Teaching my kids to use the blender was pretty easy. There are a couple smaller rules they needed to know and then one really big one.
The first rule is to make sure the blender is on a solid surface and won't rock when it's turned on. This is really simple at my house because I usually leave the blender in the same spot and the kids don't think to move it.
The second rule is to put the liquids in first. If you put the ice in first and then pour the liquids over the ice, the ice will stick together in a big clump.
The third - and most important - rule is to always - ALWAYS - put the lid on. Because of the intense surge of typhoon power, the liquids inside will climb the walls and look for a way to escape. If the lid isn't on tight the liquid will fly out of the blender. Up and out actually. It's kind of cool to see once. Not so cool the second time. If the lid is on tight, the liquid will flow into the center of the cyclone and be pulled to the bottom of the blender for blending.
(Left: My 11 year old is using the two-handed press technique.)
Another good idea is to put your hand on the lid as you turn the blender on. That way if there is a surge and things come loose you can minimize the damage. As you can see, my blender is part of my Bosch mixer package. I do have a surge setting but I don't have a chop. That said, this blender is a work horse. I have put all sorts of ice/smoothie/ice cream/cookie combos in there and everything turns out smooth and delicious.
Side Note:
I looked up 'nog' to see if there was a specific definition. The word came from Europe and was used to describe a strong beer served in small glasses. Egg nog, traditionally made with spirits, was reserved for the wealthy who could afford to use the milk and eggs to make it. Rum was introduced into egg nog in the Americas.
Berry Nog Smoothie
To print this recipe click here.
Ingredients:
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1 cup egg nog
1 cup ice
1 cup frozen strawberries
Directions:
1. Put all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Turn the blender on to the lowest setting or chop setting.
3. Blend for one minute or until smooth.
4. Serve and enjoy!
See how pretty it is? Very pink and lots of holiday involved. We loved it. Normally, strawberry smoothies have too much tang for my early morning taste buds. But, the egg nog really mellowed out the strawberries. I also like that this is a totally adaptable recipe. If you prefer whole milk, use it. If you'd like to throw in a peach yogurt, go right ahead. What would you do to mix it up?
I wonder how this would taste warmed up? It's snowing outside and warm sounds yummy!
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