Ketchup, Marinara Sauce, Ancho Chile Sauce

Ketchup

Makes about 2 cups

½tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, chopped

½medium onion, chopped

1can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, juices drained

1can (6 ounces) tomato paste

½cup packed dark brown sugar

1⁄3 cup cider vinegar

¾ teaspoon sea or kosher salt

½teaspoon dry mustard

¼teaspoon ground cinnamon

pinch freshly ground black pepper

¼teaspoon ground allspice

Heat the oil in a medium skillet set over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onion. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Put sautéed vegetables into the Cuisinart blending cup. Add the remaining ingredients. Using the Cuisinart® Smart Stick PLUS® Cordless Hand Blender, process until mixture begins to thicken and is completely smooth. Be sure to keep the metal blade completely submerged while blending.

Adjust seasoning to taste.

Nutritional information per serving (1 tablespoon):

Calories 20 (10% from fat) • carb. 5g • pro. 0g • fat 0g • sat. fat 0g

• chol. 0mg • sod. 85mg • calc. 5mg • fiber 0g

Marinara Sauce

Makes about 6 cups

3tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

10 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 cans (28 ounces each) whole plum tomatoes in purée

10 leaves fresh basil, thinly sliced (chiffonade) (about ¼ cup packed)

½ tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon fennel seed pinch sea or kosher salt

¼ cup granulated sugar

Heat oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Add garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juices; crush slightly with the back of a wooden spoon. Bring to a strong simmer. Add basil, spices and salt; let simmer 20 to 30 minutes until thickened. Stir in sugar; taste and adjust seasoning. Let simmer an additional 10 minutes.

Using a Cuisinart® Smart Stick PLUS® Cordless Hand Blender, blend the sauce until homogenous and smooth. Be sure to keep the metal blade completely submerged while blending.

Adjust seasoning to taste.

Nutritional information per serving (¼ cup):

Calories 42 (37% from fat) • carb. 6g • pro. 1g • fat 2g • sat. fat 0g

• chol. 0mg • sod. 149mg • calc. 14mg • fiber 1g

Ancho Chile Sauce

A perfect all-purpose sauce for Mexican dishes.

Makes 1½ cups

6dried ancho chiles

1large shallot, cut into 1-inch pieces

1garlic clove

1jalapeño, seeds removed and cut into ½-inch pieces

1tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

¼cup white wine

1cup chicken stock, hot

1teaspoon sea or kosher salt, divided

2 tablespoons honey

1tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice

Reconstitute chiles: place them in a bowl and pour boiling water over them so that they are completely covered. Cover bowl with foil or an inverted plate. Allow the chiles to sit until they soften, about 30 to 45 minutes. Once soft, remove all seeds and stems and reserve.

While chiles are soaking, insert the blade assembly in the prep bowl. Add the shallot, garlic and jalapeño and process until roughly chopped, about 6 to 8 seconds. Reserve.

In a 3½-quart sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add shallot, garlic, jalapeño and a pinch of the salt. Stir and sauté until softened and slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in reserved chiles and heat through for about a minute. Stir in white wine. Scrape any bits that are clinging to the bottom of the pan. Allow wine to reduce until almost completely

Smart Stick PLUS, CSB-78 specifications

The Cuisinart CSB-78 is a versatile and powerful hand blender that brings convenience and efficiency to your kitchen. Known for its sleek design and robust performance, this immersion blender is perfect for a variety of cooking tasks.

One of the standout features of the Cuisinart CSB-78 is its powerful 200-watt motor. This motor is designed to handle tough blending tasks with ease, allowing you to make smoothies, soups, sauces, and even whipped cream effortlessly. Additionally, the motor operates quietly, so you can blend your ingredients without disturbing the entire household.

The CSB-78 comes equipped with a 2-speed slide control, which provides the flexibility to adjust the blending speed based on the food you are preparing. Whether you need a gentle blend for delicate ingredients or a high-speed chop for tougher items, this hand blender has you covered. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications in the kitchen.

Another notable characteristic of the Cuisinart CSB-78 is its ergonomically designed handle. The soft-grip handle ensures comfort during use and provides excellent control, allowing you to achieve precise results. Coupled with the lightweight design, this hand blender minimizes hand fatigue, even during extended blending sessions.

The CSB-78 features a stainless steel blending shaft that not only adds to its modern look but also enhances its durability. The removable shaft is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. Furthermore, the blender comes with a variety of attachments, including a whisk and a chopper, which expand its functionality, allowing you to tackle numerous culinary tasks.

Safety is paramount with the Cuisinart CSB-78. The unit is designed with a locking mechanism that prevents accidental activation, giving you peace of mind while working in the kitchen. It also has a splash guard that helps to keep your workspace tidy by reducing mess during blending.

In conclusion, the Cuisinart CSB-78 hand blender stands out due to its powerful motor, adjustable speeds, ergonomic design, and versatility. It is an indispensable tool for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike, making it easier than ever to prepare a wide array of delicious dishes. Whether you seek to puree soups, mix batters, or whip cream, this immersion blender is designed to tackle all your blending needs with ease and efficiency.