Reach for a blender when you want to thoroughly mix ingredients for a smoothie, sauce or a nut butter. Most kitchen blenders offer several different speeds. Some come with powerful motors that crush ice, grind grain and dice and chop vegetables. Multi-function blenders include those that puree soups. Blenders offer many settings besides the traditional blending of ingredients. Try a single-serve blender if you only need one smoothie or a quick sauce, making the process fast and easy. Most of these food mixers come apart so that you can quickly rinse them off. Choose a dishwasher-safe option for added convenience.
Start your day with a fresh glass of juice by crushing vegetables or fruit for a beverage you can enjoy in minutes. The liquid is as fresh as the produce you have available. Try blending the juice with a banana and protein powder using a portable hand blender to make a breakfast smoothie. Like a juice extractor that pulls the juice from fruit and vegetables, a blender can puree solids to blend into smoothies or bread-making recipes. Using your blender to mix the ingredients for each meal will help you save time with an easy cleanup. It will also save you money, with reduced trips to the juice and smoothie bar.
While your morning coffee brews, try using a single-serve blender for an individual smoothie as a quick breakfast option. Plan a larger breakfast by using a blender to mix pancake batter and omelets. Each mixer has multiple speeds that include pulse for texture and consistency. Select a blender jar with a pouring spout to make it easier to dispense the batter onto the griddle. If you want to whip up a fruit salad to go with your morning meal, consider a model that includes an interchangeable food chopper. Many also have buttons for making frozen fruit drinks, including crushing ice and pureeing. For refreshing beverages, use ice-crushing settings for margaritas and pina coladas made with fresh lime or pineapple juice. Like a coffee grinder, use your blender to grind coffee beans for a fresh hot cup of java, or blend brewed coffee with ice and cream for an iced coffee. Consider a portable hand blender for single servings or small batch blending. These immersive blenders let you put the appliance in a glass or pot to blend an item in place.
Create a variety of batters to use for waffles and pizzelles that make delicious, quick and easy breakfasts, lunches or desserts. Find recipes for blending rich and hearty sauces to go with roasted meats and pan-seared fish and chicken. Choose any number of ice cream versions, including yogurt, non-dairy, sugar-free and traditional to whip up thick, frosty shakes. Toss in fruit and nuts for a milkshake sundae.