Until recently, it seemed that few people around these parts had even heard of a hand blender, let alone seen one in action.So permit me to introduce you to mine.This handy little gadget is ubiquitous in Belgian kitchens — they’re used every day in food preparation; most often, I suspect, to blend delicious soups.Small, easy to store, easy to clean, the Kroeker hand blender has already been hard at work this week whirring away making strawberry yogurt smoothies and butternut squash soup.I’ve also used it to make hummus from scratch by shoving it into the bowl to smoosh together the garlic, tahini and chick peas.A hand blender makes milkshakes in a jiffy, too.We tried to take a smoothie-making video, but it didn’t turn out. So we have instead a photo series.
Whirring, whirring, whirring….
Tap, tap, tap….
Slurp!Just a reminder: Traditional blenders have lids; hand blenders do not. Therefore you must remember that you won’t be able to use a lid while working with a hand blender. If you decide to give it a go, be sure to immerse the blade section down into the ingredients, or it could splatter a little.Also, unlike a traditional blender, you can’t walk away while it’s at work. It’s a hand blender, so you’re holding it with your hand. You’ll have to stick around until the processing is over.Those are the only weaknesses I’ve encountered so far, and I’ve used it for years.It won’t replace a Vita-Mix, of course, but for many applications, I find it to be a great alternative to a standard blender, with advantages such as the fact that it rinses perfectly clean in seconds and slips right back into its slim box for easy, compact storage.For more Works For Me Wednesday ideas, pop on over to Rocks In My Dryer, hub of all things helpful.Oh, and feel free to browse my WFMW archives, as well.
It would be handy for soups. My way is much messier (putting some in the blender, pouring it back into the pot, reapeat).
I’ve just been introduced to this idea recently. I have a blender which I never use for lack of counter space. I asked my friend if she really used a blender to puree soups (which I never do but would like to) and she told me about these little gadgets. She said the same thing you did: make sure the blade stays submerged or else!! I would definitely get a lot of use out of one I think. Loved the photo series!
Yes! I use my hand blender all the time too! I use it mostly for salad dressings. It emulsifies beautifully.
Homemade salad dressings are wonderful, cheaper :), and much better for you!
I also use it to correct any lumps in sauces. I’m so impatient, I often end up with lumps 🙁
I have seen these in the store and always wondered if they were worth buying. I’m definitely getting one now!
I love my hand blender, esp for soups and hot beverages (homemade pumpkin spice latte, for example).
I currently have a hand blender where the blade has frozen up. I’ve got to google that.
Oh gosh I love my stick blender SO MUCH! Mine came with a little chopping attatchment so I can chop stuff with it too. It’s certainly my favorite kitchen appliance!
Americans may be more accustomed to seeing these called ‘immersion blenders’. They’re definitely underused, though. I love mine!
That’s what a blender is.
Most of us have a fridge, oven, toaster and microwave at our homes. They are some of the popular kitchen appliances whereas blenders are one of the most useful appliances in the kitchen.
It is an appliance that will help you in crushing ice, preparing smoothies, blending soups and sauces. Hand Blenders are also used for grinding food and mixing them together.
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Great !!! This is so phenomenal!!!That is very impressive! Hand blenders are gorgeous and the makeover is totally amazing. I love it. You really did a super job with Hand blenders! I use to do buy online Hand blenders as its time saving.