Cuisinart CSB-77A Operational manual

INSTRUCTION/
RECIPE BOOKLET
Smart Stick Hand Blender
For your safety and continued enjoyment of this product,
always read the instruction book carefully before using.
CSB-77A

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should
always be followed including the following:
1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
2. To protect against electrical shock, do not put the motor body,cord
or electrical plug of this hand blender in water or other liquid. The
detachable blending shaft of this appliance has been designed for
immersion into water or other liquids. Never submerge any other
portion of this unit. If hand blender falls into liquid, remove immediately.
Do not reach into the liquid without unplugging the unit first.
3. This appliance should not be used by children. To avoid possible
accidental injury, close supervision is necessary when any appliance
is used by or near children.
4. Unplug from outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking
off parts, and before cleaning. To unplug, grasp plug and pull
from electrical outlet. Never pull cord.
5. Avoid contacting moving parts.
6. During operation keep hands, hair, clothing, as well as spatulas and
other utensils away from attachments and any mixing container, to
reduce risk of injury to persons, and/or damage to the appliance.
A spatula may be used, but must be used only when the unit is
not operating.
7. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after
the appliance has malfunctioned or has been dropped or damaged in
any way or is not operating properly. Return the appliance to the
nearest Cuisinart Repair Centre for examination, repair, or
mechanical or electrical adjustment.
8. Remove detachable shaft from the blender before washing the blades
or shaft.
9. Blades are SHARP. Handle carefully when removing, inserting
or cleaning.
10. When mixing liquids, especially hot liquids, use a tall container or
make small quantities at a time to reduce spillage, splattering and
possibility of injury from burning.
11. To reduce the risk of injury, never place chopper/grinder attachment
cutting blade on base without first putting prep bowl properly in place.
12. Be certain the chopper/grinder attachment cover is securely locked in
place before operating appliance. Do not attempt to remove cover
until blade has stopped rotating.
13. Check prep bowl for presence of foreign objects before using.
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14. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended by
Cuisinart may cause fire, electrical shock, or risk of injury.
15. Do not use outdoors, or use for other than intended use.
16. Do not let any cord hang over the edge of the table or counter.
Do not let cord contact hot surfaces, including stovetop.
17. Make sure the appliance is off, the motor has stopped completely,
and the appliance is unplugged from outlet before putting on or taking
off attachments, and before cleaning.
18. To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not operate any
heating appliance beneath the mounting unit.
19. Maximum rating of 200W is based on the chopper/grinder
attachment that draws the greatest power.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with
reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience
and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction
concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with
the appliance.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safeguards . ......................................2
Introduction ...............................................4
Unpacking Instructions ......................................4
Features and Benefits. ......................................4
Tips and Hints .............................................5
WhiskTips................................................6
Diagram..................................................7
Assembly.................................................8
BlendingAttachment...................................8
Chopper/Grinder Attachment . ...........................8
ReversibleBlade......................................9
WhiskAttachment....................................11
Operation............................................... 12
Blending ...........................................12
Whisking...........................................12
Chopping/Grinding ...................................12
Cleaning ................................................13
Frequent Uses for Chopper/Grinder . . .........................15
Recipes.................................................16
Warranty................................................29
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INTRODUCTION
This Cuisinart®Smart Stick Hand Blender is designed to handle a variety
of basic tasks, like blending, mixing, chopping, grinding, whipping,
pureeing – even processing bread crumbs – to give you time for more
creative culinary undertakings! Elegant brushed stainless steel houses a
powerful motor, and the handy “stick” design lets you blend in a pot, bowl,
or pitcher. Operation is easy and cleanup is quick. What could be better?
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Place the package containing the Cuisinart®Smart Stick Hand Blender on
a sturdy surface. Unpack the Smart Stick Hand Blender from its box by
removing the upper protective insert. Gently slide the unit from the box.
Remove all support materials from the box and replace the upper insert.
Save packaging for possible repacking of the unit.
Note: The blending blade is extremely sharp. Use caution when
removing and unpacking the storage stand. The blending blade is
stored in the storage stand.
Before using the Cuisinart®Smart Stick Hand Blender for the first time, we
recommend that you wipe the unit with a clean, damp cloth to remove any
dirt or dust. Dry it thoroughly with a soft absorbent cloth. Handle
carefully; wash each individual blade attachment, mixing container and
detachable shaft by hand or in the dishwasher. Dry thoroughly before use.
Read all instructions completely for detailed operating procedures.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
1. One Touch On/Off Button: Allows you to activate the hand
blender at the touch of a button. Simply press and hold down on the
toggle switch to blend or pulse. Once the button is released, blending
will stop.
2. Comfort Handle: The handle allows you to control the hand blender
with ease.
3. Motor Body Housing
4. Detachable Shaft: By pressing the release button on the back of the
unit, the shaft will detach for easy cleaning.
5. Blending Attachment with Stainless Steel Blade and Blade
Guard: This attachment easily snaps into the motor body housing.
The stainless blade is partially covered by a stainless housing that
keeps splashing to a minimum.
6. Whisk Attachment: Whisk attachment snaps into the motor body
housing. This attachment is great for whipping cream, egg whites
and other delectable treats.
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7. Chopper/Grinder Attachment: Chop, mince and grind with
the Cuisinart®Chopper/Grinder attachment. Chopper/Grinder
attaches to the blender motor body in place of the blender shaft or
whisk attachment.
8. Mixing Beaker: 2-cup mixing beaker is microwave- and dishwasher
safe. Use this container to blend drinks, shakes, salad dressings and
more. Designed for easy gripping and drip-free pouring.
TIPS AND HINTS
1. Liquid should come within an inch of where the shaft attaches to the
motor housing.
2. Some spices may scratch the chopper/grinder attachment.
3. When using with a nonstick cooking surface, be careful not to scratch
the coating with the hand blender.
4. Do not immerse motor body housing, chopper/grinder cover, or whisk
gearbox in water or any other liquid.
5. Cut most solid foods into 13mm cubes for easy blending. Suggestion:
use chopper/grinder for chopping and grinding solid foods.
6. Pour liquid ingredients into the mixing container first, unless recipe
instructs otherwise.
7. To avoid splashing, don’t turn the hand blender on until the blade is
beneath the surface of the mixture and do not pull the hand blender
out of the mixture while blender is running.
8. Do not let hand blender stand in a hot pot on stove while not in use.
9. Do not put fruit pits, bones, or other hard material into the blending
mixture, as these are liable to damage the blades.
10. Do not fill mixing containers too full. The level of mixture will rise when
blending, and can overflow.
11. Adding liquids that are warm, not cold, facilitates blending solids
with liquids.
12. For recipes calling for ice, use crushed ice (not whole cubes) for
best results.
13. Using a gentle up-and-down motion is the best way to blend and
incorporate ingredients uniformly.
14. To avoid spatter, turn the hand blender off and let the blade stop
completely before lifting the unit out of the mixture you are processing.
15. To whip air into a mixture, always hold the blade just under
the surface.
16. To make a soup creamy in texture, use the hand blender to purée
the soup solids to the desired consistency using a gentle up-and-down
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motion right in the saucepan. You can quickly change your soup into a
thick and creamy blend.
17. If you are making a dip or spread, it is not necessary to process
completely into a smooth purée; leave some texture for interest.
18. When making compound butters, remove the butter from the
refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before blending
the ingredients.
19. The hand blender is perfect for frothing milk for cappuccino or lattes.
20. Use the hand blender to make smooth gravies and pan sauces.
21. For best results when adding celery to a recipe, use a vegetable
peeler to remove tough outer strings from the celery before slicing.
WHISK TIPS
Use the whisk attachment for beating heavy cream or egg whites. It may
also be used for whisking eggs for scrambled eggs or fluffy omelettes.
BEATING EGG WHITES
When beating egg whites use a very clean metal or glass bowl, never
plastic. Plastic can contain hidden oils and fats that can ruin the delicate
egg white foam. To help stabilize the egg whites add 1/8 teaspoon of
cream of tartar per egg white prior to beating them. (If using a copper
bowl omit the cream of tartar). Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form
that do not droop over. Beating the egg whites longer causes them to dry
out and become even less stable. When adding sugar to beaten egg
whites add it slowly when soft peaks just begin to form and then continue
beating to form soft peaks that don’t droop over.
BEATING HEAVY CREAM
When beating heavy cream, if possible and time allows, use a chilled
bowl, and chill the whisk attachment. The best shaped bowl for whipping
cream is one that is deep with a rounded bottom. The cream should come
out of the refrigerator just before whipping. Hold the Whip attachment so
that it is just skimming the surface, and whip until the cream begins
to thicken and develop some body; then immerse the whisk totally into
the cream. Whipped cream may be used at either soft or firm peaks
depending on preference. It may be flavoured as desired. For best
results, whip cream just before using.
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7
Motor
Body Housing
Detachable
Blending Shaft
Blade
Guard
Stainless
Steel
Blending
Blade
Chopper/Grinder
Attachment
Cord
Wrap
On/Off
Button
Comfort
Handle
Whisk Attachment
Detachable
Gearbox
Chopper/
Grinder
Cover

ASSEMBLY
BLENDING ATTACHMENT
1. Align the motor body with the blending attachment and slide the
pieces together until you hear and feel the pieces click together.
It may be helpful to press the release button when assembling.
CHOPPER/GRINDER ATTACHMENT
8
A. Chopper/Grinder
Prep Bowl
B. Cover Slots (3)
for Attaching
Cover
C. Metal Blade
Assembly Shaft
D. Rubber Feet
E. Blade Assembly
F. Blade Ring
G. Plastic Blade
Sheath
H. Chopper/Grinder
Cover
I. Lift Tabs
J. Chopper/Grinder
Spline
A
B
C
D
J
H
IE
F
G

9
REVERSIBLE BLADE
The Cuisinart®Smart Stick Hand Blender chopper/grinder attachment is
equipped with a reversible blade. This blade is sharp on one side and
blunt on the other. The blade is attached to a plastic ring which slides
over the blade assembly shaft, so it can be easily turned over to select
the appropriate blade. A guide for proper blade selection follows in the
section, Frequent Uses for Chopper/Grinder (page 15.)
Before you process any food, assemble the parts.
1. Place the prep bowl on a flat, dry, stable surface. It should be close to
an electrical outlet of the same voltage as stated on the rating plate on
the Smart Stick Hand Blender.
2. The metal blade assembly shaft is attached to the bottom of the prep
bowl. If not already in place, slide the fully assembled blade assembly
over the top of the blade assembly shaft.
2a. Putting together the blade assembly:
Connect the blade ring (F) to the plastic blade sheath (G). Line up the
blade ring opening with the plastic sheath. Let the blade ring slide to
the bottom of the plastic sheath. HOLD THE BLADE RING BY THE
CENTRAL HUB HOLDING RIBS (grips)(K) ONLY. DO NOT TOUCH
THE RAZOR-SHARP BLADES.
Note these important features of the blade ring. The blade ring can be
placed over the plastic blade sheath in two different ways:
If you hold it this way (A), you will see the word “Sharp” on the blade.
Assemble the blade this side up to use the sharp edge. (see the section
on processing food for information about when to use the sharp edge.)
If you hold it this way (B), you will see no writing on the blade.
Assemble the blade this side up to use the blunt edge.
(See the section on processing food, for information about when
to use the blunt edge.)
N
F
G
K
2a
A. SHARP SIDE
B.
BLUNT SIDE UP

There are notches (C) on opposite sides of the interior of the hub.
These fit over ridges on the sides of the plastic blade sheath.
Pick up the blade ring by its hub holding ribs (grips) and line up the
notches in the interior of the blade ring hub with the ridges on the sides
of the plastic blade sheath. Let the blade ring slide down to the bottom
of the plastic blade sheath. The lower blade should almost touch the
bottom of the prep bowl.
Lift the prep bowl, holding it firmly from the bottom. Pick up the blade
ring by its hub holding ribs (grips) and turn it very slightly clockwise.
This locks it in place on the plastic blade sheath and prevents it from
sliding up during processing.
3. Connect the Smart Stick Hand Blender
motor body to the top of the
chopper/grinder attachment cover.
Align the spine in the chopper/grinder
cover’s drive shaft with the ribbed
opening on the underside of the motor
body. When aligned properly, slide the
two pieces together until they meet.
You will feel and hear a slight click.
It may be helpful to press the rubber
release button when sliding these
pieces together.
4. With the hand blender in place,
locate the chopper/grinder cover
and place it on top of the prep bowl.
4a. Be sure that the 3 ridges at the top of the blade assembly
line up with the 3-arm propeller gear in the underside of the
chopper/grinder cover, and that the cover is seated all around the
top of the prep bowl.
4b. To properly seat the cover, you must line up the three molded
pins from the cover with the 3 slots at the top of the prep bowl.
Rotate cover counterclockwise to secure it to the prep bowl.
Rotate the cover until the pins are in the far left position in
the slots.
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3.
Motor
Body Bottom and
Chopper/Grinder
Cover Top View
C. NOTCH

5. Plug the power cord of the Smart Stick Hand Blender into an
electrical outlet.
6. Place one hand on the cover of the chopper/grinder attachment,
while gripping the Smart Stick Hand Blender motor body handle
with the other. Press the ON/OFF button with your fingers to start
the motor and run the chopper/grinder.
To turn the unit off, remove your fingers from the ON/OFF button.
7. WHEN THE BLADE STOPS MOVING, unplug the Smart Stick Hand
Blender, remove the motor body from the chopper/grinder cover, and
remove the cover from the prep bowl.
WHISK ATTACHMENT
1. Align the end of the whisk with the small opening of
the whisk gearbox.
2. Push end into opening until it locks into position.
3. Align the motor body with the assembled whisk
attachment and slide the pieces together until
you hear and feel the pieces click together.
It may be helpful to press the release button
when assembling.
11
4a.
4.
Inside View of
Prep Bowl
Inside View of
Chopper/Grinder
Cover
4b.

OPERATION
BLENDING
Blending & Mixing
The specially designed blade is for mixing and stirring all kinds of
foods, including salad dressings, powdered drink products, and sauces.
It is ideal for combining dry ingredients, and can be used to emulsify
mayonnaise, too.
This blade mixes and stirs while adding only a minimum of air to
your mixture. A gentle up-and-down motion is all you need to make
the most flavourful, full-bodied liquid recipes. Be careful never to
remove the Cuisinart®Smart Stick Hand Blender from the liquid
while in operation.
1. Insert the blending attachment into the motor body. (See Assembly
for Blending Attachment, page 8.)
2. Plug electrical cord into an electrical wall socket.
3. Place blending shaft into mixture that will be blended.
4. Press and hold the ON/OFF button. The hand blender will continue
to run as long as the switch is pressed in. To turn hand blender OFF,
release the ON/OFF button and the motor will stop.
5. Do not hold the button ON for longer than 50 seconds at a time.
6. Unplug immediately after use.
WHISKING
1. Insert the whisk attachment into the motor body. (See Assembly for
Whisk Attachment, page 11.)
2. Plug electrical cord into an electrical wall socket.
3. Place the whisk into mixture that will be blended.
4. Press and hold the ON/OFF button. The hand blender will continue
to run as long as the switch is pressed in. To turn hand blender OFF,
release the ON/OFF button and the motor will stop.
5. Do not hold the button ON for longer than 20 seconds at a time.
See Recipes.
6. Unplug immediately after use.
CHOPPING AND GRINDING
Processing Food
1. Place the prep bowl firmly on a flat sturdy surface like a countertop.
Be sure the blade is assembled to use the blade edge that is
appropriate for the food to be processed.
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2. Place food in the prep bowl. Be sure the food is cut in small pieces,
and the bowl is not overloaded.
3. Place the chopper/grinder cover on top of the prep bowl. Be sure
the cover is properly seated.
4. Press the ON/OFF button on the Smart Stick Hand Blender.
5. Do not operate the chopper/grinder attachment for longer than
15 seconds at a time.
Note: Due to the powerful motor provided with this unit, Cuisinart
recommends using one hand to support the chopper/grinder
during operation.
6. When you have finished processing the food, stop the machine by
taking your fingers off the ON/OFF button.
7. WHEN THE BLADE STOPS MOVING, remove the Smart Stick Hand
Blender motor body from the chopper/grinder cover, and remove the
cover from the chopper/grinder.
8. Unplug the unit.
9. Carefully remove the blade assembly, holding it by the gripping ridges
on the plastic sheath. NEVER TOUCH THE BLADE ITSELF.
10. Remove food with the spatula.
Note: Do not operate the Smart Stick Chopper/Grinder attachment
without food contents in the prep bowl.
CLEANING
SMART STICK HAND BLENDER
Always clean the Smart Stick motor body and blending shaft thoroughly
after using.
Remove the blending shaft from the motor body. Clean the motor body
only with a sponge or damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners which
could scratch the surface. To clean the blending shaft, wash by hand in
hot water using mild detergent.
Never immerse the motor body in water.
When the appliance has malfunctioned or has been dropped or damaged
in any way or it is not operating properly, return the appliance to the
nearest Cuisinart Repair Centre for examination, repair or mechanical
or electrical adjustment.
CHOPPER/GRINDER ATTACHMENT
To simplify cleaning, rinse the prep bowl, cover and blade immediately
after use, so that food won’t dry onto them. Wash blade ring,
plastic sheath, and prep bowl in warm soapy water. Rinse and dry.
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Wipe the underside of the chopper/grinder cover with a sponge
or damp cloth to remove any food. Do not submerge the cover in
water or place in the dishwasher. Wash the blade carefully.
Avoid leaving it in soapy water where it may disappear from sight.
If you have a dishwasher, you can wash the prep bowl blade
assembly on the upper shelf. Insert the Prep Bowl upside down.
Put the blade in the cutlery basket. Unload the dishwasher carefully
to avoid contact with the sharp blade. Wipe the motor body and top
of the cover with a damp sponge or cloth. Dry it immediately.
Never submerge the motor body or the cover in water or other liquid.
The Smart Stick chopper/grinder attachment is intended for
HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY. Any service, other than cleaning and normal
user maintenance, should be performed by an authorised Cuisinart
Service Representative.
WHISK ATTACHMENT
To clean your whisk attachment, simply release the attachment
from the motor body housing. Once the whisk is removed, detach
the metal whisk from the gearbox by pulling pieces apart. To clean
the gearbox, simply wipe with a damp cloth. To clean the metal
whisk, wash with warm, soapy water or place in the dishwasher.
Do not submerge the gearbox in water or any other liquid.
14

15
FREQUENT USES FOR CHOPPER GRINDER
Ingredient Comments
Baby foods (always consult
paediatrician or family
physician for appropriate
food recommendations)
Bread crumbs – fresh or dry
(day old)
Hard Cheese (Asiago, Locatelli,
Parmesan, Romano, etc.)
(Not recommended for softer
cheeses unless making dip
or dressing.)
Chocolate
Creamy Dressings/Dips
Garlic
Ginger root (fresh)
Herbs, fresh
Nuts
Onion
Vegetables (cooked)
Vegetables (uncooked)
Meat (Beef, Pork)
Place small amounts of cooked foods into
chopper/grinder bowl. Add small amount of
appropriate liquid. Use pulse action to chop,
then continuous-hold action to blend.
Pulse to chop, then process until desired
consistency is reached.
Cut into 5mm pieces. Pulse to chop, then
process until desired consistency is
reached, no more than 30g at a time.
Cut into 10mm pieces; may chill in freezer
for 3 minutes before chopping. Pulse to
chop, then process, no more than 30g at
a time, until desired texture is reached.
Place ingredients in chopper grinder bowl;
do not cover or spill on stem. Use pulse
action to chop, then continuous-hold action
to blend as needed to desired consistency.
Peel cloves, up to 6 cloves. Pulse to chop.
Peel, cut into 10mm pieces. Pulse to chop,
15g at a time.
1⁄2cup; must be clean and dry. Pulse to chop.
Shelled, toast first for best flavour. Pulse to
chop, then process up to 1⁄2cup at a time,
until desired chop is reached from coarse to
fine. May be processed to nut-butter stage.
Peel, cut into 10mm pieces. Pulse to chop,
up to 1⁄2cup at a time, until desired chop
is reached.
Cut into 10mm pieces and cook until fork
tender. Pulse to chop, up to 1⁄2cup at a time.
May need to add cooking liquid, stock or
milk to process to a vegetable purée.
Not recommended for mashed potatoes.
Peel as needed, cut into 10mm pieces.
Peel celery with vegetable peeler to remove
tough strings. Chop/process up to 1⁄2cup at
atime.
250g, cut into 10mm pieces.

SMOOTHIES AND DRINKS
BLUEBERRY BANANA ANTI-OXIDANT SMOOTHIE
Makes 2 cups
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 small (125g) banana, sliced
3⁄4cup soy milk or fat-free milk
14 grams soy protein powder (or soy protein isolate)
1 teaspoon flaxseed oil
1–2 teaspoons honey (optional)
Place soy milk, protein powder, blueberries, banana, flaxseed oil and
honey if using in mixing container. Insert the Cuisinart®Hand Blender,
making sure the protective guard is submerged. Blend, using a gentle
up- and-down motion until ingredients are combined, about 35 seconds.
Nutritional information per cup (made without honey):
Calories 159 (17% from fat) • carb. 26g • pro. 9g • fat 3g
• sat. fat 0g • chol. 0mg • sod. 12mg • calc. 89mg • fibre 4g
STRAWBERRY KIWI SMOOTHIE
Makes one 400ml smoothie
1 cup frozen strawberries, partly thawed
1 kiwi, peeled, cut into eighths
1⁄2cup fat-free vanilla yogurt
1⁄2cup fat-free milk
1 tablespoon honey
Place ingredients in the mixing container. Insert the blender, making sure
the protective guard is submerged. Blend, using a gentle up-and-down
motion until ingredients are well combined, about 30–35 seconds.
Nutritional information per smoothie:
Calories 286 (2% from fat) • carb. 63g • pro. 11g • fat 1g
• sat. fat 0g • chol. 4mg • sod. 133mg • calc. 371mg • fibre 6g
16

FROZEN COFFEE FRAPPÉ
Makes one 350ml beverage
13⁄4cups coffee ice cream or ice milk
1⁄2cup strong brewed coffee (may use espresso)
2 tablespoons fat-free milk
Place ingredients in mixing container. Insert blender, making sure the
protective guard is submerged. Blend, using an up-and-down motion until
ingredients are well combined, about 20–30 seconds.
For a thicker style milkshake:
Fill mixing container with coffee ice cream up to the 1-cup mark. Add 1⁄4
cup brewed coffee and 1 tablespoon of fat-free milk. Blend using the
same technique as above.
For a Mudslide variation:
Add 1 tablespoon each of Irish Cream Liqueur and Kahlua®.
Nutritional information per shake:
Calories 215 (44% from fat) • carb. 26g • pro. 5g • fat 11g
• sat. fat 7g • chol. 45mg • sod. 105mg • calc. 172mg • fibre 0g
Kahlua®is a registered trademark owned by the Kahlua Company.
PEACH MARGARITA
Makes 2 cups
1 cup frozen peaches
1 cup citrus juice (orange, lime, lemon in any combination)
1⁄3cup good quality tequila
1⁄2tablespoon Triple Sec or Grand Marnier®
1–2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Place ingredients into mixing container. Insert the blender, making sure
the protective guard is submerged. Blend, using an up-and-down motion
until ingredients are combined, about 30 seconds.
Nutritional information per cup:
Calories 177 (0% from fat) • carb. 25g • pro. 1g • fat 0g
• sat. fat 0mg • chol. 0mg • sod. 2mg • calc. 9mg • fibre 2g
Grand Marnier®is a registered trademark owned by the Société des Produits Marnier-LaPostolle.
17

SOUPS, SAUCES, DIPS AND SPREADS
ASPARAGUS SOUP
Makes 21⁄2cups
1 50g shallot, peeled
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
1 600g fresh asparagus, tough ends removed
1 90g red potato, peeled, cut in 1.5cm dice
1⁄4cup dry white wine
11⁄2cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
3⁄4teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄4teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1⁄4teaspoon dried basil
1⁄4cup heavy cream (optional)
Insert the blade assembly in the prep bowl. Place the shallot in the prep
bowl, connect hand blender motor body to the top of the chopper/grinder
attachment cover, cover prep bowl and pulse 10 times to finely chop.
Melt butter in a 3-litre saucepan over medium low heat. Add shallots and
crushed garlic and “sweat” over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes.
Do not allow the shallots and garlic to brown.
While shallots are cooking, cut the asparagus into 15mm pieces and
reserve the tips. When shallots are soft, add asparagus and potato to
saucepan and cook for about 6 minutes longer, until asparagus is bright in
color. Add wine and raise the heat to bring the wine to boil. Reduce the
wine until a scant tablespoon remains. Add chicken stock. Bring to boil
and then reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the
vegetables are soft. Insert the blender into the saucepan, making sure the
protective guard is submerged. Blend, using a gentle up-and-down motion
until ingredients are well combined, about 40-50 seconds. Season with
salt, pepper and basil. Stir in cream if using.
While soup is cooking bring 2 cups of water to boil. Add the asparagus
tips and cook for 2 minutes until bright green. Drain and immediately
plunge into an ice-water bath to stop cooking.
Serve soup hot, garnished with reserved asparagus tips.
Nutritional information per 1/2 cup serving:
Calories 81 (28% from fat) • carb. 10g • pro. 4g • fat 3g
• sat. fat 1g • chol. 6mg • sod.525mg • calc. 36mg • fibre 2g
18

CURRIED CAULIFLOWER SOUP
Makes 5 cups
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 120g leeks, washed and trimmed, dark green parts
removed, sliced
1 teaspoon curry powder
1⁄4teaspoon turmeric
1⁄2teaspoon kosher salt
1 head of cauliflower (about 750g) cut into small florets
1 100g red potato peeled and cut into 15mm cubes
1⁄2cup white wine
31⁄2cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
Place a 4-litre saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil. Add leeks
and “sweat” for about 6–8 minutes until very soft. Add curry powder,
turmeric, and salt to leek mixture and cook for about 1–2 minutes.
Add cauliflower florets and potato. Stir to coat with spices and cook for
another 5 minutes to soften slightly. Add white wine and increase heat to
bring to boil. Reduce the wine until there is a scant amount left. Add stock
just to cover. Bring to boil and then reduce heat to medium low. Simmer
for about 25 minutes or until the vegetables are very soft.
Insert the blender into the saucepan, making sure the protective guard is
submerged. Blend, using an up-and-down motion until ingredients are
well combined, about 45–50 seconds. Add lemon juice. Taste and adjust
seasoning accordingly.
Nutritional information per 1/2 cup serving:
Calories 71 (22% from fat) • carb. 10g • pro. 4g • fat 2g
• sat. fat 0g • chol. 0mg • sod. 350mg • calc. 39mg • fibre 3g
SWEET RED PEPPER COULIS
This multipurpose sauce is great for chicken,
fish, crab cakes, and pastas
Makes 21⁄2cups
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, peeled, roughly chopped
6 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
3 medium red peppers (about 175g each), roughly chopped
1⁄2teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄4teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1⁄4cup dry white wine
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1⁄4cup chicken stock
Heat the olive oil in a 21⁄2-litre saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the
onion, garlic, red pepper, salt, and pepper and stir to coat. Reduce heat
to low, cover loosely and “sweat” slowly until softened for about 15–20
minutes. Take care that the vegetables do not pick up any color.
When vegetables are soft, add wine and increase the temperature so that
the wine comes to a boil. Reduce the wine until about 1 tablespoon
remains. Add stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium low and
simmer for about 10 minutes. Insert the blender into the saucepan,
making sure the protective guard is submerged. Blend, using an up-and-
down motion until ingredients are smooth and well combined, about 50-60
seconds.
Nutritional information per 1/2 cup serving:
Calories 41 (33% from fat) • carb. 5g • pro. 1g • fat 2g
• sat. fat 0g • chol. 0mg • sod. 148mg • calc.13mg• fibre 1g
GARDEN VEGETABLE TOMATO SAUCE
A fresh and healthy pasta sauce that is excellent served with
whole-wheat pasta and topped with crumbled feta cheese.
Makes 4 cups
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 120g yellow onion cut into quarters
2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
1 100g red pepper, cut into 25mm pieces
1 85g eggplant, peeled and cut into 25mm pieces
1 85g zucchini, cut into 25mm pieces
1 85g summer squash, cut into 25mm pieces
1 small carrot, peeled and cut into 15mm pieces
1⁄4cup dry white wine
1 sprig fresh thyme
3⁄4teaspoon salt
1 750g can diced tomatoes
Insert the blade assembly in the prep bowl. Place the onion in the prep
bowl and pulse approximately 8 times to a rough chop.
Heat the olive oil in a 3-litre saucepan over medium heat. Add the
chopped onion and the crushed garlic cloves to the pan and reduce heat
to low. One at a time, place the remaining vegetables in the prep bowl
and chop with 8 even pulses and then add to the pan, stirring between
each addition. After carrot is added, stir and allow vegetables to cook over
low heat for about 15 minutes. Add white wine and reduce wine to 1
tablespoon. Add thyme, salt, and tomatoes. Simmer for 25 minutes longer.
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