Question for someone good in the kitchen

[Luvkitty33]

I found this, what sounds to be, yummy recipe for Butternut Squash Soup with Sweet and Spicy Pecans that I want to make. I have a question about one of the directions. Here is what it says:

"Scoop the squash flesh from the skins and add to the soup pot. Add the broth and milk and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Using an immersion blender, puree the mixture in the pot, over low heat, until smooth...."

So, two questions:

1. What is an immersion blender
2. How do you use a blender IN THE POT as the directions state?

There is an option that I'm now seeing as I type this that says I can transfer in batches to a blender and puree, but I'm just curious about those two questions I asked.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Bandit58]

1. What is an immersion blender
2. How do you use a blender IN THE POT as the directions state?

I think they are referring to the electric hand held masher type blender not a food processor. I use ours to make soups and fruit smoothies.

 

[RunningJib]

Perhaps I can help

I found this, what sounds to be, yummy recipe for Butternut Squash Soup with Sweet and Spicy Pecans that I want to make. I have a question about one of the directions. Here is what it says:

"Scoop the squash flesh from the skins and add to the soup pot. Add the broth and milk and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Using an immersion blender, puree the mixture in the pot, over low heat, until smooth...."

So, two questions:

1. What is an immersion blender
2. How do you use a blender IN THE POT as the directions state?

There is an option that I'm now seeing as I type this that says I can transfer in batches to a blender and puree, but I'm just curious about those two questions I asked.

Thanks in advance for your help!

An immersion blender is somtimes referred to as a "motor-boat" by the likes of ALton Brown and others from Food TV.

In a nutshell, it is a blender motor that has a propeller at the end of a shaft that can be put into pots and bowls. Great for pureeing, making gravy, etc. Here's a link: http://www.kitchenaid.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=208&productId=405

 

[Luvkitty33]

Thank you VERY much Bandit58 and RJ!!! You were both very helpful!!

 

[M's girl]

deleted

 

[Luvkitty33]

http://entertaining.about.com/od/kitchenaccessories/a/handblender.htm

Thank you very much! I'll let you know how my soup turns out.

 

[CutieMouse]

*****

 

[BondKitten07]

I loove Butternut Squash soup, especailly with a splash of Orange Juice, I know it sounds weird but its really good, try it!

 

[Luvkitty33]

Thanks CM and BK!! I'm trying to decide if I'm going to make my soup tomorrow or Thursday. It's supposed to be rainy and cool a good part of the week so soup sounds really good!!

 

[NippleMuncher]

If you're going to buy an immersion blender, try to find a metal one. We've got a Braun and the base melted a bit in a hot pot of soup.

 

[M's girl]

deleted

 

[Cathleen]

Maybe you could post the recipe? I love soup and it's becoming soup making weather.

 

[NippleMuncher]

I have a Braun too, but with a metal base. Indeed, if you are going to use it for hot substances you will definitely need the one that can stand the heat.

It's weird, we've made this soup the same way for years and no trouble with the Braun. The last time out, the hoop around the blade distorted. Go figure.

(not that they need to have a metal..... oh well... you know what I mean )

Hmm, a bionic tallywhacker ...

 

[Javagirl]

A die hard foodie here...a quick tip for pureeing creamy soups

I would ditch the immersion blender (can get really messy!) and just throw it all in a blender or food processor. You'll be able to blend it more smoothly and it'll be less messy (you might splatter and it can get messy blending in the pot). I always make my cream-based soups in my blender.

I LOVE too cook and if I may brag, I'm a very good chef. I write a food and wine blog and am a foodie girl. It's one of my long time passions (next to java and my vino!)

Hope your soup turned out fantastic. Butternut squash soup is one of my all-time favorite soups during the cold months. YUM!

PS--I will have to add a splash of orange juice to my butternut squash soup recipe next time. That makes sense--the dash of citrus and sweetness. Sounds fab!

Javagirl aka Foodiegirl