In a message dated 98-10-26 19:48:08 EST, you write:

<< which is considerably cheaper than the
 Excaliber I'm considering, but are there other brands out there that are
 good (and not TOO expensive)?  Any suggestions will help. >>

Irene,

I really like my Excaliber.

It does everything I want it to.

For Thanksgiving try making a dish with raw nuts and dried fruit.

A nice big salad with sunflower seeds and give them raw apple cider vinegar
and a choice of raw flax or olive oil for dressing.

Perhaps make some ceviche for appetizers.

That's my thoughts for you...

Aaron