Most of us have used our blender to make a smoothie, but did you know there are tons of other uses, too?
The range of functions and amazing power on your blender means it's a handy tool in the kitchen for much more than just these healthy beverages.
Here are 19 alternative ways I use my blender in the kitchen that I encourage you to try too:
1. Get breakfast on the table in no time
Preparing scrambled eggs for two people is pretty manageable, but when you've got a table full of guests, it's a different story.
Don't let the pressure get to you: serve up scrambled eggs on toast in no time by whisking them up in your blender, instead of by hand.
2. Use your blender to make your own nut butter
Like most of the population, I am peanut-butter obsessed. Whilst all peanut butter is good, some brands are unarguably better than others - it's often a matter of you get what you pay for.
A way to get the perfect consistency/taste without spending a fortune is to make your own batch of nut butter in your blender. Just buy a cheap, jumbo pack of peanuts/nut of choice and blend. You may choose to add a pinch of salt, or squeeze of honey depending on the desired results.
3. Make the softest, smoothest mash around
'Mash was a bit lumpy, though' - don't let that be the lasting impression you make on your dinner guests.
The fast track way to the creamiest mash around is by chucking everything into your blender, and whizzing it up.
Not only does this require much less effort than the traditional method, but you'll be able to season to taste as you go, and the quick speed will help retain heat.
4. A blender can be used to crush ice for cocktails
Clumpy, cubed ice-cubes don't have the finesse required for a sophisticated cocktail.
Pulse your ice in a blender for a few seconds to get the crushed, cocktail-bar sized ice you need to make some really knock-out drinks.
5. Use your blender to create your own cheaper, caster sugar
Caster sugar is over twice the price of normal, granulated sugar, yet we rarely question it.
There's simply no need to pay over the odds for what is, essentially, just fine granulated sugar. Simply whizz normal sugar up in your blender, and you'll have caster sugar ready for baking and dessert making in a matter of seconds.
6. Blend up some bread crumbs
Fish fingers? Burgers? Chicken Kiev? There are so many delicious recipes that require breadcrumbs.
A great way to always make sure you have some around, is to use up any stale bread by blasting it in your blender. This will create beautiful, golden breadcrumbs that can then be frozen and used when needed.
7. Use a blender to make budget, gourmet baby food
Sat down eating an amazing home-cooked dinner while your little one gets served up food from a jar? That hardly seems fair!
Give your baby the nutrition (and taste) you enjoy yourself by blender up your own dishes - it couldn't be easier.
8. A blender can be used to grind up coffee beans
Filter coffee may do the job, but there's nothing like the real thing.
Coffee beans are fairly easy to get hold of, but ground coffee is a different matter - not to mention expensive!
You can grind your own coffee without a grinder by using your blender. Just pour the beans in, and get whizzing.
9. DIY body scrubs have never been easier
Want soft, supple skin but not willing to pay £15 for a tiny pot of body scrub?
Good news: there's no need. Organic Beauty Recipes has a gorgeous, tropical pineapple and coconut body scrub you can make at home, in your blender.
10. Make falafel & veggie burgers without the fuss
Trying to eat less meat? Meat-free Monday's dont have to be boring.
In fact, with a little help from your blender, going-veggie has never tasted better.
It's the perfect tool for whizzing up falafel balls and veggie burgers in a flash. This 'Really Hungry Burger' recipe is a great example of how you can use your blender to transform your veggies.
11. Use your blender to cut the cost of nut milk
Going dairy free or lactose intolerant? If so, you'll know how costly the vegan alternative can be.
Guess what? You can use your blender to make your own nut milks and save on the supermarket versions.
Oh She Glows has a great tutorial showing you how to make almond milk. There's even some tips on how to reuse the leftover pulp, which we're fully on board with!
If you plan on freezing almond milk, you'll need your blender after thawing, too. Whizz the milk in the blender to help restore the original consistency.
12. Mix up a delightful salad dressing
Still using the same old balsamic and olive oil vinegarette on your salads? It's time for a change, and with the help of your blender, it couldn't be easier.
You can use your blender to combine a variety of weird and wonderful ingredients to make some fantastically flavoursome salad dressing.
This tangy, vegan ranch dressing from Healthy Blender Recipes is a great vegan alternative, and makes your blender work so you don't have to.
13. The smoothest, silkiest soup imaginable
There's nothing better than a bowl of hot, hearty soup during Winter.
It couldn't be easier to make it yourself:
Roast a selection of veg, throw into your blender, and add stock to desired consistensy. It'll come out super smooth and silky, making this tasty treat better than ever.
14. Make nut flour cheaply using a blender
Nut flours may be more nutritious than our white, refined staple, but my gosh they're expensive!
Did you know that, just like making your own nut butter, you can also use your blender to make nut flours?
The Healthy Maven has a tutorial showing you how to make four, unique nut flours at home to help you cut costs, and eat healthier.
If you're after even more low carb solutions, you should definitely give Colleen's 21 alternatives to bread, potatoes & pasta a read.
15. Make your own creamy, chopped coleslaw
A burger or bbq would just not be the same without a side of slaw.
You can make this tasty side really quickly at home by using your blender. Throw in your raw ingredients with some water, and blend for a few seconds until they're chopped to desired size. Then drain, add your sauce, and it's good to serve.
16. Best guacamole ever
The trick to a great guacamole? Finely chopped herbs and a chunky, avocado base.
Obtaining the perfect balance by hand can take time. You can fast-track your way to guacamole greatness by using your blender, just like The Baker Mama does in her recipe.
Is your avocado too overripe for guacamole? Don't fret, as Anushka has 16 incredible uses for gone off avocados you can try instead.
16 sensational uses for your blender, and not a smoothie in sight! Which one are you going to try first?
Time to get baking , first job make the caster sugar. ?
Good luck, Dee! Let us know what you make :)
Hi Stephanie, Thanks for the great read, I came across this post while looking for some interesting recipes to use with my blender, I loved the helpful links to several tutorials ;-)
Hi Brian. I'm so glad you enjoyed the article - thanks a lot for your comment! :)
Given me some great ideas please add more
Not just for caster sugar..I've used mine for years to make my own icing sugar too!
Hi Denise. I bet that's saved you a fair bit of money over the years! It's amazing how many people don't know about this simple hack. Thanks for sharing :)
I use my blender to make chicken liver pate. Fry the chicken livers in butter, toss until cooked through (add onions, garlic, sherry, peri peri powder - whatever you wish, the choices are endless) then add to the blender with some melted butter. Great for entertaining. Alternatively I use a tin of smoked oysters and blend to make a pate.
Great idea!