There’s nothing worse than a cheap blender.
You know, the kind that grinds, rattles, and shakes across the kitchen counter every time you go to use it?
Not to mention, you don’t have the time to fuss with a kitchen appliance that’s supposed to do it’s job. I mean, that’s why you bought the darn thing!
Just blend.
Luckily, I have a surprise for you.
The Better Blender
Compliments of Wolf Gourmet, one lucky winner is going to receive a brand new high-performance blender!
Let me tell you- it blends everything from soup to nuts (literally). You are going to love it!
Recipe Ideas:
- puree soups
- make delicious creamy smoothies & juices
- chop veggies
- whip cream
- make butter (yes, really!)
- grind nuts and seeds into flour
- make nut butters (homemade Nutella, anyone?)
- crush ice
- make frozen cocktails
- frozen desserts
- salad dressings
I’ve had some time to test this blender out and it boasts several cool features. One of my favorites is the LCD control panel with timer. It tells you exactly what’s going on as it blends; time, speed and setting.
The container is also BPA free and shatter proof. I like that. It’s great for households with busy kids (and clumsy cooks).
Plus, this machine fits underneath most standard-sized kitchen cabinets which is both convenient and decorative.
You can peruse their additional features, here.
Make-Ahead Mornings
High-performance blenders are perfect for smoothies.
Here’s a great time-saving shortcut to speed up your morning routine: prep your smoothies in advance.
Here’s what I do:
Stuff a few ziploc bags with your favorite fruit, nuts, seeds and even a few leafy greens (I love baby kale). Label and freeze the bags until ready to use. When ready to make a smoothie, simply add liquid to the blender, a dollop of yogurt (if preferred) and blend away! I prep at least 2 weeks worth in advance.
I’ve included 3 tasty recipes for you to try: Cherry Berry, Coconut Mango & Pineapple Kale.
Make-ahead smoothies not only saves precious morning moments, it allows you to save fruit that’s about to go bad. Soft fruit is wonderful for smoothies (think: brown bananas, bruising pears, smushy clemtines etc.). Just chop it all up and throw it in the freezer.
That’s money back in your pocket.
The Giveaway {NOW CLOSED}
**Congratulations to our winner, Lorrie Chiarello!**
To enter: for your chance to win a new Wolf blender (retail value $599!) simply leave a comment below. Tell me what you would like to make with your new gift.
This offer is open to blog subscribers only (if you haven’t signed up yet, click here).
The winner will be announced on January 19 2016. Good Luck!
*This post is in partnership with Wolf Gourmet. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only (thanks for understanding!). All opinions are my own.
Kitchen Notes
Tips: Frozen fruit works best with smoothies. In a pinch, add a few ice cubes to the blender to make it cold.
If you struggle with cutting mangoes (like me!), check out my Instagram page for some great tips from all over the world. Thanks to everyone who joined in the conversation! You might want to watch this video from Foodie Crush, and when all else fails, try this mango pitting tool.
Make-Ahead: Prepared smoothie bags can be frozen, 3-6 months (or until freezer burn sets in).
Once blended, pour any leftover smoothies into silicone muffin cases and freeze. Transfer to a ziploc bag when frozen solid (my friend Kelly taught me this trick- it’s genius). To use, simply take out a ‘muffin’ add liquid and blend.
Substitutions: For each smoothie, about 1 cup of liquid plus more to taste is required. I’ve listed my favorite choices and what I think works best. But as always, substitute with whatever you’d like. The coconut milk (referred to below), is the kind that comes in the box (not the can) and can be found in the grocery store next to the nut milks.
Printmake-ahead smoothies
Ingredients
Cherry Berry
- 1/2 cup frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1 cup apple cider (my favorite), boxed coconut milk, or almond milk, plus more to taste
Coconut Mango
- 1/2 cup frozen mango cubes
- 1/2 frozen banana
- dollop of yogurt
- 1 cup orange juice or boxed coconut milk, plus more to taste
Pineapple Kale
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 banana
- handful of baby kale or baby spinach
- dollop of yogurt
- 1 cup boxed coconut milk, plus more to taste
Garnish
- Shelled hemp seeds, crushed almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts and seeds.
- Lime wedges
Optional Ingredients: a small handful of oats, soaked or unsoaked cashews, and flax seeds can be added to any of these smoothies.
Instructions
- For make-ahead smoothies, cut the fruit into chunks and add to a ziploc bag. Add the baby kale or baby spinach, and any optional ingredients. Label, date and freeze until ready to use.
- To make each smoothie, add all of the ingredients to a blender (respectively). Process until smooth and creamy. Add additional liquid if necessary.
- Top with your choice of garnish.
- Serve right away.
Comments
Zubayda M says
I would love to make pesto, smoothies and salsa. What a nice looking blender!
Mandy says
Tomato soup!! I have a great recipe but it would be better if it was finished in a proper blender!!
Jamie says
I want to make butters, yellow butter, & nut butters. I also want to make the cherry berry smoothie and to try some really great looking recipes I found awhile back for matcha smoothies!
suzanne says
I would make fruit and veggie smoothies. I am on a liquid diet right now, sure wish I already had one of these!
Genie L says
I have a great Mango Smoothie recipe with an almond cream base. Need a really good blender to handle the almonds.
Will G says
I would love to make smoothies!
Ali celestino says
I’d make milkshakes and soups!
Tyneisha says
I’d love to make a chocolate mousse!
JuMeka says
With my gift, I would make BUTTER. First and foremost, I would make butter(s) with my Wolf blender, then, dressings, cocktails with the crushed ice, desserts, and of course smoothies. Nuts to flour you say, oh my. I can’t wait.
pat says
Love your smoothie recipes,would love a blender to make them in….
Rachel Greeve says
Hi Emilie! I would like to make smoothies for people at the new Fruiterie market I am opening up in the spring here in Montreal.
Eleni says
My morning smoothies!
MJ says
Nut butters! They can burn up a blender in no time….a Wolf blender would last a long time.
sandyhills25 says
I would have to say that it would be a blueberry smoothie
Angela says
I would like to make smoothies, and especially soup!!! mmmmmm
Amy H says
I love making soups in the winter.
Denimo says
Well… I would definitely start out by ‘blenderizing’ these make ahead smoothies. What a great idea! Thanks so much!!
Ashley says
I would like to make salsa
Harmony b says
Would be great for soups
Laura says
Would love to make a smoothie!
Barbara says
I’m an avid cook from scratch. I love making salsa, soups, pesto and smoothies, to name a few. This would be the most used appliance in my kitchen if I were to win it.
Katy H says
I would make sweet potato hummus and raw peanut butter and chocolate cheesecake.
Annie says
I would love to have a new blender! I have been experimenting with vegan nut based “cheeses” and my blender cannot get the soaked nuts past mulch! I long for a green smoothie that doesn’t require chewing! Or a cauliflower soup that doesn’t halt the blades every few seconds. What a beautiful dream.
LaTanya says
I would make soups and smoothies
kelley says
Almond milk, smoothies!!!
Amy Z. says
I would love to make soups. Broccoli cheddar, tomato, and much more!
Rylie says
Oh my goodness. So many things. Soups, smoothies, homemade cashew milk!
Heather Hayes Panjon says
I’d Like To Make Salsa!
Gretchen says
So many things but what would I make first? If Jack had anything to say about it we would make chocolate hazelnut spread. He requested it as soon as he spied a bag of hazelnuts I just bought! Love the tip of using silicone muffin cups, I use mine mainly for large ice cubes with or without fruit for cocktails. They do work well for smoothies too!
Tina W says
I would make a pineapple smoothie
Marsha Marhofke says
1st item on list would be a Brandy Alexander with homemade vanilla ice cream
Julia says
I need shatterproof. I’m the clumsiest—leading to the demise of two blender jars, among other things.
Birdiebee says
I would first make a Roasted Butternut Squash Soup.
bonnie says
I’d make smoothies and popcicles with it. It looks amazing!
Karen G says
Smoothies, purées and soups, oh my! I’ve been trying to figure out a way to sneak a high end blender into the house without my husband noticing. :) Winning one would be absolutely awesome. Fingers crossed!
Bethany G says
Soups, green smoothies, pesto and, of course, margaritas!
Lisa Gay Miller says
I am so excited to start the resolutions and eat more veggies and fruit. Great way to start!
Kimberly C says
I want to make smoothies and nut butters!
Laura L. Wentz says
Wow, those smoothies would be great! I’d also like to be able to puree bigger batches of soups. And butter? Really. That would be cool.
Kristen K says
The options of what I could and would make with this appliance are endless, but I would be most excited about making fresh smoothies and fresh homemade almond milk! Love your idea for the make-ahead smoothie packs to save time and money too! :)
Katie m says
I would make so many things! Orange smoothie, Oreo milkshake, baby purees!
Susanne says
Hummus, smoothies and almond meal/flour. Thanks for the give away opportunity!
Libby says
I would love to make truly smooth kale smoothies. Or truly smooth cauliflower soups! And this chocolate mousse: http://www.theroastedroot.net/healthy-4-ingredient-chocolate-mousse/
Raymond says
Margaritas for my darling wife and then smoothies the next day
Justyna says
Lovely! Would love to make the Coconut Mango smoothie, looks delicious.
Jessie Snyder | Faring Well says
Oh my heavenly goodness yes. A cheap blender is the worst. Which is why I donated mine a few years back and have been just sticking to my immersion blender and food processor until a high-speed one can come into my life. This one looks amazing (!!!) and I love love your smoothie bags – I’m slowly getting better at prep work and you are a huge inspiration. Seriously cannot wait to get my hands on your new book and prep my little heart out! xoxo
Kathleen says
Love your blog, I follow you on Instagram! Your photography and recipes are amazing!y doctor has recommended I start juicing for my health, but I need a blender! Oh the smoothies I could make and the healthy salad dressings too.
suzanne says
I would most often use the new blender to make various vegetable potages. Perfect for cold winter meals!
Susan Nadolski says
I would love to jump on the Smoothie Train!
Cindy A. says
Your frozen smoothie bag idea is pure genius! I currently have a Ninja blender (aka: the hand mutilator) and I hate it. I would definitely toss that contraption and use the fabulous Wolf blender to make my morning smoothies.