Stick Blenders - Top 5 Uses for Them

Stick blenders are one of the handiest inventions in the kitchen appliance arena in recent times.

Stick blenders, also called hand blenders and immersion blenders, bring the appliance to the food instead of needing to dump your food into the appliance. What a concept!

Let's look at the benefits:

1) Usage instructions couldn't get much easier: Hold and squeeze.

2) Clean up is a snap: Hold under water or blend in a glass of soapy water.

3) Stick blenders are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to big stand mixers, food processors, and chopping units. Even a big name brand like Cuisinart has a model costing just $30. I found mine for less than $20 at a super store. A quick check at eBay found them for $16.99.

More expensive blenders are available and come with attachments and speed settings, but for me this defeats the purpose of this handy little tool. Who wants to bother with attachments on this already perfectly designed piece of equipment? Nevertheless, they exist for those who insist on having them.

4) They're lightweight.

5) Stick blenders are small and don't take much storage space. Really, you could leave it out on the counter and it wouldn't get in your way.

Here are the top 5 uses for these kitchen dynamos...

1) Gravy - This one usage alone makes a stick blender worth every penny it costs. You'll never have lumpy gravy again. Thanksgiving is saved! Even a culinary novice can produce tasty gravy without arm-crushing stirring. Just add your flour to the turkey drippings, and start blending. A gentle stirring motion in the pan is all you need. Keep the heat on medium low to medium. Add flour as needed.

2) Smoothies. No need to haul out the blender. Add fruit, ice cubes, ice cream or sherbet, and flavorings to a tall glass. Insert the blender and press the button. Yum!

3) Sauces and mayonnaise. Eggs, oil, and a drop or two of lemon juice are all you need to create fresh mayonnaise. Forget that stuff in the jar! Traditional recipes call for continuous whisking while slowly adding the oil to the eggs. If you're trying to bulk up your biceps, make mayonnaise. Everyone else, get a stick blender. Other sauces are equally easy.

4) Fresh soups are so simple to make. Add hot water, veggies, and seasonings, and blend. Everyone can have their favorite. I would probably cook the vegetables in the microwave first to get them soft. Soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables from last night's dinner, too, as well as small pieces of beef or chicken.

5) Mix up batters for everything from pancakes to muffins to cakes. It's more efficient than a spoon or whisk, and easier to manage than a big mixer.

Stick blenders make a fabulous wedding gift.