Soup’er Finds

There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t stand in my kitchen and say, “What would I do without this (fill in the blank)?!” Over the years I’ve accumulated a variety of culinary tools designed to make cooking easier; some have been useful, while others have been embarrassingly silly (the banana slicer, anyone?). But the ones that have withstood the test of time, that have earned a place of honor in my kitchen, and have truly made my life simpler, these are the treasures that I plan on sharing with you in Soup’er Finds.

January 2014

Cuisinart 2-Speed Smart Stick Hand Blender

One item that I’ve found particularly helpful (and versatile) in my kitchen is the Cuisinart 2-Speed Smart Stick Hand Blender. With a 200-watt motor, it easily purées all my soups directly in the pot, saving me the hassle of processing hot liquid in my blender. The Smart Stick comes with a whisk attachment and 16 oz. plastic measuring beaker, which is excellent for whipping up homemade vinaigrettes. But, it’s the mini-chopper attachment that makes this product stand out from other hand blenders. I’ve found it so much more convenient to chop up small batches of food than if I were to pull out my heavy duty food processor. Whether I’m making a quick pico de gallo for fresh guacamole, chopping nuts to add to cookie batter, or blending seasonal fruit to top my toddler’s morning waffles — I find myself using it a few times a week! If your local kitchen store doesn’t carry it, there’s a great deal online at Kitchen and Company for $59.99 +free shipping.