Your blender is your best friend when it comes to mixing killer morning smoothies. But blenders are way more versatile than pureeing fruits and veggies. Try these ten hacks and you’ll be getting lots more use out of your blender in no time.
1. Make sorbet
High-powered blenders can crush through ice with no problem, so it stands to reason they do the same with frozen fruit. Try tossing in some frozen mangos, strawberries (or really just about any fruit) in your blender with a drizzle of honey. You blender will whip up a tasty frozen sorbet in no time.
2. Grind spices
Blenders can grind spices with complete ease. Store leftovers in an airtight jar and use within three to four weeks for best flavor.
3. Make frozen cocktails
Add alcohol and frozen fruit to your blender and make a boozy slushy in no time.
4. Make nut butters
Buying nut butters at the grocery store can be, well, pretty nutty. For an eight-ounce jar, you can shell out as much as $20 depending on the type. Make your own at home from peanuts, almonds, walnuts — or whatever nuts you like. First, toast the nuts until fragrant. Then toss them in the blender with some salt and a little sugar. Process until smooth.
5. Makes batters
Don’t feel like dirtying bowls, spatulas, and spoons for Saturday morning pancakes? Add all your ingredients to the blender container and mix for a few seconds. You’ll have perfectly whisked pancake batter. And bonus! You can pour directing from the container into the pan, so no need for messy ladles.
6. Make pastry dough
Using a pastry cutter to cut butter into flour can be seriously laborious work. The next time you’re in the mood for shortbread, pie, or biscuits, blitz it in the blender instead. Then tip the contents to a floured countertop surface and continue your recipe.
7. Grind coffee beans
Specialty coffee grinders are great because they allow you to choose between a range of fine and coarse textures for your coffee beans — a particularly useful option if you’re a coffee connoisseur. But if you’re looking to make a better cup of Joe, this trick will kick up your coffee game.
8. Make whipped cream
Whisking whipped cream by hand can take forever. You need to wait around for the the bowl and then whisk to chill, and then settle in for a seriously boring arm workout. Next time you need fresh whipped cream, pour your cold whipping cream into a blender with a bit of confectioners sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. Pulse the power button until your whipped cream has reached desired consistency.
9. Make fancy sauces
Pull off posh hollandaise and béarnaise sauces at home by adding your yolks and vinegar to the blender container (consult your recipe for exact amounts). While the motor is running, slowly drizzle in melted butter.
10. Sweet tricks with sugar
Sifting confectioners sugar can cause a mess. The next time you have a recipe that requires “sifted sugar,” pop it in the blender, put the lid on tight, and take care of this task mess-free. OR! You can use your blender to turn granular sugar into confectioners sugar. For best results, it’s better to buy commercially made, but if for casual desserts at home, this quick tip can save you a trip to the store.
ALSO TRY, 9 healthy smoothie recipes.
