What do you use a stick blender for?

[Anonymous]

DH got me a handheld stick blender for Christmas since I like to cook. But I already have a regular blender and a food processor, what would I use this for? The box says soups and smoothies, and I really don't make a lot of those, and when I do, I just take out the blender. Just wondering if I am missing something or if I should just return it now instead of using it once and forgetting about it.

[Anonymous]

I use it at least once or twice a week for blending tomato sauce. It's also good for making purees like whipped cauliflower.

[Anonymous]

i use it for soups and sometimes sauces generally instead of using a blender.

[Anonymous]

I use the stick blender to puree things in the pot, ie butternut squash soup. Once it is cooked, i just put the stick blender in and it is so much easier then transferring it to the blender.

[Anonymous]

anything i would've used a regular blender for. but it's so much easier to use and easier to clean.

[Anonymous]

it will take the lumps out of any gravy

[Anonymous]

I use it to make crepes batter

[Anonymous]

Mixing the custard for French toast

[Anonymous]

Hummus, smooth soups, tomato sauce. Just convenient to be able to stick it in the pot (or can of tomatoes) rather than pouring into a separate blender.

[Anonymous]

I've never taken mine out of the box!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use the stick blender to puree things in the pot, ie butternut squash soup. Once it is cooked, i just put the stick blender in and it is so much easier then transferring it to the blender.

Yes, exactly. Use it instead of your regular blender for soups. Much easier, and many fewer things to wash afterwards. Also, it's safer for hot soups that could "explode" in the regular blender.

I don't know if your stick blender came with it, but mine came with a small food processing attachment that is also really useful.

[Anonymous]

Ok, you guys convinced me, I'll keep it! I like the tip for getting lumps out of gravy.

[Anonymous]

It's great for making baby food, or any type of fruit or veggie puree. I don't use mine that often, but it is very useful for blending things in the pot like others have said. It doesn't take up much room so I would keep it.

[Anonymous]

Mine (cuisnart) came with a whisk and a small food processor attachment. In addtion to all the soup/puree ideas, I whip cream with the whisk attachment rather than dragging out my mixer. I also use the food processor to chop small amounts of things instead of dragging out the large fp, even with the small bowl.

[Anonymous]

OP again... I whip cream a lot so that actually would be great. However, I got the Cuisanart stick blender without the whisk attachment. Can I whip cream using just the stick or do I really need the whisk attachment?