Evaluate your culinary skills and ambitions:
- Would you cook more if an appliance could cut prep time by 60%?
- Do you need to create a rich man's menu on a poor man's budget?
- Is space limiting you to one multi-tasking appliance?
- Do your cooking skills need a little spicing up?
If you answered yes to these questions, you should own a blender. Choose one with ice-crushing capabilities, a heavy glass jar (plastic holds the smell of foods and scratches), a tap for easy pouring, and at least 350 watts of power. Blenders come with up to 15 speeds.
Create Your Masterpieces
This simple kitchen appliance can save you money and impress family and guests.
- Grind your own coffee and spices
- Blend soups to a creamy texture and turn leftovers into soup suppers
- Open your own malt shop: shakes with flavorings and fruits, topped with crushed Oreo cookies and whipped cream
- Whip up instant puddings and cake mixes
- Blended eggs, salt, pepper, and a bit of water make the fluffiest scrambled eggs and omelets
- Puree fruit and add milk or yogurt for a creamy smoothie - or add crushed ice and blend thoroughly
- Combine olive oil or mayonnaise-based salad dressings
- Never buy jars of baby food again - puree meat, potatoes, and vegetables for the baby (or the elderly with special dietary needs) to enjoy
- Put an end to canned pet food - puree meat with bouillon and water; sautee and serve
Food for Thought
Invest in a cookbook like "The Blender Bible" that takes you through techniques like making bread crumbs; grinding coffee, cheese, and spices; whipping cream; and preparing mushroom powder and tomato paste. Cookbooks offer hundreds of recipes that will inspire you to add new ideas and a fresh approach to your meal planning.
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