Blender Tips for Top Chef Bliss

I confess: I've developed these tips for blender success based on my (sigh) numerous blender blunders.

Lessons learned from messy experience:

1. If you want to crush ice, choose your blender carefully. I love making smoothies and icy cold beverages in my blender. Choosing a blender not designed to quickly crush ice, however, can lead to disaster. From chunks of ice remaining in your drink regardless of how long your blender whirls to broken blender blades, it's worth buying a product designed to produce the results you need. Look for a model that specifically contains an ice crusher or ice chopper setting.

2. Choose a blender that's larger than the amount you want to place into the blender. Remember, using a blender adds air and thus volume. In fact, that's one reason blenders are so fabulous for dieters: you add in air and thus feel more full. Sounds weird but it works! The problem: if you have a blender that contains exactly three cups and you measure in three cups of liquid plus ice, then press Blenderize....you'll get an overflowing mess. Great for forcing yourself to clean the floor, but that is probably NOT the result you want!

3. Avoid blenders that contain zero dishwasher-safe removable parts. You can find yourself endlessly scrubbing the blender without ever getting it fully clean. Nasty odors will result, causing you to toss out the blender long before you want to.

4. A blender is NOT the same as a food processor. You will burn out your blender if you try to use it for processing food, unless you specifically buy an all-in-one gadget.

5. Choose a blender with a strong lid that allows for easy pouring. I've had disasters with trying to pour something and discovering the lid does not stay on securely. Yet another chance to force yourself to clean the floor!

Delightful Drinks for Fast Blender Fun

My current blender of choice is the Black and Decker 10-Speed die-cast blender. New for 2011, it offers a wide range of speed settings (10 in all) plus a pulse feature. It has a five-cup capacity, a spout that's easy to pour and the desired dishwasher-safe removable parts for easy cleaning.

One of my favorite smoothies to make with this blender: a vanilla yogurt "milkshake." A couple of ice cubes, 8 ounces of low-fat vanilla yogurt and two tablespoons of sugar-free Italian vanilla syrup go into the blender first. I then add a small amount (about 1/4 cup) of vanilla almond milk for volume. Whirl it up and enjoy. It's filling, low-calorie and great for warm weather.

I also like using this blender for a quick protein shake when I don't have time for breakfast. Use your favorite of the many protein powders available, choosing either vanilla or chocolate flavored powders. Then liven it up with a packet of sugar-free diet cocoa powder and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. You get extra flavor with very few additional calories.

Last but not least. You say you forgot to buy salad dressing? No worries with a blender in the house and a few ingredients that you probably have on hand. Try plain yogurt, for example, with low-fat sour cream (half of each), plus some herbs. Thin with a small amount of water, stir in some chopped chives or scallion, and you've got a fabulous salad dressing!