Kitchen Gadgetry: Immersion Blender

Yesterday's post featuring Spicy Tomato and Blue Cheese Soup mentioned that I use an immersion blender to avoid pouring hot soup into a blender in order to puree it. In comments, Samma asked more about my blender. Here's the scoop:

I have a Kitchenaid model, available on Amazon for $50:

I considered buying a Breville that was three times the price, but the reviews of this one convinced me to give it a try. I figured that for my needs - pureeing soups, not crushing ice - the cheaper model would be fine. It's been great. Here it is in action:

 

As you can see, I'm using the blender right inside my big 'ol dutch oven. My dutch oven is 6.5 quarts and somewhat of a beast. Lifting this thing and gracefully pouring boiling liquids into an upright blender? Not going to happen. The immersion blender has been my lifesaver in this regard.

Bonus for moms out there: my friend MaryBeth uses her Cuisinart immersion blender (even cheaper than mine - I'm jealous!) to make baby food for her newborn. As with my soup pureeing, she says baby food-making is a snap with one of these.

A huge time saver (not to mention mess preventer), this tool. Less time and less mess? I'm a fan!