Hi, I'm Joan in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

[mairim]

I'm a retired anthropologist, who loves to cook.  I ordered my Thermomix from Canada, it's not yet arrived, but I must confess that I'm wondering if I'm not a bit demented.  It's a lot of money, and I do have equipment that weighs, blends, kneads, etc.  But it just sounded like so much fun to discover a new kitchen machine, and challenge myself to master it.  I'm going to need a lot of help and support from Thermomix experts as I try to learn how to use the new machine and, eventually, how to translate my favorite recipes for it.

I do remember seeing something on the forum starting with (1) unpack your Thermomix, and going on to give basic directions for rank beginners.  Of course, now I can't find it.  Does anyone know where I can locate it?  It looked as though it would be rather like someone holding my hand as the new machine arrived.  I surely will need some handholding!

I have two grown children who, alas, live in distant cities, and I share a house with a large, loving German Shepherd.

[Bedlam]

Joan,
This forum is your hand to hold. You sound like the rest of us, we are all gadget lovers who believed TMX would be our last gadget. ( unfortunately this forum is a temptree for other groovy toys).
You will love your machine I have no doubt.  I love the way it helps get most preservatives out of your diet without having to spend all day at it.
Welcome,relax and enjoy.

[Meagan]

Welcome we are all here to help!

[Cornish Cream]

Hi Joan and welcome to the forum.I found this Hints and Tips for new owners
http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1549.0

[andiesenji]

Hi Joan,
Welcome to another adventurer in the U.S.
I'm 1800 miles west-southwest from you in the Mojave desert.  I also got my TMX from Canada in November 2009 and while I don't use it as much as most of the members on this forum, I use it enough to make it worth my while.

It has made preparing a few things much, much easier for me, especially risotto and almond paste/marzipan. 
I love risotto and because of all the stirring it was really a chore - I have arthritis in my hands - but since I got this "wonder machine" I have it at least once a week and there are so many variations, it never gets old.

You have only to ask and will get all the answers and help you could possibly need.  I have so enjoyed "meeting" the various members on the forum and exchanging hints and tips with them.

We have some incredibly talented folks who make wonderful contributions to the forum almost every day.

[mairim]

Andie, I read your posts on egullet and your blog.  Actually, I think I first heard of the Thermomix on your blog.  I know you're a kitchen technology enthusiast, as am I.  Are you sorry you splurged for the Thermomix? Do you use it enough to justify its steep price?  I suspect you have some of the same "bells and whistles" as I -- e.g. the Neutrimill and VitaMix.  There's no way I could rationalize ordering this machine -- I just wanted it!

[mairim]

 Cornish Cream, Thanks for directing me toward the hints, which I'll type out, and keep near the machine (when it arrives).  I'm starting a loose-leaf folder for recipes and information.

[cookie1]

Joan, don't feel guilty at all. I also had all the kitchen gadgets I wanted but still went ahead and bought the TMX (at DH's insistence) nearly 3 years ago. I love it. It is a challenge at the beginning. Just sit down and read the book. It seems confusing but will become so easy. Just ask anything at all here and people will help you. I still learn new things from here.
Good luck. You will love the machine.

[andiesenji]

Andie, I read your posts on egullet and your blog.  Actually, I think I first heard of the Thermomix on your blog.  I know you're a kitchen technology enthusiast, as am I.  Are you sorry you splurged for the Thermomix? Do you use it enough to justify its steep price?  I suspect you have some of the same "bells and whistles" as I -- e.g. the Neutrimill and VitaMix.  There's no way I could rationalize ordering this machine -- I just wanted it!

Yes, I am a kind of "I want it" so I can usually justify why I "need" it person and as I have no one to answer to (and when I did, I largely ignored it) I buy what I want.

Several years ago I became impatient with a mid-range espresso machine and bought one of the superautomatic ones that does everything but drink it for one. Saeco Royal Digital Plus Had it plumbed in to a water line - total cost a bit over 2K.
Used it for awhile, lost interest and there it sat mostly unused, except when I had a party or visitors who are coffee fanatics.  I gave it away this past July.  

Same with a commercial panini press purchased on a whim - it's big and clunky (had to have an additional 220 plug installed) and I found it not as easy to use as my Cuisinart Griddler so it is currently on loan to a friend who owns a bakery/café here in town and I see no reason to have it returned.  

I didn't just get the TMX on a whim.  I spent a few months following some of the blogs and topics on other forums and I talked to a couple of chefs who have them and use them constantly, before I decided to buy.  I'm not at all sorry I did.

I used to work with a lot of wild game - prepping it for hunters whose wives were not interested.  I have a butcher's band saw for cutting big hunks of meat (and big chunks of frozen meat).  Nicely wrapped up in the garage, hasn't been used for years.  However I did use it a lot when I was catering and prepping venison, elk, wild boar and etc.  Since I no longer do that I should sell it but haven't gotten around to it.  

[judydawn]

Hi Joan, welcome to our forum.  As you will have gathered already, there is plenty of support on this forum and you only need to ask and someone will answer your questions.
Helene from Canada has a wonderful blog - you will find lots of interesting things to read here as you work your way around her blog. 

[Frozzie]

hi mairim and a belated welcome...nice that you have joined us 

[Nay-nay]

Welcome to TMX world Joan (aka mairim) - you have plenty of helpers here whenever you need. Drop by the Poll -Where are you from? There are 8 people on here voting for USA - I didn't realise it had got up to that many. 

[dede]

Hi and Welcome Joan, Really I think the TM is really easy to use and if you have any questions please ask and you should have an answer in no time. We all certainly questioned our self's when purchasing such an expensive machine but I think its worth every dollar. I would cry if something happened to mine now as its my no.1 kitchen helper, My 11 year old daughter uses it often as well with no problems at all. Good luck and we would love to see some of your conversions when you have the confidants to try your own recipes.

[fundj&e]

Hi Joan and welcome to the forum 

[trudy]

Hi Joan and a warm welcome to the forum.