Full Immersion Blending

Dear Moll-

You know all too well that I am Scrooge McDuck stingy. I'm sure our recent conversation about the iphone still lingers in your head like a bad cold. I won't deny my thriftiness. In fact, I embrace it as a money-saver AND as a life simplification philosophy. In kitchen terms, this translates to "why have a bunch of expensive gadgets and what-nots if you can make do with the basics?"

So, if I'm sending you a kitchen tool which at first glance seems a little gadget-y, you know I think it's worth the money. And I do. That said, prepare to welcome the Kalorik Immersion Blender. (I know I sound like an infomercial. Sorry.) I heard about it from Christopher Kimball - and that man researches e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g inside & out. What's it good for? Smoothies, of which you are a huge fan - though I find you may want to slightly defrost larger fruit chunks (peaches) a bit before you blend. Soups: roasted sweet potatoes and other assorted veggies cooked in chicken broth and then blended. You've never tackled these before but as the winter descends you'll crave soup. You could even make the king of condiments, aka tomato jam. Add to all of this ease of cleaning (way easier than a blender), a pretty modest price, and availability on Amazon. Expect to receive your own Kalorik Stick Mixer next week. Enjoy!

xxoo, Mom

Basic Tools: Colander

Every now and then recipes will be punctuated with some gotta have ’em basics. Could be equipment. Perhaps an essential ingredient. But these are things that go beyond whim or desire. These are items you need. And as all my children will sadly confirm, I have an unending preach-iness when it comes to the gospel of want vs. need. To be clear, I am on the side of need.

Anyway: the colander. This you need. You need it to drain pasta. Rinse fruits &veggies. Strain soups or sauces, though you will be doing more of the first two than this last one. Even though I am an enormous cheap skate, I advise buying a stainless steel colander with short legs or a rounded base to lift your valuables away from whatever is rushing though. Good handles are necessary for obvious reasons. I also prefer metal as opposed to plastic because I don’t like heated plastic in contact with food. Just call it mother’s intuition. You don’t need to spend much more than $10.00 for a good one. Check out Marshall’s or HomeGoods in addition Target or Walmart. The one pictured here is from Marshall’s and cost $12.00. Guess who is going to college with a shiny new colander?