Do you have that one kitchen gadget you just can’t live without? You know, like that oversized wok that cooks up a family-size stir-fry dinner in no time. Or maybe it’s a marble rolling pin, perfect for smoothing out batches of delicious cookie dough. Or how about that trusty cheese grater that never fails you. In our house, it’s the blender that takes the win!
(Side note: my apple corer/peeler/slicer comes in a very close second…have you guys ever used one of those crazy looking things? They are AMAZING. But, I’ll save that for another post).
Our Hamilton Beach, wave-action, 10-speed blender is really nothing special. In fact, I’m pretty sure it was a last minute Wal-Mart purchase when virgin daiquiris were on the menu for an impromptu gathering a few years ago. And yes, I said virgin – I was practically pregnant for three straight years in a row. Ha! I have learned to use this beauty for so many scrumptious treats. It has blended up countless smoothies, salsas, adult beverages, and even crumb toppings for pies and cobbler. It has never failed me yet! And honestly, it’s gotten more use than I care to admit. Late night sweet tooth: guilty as charged!
Here are my 3 favorite go-to smoothie recipes that keep my blender (and me) so satisfyingly happy:
Peanut Butter Banana “Ice Cream”
(*Prior to making: slice 2 very ripe bananas and freeze on cookie sheet)
Ingredients:
Frozen banana slices
2 tablespoons of peanut butter
a splash of milk
Instructions:
Throw all 3 ingredients into your blender and pulse away. That’s it. Trust me when I say it is the most delicious, creamy, naturally sweetened ice cream you will ever taste. I may be slightly completely addicted. Bonus – it’s healthy too!!!
Caramel Cappuccino Frappe
Ingredients
1 cup of milk
4 tablespoons cappuccino mix (Hills Bros White Choc Caramel)
1 cup of ice
3 tablespoons caramel topping
whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Blend all ingredients together. Pour in glass and drizzle with more caramel sauce and a dollop of whip cream. Enjoy!
Pineapple Berry Slush
(*Prior to making: shake Dole Pineapple Juice, pour into ice-cube trays and freeze.)
Ingredients
12 frozen pineapple cubes
1 cup of Tropicana Farmstand Strawberry Banana juice
2 tablespoons of white sugar
Instructions
Blend ingredients together and indulge!!!
What’s your favorite kitchen tool, gadget, or utensil? Please share, because I’m always down for trying out new products – especially anything that makes spending time in the kitchen (cooking) more tolerable!
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I second the apple corer/peeler/slicer! I LOVE that thing, and with the amount of apples I bring home from Wilson’s orchard in the fall, I NEED it to survive! Awesome recipes, I’m going to try the peanut butter banana ice cream. Yum!
YEP!!! That thing was a gift from God! Haha. My kids chow down on apples! And yes, you must try the pb-nana ice cream. It is seriously to die for!!! =)
I love my Cuisinart Smart Stick Blender. Make shakes/smoothies for the kids all the time. Excited to try your Frappe recipe!
I’ve always thought those stick blenders were so cool! I may have to branch out and get one! =) And yes, please do try the frappe — it is DELICIOUS!!! Add a few Tbsp of caramel or vanilla extract to punch up the flavor a bit. Sometimes I even throw in a few frozen coffee cubes. Yum!
I absolutely love my Cuisinart personal blender and I am totally trying that Caramel frap as soon as this baby evacuates my body.
Haha, too funny, Katie!!! I’m excited for you to whip up some delicious fraps! Add a few frozen coffee cubes or a couple Tbsp of vanilla or caramel extract to boost the flavor. I don’t think you can go wrong with this heavenly drink! =)
ahhh the homemade banana fro-yo : ) try adding some chocolate peanut butter to it instead of regular – we have the dark chocolate dreams PB. best guilt-free dessert out there!