Recipe: Blender Tips - How to...

BLENDER TIPS - HOW TO...

RECONSTITUTE FROZEN JUICE:
For a 6-oz. can of orange juice concentrate, combine the juice and correct amount of water in the blender jar. Cover and blend at MIX until thoroughly combined, about 10 to 15 seconds.

For a 12-oz. can, combine the juice and 1 can of water in the blender jar. Cover and blend at MIX until thoroughly combined, about 20 to 30 seconds. Stir in remaining 2 cans of water.

DISSOLVE FLAVORED GELATIN:
Pour boiling water into the blender jar. Place cloth over lid, hold firmly and blend at CHOP until gelatin is dissolved, about 30 to 60 seconds. Add other ingredients.

MAKE COOKIE AND GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS:
Break larger cookies into pieces about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Use smaller cookies as is. Place in blender jar. Cover and blend at STIR, pulsing a few times, about 3 seconds each time, until desired consistency is reached. Use the crumbs to make a quick topping for frozen yogurt, pudding, or a fruit compote.

To make a finer crumb for pie and dessert crusts, break graham crackers or cookies into pieces about 11/2 inches in diameter. Place in the blender jar. Cover and blend at LIQUEFY, pulsing a few times until desired consistency is reached, about 20 to 30 seconds. Make cracker crumbs: Follow procedure for cookies. Use to top or as an ingredient in main dish casseroles and vegetable dishes.

MAKE BREAD CRUMBS:
Tear bread into pieces about 11/2 inches in diameter. Follow procedure for crackers. Use in same ways you would use cracker crumbs.

CHOP FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:
Put 2 cups of fruit or vegetable chunks in blender jar. Cover and blend at STIR, pulsing a few times, about 2 to 3 seconds each time, until desired consistency is reached.

PUREE FRUITS:
Place 2 cups canned or cooked fruit in blender jar. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons fruit juice or water per cup of fruit. Cover and blend at PUREE about 5 to 10 seconds.

PUREE VEGETABLES:
Place 2 cups canned or cooked vegetables in blender jar. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons broth, water, or milk per cup of vegetables. Cover and blend at PUREE about 10 to 20 seconds.

PUREE MEATS:
Place cooked, cubed, tender meat in blender jar. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons broth, water, or milk per cup of meat. Cover and blend on STIR 10 seconds. Stop and scrape sides of blender jar. Cover and blend on PUREE 10 to 20 seconds longer.

PUREE COTTAGE CHEESE OR RICOTTA CHEESE:
Place cottage cheese or ricotta cheese in blender jar. Cover and blend at MIX until smooth, about 25 to 35 seconds. If necessary, add 1 tablespoon skim milk per cup of cottage cheese. Use as a base for lowfat dips and spreads.

COMBINE LIQUID INGREDIENTS FOR BAKED GOODS:
Pour liquid ingredients in blender jar. Cover and blend at LIQUEFY until well mixed, about 1 minute. Pour liquid mixture over dry ingredients and stir well.

TAKE LUMPS OUT OF GRAVY:
If sauce or gravy becomes lumpy, place in blender jar. Cover and blend at MIX until smooth, about 5 to 10 seconds.

COMBINE FLOUR AND LIQUID FOR THICKENING:
Place flour and liquid in blender jar. Cover and blend at STIR until smooth, about 5 to 10 seconds. Prepare white sauce: Place milk, flour, and salt, if desired, in blender jar. Cover and blend at STIR until well mixed, about 5 to 10 seconds. Pour into saucepan and cook as usual.

PREPARE PANCAKE OR WAFFLE BATTER FROM MIX:
Place mix and other ingredients in blender jar. Cover and blend at MIX until well mixed, 10 to 20 seconds; scrape sides of blender jar, if necessary.

GRATE CHEESE:
Cut very cold cheese into 1/2 to 1-inch cubes. Place up to 1/2 cup cheese in the blender jar. Cover and blend at LIQUEFY about 5 to 10 seconds. For hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, bring to room temperature, then blend at LIQUEFY for 10 to 15 seconds.

MAKE OATMEAL FOR A BABY:
Place uncooked rolled oats in blender jar. Blend at MIX until desired consistency, using pulse button, about 5 to 10 seconds. Cook as usual.

MAKE BABY FOOD FROM ADULT FOOD:
Place prepared adult food in blender jar. Cover and blend at STIR about 10 seconds. Then blend at PUREE about 10 to 30 seconds.

TO RINSE YOUR BLENDER JAR:
Fill blender jar one-third to one-half full with warm water. Add a few drops of liquid dish detergent. Cover and blend at STIR until sides are clean, about 5 to 10 seconds. Rinse and dry. For complete cleaning, wash all gaskets separately.

Source: Kitchenaid