PATENT ABSTRACT
An apparatus, including a food processor having a housing having a first section and second section, which second section is elongate in shape and houses at least a portion of a rotating member; a food processing attachment connected or attached to an end portion of the second section; and a plate capable of serving as a cover or lid for a cooking pot capable of being heated by a heating source. The plate has an opening for receiving the second section which is capable of being slideably moveable in and through the opening in a bi-directional manner to raise or lower a position of the food processing attachment, or to move the food processing attachment up or down, inside the cooking pot by a movement of the second section vertically up or down through the opening during a cooking or food processing operation in the cooking pot.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/027,630, filed Jul. 22, 2014, and entitled “FOOD PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD”, the subject matter and teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. This application also claims the benefit of the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/007,099, filed Jun. 3, 2014, and entitled “FOOD PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD”, the subject matter and teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to a food processing apparatus and method and, in particular, to a food processing apparatus and method which can be positioned on or over a top end portion, or an open end portion, of a cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item which can be utilized for cooking, processing, or preparing, foods or food ingredients. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Food processors, blenders, hand blenders, and the like, are well known in the prior art for performing various food processing, blending, or mixing, operations on, with, or regarding, foods and/or food ingredients of various types or kinds. 
     Traditional food processors and benders typically utilize food processing blades or elements or blending blades or elements which are located or situated at the bottom portion of the food container associated therewith. A motor or other actuating device in these food processors or blenders is typically located or situated in a housing located beneath the food processing blades or elements or blending blades or elements. Each time a food processing or blending operation is to be performed on or with food(s) or food ingredients, the food(s) or food ingredients, which are to be processed or blended, have to be placed into or inserted into or within a food container of the food processor or blender and on or over the food processing blades or elements or the blending blades or elements. A cover, to prevent the food or food ingredients from splattering out of the food container during food processing or blending, must be placed on or over the food container. Further, the need to move food or food ingredients from a cooking container into a food processor or blender can also be inconvenient and burdensome. 
     Hand blenders or handheld blenders (hereinafter “hand blenders”) are also known which are typically portable devices which can be utilized to process or blend food(s) or food ingredients in a food container. Hand blenders are typically utilized by manually inserting or immersing the portion of same containing the processing blades or elements or the blending blades or elements into the food or food ingredients and manually processing or blending the food or food ingredients while holding and moving the hand blender throughout and/or during the food processing or blending operation. Typically, care must be taken so as to ensure that the food processing blades or elements or the blending blades or elements remain immersed within or submerged in the food or food ingredients during the processing or blending process so as to prevent the food or food ingredients from splattering and/or causing an unnecessary mess. Hand blenders also require that the user manually move the hand blender about in order to ensure that a complete processing and/or blending of the food or the food ingredients is achieved. Further, hand blenders also typically have smaller blades or processing elements which also requires that the operator of the hand blender move the processing or blending portion of same about in the food or food ingredients being processed. 
     As a result of the many shortfalls of the prior art food processing devices and/or blenders, there is a need for a food processor apparatus which can provide for convenient use and operation and which can be utilized in connection with, or in conjunction with, any type or kind of cooking container. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to a food processing apparatus and method and, in particular, to a food processing apparatus and method which can be positioned on or over a top end portion, or an open end portion, of a cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item which can be utilized for cooking, processing, or preparing, foods or food ingredients which overcomes the shortfalls of the prior art. 
     The present invention provides a food processing apparatus which can be utilized in connection with, or along with, any suitable cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item which can be utilized for cooking, processing, or preparing, foods or food ingredients. The present invention also dispenses with the need to move or transfer food(s) or food ingredients from a cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item which can be utilized for cooking, processing, or preparing, foods or food ingredients to another cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. The present invention can also be placed or situated on a top end portion or a cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, thereby dispensing with the need to be held or supported during use by a user or operator. 
     The apparatus of the present invention includes a housing which can include a main housing portion and a cylindrical housing portion which is connected to or attached to the main housing portion. The cylindrical housing portion can be detachable from the main housing portion in order to facilitate easy and convenient cleaning and/or sterilization of same. The apparatus can also include, on the top portion of the main housing, a handle which can be utilized to handle or maneuver the apparatus. The handle can be attached to, or can be an integrated component of, the main housing portion. 
     The handle can include an operating switch which can be utilized by a user or operator to activate and/or control an operation of the apparatus. The handle can also include an on/off switch which can be used for activating and/or deactivating the apparatus. The handle an also include a control panel which can include an any one or more of an on/off switch or device, a speed selector switch or device, and/or an operating mode selector or device. The apparatus of the present invention can be designed to operate various food processing attachments, blending attachments, mixing attachments, whisking attachments, or any other suitable attachments at various selectable speeds and/or in various modes of operation, such as, for example, but not limited to, a food processing mode, a blending mode, a mixing mode, a beating mode, a whipping mode, a whisking mode, or any other food preparation mode of operation. 
     The apparatus of the present invention can be designed to operate in a chopping operating mode, a mixing operating mode, a blending operating mode, a liquefying operating mode, a grating operating mode, a beating operating mode, a whipping operating mode. a whisking operating mode, a stirring operating mode, a pureeing operating mode, a pulsing operating mode, an ice crushing operating mode, a crumbing operating mode, an extracting operating mode, a dough preparing operating mode, a smoothie preparing operating mode, a high speed operating mode, or any other food processing operating mode, and/or any other food processing-related operating mode. The apparatus of the present invention can also be designed, preprogrammed, or programmable, to perform any number of operating modes in a sequential manner. 
     The main housing portion also includes a power cord which can be selected to have any appropriate or desired length and should be made of a suitable heat resistant material which can provide for safe use in high temperature environments. The apparatus of the present invention can also be equipped to be battery powered, in addition to, or instead of, being utilized in connection with a plug in power cord. 
     The cylindrical housing portion can include an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The cylindrical housing portion can be attached to or connected to the main housing portion at the bottom side portion thereof. The apparatus also includes a food processing attachment can be attached to the apparatus at the lower end portion of the cylindrical housing portion. The food processing attachment can include a main body, a plurality of food processing blades attached to the main body, and a mixing element which can be formed in the main body and which can be designed to facilitate mixing during the food processing process. 
     The food processing attachment can also include a spacer portion, about which the remainder of the food processing attachment can freely rotate, which spacer portion can serve to elevate and to protect the food processing attachment components and the food processing blades, which are situated above same, from coming into contact with the bottom of a respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, in connection with which the apparatus is being utilized. In this regard, the spacer portion is rotatably connected to the main body of the food processing attachment. Use of the spacer portion in conjunction with the apparatus of the present invention can be optional or can be utilized as needed or desired in order to elevate and to protect the components of a respective food processing attachment and/or any food processing blades or other processing elements, while also allowing the food processing attachment to rotate freely about the spacer portion and/or to rotate without interference, obstruction, or resistance, during a use and/or an operation of the apparatus of the present invention. 
     The main housing portion and the cylindrical housing portion can be made, manufactured, or formed, of steel, stainless steel, plastic, heat treated plastic, composite material, or any other suitable or appropriate material or materials, or any combination of same. The main housing portion houses an electric motor. The electric motor can be an alternating current (AC) motor which can be powered via the line cord. The apparatus can also be battery powered and can be equipped with direct current (DC) motor. The electric motor can also be either an AC motor or a DC motor and the apparatus can be equipped with any DC-AC conversion circuitry or equipment or AC-DC conversion circuitry or equipment in order to facilitate use of the apparatus with any type or kind of motor and any available power source. The main housing portion also houses a control device or a controller and any attendant circuitry and/or equipment activating, de-activating, enabling, or disabling, or controlling and/or all operations and functions which can be performed by the apparatus. 
     The cylindrical housing portion can be a hollow cylinder which can house can accommodate a rotating rod, shaft, or element, which can be utilized to drive an operation of the food processing attachment and the food processing blades or any other food processing attachments or devices which can be utilized in connection with the apparatus of the present invention. 
     Either or both of the main housing portion and/or the cylindrical housing portion can also house a drive mechanism which is associated with the electric motor and the drive mechanism mating element which is attached to or mated with the rotating rod, shaft, or element and which transfers the rotational energy or the rotating operation of the electric motor to the rotating rod, shaft, or element. Either or both of the cylindrical housing portion and/or the food processing attachment can house the food processor drive mating element which can transfer the rotational energy or the rotating operation of the rotating rod, shaft, or element, to the food processor attachment which causes the food processing blades to rotate or spin during operation. The food processing blades  22  are fixedly attached or connected to the food processor attachment so that the food processing blades turn or rotate with the respective mechanical components of the food processor attachment. 
     The apparatus of the present invention can also include a plate which can be of a circular shape. It is important to note that the plate can take any shape depending on the nature of the use of the apparatus and, therefore, the plate can be square in shape, rectangular in shape, oval in shape, or can be designed to have any other shape. The plate has a hole or opening in the center thereof through which the cylindrical housing portion of the apparatus can pass. The hole or opening of the plate can be lined with a rubber gasket or a similar or like element which can facilitate the placement and/or movement of the cylindrical housing portion within and/or through the hole or opening as described herein. 
     The hole or opening in the plate can also be designed or selected to be of sufficient diameter to allow the cylindrical housing portion to be inserted therein and/or there through and, once the apparatus is assembled for use, the plate and the cylindrical housing portion can be slideable or moveable about or relative to each other. For example, when the plate of the apparatus is fixed, the cylindrical housing portion can slide back and forth as needed through the hole or opening in the plate. Likewise, when the cylindrical housing portion may be fixed in position, the plate can be slideable or moveable along the cylindrical housing portion. 
     The plate can serve any number of functions. For example, the plate, which can be of any suitable size, diameter, or thickness, can be selected to be large enough so at to cover the contents of, and/or so as to extend beyond the sides of, any type, kind, or size of cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item which can be utilized in connection with the apparatus of the present invention. The plate can be utilized, among other tings, to secure or to stabilize the apparatus on the top portion or on top of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, which can be utilized in connection with the apparatus of the present invention, or the plate can be utilized to prevent food from splattering from, or from or otherwise being expelled from, the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, or can be utilized to provide a stable platform on or with which a user or operator can perform any food processing operation. 
     The apparatus of the present invention, by virtue of the fact that the plate and the cylindrical housing portion can be slideable along each other or with regards to each other, can be utilized in connection with cooking pots, cooking containers, cooking utensils, or any other devices or items having any depth or size. Also, since use of the apparatus of the present invention may involve placing the apparatus on top of a cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or other device or item, and lowering the food processing blades onto the food or food ingredients to be processed, the slidability of the plate vis-a-vis the cylindrical housing portion and vice versa, allows the user or operator to place the plate over the cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or other device or item, so as to prevent food therein from splattering, and so as to allow the user or operator to activate the apparatus in order to cut or slice through the food or food ingredients until the food processing attachment reaches the bottom of the cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or other device or item, at which time and/or position the apparatus can be utilized to perform the desired food processing operation. 
     In the above-described manner, a controlled “cut through” of the food or food ingredients from the top of same down can be effectuated in order to bring or situate the food processing blades to a preferred location near the bottom of the cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or other device or item. The slidability of the plate vis-a-vis the cylindrical housing portion and vice versa, also allows a user or operator to move the food processing blades up and down via the handle, to effectuate any desired food processing operation, while keeping the plate in place to prevent splattering and/or to stabilize the apparatus vis-a-vis the cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or other device or item. 
     The apparatus can also include components located within the housing and food processor attachment. Components located within the housing includes the electric motor, the control circuitry or controller which is in electrical connection with the electric motor so as to control an operation of same, the drive mechanism which is mechanically connected to the electric motor and which transfers the rotational energy of the electric motor to the rotating rod, shaft, or element. The drive mechanism and the rotating rod can be connected and secured together using suitable respective male and female connecting elements. For example, the drive mechanism can include, at the top portion of same and at the center thereof, a female connector section which can receive a male connector section located at the top end portion of the rotating rod and centrally positioned thereon. 
     The rotating rod can have a male connector section which can be secured in place in a female connector section of the drive mechanism and the rotating rod can be secured with the drive mechanism by using any suitable or appropriate securing elements, devices, or means, which are known by those persons skilled in the art for securing such connections. The respective connector sections can be of such a respective and corresponding shape(s) so as to ensure that the rotational energy of the drive mechanism is transferred to the rotating rod in a complete a manner as possible. In this regard, for example, the female connector section can have an opening which is square in shape while the male connector section can also be square in shape in order to mate with the female connector. 
     The rotating rod and the food processing attachment can be connected and secured together using suitable respective male and female connecting elements. For example, the rotating rod can include, at the bottom portion of same and at the center thereof, a female connector section which can receive a male connector section located at the top end portion of the food processing attachment and centrally positioned thereon. The male connector section of the food processing attachment can be received into and can be secured in place in and female connector section of the rotating rod can the food processor attachment can be secured with the rotating rod by using any suitable or appropriate securing elements, devices, or means, which are known by those persons skilled in the art for securing such connections. 
     The respective connector sections can be of such a respective and corresponding shape(s) so as to ensure that the rotational energy of the rotating rod is transferred to the food processing attachment in a complete a manner as possible. In this regard, for example, the female connector section can have an opening which is square in shape while the male connector section can also be square in shape in order to mate with the female connector. Although square shapes are described herein as being utilized in the design and/or selection of the various connector sections, it is important to note that, any shapes can be utilized in the design and selection of these respective connectors. For example, the various connector sections can be three-sided, four sided and rectangular, five-sided, six-sided, or have any number of sides, or can be square, rectangular, triangular, or have be, or can have, any appropriate or desired shape. 
     The food processing attachment, the plate, the cylindrical housing portion, the rotating rod, and/or any other components of the apparatus can be easily disassembled from the main housing portion so that they can be cleaned and/or sterilized after use and easily reassembled for future use. 
     The plate can also include on the lower side portion of same, a cylindrical portion which can serve as a protective covering for the food processing blades of the food processing attachment. 
     The apparatus and method the present invention can be utilized in order to perform a food processing operation on food or food ingredients which are located in a cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item. In this regard, the apparatus can be utilized with or in connection with a cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item in or with which the food or food ingredients were cooked, so as to dispense with the need of having to transfer the food or food ingredients into a separate food processor or food processing container. In this regard, the apparatus can be utilized in order to avoid or to dispense transferring food, food ingredients, and any cooking liquids, from and between containers, thereby preventing any spills, messes, or waste, and/or dispensing with the need to handle hot food, food ingredients, or cooking liquids, and/or dispensing with the need to deal with any of the inconveniences or hazards associated with same. 
     Once food or food ingredients have been cooked to the desired manner, the respective cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item, can be removed from the stove or oven, or other cooking equipment, or cooking environment, and can be placed on a stand, on a platform, or on any other suitable structure away from the cooking equipment and/or at any other safe and convenient place for using the apparatus. Thereafter, the lid, if not yet removed, can be removed. The food or food ingredients in the cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, for example, can be, or can include, one or more vegetables and the liquid in which they were cooked. Thereafter, the plate, which can be previously lowered down along the cylindrical housing portion can be centered over and can be placed on the top of the cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item. In this manner, the food processing blades of the food processing attachment can be initially positioned above the food or food ingredients as shown. Such a procedure can prevent damage to the food processing blades. 
     Thereafter, the user or operator can select a slow speed of operation and can activate the apparatus. Once the apparatus has been activated and the processing blades are rotating, the user or operator can press downwardly on the handle in order to “cut through” food or food ingredients and can continue doing so until the spacer portion of the food processing attachment reaches the bottom of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. Once the spacer portion has reached the bottom of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, the apparatus can be in its preferred “in use” position. As noted herein, the food processing attachment can rotate freely about the spacer portion. Thereafter, the user or operator can commence using the apparatus by selecting any speed, mode, or manner, of use in order to perform the desired food processing operation. The user or operator can operate the apparatus so as to maintain the spacer portion against the bottom of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, until the food processing operation is completed. 
     The user or operator can also move the handle up and/or down, so as to move the cylindrical housing portion up or down vis-à-vis the plate, in any appropriate manner or fashion so as to elevate and lower the food processing blades in and during the food processing operation while maintaining the plate on the top of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. Once the food processing operation has been completed, the apparatus can be turned off and the plate and the remainder of the apparatus can be removed from the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. The apparatus of the present invention can also be utilized in order to process raw food or raw food ingredients, uncooked food or uncooked food ingredients, or partially cooked food or partially cooked food ingredients. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the plate can be designed to have sides extending from the end of same and extending downwardly. At least one benefit of having such sides is to provide for a greater level of containment of the contents of the food, food ingredients, or cooking liquid within the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. 
     The plate can also be designed to have at least two flanges along the circumference of same and the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, can either be deigned to have appropriate mating elements for mating with the flanges, or a circular fitting having the mating elements can be placed on and/or around the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, and the flanges of the plate can be mated with same so as to secure the plate to the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. 
     The plate and food processing attachment, and/or the food processing blades, can be provided in various sizes, so that the apparatus can be adapted for use with any size, shape, or type of cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. The food processing attachments and their associated food processing blades, rotating rods, cylindrical housing portions, and/or plates, regardless of their type, kind, shape, or size, can be interchangeable so that the apparatus can be adapted for any kind or type of use and/or with any size, type, or kind, of cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. 
     The apparatus can also be utilized for food processing attachments having any number, types, or kinds, of food processing blades. In this regard, two, three, four, five, six, or any other number or food processing blades can be included on a food processing attachment. The apparatus can also be utilized in conjunction with a food processing attachment which contains beater attachments instead of the food processing blades. The apparatus can also be utilized in conjunction with a food processing attachment which contains a whisk attachment instead of the food processing blades. The apparatus can also be utilized in conjunction with a food processing attachment which contains a blender attachment instead of the food processing blades. The ability to raise and lower the cylindrical housing portion vis-à-vis the plate can easily facilitate the use of the apparatus of the present invention with or in connection with many different types or kinds of food processing attachments. 
     The apparatus of the present invention can be utilized in connection with a cylindrical housing portion assembly and a rotating rod assembly which can be compressible or which can be adjustable lengthwise. The apparatus can be equipped with the cylindrical housing portion assembly and the rotating rod assembly which can be designed and/or which can be constructed to be compressible so as to be shortened lengthwise so as to shorten the effective length of the cylindrical housing portion assembly and the rotating rod assembly in order to position the main housing portion against the top side of the plate in order to facilitate use of the apparatus with any size, type, or kind, of cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item which can be utilized for cooking, or for any other reason or purpose. 
     The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized to perform any type or kind of food processing operations, activities, and/or functions, with or involving any types or kinds of foods and/or food ingredients. The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilized to perform any type or kind of food processing operations, activities, and/or functions, with or involving any types or kinds of hot or cold foods and/or food ingredients. 
     The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilized to perform any type or kind of food processing operations, activities, and/or functions, including, but not limited to, foods or food ingredients which have been prepared by the simultaneous boiling and steam of same, the boiling of same, or the steaming of same, prior to processing same using the apparatus of the present invention. 
     Further, the use of an adjustable cylindrical housing portion and any adjustable rotating rod assembly in connection with the apparatus of the present invention can also allow a user or operator to use the apparatus in connection with different sized of cooking pots, cooking containers, cooking utensils, or any other devices or items. 
     Any type, kind, shape, or size, of plate can be utilized in connection with the apparatus of the present invention so as to allow a user or operator to use different sizes of cooking pots, cooking containers, cooking utensils, or any other devices or items. 
     Any number, kind, type, shape, or size, of plates, cylindrical housing portions, adjustable cylindrical housing portions, rotating rods, adjustable rotating rod assemblies, or adjustable rotating rod assemblies, or food processing attachments, can be utilized with the apparatus of the present invention in an interchangeable manner or fashion for any type or kind, or application, of use. 
     The plate can be secured to the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, using any suitable connecting devices, elements, springs loaded devices, clips, or any other connectors. For example, a circular fitting which can have flanges which can correspond to flanges of the plate or which can have horizontally extending edges, can be secured to the top edge of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. Once the apparatus is placed on the top of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, the edge of the plate, or a flange (if utilized), can then be secured to the horizontally extending edge, or a flange (if utilized), of the circular fitting using any suitable connecting element, including, but not limited to, a C-clamped connector, a spring-loaded clip or connector, or any other suitable device. 
     The apparatus of the present invention can also be designed so that the main housing can be secured at any desired height above the plate during use. To facilitate securing the main housing at any desired height above the plate, the cylindrical housing portion can be designed to have a longitudinal strip of material, or any number of longitudinal strips of material, which can be made of rubber or any other suitable material, and which can run lengthwise along and down the cylindrical housing portion. A height adjuster element, which can be placed between the main housing and the plate during assembly for that particular use, can be equipped with a bolt and an associated turning or rotating portion or handle which can be turned in order to turn the bolt so as to cause the bolt to be moved into a contact with the longitudinal strip of material, so as to hold the cylindrical housing portion and the main housing in a non-moveable and/or stationary contact with each other and at a desired elevation above the plate and, correspondingly, to maintain the food processing attachment at a desired position within the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. In this manner, if a particular height adjustment is desired for the main housing to be secured above the plate, or if a particular position of the food processing attachment within the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, is desired, the apparatus of the present invention can be utilized to effectuate same. 
     The apparatus of the present invention can be utilized in order to perform any food processing operations, food blending operations, food whisking operations or food whipping operations, or food beating operations, or any other operations on or with any types or kinds of foods, food ingredients, or liquids. 
     The apparatus of the present invention can also be designed, and can be utilized, to perform any number of food processing and/or food processing-related operations and/or modes of operation, which can include, but which are not limited to, chopping, mixing, blending, liquefying, grating, beating, whipping. whisking, stirring, pureeing, pulsing, ice crushing, crumbing, extracting, preparing dough, preparing smoothies, performing high speed operation, and/or performing food processing and/or any other food processing-related, operations on, with, or regarding any of the various types or kinds or food(s), food ingredient(s), or liquids(s), with which the apparatus can be utilized. 
     The apparatus of the present invention can also be programmed to perform any of the food processing and/or food processing-related operations or functions described herein. For example, a user need only select the desired food processing and/or food processing-related operation or function and then start the apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention can also be programmed to sequence through a number of different operations or functions. As and for an example, the apparatus can, upon being selected to do so, perform a chopping operation, a mixing operation, a blending operation, and a liquefying operation, on any food, food ingredient(s), or liquid(s). The apparatus of the present invention can be programmed, or pre-programmed, to perform any of the herein-described operations or functions in any desired sequence for any desired period of time. 
     As and for an illustrative, but not limiting, example, when preparing a soup base, the apparatus of the present invention can be selected to chop the ingredients being processed for 30 seconds, then mix same for 30 seconds, then blend same for 30 seconds, and then liquefy same for 30 seconds before ceasing operation. As and for another illustrative, but not limiting, example, when preparing a smoothie, the apparatus  100  can be selected to crush ice for 30 seconds, chop the ingredients being processed for 30 seconds, then mix same for 30 seconds, then blend same for 30 seconds, and then liquefy same for 30 seconds before ceasing operation. 
     The apparatus of the present invention can also be designed, or can be preprogrammed, with any number of food processing operational or functional combinational sequences as well as the timed sequences for each operation or function utilized. The apparatus of the present invention can also be programmed by a user to perform any operations or functions in any sequential order or manner and/or for any desired time period(s). 
     The apparatus can include a central processing unit (CPU) which can process any data, information, and/or instructions, for activating, de-activating, enabling, disabling, and/or controlling an operation of the apparatus. The apparatus can also include a random access memory (RAM) for storing any data and/or information which can be utilized by the central CPU. The apparatus can also include a read only memory (ROM) for storing any data and/or information which can be utilized by the central CPU. Both the RAM and the ROM can be connected to the CPU. The CPU can also be connected to the motor which is housed in the main housing portion. The CPU can controls the operation of the motor. The apparatus can also include a database which can store any data, information, and/or instructions which can be utilized by the CPU. The CPU, the RAM, the ROM, the motor, and the database, can all be housed within the main housing portion. An operating switch can also be connected to the CPU, an On/Off Switch can also be connected to the CPU, and the control panel, which can include a user input device and a display device, can also be connected to the CPU. 
     A user can select the mode of operation or the modes of operation of the apparatus via the control panel, and can activate the apparatus via the operating switch and/or the On/Off Switch so as to operate the apparatus as desired. The apparatus and, in particular, the CPU can be programmed to control the mode(s) of operation of the apparatus, the motor, the food processing attachment, and/or the plurality of food processing blades, as well as to control the operating of speed of the apparatus, the motor, the food processing attachment, and/or the food processing blades, so as to utilize the apparatus in any of the herein-described, or any other suitable, modes of operation and/or any sequential modes of operation. 
     The CPU can be programmed with various modes of operation(s), and any times for operating same, including, for example, but not limited to, motor speed(s) and time(s) of operation, for or regarding each mode of operation, for performing each of a wide variety of chopping, mixing, blending, liquefying, grating, beating, whipping. whisking, stirring, pureeing, pulsing, ice crushing, crumbing, extracting, performing dough preparation, preparing smoothies, performing high speed operations, and/or performing food processing and/or any other food processing-related, modes of operations. 
     The apparatus of the present invention can be utilized with, or as a component of, a cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus can include a cooking pot which can be equipped to operate as a conventional stovetop cooking pot and/or as a slow cooker, a lower lid assembly, which can be attached to the cooking pot via any suitable flanges or connectors. The apparatus of the present invention can also be secured to the top portion of the lower lid assembly via the plate of the apparatus and any flanges or connectors. The lower lid assembly can be designed to have sufficiently sized opening so as to facilitate the placement of a portion of the apparatus therein and therethrough so as to attach same onto the cooking pot. 
     The cooking apparatus can also include a control panel which contains the necessary switches, control knobs, input keypad, and display device, needed to operating the cooking pot of the cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus can also include a line cord for connecting the cooking pot to an AC (alternating current) power source. Either or both of the cooking pot and the apparatus can also be battery powered. 
     The cooking apparatus can also be utilized in connection with a one-piece lid or with a two-piece lid. The two-piece lid can be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus of the present invention. 
     The apparatus of the present invention can also be utilized with interchangeable plates which can have different sizes or diameters so as to accommodate and/or so as to facilitate utilizing the plate to cover the entire open top of the pot or the cooking pot and in order to facilitate utilizing the plate in conjunction with a two-piece lid assembly configuration of the cooking apparatus. 
     The cooking pot can include an inner cooking pot which can be made of any appropriate material, such as for example, stainless steel or any suitable metal, metal alloy, or any other commercially know cooking utensil material. The inner cooking pot can be round in shape like a conventional cooking pot. The inner cooking pot can also contain, on the inner side walls thereof, measuring lines or measurement markings for use by a user in filling food, food ingredients, or liquids, into the inner cooking pot in desired proportions. 
     The cooking pot can also contain an electric cooking or heating element which can be located at the bottom end portion of the cooking pot and beneath, and in contact, with the bottom of the inner cooking pot so as to provide for maximum heat transfer to the inner cooking pot. The inner cooking port can be situated directly on top of the heating element. The heating element can be sized so as to be round and so as to have a diameter which is at least somewhat larger then the diameter of the bottom portion of the inner cooking pot. The heating element can also be sized so as to be round and so as to have a diameter equal to, or smaller than, the diameter of the inner cooking pot. ** 
     The heating element can be utilized to perform stovetop-like cooking with the cooking pot. The heating element can be of the same type or kind as those heating elements utilized in electric stoves and electric stove burners, which can be found in homes and/or in commercial food preparation establishments. In this regard, the heating element can be the same type of kind of heating elements as those used in electric stove burners. The heating element can also be designed and utilized to perform stovetop or stovetop-like cooking tasks, with heating temperatures at least the same as the maximum cooking temperatures of conventional household electric stove burners or gas stove burners or commercial electric stove burners or gas stove burners. In this regard, the cooking pot is not limited to performing only slow cooking tasks. 
     The cooking pot can also include a wrap-around jacket heating element which can be placed around and against the inner cooking pot. The jacket heating element can extend from the top portion of the inner cooking pot to the bottom of the heating element beneath same, or can extend any distance along the height of the cooking pot. The jacket heating element can be designed so as to provide the heating capabilities of heating elements found in conventional slow cookers as well as to provide the heating capabilities found in electric stove burners. 
     The cooking pot can also contain insulating material or insulation which can be provided between the heating element and the inner side of the exterior bottom wall portion of the housing of the cooking pot, and which is provided between the jacket heating element and the inner side of the exterior side wall portion of the housing of the cooking pot. The insulation can be designed to completely contain the heat produced by the heating element and the jacket heating element. The housing of the cooking pot can be made of any suitable material(s) which are typically used in manufacturing slow cookers and/or other countertop cooking appliances and devices. For example, the exterior wall of the housing of the cooking pot can be made of any porcelain material or any other non-heat conducting material or materials. 
     The cooking pot can include a central processing unit (CPU) which can process any data, information, and/or instructions, for activating, de-activating, enabling, disabling, and/or controlling an operation of the cooking pot. The cooking pot  420  can also include a random access memory (RAM) for storing any data and/or information which can be utilized by the central CPU. The cooking pot can also include a read only memory (ROM) for storing any data and/or information which can be utilized by the central CPU. Both the RAM and the ROM can be connected to the CPU. 
     The CPU can also be connected to the heating element and can control the operation of same. The CPU can also be connected to the jacket heating element and can control the operation of same. The cooking pot can also include a database which can store any data, information, and/or instructions which can be utilized by the CPU. The CPU, the RAM, the ROM, the heating element, the jacket heating element, and the database are all housed within the housing of the cooking pot. An operating switch, which can be mounted on the exterior of the cooking pot can also be connected to the CPU. An On/Off Switch can also be connected to the CPU. A control panel, which can contain a user input device(s) and a display device, can also be connected to the CPU. 
     A user can select the mode of operation or the modes of operation of the cooking pot via the control panel, and can activate the cooking pot via the operating switch and/or the On/Off Switch so as to operate the cooking pot as desired. The cooking pot and, in particular, the CPU can be programmed to control the mode(s) of operation of the cooking pot, the heating element, and the jacket heating element, as well as to control the operating temperature(s) of the cooking pot, so as to utilize the cooking pot in any desired and/or suitable modes of operation or in any desired sequential modes of operation. 
     The CPU can be programmed with various cooking modes of operation(s), and any cooking temperatures and corresponding cooking times corresponding thereto, including, for example, but not limited to, cooking temperatures and times of and for the heating element and/or the jacket heating element for performing low temperature cooking, medium temperature cooking, high temperature cooking, slow cooking, stovetop cooking, or food warming, and/or any other cooking operations which can be performed by the cooking pot. The CPU can also be preprogrammed and/or programmed for cooking certain foods, food ingredients, and/or liquids, and for performing automatic sequential cooking operations in cooking foods, food ingredients, and/or liquids. In this regard, the CPU can be preprogrammed or programmed with predetermined operating mode settings, as well as any corresponding cooking temperatures or cooking temperature settings and any cooking times allocated for each of the cooking temperature settings. The CPU can also be preprogrammed or can be programmed with, and so as to automatically control, various types of kinds of cooking modes of operation in order to effectuate various cooking techniques. 
     The apparatus of the present invention and the cooking pot  420  can be utilized in conjunction with one another in order to cook or prepare various food(s), food ingredient(s), or liquids, with and using the cooking pot, and to thereafter process the food(s), the food ingredient(s), or the liquid(s), with the apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus of the present invention can also be attached to the cooking pot during any and/or all cooking operations performed by the cooking pot. The apparatus of the present invention can also be attached to the cooking pot after and/or all cooking operations by the cooking pot  420  have been completed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the Drawings: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, in a three-dimensional perspective; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing a preferred order of assembly of the housing, the plate, and the food processing attachment of same; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the internal components of housing and food processor attachment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the plate which can be utilized in connection with the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a preferred embodiment illustration of the how the plate of  FIG. 4  can be utilized to provide protection for the food processing attachment and/or the food processing blades of same; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a preferred embodiment method for using the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the plate which can be utilized in connection with the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C , illustrate another preferred embodiment for using plate having flanges in connection with the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates another preferred embodiment of a food processing attachment which contains four food processing blades; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates another preferred embodiment of a food processing attachment which contains beater attachments; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates another preferred embodiment of a food processing attachment which contains a whisk attachment; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates another preferred embodiment of a food processing attachment which contains a blender attachment; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the adjustable cylinder housing portion of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the adjustable rotating rod assembly of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the adjustable rotating rod assembly of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C  illustrate various cross sectional views of the adjustable rotation rod assembly of  FIG. 16  and illustrating the principle of the operation of same; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the apparatus can be secured to a cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item; 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  illustrate another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the main housing can be secured at a desired height or location above the plate. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating the various components of same which are utilized in controlling the operation of, and/or the operating mode of, same, in block diagram form; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a preferred embodiment of a cooking apparatus of the present invention with which the apparatus of  FIG. 1  can be utilized; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates the cooking apparatus of  FIG. 22  with the apparatus of  FIG. 1  removed and replaced by an upper lid assembly; 
         FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C  illustrate the cooking apparatus of  FIG. 22  from a top view perspective; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates an exploded side view of the cooking apparatus of  FIG. 22  showing the components of same; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the present invention showing the apparatus of Figure and the cooking pot of the cooking apparatus; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the cooking pot of the cooking apparatus of the present invention showing some of the components of same; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the jacket heating element of the cooking pot of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIGS. 28A, 28B, and 28C  illustrate other preferred embodiment designs for the cooking pot of  FIG. 26 ; and 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the cooking pot of the cooking apparatus of the present invention illustrating the various components of same which are utilized in controlling the operation of, and/or the operating mode of the cooking pot, in block diagram form. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention pertains to a food processing apparatus and method and, in particular, to a food processing apparatus and method which can be positioned on or over a top end portion, or an open end portion, of a cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item which can be utilized for cooking, processing, or preparing, foods or food ingredients. 
     The present invention provides a food processing apparatus which can be utilized in connection with, or along with, any suitable cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item which can be utilized for cooking, processing, or preparing, foods or food ingredients. The present invention also dispenses with the need to move or transfer food(s) or food ingredients from a cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item which can be utilized for cooking, processing, or preparing, foods or food ingredients to another cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. The present invention can also be placed or situated on a top end portion or a cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, thereby dispensing with the need to be held or supported during use by a user or operator. 
     As used herein, the terms “cooking pot”, “cooking container”, or “cooking utensil”, or the plural of same, means or refers to any pot, pan, skillet, tray, container, utensil, mixing bowl, slow cooker, Crock Pot, steamer, or any other device, item, or equipment, which can be used to cook, boil, steam, broil, simultaneously boil and steam, process, or prepare, any type of kind of food or food ingredient. In a preferred embodiment, any of the herein-described cooking pots, cooking containers, cooking utensils, or other devices or items, can be made or manufactured of, from, or with, or can include, steel, metal, stainless steel, glass, plastic, or non-stick materials, or any combination of same, and/or can be designed to include measuring lines on the interior sides thereof, or on the exterior sides thereof when manufactured from glass, plastic, or any other suitable or appropriate clear, transparent, near transparent, or semi-transparent, materials. In a preferred embodiment, the herein-described cooking pots, cooking containers, cooking utensils, or other devices or items, can also be provided with, or have associated therewith, a stand, a platform, or a base made of appropriate material on which the respective cooking pots, cooking containers, cooking utensils, or other devices or items, can be placed or supported when being utilized in connection with the apparatus  100  of the present invention. 
     Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/027,630, filed Jul. 22, 2014, and entitled “FOOD PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD”, the subject matter and teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Applicant also hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/007,099, filed Jun. 3, 2014, and entitled “FOOD PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD”, the subject matter and teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, which is designated generally by the reference numeral  100 , in a three-dimensional perspective. With reference to  FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  includes a housing  10  which includes a main housing portion  11  and a cylindrical housing portion  12 , which is connected to or attached to the main housing portion  11 . In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical housing portion  12  is detachable from the main housing portion  11  in order to facilitate easy and convenient cleaning and/or sterilization of same. The apparatus  100 , in a preferred embodiment, also includes, on the top portion of the main housing portion  11 , which houses, among other components of the apparatus  100 , the motor (not shown), a handle  13  which can be utilized to handle or maneuver the apparatus  100 . In a preferred embodiment, the handle  13  can be attached to, or can be an integrated component of, the main housing portion  11 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the handle  13  includes an operating switch  14  which can be utilized by a user or operator to activate and/or control an operation of the apparatus  100 . In a preferred embodiment, the handle  13  can also include an on/off switch  15  which can be used for activating and/or deactivating the apparatus  100 . In a preferred embodiment, the handle  13  also includes a control panel  16  which can include an any one or more of an on/off switch or device, a speed selector switch or device, and/or an operating mode selector or device. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can be designed to operate various food processing attachments, blending attachments, mixing attachments, whisking attachments, or any other suitable attachments at various selectable speeds and/or in various modes of operation, such as, for example, but not limited to, a food processing mode, a blending mode, a mixing mode, a beating mode, a whipping mode, a whisking mode, or any other food preparation mode of operation. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can be designed to operate in a chopping operating mode, a mixing operating mode, a blending operating mode, a liquefying operating mode, a grating operating mode, a beating operating mode, a whipping operating mode. a whisking operating mode, a stirring operating mode, a pureeing operating mode, a pulsing operating mode, an ice crushing operating mode, a crumbing operating mode, an extracting operating mode, a dough preparing operating mode, a smoothie preparing operating mode, a high speed operating mode, or any other food processing operating mode, and/or any other food processing-related operating mode. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can also be designed, preprogrammed, or programmable, to perform any number of operating modes in a sequential manner. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the main housing portion also includes a power cord  17  which extends therefrom as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the power cord  17  can selected to have any appropriate or desired length and should be made of a suitable heat resistant material which can provide for safe use in high temperature environments or which can provide adequate safety when using the apparatus  100  in connection with high temperature cooking pots, cooking containers, cooking utensils, or any other devices or items found in a cooking environment. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can also be equipped to be battery powered, in addition to, or instead of, being utilized in connection with a plug in power cord. 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 1 , the cylindrical housing portion  12  includes an upper end portion  18  and a lower end portion  19 . In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical housing portion  12  is attached to or connected to the main housing portion  11  at the bottom side portion thereof as shown in  FIG. 1 . In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  also includes a food processing attachment  20  which in a preferred embodiment, is attached to the apparatus  100  at the lower end portion of the cylindrical housing portion  12  as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the food processing attachment  20  includes a main body  21 , a plurality of food processing blades  22  attached to the main body  21 , and a mixing element  21 A which, in a preferred embodiment, is formed in the main body  21  and which can be designed to facilitate mixing during the food processing process. In a preferred embodiment, the food processing attachment  20  can also include a spacer portion  24 , about which the main body  21  and/or the remainder of the food processing attachment  20  can freely rotate, which spacer portion  24  can serve to elevate and to protect the food processing attachment components  21  and  21 A, and/or the food processing blades  22 , which are situated above same, from coming into contact with the bottom of a respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, in connection with which the apparatus  100  is being utilized. In this regard, in a preferred embodiment, the spacer portion  24  is rotatably connected to the main body  21  of the food processing attachment  20 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, use of the spacer portion  24  in conjunction with the apparatus  100  of the present invention, or in connection with any type or kind of food processing attachment  20 , can be optional or can be utilized as needed or desired in order to elevate and to protect the components of a respective food processing attachment  20  and/or any food processing blades or other processing elements, while also allowing the food processing attachment  20  to rotate freely about the spacer portion  24  and/or to rotate freely and without interference, obstruction, or resistance, during a use and/or an operation of the apparatus  100  of the present invention. 
     In a preferred embodiment, as well as in any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the use of the spacer portion  24 , or the use of any other spacer portion which can be utilized on or in connection with any other food processing attachment with which the apparatus  100  of the present invention can be utilized, can be optional, and/or the spacer portion  24 , or any other spacer portion, can be rotatably connected with the main body  21  of the food processing attachment  20  and can be designed in any appropriate manner as long as the remaining components of the food processing attachment  20 , the main body  21 , the mixing element  21 A, or any food processing blades  22 , or any food processing elements, can rotate freely about the spacer portion  24  or other spacer portion while being elevated from the bottom of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, in connection with which the apparatus  100  is being utilized. 
     In this manner, the spacer portion  24  serves to elevate and to protect the remaining components of the food processing attachment  20  above and from the bottom of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, in connection with which the apparatus  100  is being utilized, while also allowing the remaining components of the food processing attachment  20 , the main body  21 , the mixing element  21 A, or any food processing blades  22 , or any food processing elements, to rotate freely about the spacer portion  24  any without interference, obstruction, or resistance, during a use and/or an operation of the apparatus  100  of the present invention. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the main housing portion  11  and the cylindrical housing portion  12  can be made, manufactured, or formed, of steel, stainless steel, plastic, heat treated plastic, composite material, or any other suitable or appropriate material or materials, or any combination of same. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the main housing portion  11  houses an electric motor (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the electric motor is an alternating current (AC) motor which can be powered via the line cord  17 . In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can also be battery powered and can be equipped with direct current (DC) motor. In still another preferred embodiment, the electric motor can also be either an AC motor or a DC motor and the apparatus  100  can be equipped with any DC-AC conversion circuitry or equipment or AC-DC conversion circuitry or equipment in order to facilitate use of the apparatus with any type or kind of motor and any available power source. In a preferred embodiment, the main housing portion also houses a control device or a controller and any attendant circuitry and/or equipment activating, de-activating, enabling, or disabling, or controlling and/or all operations and functions which can be performed by the apparatus  100 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical housing portion  12  is a hollow cylinder which can house can accommodate a rotating rod, shaft, or element (not shown) which is utilized to drive an operation of the food processing attachment  20  and the food processing blades  22  or any other food processing attachments or devices which can be utilized in connection with the apparatus  100  of the present invention. 
     In a preferred embodiment, either or both of the main housing portion  11  and/or the cylindrical housing portion  12  can also house the drive mechanism (not shown) which is associated with the electric motor and the drive mechanism mating element (not shown) which is attached to or mated with the rotating rod, shaft, or element and which transfers the rotational energy or the rotating operation of the electric motor to the rotating rod, shaft, or element. In a preferred embodiment, either or both of the cylindrical housing portion  12  and/or the food processing attachment  20  can house the food processor drive mating element (not shown) which transfers the rotational energy or the rotating operation of the rotating rod, shaft, or element, to the food processor attachment  20  which causes the food processing blades  22  to rotate or spin during operation. In a preferred embodiment, the food processing blades  22  are fixedly attached or connected to the food processor attachment  20  so that the food processing blades  22  turn or rotate with the respective mechanical components of the food processor attachment  20 . 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 1 , the food processor apparatus  100  also includes a plate  25  which, in a preferred embodiment, is of a circular shape. Although described as being of a circular shape, it is important to note that the plate  25  can take any shape depending on the nature of the use of the apparatus  100  and, therefore, the plate  25  can be square in shape, rectangular in shape, oval in shape, or can be designed to have any other shape. In a preferred embodiment, the plate has a hole or opening  27  in the center thereof through which the cylindrical housing portion  12  of the apparatus  100  can pass. In a preferred embodiment, the hole or opening  27  of the plate  25  is lined with a rubber gasket or a similar or like element (not shown) which can facilitate the placement and/or the movement of the cylindrical housing portion  12  within and/or through the hole or opening  27  as described herein. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the hole or opening  27  in the plate  25  can be designed or selected to be of sufficient diameter to allow the cylindrical housing portion  12  to be inserted therein and/or there through and, once the apparatus  100  is assembled for use, the plate  25  and the cylindrical housing portion  12  can be slideable or moveable about or relative to each other. For example, when the plate  25  of the apparatus  100  is fixed, the cylindrical housing portion  12  and slide back and forth as needed through the hole or opening  27  in the plate  25 . Likewise, when the cylindrical housing portion  12  may be fixed in position, the plate  25  can be slideable or moveable along the cylindrical housing portion  12 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the plate  25  can serve any number of functions. For example, the plate  25 , which can be of any suitable size, diameter, or thickness, can be selected to be large enough so at to cover the contents of, and/or so as to extend beyond the sides of, any type, kind, or size of cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item which can be utilized in connection with the apparatus  100  of the present invention. The plate  25  can be utilized, among other tings, to secure or to stabilize the apparatus  100  on the top portion or on top of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, which can be utilized in connection with the apparatus  100  of the present invention, or the plate  25  can be utilized to prevent food from splattering from, or from or otherwise being expelled from, the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, or can be utilized to provide a stable platform on or with which a user or operator can perform any food processing operation. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  of the present invention, by virtue of the fact that the plate  25  and the cylindrical housing portion  12  can be slideable along each other or with regards to each other, can be utilized in connection with cooking pots, cooking containers, cooking utensils, or any other devices or items having any depth. Also, since a preferred embodiment use of the apparatus  100  of the present invention may involve placing the apparatus on top of a cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or other device or item, and lowering the food processing blades onto the food or food ingredients to be processed, the slidability of the plate  25  vis-a-vis the cylindrical housing portion  12  and vice versa, allows the user or operator to place the plate  25  over the cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or other device or item, so as to prevent food therein from splattering, and so as to allow the user or operator to activate the apparatus  100  in order to cut or slice through the food or food ingredients until the food processing attachment reaches the bottom of the cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or other device or item, at which time and/or position the apparatus  100  can be utilized to perform the desired food processing operation. 
     In the above-described manner, a controlled “cut through” of the food or food ingredients from the top of same down can be effectuated in order to bring or situate the food processing blades  22  to a preferred location near the bottom of the cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or other device or item. The slidability of the plate  25  vis-a-vis the cylindrical housing portion  12  and vice versa, also allows a user or operator to move the food processing blades up and down via the handle, to effectuate any desired food processing operation, while keeping the plate  25  in place to prevent splattering and/or to stabilize the apparatus  100  vis-a-vis the cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or other device or item. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1  showing a preferred order of assembly of the housing  10 , the plate  25 , and the food processing attachment  20 .  FIG. 2  illustrates the housing  10  including the main housing portion  11 , the cylindrical housing portion  12 , the handle  13 , the operation switch  14 , On/Off switch  15 , control panel  16 , plate  25 , rubber gasket or a similar or like element  26  (hereinafter “gasket  26 ”). and the food processing attachment  20  containing food processing blades  22 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the internal components of housing  10  and food processor attachment  20  with the outer components of the apparatus shown in dashed lines.  FIG. 3  illustrates the electric motor  30 , the control circuitry or controller  31  which is in electrical connection with the electric motor  30  so as to control an operation of same, the drive mechanism  32  which is mechanically connected to the electric motor  30  and which transfers the rotational energy of the electric motor  30  to the rotating rod, shaft, or element  33  (hereinafter “the rotating rod  33 ). The drive mechanism  32  and the rotating rod  33 , in a preferred embodiment, are connected and secured together using suitable respective male and female connecting elements. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism  32  can include, at the top portion of same and at the center thereof, a female connector section  34  which can receive a male connector section  35  located at the top end portion of the rotating rod  33  and centrally positioned thereon. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the rotating rod  33  can have a male connector section  35  which can be secured in place in a female connector section  34  of the drive mechanism  32  and the rotating rod  33  can be secured with the drive mechanism  32  by using any suitable or appropriate securing elements, devices, or means, which are known by those persons skilled in the art for securing such connections. In a preferred embodiment, the respective connector sections  34  and  35  can be of such a respective and corresponding shape(s) so as to ensure that the rotational energy of the drive mechanism  32  is transferred to the rotating rod  33  in a complete a manner as possible. In this regard, in a preferred embodiment, for example, the female connector section  34  can have an opening which is square in shape, as shown, while the male connector section  35  can also be square in shape in order to mate with the female connector  34 . 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 3 , the rotating rod  33  and the food processing attachment  20 , in a preferred embodiment, are connected and secured together using suitable respective male and female connecting elements. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the rotating rod  33  can include, at the bottom portion of same and at the center thereof, a female connector section  36  which can receive a male connector section  23  located at the top end portion of the food processing attachment  20  and centrally positioned thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the male connector section  23  of the food processing attachment  20  can be received into and can be secured in place in and female connector section  36  of the rotating rod  33  can the food processor attachment  20  can be secured with the rotating rod  33  by using any suitable or appropriate securing elements, devices, or means, which are known by those persons skilled in the art for securing such connections. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the respective connector sections  36  and  23  can be of such a respective and corresponding shape(s) so as to ensure that the rotational energy of the rotating rod  33  is transferred to the food processing attachment  20  in a complete a manner as possible. In this regard, in a preferred embodiment, for example, the female connector section  36  can have an opening which is square in shape, as shown, while the male connector section  23  can also be square in shape in order to mate with the female connector  36 . 
     Although square shapes are described herein as being utilized in the design and/or selection of the various connector sections  34 ,  35 ,  36 , and  23 , it is important to note that, in the preferred embodiment, any shapes can be utilized in the design and selection of these respective connectors. For example, the various connector sections can be three-sided, four sided and rectangular, five-sided, six-sided, or have any number of sides, or can be square, rectangular, triangular, or can be, or can have, any appropriate or desired shape. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the food processing attachment  20 , the plate  25 , the cylindrical housing portion  12 , the rotating rod  33 , and/or any other components of the apparatus  100  can be easily disassembled from the main housing portion  11  so that they can be cleaned and/or sterilized after use and easily reassembled for future use. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plate  25  can include on the lower side portion of same, a cylindrical portion which can serve as a protective covering for the food processing blades  22  of the food processing attachment  20 .  FIG. 4  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the plate  25  which can be utilized in connection with the apparatus  100  of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 4 , the plate  25  includes on the lower side of same, a hollow cylindrical portion or a hollow cylinder  28  (hereinafter “cylinder  28 ”). In a preferred embodiment, cylinder  28  should have an interior diameter which is larger that the diameter of the food processing blades  22  and an interior vertical height which is larger that the height of the food processing attachment  20  so that, when the apparatus  100  is not in use, the plate  25  may be lowered downwardly along the cylindrical housing portion  12  until the cylinder  28  fully covers or encompasses the food processing attachment  20  and the food processing blades of same.  FIG. 5  illustrates a preferred embodiment illustration of the how the plate  25  of  FIG. 4  can be utilized to provide protection for the food processing attachment  20  and/or the food processing blades of same. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  and method the present invention can be utilized in order to perform a food processing operation on food or food ingredients which are located in a cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item. In this regard, in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can be utilized with or in connection with the same a cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item in or with which the food or food ingredients were cooked, so as to dispense with the need of having to transfer the food or food ingredients into a separate food processor or food processing container. In this regard, the apparatus  100  can be utilized in order to avoid or to dispense transferring food, food ingredients, and any cooking liquids, from and between containers, thereby preventing any spills, messes, or waste, and/or dispensing with the need to handle hot food, food ingredients, or cooking liquids, and/or dispensing with the need to deal with any of the inconveniences or hazards associated with same. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a preferred embodiment method for using the apparatus  100  of the present invention. Once the food or food ingredients have been cooked in or to the desired manner, the respective a cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item, can be removed from the stove or over, or other cooking equipment, and can be placed on a stand, on a platform, or on any other suitable structure away from the cooking equipment and/or at any other safe and convenient place for using the apparatus  100 . Thereafter, the lid, if not yet removed, can be removed. In a preferred embodiment, the food or food ingredients in the cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, for example, can be, or can include, one or more vegetables and the liquid in which they were cooked. Thereafter, in a preferred embodiment, the plate  25 , which can be previously lowered down along the cylindrical housing portion  12  as shown in  FIG. 6A , can be centered over and can be placed on the top of the cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item, as shown in  FIG. 6A . In this manner, the food processing blades  22  of the food processing attachment  20  can be initially positioned above the food or food ingredients as shown. This procedure can prevent damage to the food processing blades  22 . 
     Thereafter, the user or operator can select a slow speed of operation and can activate the apparatus  100 . Once the apparatus  100  has been activated and the processing blades  22  are rotating, the user or operator can press downwardly on the handle  13  in order to “cut through” food or food ingredients and can continue doing so until the spacer portion  24  of the food processing attachment  20  reaches the bottom of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, as shown in  FIG. 6B . As noted herein, the food processing attachment  20  can rotate freely about the spacer portion  24 . Once the spacer portion  24  has reached the bottom of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, the apparatus  100  is in its preferred “in use” position. Thereafter, the user or operator can commence using the apparatus  100  by selecting any speed, mode, or manner, of use in order to perform the desired food processing operation. In a preferred embodiment, the user or operator can operate the apparatus  100  so as to maintain the spacer portion  24  against the bottom of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, until the food processing operation is completed. In another preferred embodiment, the user or operator can also move the handle  13  up and/or down, so as to move the cylindrical housing portion  12  up or down vis-à-vis the plate  25 , in any appropriate manner or fashion so as to elevate and lower the food processing blades  22  in and during the food processing operation while maintaining the plate  25  on the top of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. Once the food processing operation has been completed, the apparatus  100  can be turned off and the plate  25  and the remainder of the apparatus  100  can be removed from the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. 
     Although the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  has been described and illustrated as being used to process cooked food or cook food ingredients, it is important to not that the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  can also be utilized in order to process raw food or raw food ingredients, uncooked food or uncooked food ingredients, or partially cooked food or partially cooked food ingredients. In this regard, in a preferred embodiment, as well as any of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus  100  and method of the present invention can be utilized to process raw, uncooked, partially cooked, or fully cooked, food or food ingredients. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the plate  25  can be designed to have sides extending from the end of same and extending downwardly.  FIG. 7  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the plate  25  of  FIG. 1  wherein the plate  25  has sides  29  extending downwardly as shown. At least one benefit of having sides  29  is to provide for a greater level of containment of the contents of the food, food ingredients, or cooking liquid within the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the plate  25  can be designed to have at least two flanges along the circumference of same and the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, can either be designed to have appropriate mating elements for mating with the flanges, or a circular fitting having the mating elements can be placed on and/or around the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, and the flanges of the plate  25  can be mated with same so as to secure the plate  25  to the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item.  FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C , illustrate another preferred embodiment for using the plate  25  having flanges.  FIG. 8A  illustrates the plate  25  having flanges  40 ,  FIG. 8B  illustrates the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, with the circular fitting  41  attached to same. In a preferred embodiment, the circular fitting  41  can be attached to the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, at any time and in any appropriate manner. In another preferred embodiment, the circular fitting  41  can be formed integrally with the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. With reference to  FIG. 8B , the circular fitting  41  has mating elements  42 , either attached thereto or integrally formed therein or therewith, as shown, for use in mating with the flanges  40  of the plate  25  as described herein.  FIG. 8C  illustrates the plate  25  secured to the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, with the flanges  40  mated with the mating elements  42  of the circular fitting  41 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, as well as any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the plate  25  and food processing attachment  20 , and/or the food processing blades  22 , can be provided in various sizes, so that the apparatus  100  can be adapted for use with any size, shape, or type of cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. In another preferred embodiment, any of the food processing attachments  20  and their associated food processing blades  22 , rotating rods  33 , cylindrical housing portions  12 , plates  25 , regardless of their type, kind, shape, or size, can be interchangeable so that the apparatus  100  can be adapted for any kind or type of use and/or with any size, type, or kind, of cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can also be utilized for food processing attachments having any number, types, or kinds, of food processing blades  22 . In this regard, two, three, four, five, six, or any other number or food processing blades  22  can be included on a food processing attachment.  FIG. 9  illustrates another preferred embodiment of a food processing attachment  20  which contains four food processing blades  22 . 
     In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can also be utilized in conjunction with a food processing attachment  20  which contains beater attachments  50 , instead of the food processing blades  22 .  FIG. 10  illustrates another preferred embodiment of a food processing attachment  20  which contains beater attachments  50 . 
     In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can also be utilized in conjunction with a food processing attachment  20  which contains a whisk attachment  55  instead of the food processing blades  22 .  FIG. 11  illustrates another preferred embodiment of a food processing attachment  20  which contains a whisk attachment  55 . 
     In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can also be utilized in conjunction with a food processing attachment  20  which contains a blender blades  60  instead of the food processing blades  22 .  FIG. 12  illustrates another preferred embodiment of a food processing attachment  20  which contains a blender attachment  60 . 
     It can be easily seen that the ability to raise and lower the cylindrical housing portion  12  vis-à-vis the plate  25  can easily facilitate the use of the apparatus of the present invention with or in connection with many different types or kinds of food processing attachments. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention can be utilized in connection with a cylindrical housing portion assembly and a rotating rod assembly which can be compressible or which can be adjustable lengthwise. In such a preferred embodiment, the apparatus can be equipped with the cylindrical housing portion assembly and the rotating rod assembly which can be designed and/or which can be constructed to be compressible so as to be shortened lengthwise. In this manner, the apparatus can be utilized so as to shorten the effective length of the cylindrical housing portion assembly and the rotating rod assembly in order to position the main housing portion against the top side of the plate, as is shown for example in  FIG. 6B , in order to facilitate use of the apparatus with any size, type, or kind, of cooking pot, a cooking container, a cooking utensil, or any other device or item which can be utilized for cooking, or for any other reason or purpose. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, which is designated generally by the reference numeral  200 . With reference to  FIG. 13 , the apparatus  200  includes a housing  210  which includes a main housing  211  and a adjustable cylinder housing portion  212 . The adjustable cylinder housing portion  212  also includes upper portion  212 A and lower portion  212 B. The upper portion  212 A is moveable within the lower portion  212 B. Within the adjustable cylinder housing portion  212  is situated an adjustable rotating rod assembly  233 . The rotating rod assembly  233  includes the upper portion  233 A and the lower portion  233 B as shown. The upper portion  233 A is moveable within the lower portion  233 B. With reference once again to  FIG. 13 , the apparatus  200  also includes plate  225 , as shown, and food processing attachment  220  having food processing blades  222  as shown. In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 13 , the adjustable cylinder housing  212  and the adjustable rod assembly  233  are adjustable lengthwise. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the adjustable cylinder housing portion  212  of  FIG. 13 . With reference to  FIG. 14 , the adjustable cylinder housing portion  212  includes a upper portion  212 A which can be attached to the underside of the main housing  211  when the apparatus  200  is assembled, and a lower portion  212 B which is positioned adjacent to the food processing attachment  220 . In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion  212 A can have a longitudinal slot(s)  212 G running lengthwise down each side thereof which, in a preferred embodiment, can facilitate connecting the upper portion  212 A to and with the lower portion  212 B in a slideably connected manner. In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion  212 A has two longitudinal slots  212 G which are diametrically opposite each other. In another preferred embodiment, the upper portion  212 A can have any number of longitudinal slots  212 G located at any appropriate location in or on the upper portion  212 A. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable cylindrical housing portion  212  also includes a spring  212 K which provides the tension and/or bias for facilitating the compression and expansion of the adjustable cylindrical housing portion. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion  212 A has, on the bottom side thereof a cylindrical plate  212 J which is utilized in connection with the spring  212 K in order to provide a connecting surface for the spring  212 K as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the spring  212 K is situated and placed between the bottom side of the cylindrical plate  212 J and the top side cylindrical plate  212 L located at the bottom of the interior of the lower portion  212 B. In a preferred embodiment, the spring  212 K provides the appropriate tension and/or bias between the upper portion  212 A and the lower portion  212 B for facilitating the compression of the adjustable cylindrical housing portion  212 . In a preferred embodiment, the spring  212 K is selected to be sized so that it will being situated around the rotating rod assembly  233  and so as not to interfere with the rotating rod assembly  233  which, when the apparatus  200  is fully assembled, will be positioned and which will rotate within the space in the center of the spring  212 K. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the lower portion  212 B can have at least two holes or openings  212 H on each side thereof which can correspond to each longitudinal slot(s)  212 G located in or on the upper portion  212 A and which can facilitate or allow placement of a connector element(s)  212 C for attaching the lower portion  212 B to the upper portion  212 A as shown in  FIG. 14 . In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element(s)  212 C can be any suitable device or assembly of devices, a rivet or a rivet-like device, element, or item, or an appropriately-sized nut and bolt assembly, or any hardware or assembly of hardware. In a preferred embodiment, two connecting elements  212 C can be utilized in conjunction with each longitudinal slot  212 G in the upper portion  212 A. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the inner end portion  212 C 1  of each connecting element  212 C is sized to be larger than the longitudinal slot  212 G so that the middle portion  212 C 2  of each connecting element  212 C can be passed through the longitudinal slot  212 G of the upper portion  212 A during assembly of the cylindrical housing portion  212  while each inner end portion  212 C 1  of same is retained by the interior wall of the upper portion  212 A, as shown. In a preferred embodiment, each inner end portion  212 C 1  is sized to be larger than the width of the longitudinal slot  212 G so that each inner end portion  212 C 1  of each connecting element  212 C is retained inside the upper portion  212 A. Each connecting element  212 C extends through the longitudinal slot  212 G of the upper portion  212 A and through the holes or openings  212 H of the lower portion  212 B and extends beyond the exterior side wall of the lower portion. Each outer end portion  212 C 3 , having a size larger that the diameter of the hole or opening  212 H is connected to the end of each connecting element  212 C which extends beyond the exterior wall of the lower portion  212 B so that each outer end portion is located adjacent the exterior wall of the lower portion  212 B when the adjustable cylindrical hosing portion  212  is assembled. 
     The assembly of the adjustable cylindrical housing portion  212  facilitates the longitudinal movement of the lower portion  212 B along the longitudinal slots  212 G so that its movement towards in the direction towards the main housing portion  211  results in a shortening of the length of the adjustable cylindrical housing portion  212  and its movement in the direction away from the main housing portion  211  results in a lengthening of the adjustable cylindrical housing portion  212 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  of  FIG. 13 . With reference to  FIG. 15 , the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  includes a upper portion  233 A and a lower portion  233 B. In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion  233 A can have a male connector section  235  which can be secured in place in a female connector section  34  of the drive mechanism  32  and the upper portion  233 A can be secured with the drive mechanism  32  by using any suitable or appropriate securing elements, devices, or means, which are known by those persons skilled in the art for securing such connections. In a preferred embodiment, the respective connector sections  34  and  235  can be of such a respective and corresponding shape(s) so as to ensure that the rotational energy of the drive mechanism  32  is transferred to the upper portion  233 A in a complete a manner as possible. In this regard, in a preferred embodiment, for example, the female connector section  34  can have an opening which is square in shape while the male connector section  235  can also be square in shape in order to mate with the female connector  34 . 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 15 , the lower portion  233 B of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  and the food processing attachment  20 , in a preferred embodiment, are connected and secured together using suitable respective male and female connecting elements. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the lower portion  233 B of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  can include, at the bottom portion of same and at the center thereof, a female connector section  236  which can receive a male connector section  23  located at the top end portion of the food processing attachment  20  and centrally positioned thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the male connector section  23  of the food processing attachment  20  can be received into and can be secured in place in and with the female connector section  236  of the lower portion  233 B of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  and the food processor attachment  20  can be secured with the lower portion  233 B of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  by using any suitable or appropriate securing elements, devices, or means, which are known by those persons skilled in the art for securing such connections. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the respective connector sections  236  and  23  can be of such a respective and corresponding shape(s) so as to ensure that the rotational energy of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  is transferred to the food processing attachment  20  in a complete a manner as possible. In this regard, in a preferred embodiment, for example, the female connector section  236  can have an opening which is square in shape while the male connector section  23  can also be square in shape in order to mate with the female connector  236 . Although square shapes are described herein as being utilized in the design and/or selection of the various connector sections  34 ,  235 ,  236 , and  23 , it is important to note that, in the preferred embodiment, any shapes can be utilized in the design and selection of these respective connectors. For example, the various connector sections can be three-sided, four sided and rectangular, five-sided, six-sided, or have any number of sides, or can be rectangular, triangular, or can be, or can have, any appropriate or desired shape. 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 15 , the upper portion  233 A can have a longitudinal slot(s)  233 G running lengthwise down each side thereof which, in a preferred embodiment, which can facilitate connecting the upper portion  233 A to and with the lower portion  233 B in a slideably connected manner. In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion  233 A has two longitudinal slots  233 G which are diametrically opposite each other. In another preferred embodiment, the upper portion  233 A can have any number of longitudinal slots  233 G located at any appropriate location in or on the upper portion  233 A. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  also includes a spring  233 K which provides the tension and/or bias for facilitating the compression and expansion of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233 . In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion  233 A has, on the bottom side thereof a cylindrical plate  233 J which is utilized in connection with the spring  233 K in order to provide a connecting surface for the spring  233 K as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the spring  233 K is situated and placed between the bottom side of the upper portion  233 J and the top side cylindrical plate  233 L located in the lower region of the lower portion  233 B as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the spring  233 K provides the appropriate tension and/or bias between the upper portion  233 A and the lower portion  233 B for facilitating the compression of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the lower portion  233 B can have at least two holes or openings  233 H on each side thereof which can correspond to each longitudinal slot(s)  233 G located in or on the upper portion  233 A and which can facilitate or allow placement of a connector element(s)  233 C for attaching the lower portion  233 B to the upper portion  233 A as shown in  FIG. 15 . In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element(s)  233 C can be any suitable device or assembly of devices, a rivet or a rivet-like device, element, or item, or an appropriately-sized nut and bolt assembly, or any hardware or assembly of hardware. In a preferred embodiment, two connecting elements  233 C can be utilized in conjunction with each longitudinal slot  233 G in the upper portion  233 A. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the inner end portion  233 C 1  of each connecting element  233 C is sized to be larger than the longitudinal slot  233 G so that the middle portion  233 C 2  of each connecting element  233 C can be passed through the longitudinal slot  233 G of the upper portion  233 A during assembly of the cylindrical housing portion  233  while each inner end portion  233 C 1  of same is retained by the interior wall of the upper portion  233 A, as shown. In a preferred embodiment, each inner end portion  233 C 1  is sized to be larger than the width of the longitudinal slot  233 G so that each inner end portion  233 C 1  of each connecting element  233 C is retained inside the upper portion  233 A. Each connecting element  233 C extends through the longitudinal slot  233 G of the upper portion  233 A and through the holes or openings  233 H of the lower portion  233 B and extends beyond the exterior side wall of the lower portion. Each outer end portion  233 C 3 , having a size larger that the diameter of the hole or opening  233 H is connected to the end of each connecting element  233 C which extends beyond the exterior wall of the lower portion  233 B so that each outer end portion is located adjacent the exterior wall of the lower portion  233 B when the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  is assembled. 
     The assembly of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  facilitates the longitudinal movement of the lower portion  233 B along the longitudinal slots  233 G so that its movement towards in the direction towards the main housing portion  211  results in a shortening of the length of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  and its movement in the direction away from the main housing portion  211  results in a lengthening of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233 . Further, the assembly of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  also provides that the rotation of the lower portion  233 B is driven by the rotation of the upper portion  233 A. In this regard, the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  of  FIG. 15  can be used to drive the food operation of the food processor attachment  20  while allowing the adjustable rotating rod to be compressible and/or adjustable lengthwise. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the adjustable rotating rod assembly of  FIG. 13  which is designated by the reference numeral  333 . The adjustable rotating rod assembly  333  dispenses with the need for the longitudinal slots  233 G, the holes or openings  233 H, and the connecting elements  233 C of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  233  of  FIG. 15  and operates on a principal that a non-circular object, when placed within at least a portion of an inner periphery of a slightly larger similarly shaped non-circular object, will, when rotated within the portion of the slightly larger similarly shaped non-circular object, will cause the rotation of the slightly larger similarly shaped non-circular object. 
     With reference to  FIG. 16 , the adjustable rotating rod assembly  333  includes a upper portion  333 A and a lower portion  333 B. In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion  333 A can have a male connector section  335  which can be secured in place in a female connector section  34  of the drive mechanism  32  and the upper portion  333 A can be secured with the drive mechanism  32  by using any suitable or appropriate securing elements, devices, or means, which are known by those persons skilled in the art for securing such connections. In a preferred embodiment, the respective connector sections  34  and  335  can be of such a respective and corresponding shape(s) so as to ensure that the rotational energy of the drive mechanism  32  is transferred to the upper portion  333 A in a complete a manner as possible. In this regard, in a preferred embodiment, for example, the female connector section  34  can have an opening which is square in shape while the male connector section  335  can also be square in shape in order to mate with the female connector  34 . 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 16 , the lower portion  333 B of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  333  and the food processing attachment  20 , in a preferred embodiment, are connected and secured together using suitable respective male and female connecting elements. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the lower portion  333 B of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  333  can include, at the bottom portion of same and at the center thereof, a female connector section  336  which can receive a male connector section  23  located at the top end portion of the food processing attachment  20  and centrally positioned thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the male connector section  23  of the food processing attachment  20  can be received into and can be secured in place in and with the female connector section  336  of the lower portion  333 B of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  333  and the food processor attachment  20  can be secured with the lower portion  333 B of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  333  by using any suitable or appropriate securing elements, devices, or means, which are known by those persons skilled in the art for securing such connections. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the respective connector sections  336  and  23  can be of such a respective and corresponding shape(s) so as to ensure that the rotational energy of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  333  is transferred to the food processing attachment  20  in a complete a manner as possible. In this regard, in a preferred embodiment, for example, the female connector section  336  can have an opening which is square in shape while the male connector section  23  can also be square in shape in order to mate with the female connector  336 . Although square shapes are described herein as being utilized in the design and/or selection of the various connector sections  34 ,  335 ,  336 , and  23 , it is important to note that, in the preferred embodiment, any shapes can be utilized in the design and selection of these respective connectors. For example, the various connector sections can be three-sided, four sided and rectangular, five-sided, six-sided, or have any number of sides, or can be rectangular, triangular, or can be, or can have, any appropriate or desired shape. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable rotating rod assembly  333  also includes a spring  333 K which provides the tension and/or bias for facilitating the compression and expansion of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  333 . In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion  333 A has, on the bottom side thereof a cylindrical plate  333 J which is utilized in connection with the spring  333 K in order to provide a connecting surface for the spring  333 K as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the spring  333 K is situated and placed between the bottom side of the upper portion  333 J and the top side cylindrical plate  333 L located in the lower region of the lower portion  333 B as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the spring  333 K provides the appropriate tension and/or bias between the upper portion  333 A and the lower portion  333 B for facilitating the compression of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  333 . 
       FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C  illustrate various cross sectional views of the adjustable rotation rod assembly  333  of  FIG. 16  illustrating a portion of same wherein the upper portion  333 B is situated inside the lower portion  333 B and illustrating the principle of the operation of the adjustable rotating rod assembly  333  of  FIG. 16 . In the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 16, 17A, 17B, and 17C , each of upper portion  333 A and the lower portion  333 B are selected as having a square cross section as shown, with the size of the lower portion  333 A being slightly smaller than the size of the lower portion  333 B as shown in  FIG. 17A . Although selected as having a square cross sectional shape in the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 16 and 17 , it is important to not that the upper portion  333 A and the lower portion  333 B can be selected or chosen to have any non-circular shape and can be sized in relation to one another so that the upper portion  333 A can fit inside the inner periphery of the lower portion  333 B as shown in  FIG. 17A  and so that the adjustable rotation rod assembly  333  can operate as described and illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C . 
     With reference  FIG. 17A , the portion of the upper portion  333 A is situated as shown to be within the portion of the lower portion  333 B. With reference to  FIG. 17B , as the upper portions  333 A rotates when driven by the drive mechanism  32 , the upper portion  333 A rotates until it comes into contact the inner wall of the lower portion  333 B as shown. In a preferred embodiment, since the size of the upper portion  333 A is selected to be slightly smaller than the size of the lower portion  333 B, contact between the two will be ensured. Once contact between the upper portion  333 A and the lower portion  333 B is established, then the continued rotation of the upper portion  333 A will drive the rotation of the lower portion  333 B as shown in  FIG. 17C . Once the rotation of the upper portion  333 A drives the rotation of the lower portion  333 B, the rotation of the adjustable rotating rod assembly commences and the adjustable rotation rod assembly  333  will drive the food processor attachment  20  and the food processing blades  22  of same. 
     The adjustable rotating rod assembly of  FIG. 16  and  FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C  can be used to drive the food operation of the food processor attachment  20  while allowing the adjustable rotating rod assembly  333  to be compressible and/or adjustable lengthwise. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the plate  25  can be secured to the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, using any suitable connecting devices, elements, springs loaded devices, clips, or any other connectors. For example, a circular fitting which can have flanges which can correspond to flanges of the plate, or which can have horizontally extending edges, can be secured to the top edge of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. Once the apparatus is placed on the top of the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, the edge of the plate, or a flange (if utilized), can then be secured to the horizontally extending edge, or a flange (if utilized), on or of the circular fitting by using any suitable connecting element, including, but not limited to, a C-clamped connector, a spring-loaded clip or connector, or any other suitable device. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus  100  of the present invention wherein the apparatus  100  can be secured to a cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. With reference to  FIG. 18 , in a preferred embodiment, the plate  25  can be sized so as to extend beyond the sides of the cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item as shown, and the plate can also have extending therefrom any number of flanges  125  around the periphery of the plate  25  as shown. In a preferred embodiment, circular fitting  210 , having an outer diameter which corresponds to, or is approximately, the size of the diameter of the plate  25  can be affixed to and/or secured to the top of the cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item, as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the circular fitting  110  also has flanges  126  which are positioned to be in alignment with the flanges  125  of the plates  25  as shown. Once plate  25  is set atop and centered about the circular fitting  100 , one or more C-clamp connectors  150  can be utilized to clamp the plate  25  to the outer edge of the circular fitting  110  as shown. Although illustrated in  FIG. 18  as be clamped at the edges as shown, the plate  25  and the circular fitting  110  can also be clamped together by attaching the C-clamp connectors  150  so as to clamp together one or more of the flanges  125  of the plate  25  to the corresponding flanges  126  of the circular fitting  110 . In another preferred embodiment, C-clamp connectors  150  can also be utilized to clamp together the plate  25  to the outer edge of the circular fitting  110  as well to clamp together one or more flanges  125  of the plates to one or more flanges  126  of the circular fitting  110 . 
     In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  of the present invention can also be designed so that the main housing  11  can be secured at any desired height above the plate  25  during use. To facilitate securing the main housing  11  at any desired height above the plate  25 , the cylindrical housing portion  12  can be designed to have a longitudinal strip of material, or any number of longitudinal strips of material, which can be made of rubber or any other suitable material, and which can run lengthwise along and down the cylindrical housing portion  12 . A height adjuster element, which can be placed between the main housing  11  and the plate  25  during the assembly of the apparatus  100  for that particular use, can be equipped with a bolt and an associated turning or rotating portion which can be turned in order to turn the bolt so as to cause the bolt to be moved into a contact with the longitudinal strip of material, so as to hold the cylindrical housing portion  12  and the main housing  11  in a non-moveable and/or stationary contact with each other and at a desired elevation above the plate  25  and, correspondingly, to maintain the food processing attachment  20  at a desired position within the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. In this manner, if a particular height adjustment is desired for the main housing  11  to be secured above the plate  25 , or if a particular position of the food processing attachment  20  within the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, is desired, the apparatus  100  of the present invention can be utilized to effectuate same. 
       FIGS. 19A and 19B  illustrate another preferred embodiment of the apparatus  100  of the present invention wherein the main housing  11  can be secured at a desired height or location above the plate  25 .  FIG. 19A  illustrates the main housing  11  and the cylindrical housing portion  12  of the apparatus  100 . With reference to  FIG. 19A , the cylindrical housing portion  12  can be designed to have a longitudinal strip of material  12 A, or any number of longitudinal strips of material  12 A, which can be made of rubber or any other suitable material, and which can run lengthwise along and down the cylindrical housing portion  12 , as shown.  FIG. 19B  illustrates the main housing  11  and the cylindrical housing portion  12  of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 19A  along with the plate  25  and height adjuster element  250 . With reference to  FIG. 19B . the height adjuster element  250 , which can be placed between the main housing  11  and the plate  25 , as shown, during the assembly of the apparatus  100  for that particular use, can be equipped with a bolt  251  and an associated turning or rotating portion or knob  252  which can be turned in order to turn the bolt  251  so as to cause the bolt to be moved into contact with the longitudinal strip of material  12 A, so as to hold, or lock in place, the cylindrical housing portion  12  and the main housing  11  in a non-moveable and/or stationary contact with each other and at a desired elevation above the plate  25  and, correspondingly, to maintain the food processing attachment  20  at a desired position within the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, or any other device or item. In this manner, if a particular height adjustment is desired for the main housing  11  to be secured above the plate  25 , or if a particular position of the food processing attachment  20  within the respective cooking pot, cooking container, cooking utensil, is desired, the height adjuster element  250 , or any equivalent device, can be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus  100  of the present invention to effectuate same so as to secure, and/or so as to lock in place, the main housing  11  any desired distance above, from, and/or relative to, the plate  25 . It is important to note that any suitable device or devices can be utilized as a substitute for the height adjuster element  250 . 
     The apparatus  100  and method of the present invention can be utilized to perform any type or kind of food processing operations, activities, and/or functions, with or involving any types or kinds of foods and/or food ingredients. The apparatus  100  and method of the present invention can also be utilized to perform any type or kind of food processing operations, activities, and/or functions, with or involving any types or kinds of hot or cold foods and/or food ingredients. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  and method of the present invention can be utilized to perform any type or kind of food processing operations, activities, and/or functions, including, but not limited to foods or food ingredients which have been prepared by the simultaneous boiling and steam of same, the boiling of same, or the steaming of same, prior to processing same using the apparatus  100  of the present invention. 
     In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the use of an adjustable cylindrical housing portion  212  and any adjustable rotating rod assemblies  233  or  333  in connection with the apparatus  100  or  200  can allow a user or operator to use the apparatus  100  or  200  in connection with different sizes of cooking pots, cooking containers, cooking utensils, or any other devices or items. 
     In another preferred embodiment as well as any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any type, kind, shape, or size, of plates  25  can be utilized in connection with the apparatus  100  or  200  so as to allow a user or operator to use the apparatus  100  or  200  in connection with different sizes of cooking pots, cooking containers, cooking utensils, or any other devices or items. 
     In another preferred embodiment as well as any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any number, type, kind, shape, or size, of plates  25 , cylindrical housing portions  12 , adjustable cylindrical housing portions  212 , rotating rods  13 , adjustable rotating rod assemblies  233 , or adjustable rotating rod assemblies  233 , or food processing attachments  20 , can be utilized with the apparatus  100  and/or  200  in an interchangeable manner or fashion for any type or kind, or application, of use. 
     The apparatus  100  and  200  of the present invention can be utilized in order to perform any food processing operations, food blending operations, food whisking operations or food whipping operations, or food beating operations, or any other operations on or with any types or kinds of foods, food ingredients, or liquids. 
     In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus  100  can also be designed, and can be utilized, to perform any number of food processing and/or food processing-related operations and/or modes of operations, which can include, but which are not limited to, chopping, mixing, blending, liquefying, grating, beating, whipping. whisking, stirring, pureeing, pulsing, ice crushing, crumbing, extracting, preparing dough, preparing smoothies, performing high speed operations, and/or performing food processing and/or any other food processing-related, operations on, with, or regarding any of the various types or kinds or food(s), food ingredient(s), or liquids(s), with which the apparatus  100  can be utilized. 
     In another preferred embodiments, as well as any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus  100  can be programmed to perform any of the food processing and/or food processing-related operations or functions described herein. For example, a user need only select the desired food processing and/or food processing-related operation or function and then start the apparatus  100 . In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can also be programmed to sequence through a number of different operations or functions. As and for an example, the apparatus  100  can, upon being selected to do so, perform a chopping operation, a mixing operation, a blending operation, and a liquefying operation on any food, food ingredient(s), or liquid(s). It is important to note that the apparatus  100  can also be programmed, or pre-programmed, to perform any of the herein-described operations or functions in any desired sequence for any desired period of time. 
     As and for an illustrative, but not limiting, example, when preparing a soup base, the apparatus  100  can be selected to chop the ingredients being processed for 30 seconds, then mix same for 30 seconds, then blend same for 30 seconds, and then liquefy same for 30 seconds before ceasing operation. As and for another illustrative, but not limiting, example, when preparing a smoothie, the apparatus  100  can be selected to crush ice for 30 seconds, chop the ingredients being processed for 30 seconds, then mix same for 30 seconds, then blend same for 30 seconds, and then liquefy same for 30 seconds before ceasing operation. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can also be designed, or can be preprogrammed, with any number of food processing operational or functional combinational sequences as well as the timed sequences for each operation or function utilized. In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can also be programmed by a user to perform any operations or functions in any sequential order or manner and/or for any desired time period(s). 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1  illustrating the various components of same which are utilized in controlling the operation of, and/or the operating mode of the apparatus  100 , in block diagram form. With reference to  FIG. 20 , the apparatus  100  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  11 A which can process any data, information, and/or instructions, for activating, de-activating, enabling, disabling, and/or controlling an operation of, the apparatus  100 . The apparatus  100  also includes a random access memory (RAM)  11 B for storing any data and/or information which can be utilized by the central CPU  11 A. The apparatus  100  also include a read only memory (ROM)  11 C for storing any data and/or information which can be utilized by the central CPU  11 A. In a preferred embodiment, both the RAM  11 B and the ROM  11 C are connected to the CPU  11 A. 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 20 , the CPU  11 A is also connected to the motor  11 D which is housed in the main housing portion  11 . The CPU  11 A controls the operation of the motor  11 D. The apparatus  100  can also include a database  11 E which can store any data, information, and/or instructions, which can be utilized by the CPU  11 A. In a preferred embodiment, the CPU  11 A, the RAM  11 B, the ROM  11 C, the motor  11 D, and the database  11 E are all housed within the main housing portion  11 . With reference once again to  FIG. 20 , the operating switch  14  is connected to the CPU  11 A, the On/Off Switch  15  is connected to the CPU  11 A, and the control panel  16 , which can also include a user input device and a display device, is also connected to the CPU  11 A. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the user can select the mode of operation or the modes of operation of the apparatus  100  via the control panel  16 , and can then activate the apparatus  100  via the operating switch  14  and/or the On/Off Switch  15  so as to operate the apparatus  100  as desired. The apparatus  100  and, in particular, the CPU  11 A can be programmed in order to control the mode(s) of operation of the apparatus  100 , the motor  11 D, the food processing attachment  20 , and/or the plurality of food processing blades  22 , as well as to control the operating speed(s) of the apparatus  100 , the motor  11 D, the food processing attachment  20 , and/or the food processing blades  22 , so as to utilize the apparatus  100  in any of the herein-described, or any other suitable, modes of operation and/or in any sequential modes of operation. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the CPU  11 A can be programmed with various modes of operation(s), and any times for operating same, including, for example, but not limited to, motor speed(s) and time(s) of operation, for or regarding each mode of operation, for performing each of a wide variety of chopping, mixing, blending, liquefying, grating, beating, whipping. whisking, stirring, pureeing, pulsing, ice crushing, crumbing, extracting, preparing dough, preparing smoothies, high speed operation(s), and/or food processing and/or any other food processing-related, modes of operations. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  of the present invention can be utilized with, or as a component of, a cooking apparatus.  FIG. 21  illustrates a preferred embodiment of a cooking apparatus of the present invention with which the apparatus  100  of the present invention can be utilized. With reference to  FIG. 21 , the cooking apparatus of the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral  400 . With reference to  FIG. 21 , the cooking apparatus  400  includes a cooking pot  420  which, as described herein, can be equipped to operate as a conventional stovetop cooking pot and/or as a slow cooker, a lower lid assembly  450 , which can be attached to the cooking pot  420  via any suitable flange connectors  440  as shown, which connectors or flanges can be of the same type or kind as any of the herein-described connectors or flanges  125 ,  126 , or  150 , or any other suitable connectors or flanges described herein, or can be any other suitable connecting or securing devices or means which are known to those skilled in the art of attaching and/or securing together two or more elements of a cooking apparatus. 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 21 , the apparatus  100  can be secured to the top portion of the lower lid assembly  450 , as shown, via the plate  25  of the apparatus  100  and the flange connectors  460  located on the lower lid assembly  450 . In a preferred embodiment, the lower lid assembly  450  is designed to have a sufficiently sized opening in the center of same so as to facilitate the placement of a portion of the apparatus  100  therein and therethrough so as to facilitate attachment of the apparatus  100  to the cooking pot  420  as shown in  FIG. 21 . 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 21 , the cooking apparatus  400  also includes, on the front side of the cooking pot, a control panel  430  which contains the necessary switches, control knobs, input keypad, and display device, needed for operating the cooking pot  420 . The cooking apparatus  400  also includes a line cord  470  for connecting the cooking pot  420  to an AC (alternating current) power source. In another preferred embodiment, either or both of the cooking pot  420  and the apparatus  100  can also be battery powered. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates the cooking apparatus  400  of  FIG. 21  with the apparatus  100  removed and replaced by upper lid assembly  455 , as shown, which is attached or secured to the lower lid assembly  450  by using the flange connectors  460  which are located on the lower lid assembly  450 . In a preferred embodiment, the upper lid assembly  455  also includes a knob  456  for handling the upper lid assembly  455  and the upper lid assembly  455 /lower lid assembly  450  combination when the two elements are secured together. Although shown and described as having a knob  456 , it is important to note that the upper lid assembly  455  can also be equipped with, or have, any suitable handle or handles for handling the upper lid assembly  455  and the upper lid assembly  455 /lower lid assembly  450  combination when the two elements are secured together. 
       FIG. 23A  illustrates the cooking apparatus  400  of  FIG. 22  from a top view perspective and illustrating the upper lid assembly  455 , having knob  456 , being attached or secured to the lower lid assembly  450  via flange connectors  460 .  FIG. 23A  also illustrates the flange connectors  440  for attaching or securing the lower lid portion to the cooking pot  420 .  FIGS. 23B and 23C  illustrate how the lower lid assembly  450  is connected and attached to the cooking pot  420  by placing the lower lid assembly atop the cooking pot  420  and then by rotating the lower lid assembly  450  clockwise, as shown, until the flanges  441  of the lower lid assembly  450  mate with and within the flange connector  440  of the cooking pot  420 , and illustrate how the upper lid assembly  455  is connected or attached to the lower lid assembly  450  by placing the upper lid assembly  455  atop the lower lid assembly  450  and by rotating the upper lid assembly  455  clockwise, as shown, in  FIG. 23B  until the flanges  461  of the upper lid assembly  455  mate with and within the flange connector  460  of the lower lid assembly  450 .  FIG. 23B  illustrates the rotation of the lower lid assembly  450  relative to the cooking pot  420  and the rotation of the upper lid assembly  455  relative to the lower lid assembly  450 .  FIG. 23C  illustrates the upper lid assembly  455  and its component parts mated with the lower lid assembly  450  and illustrates the lower lid assembly  450  and its component parts mated with the cooking pot  420 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates an exploded side view of the cooking apparatus  400  of  FIG. 22  showing the components of same. In particular,  FIG. 24  shows the cooking pot  420 , the flange connectors  440 , the lower lid assembly  450 , the connectors or flanges  441  of the lower lid assembly  450 , which mate with the flange connectors  440  of the cooking pot  420 , the flange connectors  460  of the lower lid assembly  450 , and the upper lid assembly  455 , having knob  456 , and having the connectors or flanges  461  which mate with the flange connectors  460  of the lower lid assembly  450 . 
       FIG. 25  illustrates an exploded view of the cooking apparatus  400  showing the  100  attached and the cooking pot  420  of the cooking apparatus  400 . In particular,  FIG. 24  shows the cooking pot  420 , the flange connectors  440 , the lower lid assembly  450 , the connectors or flanges  441  of the lower lid assembly  450 , which mate with the flange connectors  440  of the cooking pot  420 , the flange connectors  460  of the lower lid assembly  450 , and the apparatus  100  and connectors or flanges  461  which mate with the flange connectors  460  of the lower lid assembly  450 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can be utilized with interchangeable plates  25  which can have different sizes or diameters so as to accommodate and/or so as to facilitate utilizing the plate  25  to cover the entire open top of any pot or the cooking pot  420 , in a manner similar or analogous to the manner shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 18 . In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can be utilized with interchangeable plates  25  which can have different sizes or diameters so as to accommodate and/or so as to facilitate utilizing the plate  25  in conjunction with the two-piece lid assembly configuration of the cooking apparatus  400  and, in particular, in order to facilitate using the apparatus  100  with an appropriately sized plate  25  in order to facilitate utilization of the apparatus  100  with a lower lid assembly  450  having any sized opening in the center thereof, as shown in  FIG. 21 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the lower lid assembly  450  can be designed to have a center portion opening, or cutout or hole, of any desired diameter size, with the plate  25  of the apparatus  100  being selected to mate with same as shown in  FIG. 21 . In this regard, the two-piece lid assembly of  FIGS. 22-24  facilitates the use of the cooking pot  420  in order to cook food(s), food ingredient(s), or liquid(s), and then to attach the apparatus  100 , in the place of the upper lid assembly  455 , in order to perform any food processing operation on or with any of the food(s), food ingredient(s), or liquid(s), which were cooked or prepared in the cooking pot  420 . 
     In another preferred embodiment, the two-piece lid assembly can also be replaced with a one-piece lid assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the lid assembly, whether it be a one-piece assembly or a two-piece assembly can be utilized to cover the cooking pot  420  and the food(s), food ingredient(s), or liquid(s), while same are being cooked therein. Thereafter, the one-piece lid can be removed and the apparatus  100  can be mounted thereon and attached thereto as shown in  FIG. 18  or, in the case of a two-piece lid, the upper lid assembly  455  can be removed and the apparatus  100  can be mounted thereon and attached to the lower lid assembly  450 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the cooking pot  420  of the cooking apparatus  400  showing some of the components and features of the cooking pot  420 . With reference to  FIG. 26 , the cooking pot  420  includes an inner cooking pot  422  which can be made of any appropriate material, such as for example, stainless steel or any suitable metal, metal alloy, or made of any other commercially known cooking utensil material or cooking equipment. In a preferred embodiment, the inner cooking pot  422  can be round in shape like a conventional cooking pot. In a preferred embodiment, the inner cooking pot  422  can also contain on the inner side walls thereof, measuring lines, measurement gradients, or measurement markings  423  (hereinafter “measuring lines  423 ”) which can be used by a user in order to measure the amounts of food, food ingredients, or liquids, which are respectively placed or poured into the inner cooking pot  422 . 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 26 , the cooking pot also contains an electric cooking or heating element  424  (hereinafter “heating element  424 ”) which is located at the bottom end portion of the cooking pot  420  and beneath, and in contact, with the bottom side portion of the inner cooking pot  422 , as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the inner cooking pot  422  is placed directly on top of, and against, the heating element  424 . In a preferred embodiment, such placement of the inner cooking pot  422  directly on top of, and against, the heating element  424  can serve to provide for maximum heat transfer from the heating element  424  to the inner cooking pot  422 . In a preferred embodiment, the heating element  424  can also be sized so as to have a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the bottom portion of the inner cooking pot  422 . In another preferred embodiment, the heating element  424  can be sized so as to have a diameter equal to, or smaller than, the diameter of the inner cooking pot  422 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the heating element  424  can be utilized in order to perform stovetop-like cooking with the cooking pot  420 . In a preferred embodiment, the heating element  424  can be of the same type or kind as those heating elements typically utilized in or as electric stove burners on electric stoves which can typically be found in homes and/or in commercial food preparation establishments. In this regard, the heating element  424  can be of the same type of kind of heating element as those heating elements use for stovetop cooking on, or in connection with, electric stove burners. In a preferred embodiment, the heating element  424  can be designed and utilized in order to perform stovetop or stovetop-like cooking operations or tasks, with heating temperatures at least the same as, or comparable to, the maximum cooking temperatures of conventional household electric stove burners or gas stove burners or commercial electric stove burners or commercial gas stove burners. In this regard, the cooking pot  420  can be utilized in order to perform stovetop cooking or stovetop-like cooking operations or tasks. In this regard, the cooking pot  420  is not limited to performing only slow cooking operations or tasks. 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 26 , the cooking pot  420  also include a wrap-around jacket heating element  425  (hereinafter “jacket heating element  425 ”) which is placed around, or surrounds, the inner cooking pot  422 , as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the jacket heating element extends from the top portion of the inner cooking pot  424  to the bottom of the heating element  424  as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the jacket heating element is designed to wrap around, and to be situated against, the outer side walls of the inner cooking pot  422  so as to be placed in contact with, and against, the outer side walls of the inner cooking pot  422 , as shown, so as to provide for maximum heat transfer from the jacket heating element  425  to the inner cooking pot  422 . In a preferred embodiment, the jacket heating element  424  can be designed to provide the heating capabilities of heating elements found in conventional slow cookers as well as to provide the heating capabilities found in typical electric stove burners. In a preferred embodiment, the jacket heating element  425  can have the same heating specifications and capabilities as the heating element  424 . 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 26 , the cooking pot  420  can also contain insulating material or insulation  426  which is provided between the interior side walls of the housing  428  of the cooking pot  420  and the interior components of the cooking pot  420 . In this regard, insulation  426  is provided between the heating element  424  and the inner side of the bottom portion of the housing  428 , and is provided between the jacket heating element  425  and the interior side walls of the housing  428 . In applications in which the jacket heating element  425  does not extend the complete length or height of the inner cooking pot  420 , then, in a preferred embodiment, insulation can also be provided between the outer side walls of the inner cooking pot  420  and the interior side walls of the housing  428 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the insulation  426  is designed to completely contain and/or dissipate the heat produced by the heating element  424  and the jacket heating element  425  and to minimize and/or to prevent the transfer of that heat to the housing  428 . In a preferred embodiment, the housing  428  of the cooking pot  420  can be made, formed, or constructed, of any suitable material or materials which can contain and dissipate heat which is generated by the cooking pot  420  so as to maintain the surface temperature of the cooking pot  420  at a safe level during use of the cooking pot  420 . In a preferred embodiment, the material or materials used in making, forming, or constructing, the housing  428  can be any suitable material or materials which are typically or otherwise known or utilized for or in manufacturing insulated cooking devices and/or cooking utensils. In a preferred embodiment, the material or materials used in making, forming, or constructing, the housing  428  can be any suitable material or materials which are typically or otherwise known or utilized for or in controlling, and in maintaining at a safe temperature level, the exteriors of slow cookers, cooking devices, and/or other cooking utensils. In a preferred embodiment, the housing  428 , and/or any exterior wall(s) of the housing  428 , can be made of any suitable porcelain material, ceramic material, or any other suitable non-heat conducting material or materials or heat insulating material or materials. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the jacket heating element  425  can have a tapering cross sectional shape as shown in  FIG. 26 , or the jacket heating element  425 , in another preferred embodiment, can have a cylindrical-like cross sectional shape, as shown in  FIG. 27 .  FIG. 27  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the jacket heating element  425  of the cooking pot  420 . With reference to  FIG. 27 , the jacket heating element  425  is shown having a uniform thickness as it extends upwards and along the exterior side walls of the inner cooking pot  422 , as shown. 
       FIGS. 28A, 28B, and 28C  illustrate other preferred embodiment designs for the cooking pot  420 . With reference to  FIG. 28A , the lower portion of the inner cooking pot  422  can be tapered, as shown, so that the diameter of the lower portion of same is smaller than the diameter of the upper portion of same. With reference to  FIG. 28B , the jacket heating element  425  can extend only partially along the side walls of the inner cooking pot  422  as shown. With reference to  FIG. 28C , the cooking pot  420  can also be designed so as to have only heating element  424  and thereby dispense with need for the jacket heating element  424 . 
       FIG. 29  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the cooking pot  420  of the cooking apparatus  400  of the present invention illustrating the various components of same which are utilized in controlling the operation of, and/or the operating mode of the cooking pot  420 , in block diagram form. With reference to  FIG. 29 , the cooking pot  420  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  411 A, which can process any data, information, and/or instructions, for activating, de-activating, enabling, disabling, and/or controlling an operation of the cooking pot  420 . The cooking pot  420  also includes a random access memory (RAM)  411 B for storing any data and/or information which can be utilized by the central CPU  411 A. The cooking pot  420  also includes a read only memory (ROM)  411 C for storing any data and/or information which can be utilized by the central CPU  411 A. In a preferred embodiment, both the RAM  411 B and the ROM  411 C are connected to the CPU  411 A. 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 29 , the CPU  411 A is also connected to the heating element  424 . The CPU  411 A controls the operation of the heating element  424 . With reference once again to  FIG. 29 , the CPU  411 A is also connected to the jacket heating element  425 . The CPU  411 A controls the operation of the jacket heating element  425 . The cooking pot  420  can also include a database  411 D which can store any data, information, and/or instructions, which can be utilized by the CPU  411 A. In a preferred embodiment, the CPU  411 A, the RAM  411 B, the ROM  411 C, the heating element  424 , the jacket heating element  425 , and the database  411 D, are all housed within the housing  428  of the cooking pot. With reference once again to  FIG. 29 , an operating switch  411 E is also connected to the CPU  411 A. In a preferred embodiment, an On/Off Switch  411 F is also connected to the CPU  411 A. A control panel  430 , which can contain a user input device(s) and a display device, is also connected to the CPU  411 A. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the user can select the mode of operation or the modes of operation of the cooking pot  420  via the control panel  430 , and can activate the cooking pot  420  via the operating switch  411 E and/or the On/Off Switch  411 F so as to operate the cooking pot  420  as desired. The cooking pot  420  and, in particular, the CPU  411 A, can be programmed to control the mode(s) of operation of the cooking pot  420 , the heating element  424 , and the jacket heating element  425 , as well as to control the operating temperature(s) of the cooking pot  420 , in order to facilitate the use of the cooking pot  420  as desired and/or in any suitable mode(s) of operation or in any desired sequential modes of operation. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the CPU  411 A can be programmed with various cooking modes of operation(s), and any cooking temperatures and corresponding cooking times corresponding thereto, including, for example, but not limited to, heating temperatures and times of and for the heating element  424  and/or of and for the jacket heating element  425 , in order to perform low temperature cooking operations, medium temperature cooking operations, high temperature cooking operations, slow cooking operations, stovetop cooking operations, food warming operations, and/or any other cooking operations which can be performed by the cooking pot  420 . The CPU  411 A can also be preprogrammed and/or programmed for cooking foods, food ingredients, and/or liquids, and for performing automatic sequential cooking operations for cooking foods, food ingredients, or liquids. In this regard, the CPU  411 A can be preprogrammed or can be programmed with predetermined operating mode settings, as well as any corresponding cooking temperatures or cooking temperature settings and any cooking times allocated for each of the cooking temperatures or cooking temperature settings. The CPU  411 A can also be preprogrammed, or can be programmed, so as to automatically control various types of kinds of cooking modes of operation in order to effectuate or perform various cooking techniques. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  and the cooking pot  420  can be utilized in conjunction with one another in order to cook or prepare various food(s), food ingredient(s), or liquids, with and using the cooking pot  420 , and to thereafter process the food(s), the food ingredient(s), or the liquid(s), with the apparatus  100 . In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can be attached to the cooking pot  420  during any and/or all cooking operations performed by the cooking pot  420 . In another preferred, the apparatus  100  can be attached to the cooking pot  420 , in any of the manners described herein, after and and/or all cooking operations by the cooking pot  420  have been completed. In another preferred embodiment the apparatus  100  can be utilized to perform a food processing operation on foods located in the cooking pot  420  while the cooking pot  420  is performing a cooking operation or task. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the cooking pot  420  can be utilized to perform any cooking operation or process which is capable of being performed on, with, or using, a conventional stove, an electric stove, or a commercial stove, and came perform any operation such a boiling operation, a steaming operation, a simultaneous boiling an steaming operation, a frying operation, or a sautéing operation, or any combination of or involving same. 
     Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachings of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/972,729, filed Mar. 31, 2014, which teaches and describes a reduced calorie vegetable-based or fruit-based food product and/or a reduced calorie vegetable-based or fruit-based food product ingredient and process and/or method for preparing or making same, the subject matter and teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. The apparatus  100  of the present invention can be utilized in practicing the inventions described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/972,729. 
     Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachings of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/981,524, filed Apr. 18, 2014, which teaches and describes a reduced calorie vegetable-based or fruit-based food product and/or a reduced calorie vegetable-based or fruit-based food product ingredient and process and/or method for preparing or making same, the subject matter and teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. The apparatus  100  of the present invention can be utilized in practicing the inventions described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/981,524. 
     In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus  100 ,  200 , or  400  can be utilized in order to perform any type or kind of food processing operation, including, but not limited to, is a chopping operation, a mixing operation, a blending operation, a liquefying operation, a grating operation, a beating operation, a whipping operation. a whisking operation, a stirring operation, a pureeing operation, a pulsing operation, an ice crushing operation, a crumbing operation, an extracting operation, a dough preparing operation, a smoothie preparing operation, or a high speed operation, or any other food processing operation, on a food, a food ingredient, before same is cooked. 
     In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus  100 ,  200 , or  400  can be utilized in order to perform any type or kind of food processing operation, including, but not limited to, is a chopping operation, a mixing operation, a blending operation, a liquefying operation, a grating operation, a beating operation, a whipping operation. a whisking operation, a stirring operation, a pureeing operation, a pulsing operation, an ice crushing operation, a crumbing operation, an extracting operation, a dough preparing operation, a smoothie preparing operation, or a high speed operation, or any other food processing operation, on a food, a food ingredient, during a cooking operation on or involving same, or while same is in the processed of being cooked or undergoing a cooking operation or process. 
     In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus  100 ,  200 , or  400  can be utilized in order to perform any type or kind of food processing operation, including, but not limited to, is a chopping operation, a mixing operation, a blending operation, a liquefying operation, a grating operation, a beating operation, a whipping operation. a whisking operation, a stirring operation, a pureeing operation, a pulsing operation, an ice crushing operation, a crumbing operation, an extracting operation, a dough preparing operation, a smoothie preparing operation, or a high speed operation, or any other food processing operation, on a food, a food ingredient, after same has been cooked or upon the completion of a cooking operation or cooking process with or involving same. 
     In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the cooking apparatus  400  and/or the cooking pot  420  is capable of being used to boil, to steam or to simultaneously boil and steam a food or a food ingredient. 
     In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus  100 , the apparatus  200 , the cooking apparatus  400 , and/or the cooking pot  420 , are each capable, separately and/or in any combination, of being used to practice the inventions disclosed and taught by U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/972,729, filed Mar. 31, 2014, which teaches and describes a reduced calorie vegetable-based or fruit-based food product and/or a reduced calorie vegetable-based or fruit-based food product ingredient and process and/or method for preparing or making same, the subject matter and teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus  100 , the apparatus  200 , the cooking apparatus  400 , and/or the cooking pot  420 , are each capable, separately and/or in any combination, of being used to practice the inventions disclosed and taught by U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/981,524, filed Apr. 18, 2014, which teaches and describes a reduced calorie vegetable-based or fruit-based food product and/or a reduced calorie vegetable-based or fruit-based food product ingredient and process and/or method for preparing or making same, the subject matter and teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     While the present invention has been described and illustrated in various preferred and alternate embodiments, such descriptions are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construed to be limitations thereof. In this regard, the present invention encompasses all modifications, variations and/or alternate embodiments, with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claims which follow.