Dear Cooks,
I don’t have a food processor. Can I use a blender instead? So many of Rachael’s recipes call for a food processor.
Thanks,
Clare
Hi Clare,
You can absolutely use your blender, if it has a sharp blade and is strong, in place of your food processor most of the time. That sounds vague, but here are some instances when you can use the blender instead of the food processor:
- making pestos
- making salad dressings
- pureeing soups
- making hummus
- sauces and gravies
We would not recommend using the blender for recipes where you use the shredder or slicer function on the food processor to shred carrots or potatoes, for example.
Make sure you do not blend anything while it is hot or fill up your blender too high as it will splatter all over the place and you could get burned.
Both the blender and the food processor require a certain amount of liquid so if you have something in the blender and the blade seems to be spinning but your food keeps moving off to the sides of the blender and not mixing up, then it needs more liquid. The problem with the blender vs the food processor is really all about the shape. The blender is long and lean so sometimes food or liquids don’t spread out as evenly as in the food processor which makes it harder to move, but if you get a good amount of liquid in there, it should work well. Note: all blenders are not created equal and some blenders are specifically for drinks and others have a wider base and stronger blade, specifically so you can use it for food recipes as well as drinks.
Here’s a bonus product-the Cuisinart food processor and blender in one box, on sale.
Here are some of Rachael’s recipes that use a blender or food processor. In most of these instances, you can use either.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:21 am
Rachael, If you will keep your plastic wrap in the freezer you want have to fight with it
as you say. Jo Ann
May 6th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
hi rachael i love your show ok i’m from algeria 21 years old i love food can you invit me to america i talented /i want to be an actor /can you adopte me please i’m a good boy you know the o c /serie tv / just like that bay i love ya
May 7th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Just a quick question. What is a good blender to buy? We have one that is not as good as it used to be (25years).
Rene’
May 9th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Rachel
I love your show. I watch it day or night, I am a parent/student. I love to try your recipes and my mom is my taste tester. Keep up the great work!
May 12th, 2008 at 11:20 am
dear rachel.I Love to watch your show all the time. I learn new recipes all the time.
May 12th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Dear Rachael:
I have been looking for a jello mold(shape of a fish) for a long rime and have not been successful in finding one can you tell me where I might find this item. I need it like yesterday Oh yes i really enjoy your show.
Annie T.
May 13th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Rachael please HELP ME!!!! I am a 24 year old stay at home mom , I watch your show everyday , but I have a huge problem me and my boyfriend are on a low fat diet , going great for me , I have lost 16 lbs . My bofriend well not so good … He works outside and a low fat tasty lunch is hard because it has to be served cold , he cant use his hands , and I am out of ideas for his lunch … Hes not picky and will eat anything but would like to him to have a differant lunch everyday . He deserves it . Thank you . All yeah love your show .
May 13th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
How do you clean your “see threw the top” pots and pan set? Thank you for your time, Carol
May 14th, 2008 at 2:01 am
slm rachael ray.nasılsın ben türkiyeden sevil.senin kilometrelece uzaktaki hayranın.seninle tanışmak istiyoruz kızımla.2 yaşında bir kızım var.senin gibi yemek yapmak istiyor.umarım bana geri dönbilirsi.ingilizce bilmediğim için türkçe yazdım.sevgiyle kendine iyi bakkkk
May 14th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I suggest everyone do a little experiment before using the blender to food process, as blenders vary. Get a bag of baby carrots and process them with each setting, from grind to pulverize. Then take photos of the various textures and post them inside of your cabinet. Voila, the experiment will never have to be repeated as long as you have your guide!