HOW WE USE OUR VITAMIX BLENDER:
We have been Vitamix owners ever since we saw our first jaw-dropping demonstration at the Kitchen and Bath Industry show (KBIS) over 20 years ago. It was easy to say yes when QVC asked us to write a post about our experience with the Vitamix blender and gave us a free Vitamix 6300 model to sample. For years it has been a workhorse in our kitchen, and we use it every day for much more than smoothies. It is one of the few appliances we leave on the counter because we use it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes. You really come to appreciate your Vitamix once you have the opportunity to use it daily and recognize the difference between a “regular” blender and a pro-blender with superpowers. Smoothies and salad dressings are silkier and creamier even when you leave the nutrient-rich skins on the fruits and vegetables. Hot and cold soups are a breeze to make, and it is perfect for our family’s daily staples — hummus, carrot juice, green-tea latte, and almond milk.
The model in our photos is the Vitamix 6300 Professional Blender, but note there are several models to choose from. Be sure to tune into QVC’s Cooking on Q® – Vitamin Demo. Our Vitamix has certainly helped our entire family adopt a healthier lifestyle. For us, it is a must-have in the kitchen! Everything you need to create healthy and delicious meals comes in the box: Shown here is the Vitamix 6300 13-in-1 Variable Speed Blender with Presets and Pulse Button, a 64 oz container with soft-grip handle, a tamper, a get started DVD, a smoothie-to-go bottle, and two bonus cookbooks.
Here are some of our creations with the Vitamix pro-blender:
Fresh Almond Milk
(The Art of Blending Cookbook p. 21 – I also added Agave)
1.) Add a cup of almonds (soaked overnight) to 3 cups of water; 2) Add 1.5 tsp vanilla extract; 3) Add 1T Agave; 4) Add 1T Maple Syrup and a pinch of salt; 5) Mix starting at variable speed 1 and move to highest speed for 1 minute; 6) Strain through cheesecloth or strainer into a carafe.
Homemade Breakfast Smoothies
(Carrot-Ginger-Apple Juice, Art of Blending Cookbook p. 29; Berry Delicious Smoothie, Savor Cookbook p. 4; Clear Skin Smoothie, Art of Blending Cookbook p. 26)
Our kids are not big breakfast eaters, so a smoothie is a lifesaver on school mornings. Always keep an ample supply of fresh and frozen fruit on hand so they can make their own. Don’t tell but we sometimes sneak in some rice protein, flax oil, or chia seeds for a healthy boost.
Pulsed Guacomole and Salsa
(Savor Cookbook p. 123, 124)
Use the pulse button on the Vitamix when you want to leave some texture in your recipe. Do this slowly and watch the consistency because this machine is so powerful it will quickly smooth the ingredients together.
Soup and Sauce
When we saw them demonstrate how to make soup in a Vitamix, we were truly excited. We love to make a quick soup with fresh vegetables for a powerful dose of nutrients. When we make soup, we sometimes sauté a few ingredients first (such as onions, fennel, celery) before tossing them into the Vitamix. For gravies and marinara sauce, it couldn’t be easier. You just put all the desired ingredients in the blender and mix together. There are some great recipes online and in the Vitamix cookbooks.
We especially love how easy our Vitamix is to clean. You just fill the container halfway with warm water, add a drop of soap, and turn the machine on for 30 seconds.
QVC has aired some recent Cooking on Q® shows with a fantastically-priced Vitamix sale. This model comes with a 7-year warranty and will be available in black, red, white, platinum, berry, and turquoise.
