I think we can all agree that smoothies and shakes are a popular summer treat- and no wonder! They are tasty, cold, and can occasionally even be good for you;). I love making smoothies with fresh fruit for my family- but I hate the dishes that accompany it. I have a small kitchen, and so my blender is stashed high in a cabinet that makes it kind of hard to get to- and there are times I just don’t have the motivation to pull down the entire blender and have to wash all the tiny pieces and put it back together to put away.

Which is why I have a new best friend- my hand blender! I had seen these before but never really thought about getting one until I got a gift card to Bed Bath and Beyond and decided to give it a try ( I have a good friend who has one and she loved it!). I have definitely been happy with that purchase!

There are just two parts to it- the motorized handle that you plug in, and the blade, which easily detaches and is dishwasher safe (which is a must in my opinion;) ). The brand I got also came with a cup that is long and tall and perfect for making smoothies! I love using the hand blender in place of my regular one, because it is so much simpler to clean and to pull out. Not only that, but I love that I can blend things right in the bowl or dish that I will be serving it in, and I can control where the blade is going, so I feel like I can blend things efficiently and quickly.

The hand blender is not just limited to making smoothies- here are a few more things you can do with your hand blender:

• Mash potatoes (You can get them nice and creamy right in the serving bowl!)
• Make baby food (I know this isn’t for everyone, but if you ever decide to give it a try I think a hand-blender makes it so much easier!! This is why I ended up getting one in the first place.)
• Mix homemade sauces and dressings (like homemade tomatillo ranch!)
• Homemade hummus
• Blending soups (I have a recipe for cauliflower soup that requires a lot of blending and this makes it so easy!)
• Shred chicken or other meats
• Shakes (as if any of us need another excuse to make them!)
• Mix hot chocolate (although I know we’re all cringing just looking at the word ‘hot’)
• Blending fruit for homemade ice cream
• Blend Oreos and cream cheese for all sorts of dessert options :)
• Homemade liquid soap

As you can see, there are so many uses for a hand blender. Obviously it is not an essential, as there are many other ways to do the tasks listed above, but a hand blender can sure make it easier (or save you from doing a dish or two- which is always a bonus in my book!).