Battle of the Blenders
Battle of the Blenders
Every healthy kitchen needs a quality blender. IMPACT’s editorial team recently joined forces with chef Danielle Arsenault to test five of the top residential quality blenders. Follow along and test your blender with these five delicious (and healthy) recipes as we work our way to the best blender.
Beet & Berry Blast Smoothie
Serves 2
Ingredients
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1⁄2 cup strawberries
• 1⁄4 cup soaked cashews
• 1⁄4 cup raw beetroot, cubed
• Generous handful of spinach
• 2 dates, pitted
• 1⁄2 tsp. cardamom powder
• 4 cups of water
• 1⁄4 cup ice (optional)
Directions
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender for 45-60 seconds.
Nutrition facts per smoothie
Calories 204; protein 5 g; fat 8 g; carbs 34 g.
Tahini Green Smoothie
Serves 2
Ingredients
• 1 big handful of kale
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 Tbsp. tahini paste
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 dates, pitted
• 1⁄2 tsp. spirulina powder
• 4 cups of water
• 1⁄4 cup ice (optional)
Directions
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender for 45-60 seconds.
Nutrition facts per smoothie
Calories 255; protein 6 g; fat 1 g; carbs 65 g.
Raw Ginger Orange Power Bites
Makes 12-15 bites
Ingredients
• 10 dates, pitted
• 1⁄2 cup pecans
• 2 Tbsp. coconut flakes
• 1 Tbsp. hemp seeds
• 1 Tbsp. goji berries
• 2 slices of fresh orange, chopped fine, including the peel
• 1⁄2 tsp. ginger powder
• 1⁄2 Tbsp. vanilla protein powder
Directions
Best done in a food processor, add all ingredients in a bowl and process until a “dough ball” forms. It will be ready to roll into balls when it can hold its shape when squished together. Alternatively, you can create the dough mixing with the tamper while the blender is on low.
Nutrition facts per bite
Calories 130; protein 2 g; fat 6 g; carbs 20 g.
Salt-free Cashew Sour Cream
Makes about 1 cup
Ingredients
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight and drained
• ¼ cup water
• 3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• Optional spices: chipotle, herbes de provence, cumin and nutritional yeast
Directions
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender for 45 seconds. Start on low and gradually increase speed. There should be enough liquid to create a vortex in the centre of the cashew cream. Use the tamper to help mix it. This is an incredibly versatile dip that can add texture and flavour to a variety of dishes and cuisines.
Nutrition facts per Tbsp
Calories 66; protein 2 g; fat 5 g; carbs 3 g.
Summer Herbs Chimichurri
Makes about 1/2 cup
Ingredients
• Approx 4 cups, lightly packed of each of the following herbs: cilantro, basil, dill, parsley
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 green jalapeño
• 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds
• 1⁄2 Tbsp. miso paste
• 1⁄2 lemon, including peel
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil (optional)
Directions
Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor. If using a blender, use the tamper to help mix the ingredients into the blades while running on low-medium.
Nutrition facts per 2 Tbsp Calories 106; protein 3 g; fat 0 g; carbs 6 g.
Savoury Gazpacho Style Soup
Serves 2
Ingredients
• 5 tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1⁄2 red pepper
• 1⁄2 cup soaked macadamia nuts
• 1⁄4 cup sweet onion
• 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. miso paste
• 1⁄4 tsp. cumin powder
• pinch of salt and black pepper
• 2 cups water
Directions
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender for 3 minutes. The friction will increase and create heat until your soup is steamy.
Nutrition facts per serving
Calories 335; protein 4 g; fat 25 g; carbs 19 g.
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