Suffice it to say that my blog is very special to me. It has, at times, been a source of stress, but I suppose that can be said of any relationship. More often than not, however, it is a source of great joy to me. It has brought me many, many things, including a wonderful community of friends, readers and other blog acquaintances. It has helped me hone my skills in the kitchen, with words and language and with a camera. It has opened up some amazing professional opportunities and introduced me to a great many products and ingredients I am not sure I would have discovered otherwise. And it holds me accountable to my daily diet. In short, I love the darn thing and I am very proud of it. So many happy returns of the day, dear bloggy-blog. May we get to celebrate many more together.
To help me celebrate, I enlisted the help of the good folks at KitchenAid. I could go on and on about how much I love KitchenAid products but I will try to refrain from boring you. Suffice it to say that the product we are giving away today is just as great as all their others and is a truly multi-purpose kitchen tool. Their 5-Speed Hand Blender is no simple immersion blender, my friends, and I am seriously impressed with all the functions and the power it contains. I love my big mixer and my big processor, but sometimes I hate the though of getting them dirty when I just need something quickly chopped, whipped or blended. The KitchenAid Hand Blender comes with attachments for all of that: whisk, chopper, frother/beater, and two different blades for shredding, blending and pureeing. And then all you have to do is remove the attachment portion and clean that. Easy Peasy.
I tried out every single attachment and I give them all a thumbs up. I’ve used it to make lattes, smoothies, soup, and whipped cream. And when I discovered I was out of Thai curry paste one day, I whipped some up with the chopper. I adore the chopper attachment, because the blender fits right into the top of the chopper container, keeping the mess to a minimum while still being quite powerful. I honestly think this might be one of the most versatile kitchen tools I own. And now you have a chance to own one yourself! Scroll down for the entry rules.
I’ve never thought to make my own Thai curry paste, it’s one of those things I’ve always bought at the store. But I wanted to make some Thai curry chicken wings (I will share the recipe for those in a few days, because they were amazing!) and discovered that I had only the smallest teaspoon left in my jar. I was reaching for the phone to call my husband and ask him to pick some up, when it suddenly occurred to me that I might have the right ingredients to make my own, or at least a close approximation. It took all of about 5 minutes to make, and of course I made my version without any sugar. It tastes fantastic and is a great sauce or marinade on chicken, fish and tofu. And you can adjust the heat to your own liking, which in our house means pretty darn hot indeed!
I received a 5-speed hand blender from KitchenAid to review. All opinions are my own.
Ingredients
- ¼ to ½ ounce red chilies fresh or dried
- ½ stalk lemongrass minced OR 2 tablespoon bottled lemongrass (I used Gourmet Garden)
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 shallot chopped
- 2 tablespoon cilantro leaves I used frozen cubes
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger OR galangal root I have no idea where to get galangal so I used ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in bowl/container of a food processor, blender or chopper attachment. Blend until it forms a thick paste.
- Use as a marinade for chicken, meat or seafood or as a seasoning in curries, soups and stews.
Leni says
I’d love to make soup with this! Though also you Facebook link doesn’t appear to be working.
Carrie says
This looks fabulous. All KitchenAid products are great. I have had my mixer and food processor for 16 years…no problems. I have the Cuisinart Smart Stick. I am on my 2nd one…I use it for everything…just doesn’t last.
Janelle says
I’d make my own nut butters! That’s gotta be less expensive than buying it in the store.
Cindi says
Thank you for this sweet opportunity! Ohhh, the convenience! The first thing I would make would be my yummy, low-fat lemon bars! Not sure if the entry requirements for email vs. facebook are working as I don’t see my earlier comment or Twitter post.
Claire says
id like to make a protein shake. yum yum
Montica Berry says
I would love to win this!! Your blog is awesome and I check it daily!Thanks for all your hard work:)
Kate@Diethood says
Okay, so, I would use the blender for soups!!
Kate@Diethood says
Happy Birthday dear bloggy!! I remember when you (we) started. 🙂 I loooove your blog and I am so happy for you both. 😀 ♥
Aviva Helfand says
I would make “Homemade Thai Curry Paste”!! You have no idea how excited i am to find a homemade version of Curry Paste and how easy and convenient it would be to just pull out the “KitchenAid 5 Speed Hand Blender” use the handy Chopper Bowl and grind it up! What a great recipe and what a great kitchen tool and most important Easy Cleanup!
Kim Bee says
The last couple of days have been a whirlwind so I could not for the life of me remember if I stopped in to congratulate you. You are amazing and such an inspiration Carolyn, in so many ways. So happy bloggy birthday. My blog wants to be like your blog when it grows up. *grins from ear to ear*
I am not entering due to being a darn Canuck, but I just had to pop in anyway. So happy to know you. xx
Taiwo says
I’ll make everything! lol. I’ll probably whip cream, make homemade peanut/hazelenut/almond butter, and a whole bunch of other stuff.
michelle says
Looks amazing. Would be so fun to try all sorts of stuff!
Shelley says
I love your Blog and Congrats on your anniversary! I would make all kinds of good stuff with the hand mixer….I had a cheaper one and it recently broke so I could really use this one 🙂
Cyndi says
Love your blog, and when my basil comes back in the spring, this would work great for whipping up some quick pesto for dinner!
Michelle @Amourbeurre says
Carrot green pesto!
Tee says
congrats with your blog!
Christine Mayfield says
I would make some baby food.
Jo Sue says
I would make salsa and soup.
Ren says
I have wanted a kitchenaid for years 🙂
I have just started a low carb diet and I will definitely be following your blog 🙂
Lisa says
I’d make black bean soup!