I wish I had known about immersion blenders the day the lid of my blender flew off and spewed hot butternut squash bisque all over my kitchen. Did you know hot soup in a blender creates pressure, and the lid can fly off? Had I owned an immersion blender, I would have avoided burning my arm and cleaning soup off the ceiling that day. At least I learned to let soup cool before blending it.
Eventually, I discovered immersion blenders, and since then, I've avoided painting the ceiling with soup and saved a lot of time cleaning other blenders, food processors, and food mills.
An immersion blender, or as some call it, a stick blender, is so practical, easy to use, and clean. However, it seems to me it is overlooked as an essential kitchen tool. An immersion blender should be at the top of every gift registry and the first apartment must-have list for several reasons.
The immersion blender is inexpensive compared to other blenders and processors. It is handheld, which makes it easy and convenient to use and easy to clean up. You can use an immersion blender for blending, puréeing, and whipping.
Because you immerse the blender in the pot where the food is cooking, it eliminates the need to transfer the food to another blender or processor, which means less cleanup. So, when it's time to puree soup, tomato sauce, or vegetables, place the immersion blender in the pot and pulse until smooth. No transferring the soup to another bowl or blender, no risk of explosion, and no messy cleanup.
If you don't have an immersion blender, it's a valuable investment and makes a meaningful gift — perhaps along with some delicious recipes!
