Other Uses of the Blender That You Didn’t Know

The blender is normally used to make smoothies, shakes, dips, batter, and anything else that you can think of. But you never realized until now the other uses that a blender can do. And if your own unit can do any of these cool things, then yours will be considered one of the best blenders you’ve ever purchased! For additional buying guide, check out blender reviews by consumers themselves and discover other things that their own blenders can do.

1. Plant-based “milk”

If you’re a vegan or a lactose intolerant, you can make nut, bean, grain and seed-based milks at home using your nifty blender. Almond milk, cashew milk, walnut milk, soya milk, milk made from chia seeds… the possibilities are endless! You need to soak the nuts (or beans, grain or seeds) for at least a day. Chop and blend them at “high” speed for about two minutes. Once they have turned into a mushy meal, you may need a strainer, a nutbag or a cheesecloth to extract as much “milk” as possible.

2. Veggie “burgers”

If you are eschewing meat for health, religious or ethical reasons, then it’s time to chuck those beef patties out and create freshly prepared veggie burgers at home! Your trusty blender will do the chopping and mashing of the peas, beans, grains, tofu, mushrooms and an assortment of other vegetables and spices to make a delicious burger, sans the unwanted calories and saturated fats.

3. Falafels

If you love falafel in particular, you don’t have to eat out at Middle Eastern restos as you can make it at home. Your dependable blender will easily chop, mash and blend chick peas (garbanzo beans), fava beans, tahini, soya or mung beans (or all of them) to make delicious falafels.

4. Frothy drinks

Want to recreate that rich, creamy foam of your Starbucks coffee? If you don’t have a frother at home, your ordinary blender can be an able alternative. Better yet, get an immersion blender — it makes creamier and richer white head for your lattes or cappuccinos, without breaking a sweat.

5. Frosting

Don’t have a mixer or a food processor? No problem! Make delicious and colorful frostings for your cakes and cupcakes by using a blender!

 

6. Granola bars

Crush, chop, and blend your favorite nuts, fruits and grains in a blender to make delicious and healthy homemade granola bars!

 

7. Fruit leathers (or fruit roll-ups)

Fruit leathers are a healthier alternative to candies and junk foods. You can snack on them while traveling, have them in your lunch boxes, or simply nibble on them while you’re studying or watching TV.

Only powerful, top rated blenders (such as Vitamix or Blendtec) can chop, grind and combine all of your favorite fruits into a perfect texture that’s needed to make a fruit leather. You can even add some vegetables and nuts like carrots, beets, almonds or walnuts into your already fruity blend. If you don’t have a dehydrator, spread the mixture into a pan (lined with a baking sheet) and put it into the oven to dry. After it’s done in the oven, take the fruit leather out and let it cool. Then it’s ready to be sliced, rolled up and enjoyed!

8. Body scrub and face mask

Who says that the blender is only for preparing edible treats? You could also use it for non-food treats such as a body scrub! Combine the usual body scrub ingredients like papaya, olive oil, citrus fruits, pineapple or milk, sugar, yogurt and honey and you’re on your way to refresh and rejuvenate your skin. Not to mention that homemade body scrubs smell really good, too!

9. Compost

You never knew it, but your blender is also capable of making compost! Just throw all of your food scraps and leftovers into the blender and it will break them down into a neat compost. Use it to fertilize your vegetable patch or indoor herb garden.

10. Powdered or confectioners’ sugar

Instead of buying powdered sugar from groceries, you can actually make your own powdered sugar by using a blender. Just pour in your regular granulated sugar into the blender, and set it into pulse until the sugar turns into a powder. You’ll be surprised by the results! Some of them even add cornstarch into the mix to make a much finer powdered sugar. It’s absolutely perfect for cake batter, frosting, or sugar-dusting your cakes, breads, pancakes, waffles and doughnuts!