I always had a kitchen blender, but have rarely used it. Oh it did come out once in a while, but it basically took up shelf space. After visiting a friend who is trained as a professional chef and who loves to eat and drink, I learned a lot and it is suddenly my favorite kitchen utensil.
It is amazing how versatile the standard kitchen blender is here are 5 things I now regularly use it for.
1) Frozen drinks and cocktails.
I used t use mine on Cinco de Mayo for making frozen margaritas, but now use it for frozen drinks every week. Although I rarely make alcoholic drinks with it as I'm an infrequent drinker, I'm constantly blending fruit juices and more with ice for kids and myself. A special and inexpensive "ice crusher" blade makes this easier but it not essential.
2) Salad dressing
I've almost entirely stopped buying commercial dressings and now make my own. It's great for ingredients that do not want to be mixed, like oils, mustard, and vinegar, as well as things that need to be pureed like fruits and more. There are countless recipes available online, and I've found a few favorites and regularly try new ones as well.
3) Soups
Creamy and velvety soups are very easy to make with a blender. Recently I've made a fresh tomato and also a celery soup. Chunky ingredients can either be added late in the blending process or after it is done.
4) Making Smoothies
Smoothies are all the rage and it's no surprise. They are delicious and can be very healthy. Basically they contain a liquid like juices, milk, etc. together with ice blended until smooth. Optional ingredients can range from spinach to protein powder to ice cream to fruits and veggies. The sky is the limit. I often add protein powder and use them as meal replacements when I'm in a hurry and want something healthy.
5) Making baby food
I no longer have any babies, but my relatives do and often visit. It's quick to puree fruits, vegetables and more for babies.
I regularly use my blender for these 5 purposes, and also occasionally use it to shred hard cheeses, make very fluffy omelets, make bread crumbs, grind herbs and spices and much more. It has gone from a utensil that basically used up shelf space to one that gets used almost every day in my kitchen!