forum. Good Luck, and Happy Thanksgiving.

Pink

You don't have to cut up the cranberries to make cranberry relish. Cooking them causes them to break open.

When my Mom made cranberry orange relish she used a food grinder. She would grind the fresh berries and then cut up the orange and remove the seeds and grind the whole orange up too. Then stir all together with proper amount of sugar. She always made it that way..this is before food processors were common. Her relish was not cooked. It was totally different than cooked cranberry sauce.
Joann

Yes, agree that the cranberry orange relish uses raw cranberries, not cooked. I used to use a mince-o-matic, I think. Well, I used to use the mince-o-matic for chopped liver, and then graduated to the processor.