3tablespoons unsalted butter 2/3 cup chopped onion or leek

1pound asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1" pieces

3cups fat free, low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock or broth

1 cup half-and-half

1tablespoon cornstarch 112 cups cold water

1teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Place the parsley in the blender jar. Place cover on blender jar. Set blender on Low and Pulse until coarsely chopped, about 4 to 5 times. Remove and reserve.

Melt the butter in a medium Cuisinart® saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft but not brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add asparagus, stock, and all but 1 tablespoon of the reserved parsley. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until asparagus is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Pour the soup through a strainer, reserving the solids and liquids. Allow to cool 5 minutes. Place the solids in the blender jar with 1 cup of the cooking liquid; return the remaining liquid to the saucepan. Cover blender jar and set on Low. Turn blender on and blend until creamy and smooth, about 25 to 30 seconds. Turn blender off. Returned puréed vegetable mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine. Stir in half-and-half. Stir cornstarch into water, and add to soup. Add salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, over medium heat, until soup thickens, about 6 to 8 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve in warmed bowls garnished with the remaining parsley.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 98 (59% from fat) • carb. 7g • pro. 4g • fat 7g • sat. fat 4g • chol. 19mg • sod. 510g • calc. 56mg • fiber 2g

CREAMY POTATO LEEK SOUP

This versatile soup may be served hot or chilled.

Makes six servings

2medium leeks, white and tender green only, sliced horizontally and cut into 1/2" pieces

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1small (3-4 ounce) onion, peeled and cut into 1/2" pieces

1/4 teaspoon thyme

2medium russet potatoes (about 3/4 pound total), peeled, cut into 1" slices

112 cups fat free, low-sodium chicken stock or broth

3/4 cup water

1teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 3/4 cup half-and-half

Place leeks in a medium bowl and add cold water. Swirl, then let stand for minutes. Lift leeks from the water without disturbing the sand/sediment collected in the bowl; allow to drain completely.

Melt butter in a large Cuisinart® saucepan over medium heat. Add the drained leeks, onion, and thyme. Let cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add potatoes, stock, and water; cover and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are soft, about

10 to 15 minutes.

Drain vegetables, reserving cooking liquid. Place vegetables in blender jar. Add 1 cup cooking liquid; return remaining cooking liquid to saucepan. Cover blender jar. Set on High. Blend 20 to 30 seconds. Scrape blender jar and blend 10 to 15 seconds longer, until completely puréed and creamy smooth. Stir vegetable purée into stock in saucepan and reheat over medium low heat. Add salt, pepper and half-and-half.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 132(37% from fat) • carb. 18g • pro. 3g • fat 6g • sat. fat 3g • chol. 16mg • sod. 369mg • calc. 56mg • fiber 3g

Variation: Turn this soup into Creamy Watercress Soup by adding 1 bunch watercress, washed and dried. Pick leaves and reserve. Chop stems and measure out 112 cups. Add stems to vegetable mixture when sautéing. Follow recipe as directed.

Stir in reserved watercress leaves along with the half-and-half. Serve hot or chilled.

CREAMY TOMATO &

RED PEPPER BISQUE

Creamy tomato soup that is special enough for

any occasion.

Makes 8 servings

1 teaspoon unsalted butter

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

1small onion (4 ounces), peeled, cut in 1/2" pieces

1rib celery (2 ounces), cleaned, cut in 1/2" pieces

1carrot (2 ounces), peeled, cut in 1/2" pieces

2tablespoons white rice

1 teaspoon basil

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Cuisinart CBT-500 Series manual Creamy Potato Leek Soup, Creamy Tomato RED Pepper Bisque

CBT-500 Series specifications

The Cuisinart CBT-500 Series is a standout among high-performance blenders, designed to cater to culinary enthusiasts and home cooks alike. Known for its powerful performance and sleek design, this blender elevates the blending experience with a range of features and technologies that enhance both usability and functionality.

At the heart of the CBT-500 Series is its robust 500-watt motor, which provides ample power to tackle a variety of blending tasks, from smoothies and soups to sauces and nut butters. The motor operates quietly, ensuring that users can blend without disturbing the household. Complementing the motor is a high-quality stainless steel blade system. These blades are designed to create a vortex that pulls ingredients down into the blades for consistent blending results.

One of the key characteristics of the CBT-500 Series is its versatility. With multiple speed settings, users can easily select the appropriate speed for their blending needs. The pulse function is especially useful for achieving the perfect texture in salsas or chunky sauces. Additionally, the blender features a BPA-free plastic jar that can hold up to 64 ounces of ingredients, allowing for large batches without the need for constant refilling.

The design of the Cuisinart CBT-500 Series is both functional and stylish. Its sleek, modern aesthetic fits seamlessly into any kitchen decor. The blender is equipped with an ergonomic handle for comfortable pouring and a wide mouth for easy loading of ingredients. The lid fits securely, featuring a removable measuring cup that allows for precise additions while blending.

Safety is also a top priority in the CBT-500 Series, with features such as a safety locking mechanism that ensures the blender cannot be activated unless the lid is properly secured. This attention to detail provides peace of mind during use.

In summary, the Cuisinart CBT-500 Series blends power, style, and convenience into one exceptional kitchen appliance. Its compelling combination of a powerful motor, stainless steel blade system, multiple speed settings, and ergonomic design makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their blending game. Whether preparing a morning smoothie or a creamy soup for dinner, this blender is equipped to handle all culinary challenges with ease and efficiency.