32 replies to this topic

[Gomez]

We got one after the Oster protested with the frozen fruit...

Just received the box today

So far, we have run soapy water through, sparkling!

What do you all make in yours?

[beccaboo]

We got one after the Oster protested with the frozen fruit...

Just received the box today

So far, we have run soapy water through, sparkling!

What do you all make in yours?

I just ground up some mole (the sauce, not the creature) today.... I used to use it to make soymilk before I got a special soymilk machine. Now, mostly smoothies.

There's a really good and easy sauce/dressing I've made lately, too. Blend a whole bunch of herbs (parsley, mint, basil--whatever you have on hand that goes with what you're putting it on and isn't too strongly flavored) with some olive oil lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and a little sugar. I made this with parsley and used it for the sauce of artichoke pasta with asparagus. Sauté the asparagus pieces (along with shallots, garlic, whatever), then add the drained pasta and a little of the sauce. Stir for a little bit, then take off the heat and add the rest of the sauce.

[foodie52]

I attended a vegan cooking class a few months ago and the chef used it to grind raw cashews with water to use as a substitute for cream in recipes. Made a lovely smooth liquid.

[beccaboo]

And I used to use it to grind grain, till I got a mill attachment for my mixer--it worked well, but scratched up the container, since I didn't have the special 'dry carafe.'

[Rich]

Have had one for some 30 years - still works like a charm and is by farrrrrr, the best mixer on the market. Think the price was $100 or in this case $3.33 a year.

[Eddie L]

I use the dry-blade container to grind grain. I can't stand the stale, rancid taste of pre-ground whole wheat flour. Unless you're buying the flour directly from the mill, you're missing out on the flavor of real whole wheat flour.

The wet container is awesome for making cream soups and purées. Silky-smooth with no need for passing through a sieve.

I also use the dry-blade for making masala for biryani. I follow Niloufer Ichaporia King's recipe from My Bombay Kitchen. Toast the spices and throw them in the mixer. Pulse. Add the raw cashews. Pulse some more. Add a bit of liquid to loosen the paste as needed. Just absolutely gorgeous.

[Gomez]

Great ideas!

When you did the mole, beccaboo, did it stain the container?

Foodie52, that cashew with water trick sounds great!

[Eddie L]

I attended a vegan cooking class a few months ago and the chef used it to grind raw cashews with water to use as a substitute for cream in recipes. Made a lovely smooth liquid.

Oh, I forgot that the Vita-Mix makes great nut butters and nut milks.

I wanted to make ice cream for a gathering of friends that included a couple of vegans. Vegan ice cream is a bit of a challenge, but this recipe for nut milk definitely helped:

Creamy Nut Milk

The nut milk was fabulous, and it made a terrific ice cream. (Filed for future reference.)

[beccaboo]

Great ideas!

When you did the mole, beccaboo, did it stain the container?

No, my container's fresh and clean! It wasn't very dark mole, though--kind of tannish.

[splinky]

so i mention, to my mom, that i'm finally going to break down and buy a vitamix. when she hears the price, she asks if i want my nana's old vitamix. well, nana's been dead for 25 years and i never saw it in her kitchen, when i was growing up. so, it stands to reason that this vitamix is 50-60 years old. does anyone know if a 50 year old vitamix is likely to be worth digging up and having serviced?

[Suzanne F]

I'll bet that other than a good wash, it won't need servicing. That it will be just fine.

(If I'm wrong, send it to me and I'll take good care of it. )

[memesuze]

reconditioned vitamix blender with 5-year guarantee for $329

use coupon code of 06-006777 to get free shipping

[Rich]

One of the great companies and the best of its class in products. The Vitamix is certainly one of the five most important and necessary items in any kitchen. At $329 and a five-year warranty it's a steal.

And no, I don't own stock in the company.

[splinky]

reconditioned vitamix blender with 5-year guarantee for $329

use coupon code of 06-006777 to get free shipping

I may finally pull the trigger. That just comes with one blending jar, right?

[SethG]

It is appealing.