Giveaway: Imersion Blender [Closed]

Posted by on Friday Jul 30th, 2010 | Print

This awesome giveaway is sponsored by CSN Stores, where you can buy anything from a bedroom vanity to cookware.

Smoothies are the best summer fare. Cool, sweet, and easy-crucial characteristics when it’s this hot.
Call it vanity, but we don’t like to get knee-deep in cooking when the temperature rises above 90°F. With the oven on and the stove going, our hair frizzes, our pores clog, and our energy levels hit rock bottom. We go for simple stuff instead-panzanella, wraps, and ice cream sandwiches.
We also crave smoothies-or at least Cara does (Phoebe’s just not a fruit person). This immersion blender, which we’re giving away to one lucky reader this week, makes smoothie creation a cinch. Without breaking a sweat wrangling the blender out from its cabinet hideaway, you can puree bananas with milk and chocolate, or berries with peaches and yogurt, for a cool snack.
It’s a little too hot to think about winter, but when the cold arrives, you’ll love this gadget for making cozy, comforting soups.
To win, tell us in the comments section below: What do you like to eat when it’s too hot to cook?
To gain an extra entry into the contest, subscribe to our newsletter here.
From our kitchen, basking in the heat, to yours,
Cara and Phoebe, THE QUARTER-LIFE COOKS

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  • http://myfancytuna.blogspot.com/ Sara

    What a great giveaway! My favorite thing to eat when it’s too hot to cook is a HUGE bowl of fruit, especially if it’s watermelon or peaches. I’m also really into cereal and peanut butter and jelly. My taste preferences have turned into those of a five year old.

  • Milkeway617

    I love frozen yogurt with fresh fruit…great for exploring farmers markets on hot summer days.

  • http://www.alittleginger.com Maddie

    Awesome giveaway! I’ve been window-shopping for immersion blenders forever.

    Lately I’ve been craving pesto on everything; it tastes incredibly summery, but only requires a quick spin in the food processor (no heat involved!). It’s great in cold pasta salads and as a sandwich spread, and has enough calories from the walnuts and pine nuts to keep my energy levels high.

  • Robin T

    shrimp cocktail

    • http://www.biggirlssmallkitchen.com/ BGSK

      Shrimp cocktail really is the best. Unwrap the shrimp. Open the cocktail sauce. Love it!

  • Michelleeeee

    Cous cous salads are my go to summer meal!

  • MS

    I love dipping fresh cut pineapple into a sriracha & salt mixture. It sounds awful but is a really refreshing Vietnamese treat.

    • http://www.biggirlssmallkitchen.com/ BGSK

      Fascinating! It reminds me of those mango lollipops that are covered in hot chili.

  • dtr3

    I love cantaloupe when it’s hot.

  • bhorn

    I’ve lately been going for blueberries and strawberries, tossed with some fresh lime juice and a little cayenne.

  • Adelaide

    I love to eat gazpacho! With fresh tomatoes, zucchini or cucumbers, red peppers and herbs (really whatever is available and delicious at the moment) along with a generous splash of white wine vinegar, this soup could not be more refreshing throughout summer. This immersion blender would be the perfect tool for my favorite summer lunch!

    • http://www.biggirlssmallkitchen.com/ BGSK

      Any chance you want to make us some?

  • Elyssaduboys

    A cold salad, preferably something with feta in it. For some reason Greek salads are a weakness of mine during the summer. And adding in some grilled chicken or falafel never hurt anyone.

  • Jenna

    I’m a smoothie girl too! I’ve had a banana, yogurt, peanut butter & Instant Breakfast (for the chocolate hit with the benefit of vitamins) one a few times a week this summer. Spinach dip with veggie dippers and crackers is also a popular warm weather go-to under my roof.

  • Linda

    lemon yogurt and frooooooooot

  • Elizabeth

    Salads, salads, and more salads!

  • Olivia

    I’m obsessesd with smoothies - I’ve been known to drink them for 2 meals a day when it’s hot. My mom has an immersion blender and I have always been obsessed with it!! Would LOVE to have one. xox

  • Kristinh1973

    I love to cut up fresh tomatoes from the garden, add a little onion, avocado, feta, and balsamic vinegar. It is so yummy!

  • Beth

    My favorite is a spicy tuna salad with bell peppers served on a tortilla. Served with a side of watermelon and a big glass of iced tea, it makes the hot summer months a bit more comfortable.

  • tscott

    Awesome giveaway!

    Fruit is a must. But a good fresh salad goes a long way on a hot day too.

  • Val

    fruit and granola with almond milk

  • http://ieatdc.blogspot.com iEatDC

    Big giant crunchy salad is the best when the oven is a no-go. Avocado, sunflower seeds, pistachios, fresh-squeezed lemon, and some cool soft-ish cheese for extra points. Excellent giveaway!

  • http://theunemployedlibrarian.blogspot.com Elizabeth

    Cold sandwiches, salads, and fruit. I like to make a big batch of pasta salad and eat on it all weekend. It’s way way way too hot here in Alabama to even think about turning the oven on, so I’m getting creative in the kitchen!

  • InternetCookingPrincess

    My immersion blender just broke and I’m desperate for another!! {Taking a breath now - sorry just a little excited.}

    When it’s too hot to cook, I’ll all about spinach salads with fresh pesto, pine nuts, lima beans, and spring peas. {And a little shaving a of parm.}

  • Anna L.

    I’m a fan of the leftover sandwich…make something delicious out of whatever is left in the fridge! Usually with a little balsalmic/mustard sauce mix, lots of sliced veggies, and whatever herbs I have on hand. I load it all up and then press the sandwich for a bit in the fridge so the flavors can have a little party and get to know each other better. yum. Then I scarf it down with a cool glass of cucumber limeade-which is sure to cool you off in the summer heat!

  • Pallavi

    a nice cold piece of watermelon!

    Awesome giveaway! i have been looking at immersion blenders for soo long but never made up my mind!

  • Activelyordinary

    a cool, summer gazpacho is the best on a hot day! also, when there’s no time and it’s too hot to cook, a salad is always a go-to option. i’ve been eyeing immersion blenders for a while now… it would be the perfect kitchen gadget that i’ve been missing!

  • http://belleonheels.blogspot.com belle on heels

    easiest giveaway question EVER: tomato sandwiches! sunbeam, duke’s mayo, heirloom tomatoes, plus a little s + p…pure heaven!

  • jn

    Anything in the summer fruit/ice cream categories. Watermelon is my fave and add to that an icee pop/gelato/custard/ice cream/froyo, and I’m good!

  • Nicole

    Chopped mango, tomato, avocado salad with fresh cilantro and lime juice!

  • Cynthia

    My family and I are big fans of ceviche in the summer. Paired with a pisco sour or even just a cold beer, its best meal summer meal.

  • Becca

    I love coming home from the farmer’s market with carrots and piles of fruit, dipping the carrots in a nice spicy or basil-y hummus, and topping the fruit (a favorite recent combination was apricots, yellow plums, and sweet cherries) in vanilla yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.

  • Kirbyellenbrooks

    My favorite salad: chunky pieces of avocado, tomato, bell peppers, cucumber and red onion with lots of sea salt and fresh ground pepper, drizzled with good oil and balsamic vinegar.

    Kirby
    http://www.theshortandthesweetofit.com/

  • http://www.thegonzogourmet.com The Gonzo Gourmet

    Chopped salad with premade chicken - get everything at one store (or maybe even your own fridge!), and chop, chop, chop. Also doesn’t bloat the tummy, which is important because clearly if it’s hot, being in a swim suit is also a must.

  • Aimee

    Anything that I can make quick and easy using things from my garden!

  • meredith

    Heirloom tomato bruschetta…yum!

  • http://saturatedpalette.blogspot.com Liv M.

    This summer is hot. I mean, hot. I’m been eating tomatoes and cucumbers from the farmers stand like crazy. I can’t believe we actually buy the ones in the store, the garden fresh ones are so delicious. I need a garden!

  • http://www.Eclectic-Unions.com Jessie

    Cream cheese and rice crackers. Minimal fuss, good amount of deliciousness, and I always have the ingredients in my fridge.

    • http://www.biggirlssmallkitchen.com/ BGSK

      Love that idea-though personally I think I’d sub Ritz for rice crackers.

  • Marissa

    When it’s hot I love to eat ice cream. I’m pregnant and living in Texas so…I eat it A LOT.

  • Plumberry

    mozarella and tomatoes, or cold zucchini soup (just a little bit of boiling involved).

  • Mccluresm

    Being from the South I love to make the myriad of cold ‘salads’ that were summer staples of my childhood, potato salad, egg salad, pimento cheese, etc. Sometimes I make them just like my Mom and sometimes I like to give them my own modern twist. Any of these spreadable ‘salads’ are great alone or slathered on top of some fresh bread from a local bakery and topped with crisp lettuce and ripe summer tomatoes.

  • Shirley

    I would have to say a deliciously chilled avocado and grapefruit salad with a bit of yuzu soy vinaigrette. A little salt and pepper and it’s the most refreshing thing on earth.

  • Christina

    Frozen grapes!

  • nancy

    I love main-dish salads in the summer, with lots of lettuce, veggies, maybe some leftover cooked chicken, crumbled goat or feta cheese, and a nice vinaigrette. Yum!

  • Rose

    Fruit in general, but especially watermelon. Also, frozen strawberries or peaches in yogurt, so the yogurt freezes.

  • Stephanie Rink

    Oh! I would have to say gazpacho. It is just truly my summer love! And with fresh veggies from the market…heaven.

  • Katie

    When it’s hot out, I don’t eat much… this week it’s been all about frozen brownies.

  • N_henry725

    What an awesome giveaway! When it’s too hot to cook, I love to just throw together a nice cold sandwich (with whatever’s in the fridge), and mix up a big bowl of fruit, with frozen grapes.

  • Preethi Narayan

    Watermelon!

  • John

    My favorite things to eat when it is too hot to cook are ice cream from my local ice cream parlor (Handel’s Ice Cream, the best ice cream anywhere), also fresh summer vegetable salads, or fresh fruit with some homemade whipped cream.

  • Ali

    I love frozen bananas no chocolate required. Just pop them in the freezer on a stick and they are pure refreshment on a hot day! The whole family loves them! Hydrate with a nice cool glass of water and it’s also a super healthy snack :)

  • http://twitter.com/JMBorchardt Jackie Borchardt

    I either make tuna salad (yellow pepper, green/red onion, grapes, yogurt, mustard) to eat on crackers or I just cut some cheese and put in on a plate with whatever fruit I have on hand and some crackers.

  • Frankie

    I will hardboil a dozen eggs at a time and keep them in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, and the weather’s steamy, I get a couple of nice cool eggies out, chop them up with some celery and chives I keep in a pot, add hot mustard and mayo, and add to some spinach salad, with some diced salami, maybe sun-dried tomatoes if I have them. And if it’s really really hot I don’t eat anything but popsicles.

  • Caitlin Dallas

    Avocado and tomato sandwiches. No cooking required. Served alongside a tall glass of milk.

  • Kari

    i love fresh fruit and veggies when it’s hotter than heck. right now i’m in love with peaches, and love a good avocado/tomato salad. and cereal. so, not really the makings of a full meal, but perfect when it’s just too hot.

  • Elise

    tomato sandwich!

  • K_bakka

    when its too hot I think just like you do- smoothies! Strawberries, bananas, and yogurt.

  • Anonymous

    ahhh i’ve been wanting an immersion blender for awhile now! they’re so convenient! my favorite thing to eat when i don’t feel like cooking : caprese salad. so tasty and refreshing (and easy)! runner up : sushi!

  • Kat

    Easy. Vietnamese Spring Rolls. So fresh and light and cool. Plus almost no work.

  • Leslie

    A big bowl of super cold watermelon.

  • Kehester

    My favorite summertime snack is without a doubt watermelon! Sliced in a circle, so it takes a dinner plate and a cloth napkin to tackle it - nothing is more delicious!

  • Guest

    Thick slice of bread, juicy sliced tomato, and a spoonful of cottage cheese…or drizzle of olive oil. Oh, and popsicles. And fruit salads.

  • jess chao

    frozen watermelon with vanilla ice cream. done.

  • Brie

    When it’s hot we love to do fish tacos (any grilled white fish) with mango salsa. Yum! It’s cool, refreshing and light.

  • Bananawonder

    Greek salad with a tall glass of ouzo :)

  • Amcverry

    Ice Cream….Ice Cream….Ice Cream!!! Anna

  • http://casualgirlcuisine.wordpress.com Heather

    My favorite summer meal is a tomato, red onion and cucumber salad with olive and feta tossed on. I could eat this year round though.

  • Diana

    I grow cucumbers and tomatoes, so when the weather heats up, I love raw vegetables with my favorite tahini vinaigrette. I add an interesting chunk of bread sometimes. Almost a panzanella.

  • JK

    When it’s too hot, I make a quiche late at night and eat it cold; breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The veggies change depending on what is in season.

  • Slblog

    When it’s too hot to cook I like to eat a sandwich and fruit. Original I know…
    Sandy
    slblog@post.com

  • Slblog

    I subscribe to your newsletter.
    Sandy
    slblog@post.com

  • Lindsey R.

    I like to use melon in as many savory ways as possible. Often in salads with cheeses such as feta or burrata along with mint, prosciutto, speck, or even Spanish chorizo.

  • PuffDaddyJ

    I’m a smoothie guy. Any fresh fruit that is in season; orange and grapefruits cut up; Greek or frozen yogurt; definitely a banana to thicken; blueberries a must; juice of choice and maybe an ice cube or two. Then puree and voila.

  • Irene

    HA, fruit! During the summer, it’s actual battle for me to eat balanced meals instead of simply surviving off fruit for every meal.

  • http://www.sephira.dk Sephira

    When its too hot to cook I eat a danish dish called “Kærnemælks Koldskål” which means Milk in a cold bowl. It has eggs, some special ‘kærne’ milk, sugar, vanilla and lemon in it. And for the top we use some cookies. It isn’t too unhealthy if you switch the sugar with sweetener! And it taste really fresh.

    http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Koldsk%C3%A5l.jpg
    ^ random picture of what it looks like :>

    Best Regards,
    Sephira
    http://www.sephira.dk

  • FunandFearlessinBeantown

    When it’s too hot, I like to cool pasta salad - with pesto, tomatoes, mozzarella or feta. Delish!

  • Bonniekim108

    Watermelon, smoothies and ice cream. Sometimes all at once.

  • MGM

    When it’s too hot to cook I go for cold roasted peppers and sliced fresh mozzarella with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. A spoonful of spinach pesto is a treat for both eye and palate.

  • Emily N.

    greek yogurt with nuts and dried fruit. quick, easy, cool and healthy.

  • Erin

    My fave is BLT’s when it’s too hot to cook and I don’t skip the mayo!

  • Bella50km

    Salads, salads and more salads! So many wonderful fruits and veggies out there this time of year and I take advantage of it!

  • Annika

    When it’s too hot, I usuaaly get ice cream or make all kinds of salads.

  • Margo

    Cold noodle salads are my go-to no-sweat summer dinner. Soba or rice noodles (or even Top Ramen sans flavor packet) tossed with any of the following: cucumber, shredded cabbage, baby spinach, chopped bell pepper, scallions, bean sprouts, cilantro-and a quick dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, honey, and fresh ginger. Even better for lunch the next day after sitting in the fridge overnight!

  • Hewella1

    We love having ice cream or sno-cones.

  • Vanessa

    Something I like to “snack on” when it’s too hot is a crunchy hummus wrap that Cara or Phoebe made an entry on previously!

    - Vanessa
    http://theweeklyyogi.wordpress.com

  • hs brown

    salads , always salads!

  • Kerpod79

    there’s nothing better on a really hot summer day than a huge bowl of ice cold watermelon. Add a bit of fresh mint on top, and and a cold glass of iced tea and I’m one happy camper!

  • Lisa

    I love to eat a fresh salad and fruit.

  • Anonymous

    This blender giveaway is fabulous, and timely too for the Summer. When it’s too hot, we just hop out to the local deli for some sandwiches and ice blended coffee, simple and hassle free! Thanks for the lovely giveaway.

  • Anonymous

    I subscribe to the newsletter, thank you.

  • http://otm-inthegalley.blogspot.com/ SeattleDee

    What fun! a giveaway tempts even more readers to comment.

    Typically my hot weather preference is someone else manning the grill for vegetables and then a big salad for crunch. But currently it’s 57 degrees and rainy in Sitka so I’m back to comfort foods like soups and pastas.

  • Christine Banian

    Cold, freshly picked tomatoes! So versatile and so delicious!! Anything from a caprese salad to just popping them into your mouth!

  • Katvetrano

    I make ice cubes with herbs in them (usually mint&basil), and drink mineral water with them.
    To eat, every summer since I was old enough to use a toaster, I’ve been making bruschetta (my recipe has grown over the years though), or melon and proscuitto.

    katvetrano.wordpress.com

    • Frankie

      I’ve never heard of herbed ice cubes and I think I’m in love. Thanks, Katvetrano.

  • Teresa Reilly

    Mmmm watermelon. Tons and tons of watermelon, sprinkled with just a little salt. And cherries. And gazpacho!

  • Alexis Schaitkin

    tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. it’s all my family eats for lunch all summer long. sometimes we add grilled bread, sometimes we pick up roasted red peppers or breaded eggplant. but the basics are always the same.

  • Tessa

    When it’s too hot to cook I eat ice cream for dinner!

  • Christi

    I love to make a homemade salsa with corn and blackbeans in it. Tortilla chips, salsa and some strawberry margaritas!
    (and poolside if possible!)

    I get sad when it’s hot! I love to bake and its impossible to when its 90 degrees!

  • Becca Chimis

    My favorite thing to eat when it’s too hot to cook is a plate of fruit (particularly crisp green apples), extra sharp cheddar cheese, and French bread. Thanks for the fabulous giveaway!

  • KS

    Avocado and tomatos on chips…mash up some avocados and roma tomatoes, dig in with corn chips!

  • Jenniferwpace

    We were just at the beach, and after coming in from playing in the ocean and sunning all morning, we enjoyed snacking on grapes and cold pasta salad each day when we came in for lunch.

  • Laura

    Definitely tomato, basil, mozzarella salad or tomato, cucumber, onion salad. The BEST when it’s hot out!

  • kate

    My favorite thing to eat when it is hot out is our family’s “grandpa salad,” chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and dressed with a bit of olive oil and salt. If it isn’t too hot, I take a hint from Turkey and add a bit of parsley and maybe even eat it along side some yogurt.

    But, now that I think about it, last summer, when in Turkey, my favorite hot weather meal was cacik, a cold yogurt soup that is so refreshing and the perfect meal alongside a piece of bread or some sliced veggies!

  • Rosecomet

    When it’s too hot to cook, I would whip up a California Roll salad without the rice.

  • http://belleonheels.blogspot.com belle on heels

    also, i just signed up for the newsletter so put me down for another entry :)

  • Emily B.

    Cucumber and hummus sandwiches!

  • Nina

    I’ve been wanting an immersion blender forever!! When it’s too hot, I like to grill beggies like zucchini and summer squash and eat them ( once cooled of course!) with hummus, pita chips, cold cucumbers and grape tomatoes!

  • Loukia1

    I love to add roasted veggies to salads

  • ManitoMama

    First time poster, and I have been wanting to try an immersion blender! I love making the kids and I smoothies in the vitamix. We belong to a organic food co-op and they deliver a huge variety of fruits every other week. Smoothies are a great way to blend up the random stuff nobody eats! Little greek yogurt, little ice, honey…voila! The kids fav though is a packet of chocolate pudding mix with bananas and peanut butter. I hide some vanilla protein powder in it, and we’re all full all afternoon! NO COOKING! Love it.

  • AdhesiveEarth

    Grilled asparagus and grilled salmon with iced mint tea!

  • sw

    When it’s too hot to cook, I like to dine at my favorite waterfront cafe!

    sarahwolcheski at yahoo dot com

  • Anonymous

    When it is too hot to cook, we eat salads or sandwiches mostly!
    soluckyduckyatgmaildotcom

  • Anonymous

    subscribed to the newsletter!

  • Alexis

    I LOVE some good moz and a tomato and some basil from the garden drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled generously with salt. A slice of fresh bread and it’s a delicious, satisfying and fresh meal. YUM!

  • http://kitchenbacksplashes.blogspot.com/2010/07/tile-kitchen-backsplash-gallery.html Tile

    I do love a smoothie but they can be expensive to make!