Saturday, October 31, 2009

Buying And Using Your Smoothie Maker

By Abby Cardin

The smoothie maker is the answer to delicious drinks with nutritional benefits. In the hot summer, you would like to down that great, cool ice cream float, but you know that it is probably not on your list of in between meals snacks. If you don't have one of these great little smoothie makers, here is a brief buying guide.

This blender-like appliance is somewhat different from the ordinary blender. For one thing, the wattage power is higher so that it is possible for the ice to be crushed more efficiently from a cube into the blended drink. The power of the machine and its shape pulls the ingredients down toward the blades so the blending and crushing take place all at once.

Look for glass or plastic containers. If the children will be using the appliance, it is wiser to get the plastic container for safety sake. The plastic washes very well and is lighter in weight. The glass container is heavier and if broken would cost much more to replace.

The shape of the smoothie machine is wider at the top and funnels down towards the blades. At the bottom is a spout for dispensing the liquid. Usually the pieces of the machine come apart for easy cleaning. The blades are sharp, but it is the power of the motor that really does the crushing work. You should take care when cleaning any blades.

On the side of the container you will find measurement markings. This makes smoothie making a cinch and even the kids can follow simple recipes. Almost every smoothie recipe uses fresh fruit, juices, milk or yogurt, and ice. For a really highly nutritious smoothie, protein powder can be added. The health benefits are great, but of course, remember the amount of calories in these power drinks before you just bulk up on smoothies.

Breakfast can be hassle free when you provide a smoothie for your preteen or teen. Skipping breakfast should not be an option, but the smoothie can be substituted for the bowl of cereal or scrambled eggs.

For your benefit, the smoothie maker changes your powdered diet drink into a luscious shake like treat. The maker takes up little space in a kitchen on the counter, but opens a completely new treat maker for the family. Choose wisely for your needs and then enjoy!

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