Beverages

Place butter in a stockpot and melt over medium heat. Add leeks, carrots and celery; sauté until softened but not browned, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add squash, pears, broth and bouquet garni. Increase heat to high; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Insert the SmartStick™ Extendable Shaft Hand Blender fitted with the metal blade. Set to Speed 4 and process until smooth, about 1-1/2 minutes. Add half and half, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, pepper and salt. Blend on Speed 4 until combined, about 15 seconds. Serve warm.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 145 (31% from fat) • carbo. 21g • prot. 4g • fat 5g • sat. fat 3g • chol. 13mg sod. 210mg

CARIBE PUNCH

Apricot nectar and citrus juices mellow with rum to make a delectable, tart refresher.

Makes 1 quart (about 6 5-ounce servings)

1cup apricot nectar, chilled

1cup orange juice, chilled

1cup pineapple juice, chilled 3/4 cup dark rum

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 3 medium limes)

1tablespoon grenadine syrup

2small limes, thinly sliced

1 small orange, thinly sliced

Put first 6 ingredients in a tall pitcher (about 1-1/2 quart capacity). Insert the SmartStick™ Extendable Shaft Hand Blender fitted with the metal blade. Set on Speed 4 and process with a gentle up-and-down motion until frothy, about 10 seconds. Add sliced fruit and serve over ice.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 160 • (0% from fat) • carbo. 32g • prot. 1g • fat 0g • sat. fat 0g • chol. 0mg sod. 3mg

STRAWBERRY COCKTAILS

This strawberry-banana cocktail is similar to a frozen daiquiri. For a creamy nonalcoholic version, substitute whole milk for the rum.

Makes 3-1/2 cups (about 7 4-ounce servings)

112-ounce bag frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed

1medium banana, peeled, cut into 1" pieces

4tablespoons superfine sugar

4tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 cup light rum Crushed ice

Place first 5 ingredients (not ice) in a tall pitcher (about 1-1/2 quart capacity). Insert the SmartStick™ Extendable Shaft Hand Blender fitted with the metal blade. Set on Speed 4 and blend with a gentle up-and-down motion until combined, about 20 seconds. Pour into glasses filled with crushed ice and garnish with whole fresh strawberries, if desired.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 122 (0% from fat) • carbo. 13g • prot. 0g • fat 0g • sat. fat 0g • chol. 0mg sod. 2mg

CUISINART BLOODY MARYS

This spicy, cool and refreshing drink is delicious for brunch or an outdoor summer party.

Makes 1 quart (about 6 5-ounce servings)

3cups tomato juice

2tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

5 drops Tabasco sauce 3/4 cup Vodka

Fresh cilantro sprigs Fresh celery ribs

Place first 7 (not cilantro or celery) ingredients into a tall pitcher (about 1- 1/2 quart capacity). Insert the SmartStick™ Extendable Shaft Hand Blender fitted with the metal blade. Set on Speed 4 and process with a gentle up-and- down motion until combined, about 10 seconds. Add vodka and process to mix, about 5 seconds. Pour into glasses filled with ice; garnish with cilantro and celery.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 91 (0% from fat) • carbo. 6g • prot. 1g • fat 0g • sat. fat 0g • chol. 0mg sod. 437mg

CSB-55 specifications

The Cuisinart CSB-55 Smart Stick Hand Blender is a versatile kitchen tool designed to simplify food preparation while delivering outstanding results. Combining power with ease of use, this immersion blender is ideal for those who love to cook and entertain.

One of the standout features of the CSB-55 is its powerful 200-watt motor, which effortlessly blends, purees, and emulsifies a variety of ingredients. Whether you are making soups, sauces, or smoothies, the robust motor ensures consistent results every time. This immersion blender also boasts a patented ergonomic grip that makes it comfortable to hold, allowing for extended use without fatigue.

The CSB-55 is equipped with a 2-speed slide control, providing you with the flexibility to adapt your blending speed based on your specific needs. The low speed is perfect for gentle blending, while the high speed is great for achieving a smooth and creamy texture. This level of control is particularly beneficial when working with delicate ingredients or when you want to avoid over-processing.

Another key feature of the Cuisinart CSB-55 is its stainless steel blending shaft, which not only adds durability but also ensures that the blender can easily handle hot liquids. The blending shaft is removable, making it easy to clean and maintain after use. The dishwasher-safe parts are an added bonus, simplifying the cleaning process significantly.

The blender also includes a blending cup, which is ideal for small batches or individual servings. With measurement marks on the cup, users can conveniently prepare ingredients without needing extra measuring tools.

Additionally, the CSB-55 is designed with safety in mind. It features a locking mechanism that ensures the metal blend shaft is securely attached during use, preventing accidental detachment.

In terms of design, the Cuisinart CSB-55 is sleek and modern, available in various colors to match your kitchen decor. Its compact size makes it easy to store, saving valuable counter space.

In summary, the Cuisinart CSB-55 Smart Stick Hand Blender combines power, versatility, and convenience, making it a must-have for any home chef. With its powerful motor, ergonomic design, and easy-to-clean features, this immersion blender is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their cooking experience. Whether for everyday meals or special occasions, the CSB-55 stands out as a reliable and efficient kitchen companion.