Latest news with #smoothies
CNET
6 days ago
- Business
- CNET
I've Never Seen a Blender This Powerful at This Price (and It's on Sale Now)
There are blenders, and then there's the blender. The one that crushes ice without sounding like a demolition site, turns frozen fruit into velvet and never seems to slow down -- no matter how much you throw at it. For me, that blender is the Chefman Obliterator, and right now, it's down to just $93 on Amazon, down from its list price of $160. I've tested and used plenty of blenders over the years, but the Obliterator has been a standout in my kitchen for one simple reason: it delivers big-league performance without a steep price tag. With a 1,380-watt motor, stainless steel blades and a sleek, minimalist design (I'm partial to mine in the Concrete color since it's modern without screaming look at me) -- this is a tool that gets the job done and looks good doing it. Whether I'm making smoothies, protein shakes, sauces, soups or my new favorite thing to make, pesto, the Obliterator handles it all. I've used it daily for weeks now and have yet to hear it complain, slow down or leave an unblended chunk behind. It even tackled nut butters and frozen margaritas with zero drama. If, like me, you prefer the Obliterator in the Concrete color, it's also on sale on the Chefman website for 20% off, bringing the price down to $120 from its usual $150 price tag. That's not as much of a deal as the Midnight model on Amazon, but it's still a decent discount. Or you can get the bundle (the one I have) that also comes with a travel jar for $130, a $30 discount from its usual $160. That's a great price for a blender that genuinely competes with other higher-end models from brands like Vitamix and Ninja. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Let's talk about specs Macy Meyer/CNET Equipped with a 1,380-watt motor and an advanced airflow system, the Obliterator is capable of crushing ice and blending tough ingredients while operative relatively quietly. The unit includes a 48-ounce shatter-resistant Tritan jar, suitable for both cold and hot blending, though the latter requires the lid to be removed and covered with a towel to manage splatter. A range of manual controls, including five speed settings and a pulse function, give users precision, while built-in safety alerts such as "fix jar" and "add liquid" offer added guidance during use. An "auto blend" feature also automates consistency settings based on the ingredients, reducing the need for guesswork. To put it simply, the blender does all the work for you. You just have to stand and watch. Whether you get the bundle or opt to just get the blender, you'll still receive a tamper and scraper tool to assist with thicker mixtures. This especially helps when scraping down smoothies or other purees. While I love the other features of the Obliterator, my favorite part is the easy cleanup. In the past, I rarely used blenders because it meant handwashing five to 10 small blender pieces, and risk cutting my fingers on the blades. With Chefman's blender, cleanup is streamlined through two methods: a self-cleaning preset or dishwasher safe accessories. Notably, the blender uses a blunt-blade design aimed at increasing safety during cleaning without compromising blending ability. A great Father's Day gift (or a "gift for me" gift) Father's Day is coming up and if the dad in your life enjoys cooking, blending drinks or just having powerful yet stylish tools on the countertop, this is a gift that's both practical and fun. It's easy to use, easy to clean (hello, dishwasher-safe parts) and durable enough to last through years of use. Or maybe you're just tired of your current blender's underwhelming performance. This is one of those upgrades that feels instantly worth it -- the kind you notice and appreciate every time you use it. I certainly won't judge you if you end up gifting the Obliterator to yourself. My final thoughts You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a high performance blender that feels premium. The Chefman Obliterator punches above its weight and with this discount, it's a smart buy whether you're gifting it to a loved one or keeping it for yourself. If you're looking for other useful, fun gifts for your favorite host or the chef in your life, here are our favorite kitchen gifts under $50.
CNET
6 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Last-Minute Memorial Day Deal: Blend Anywhere With This $54 Ninja Blast Portable Blender
Ninja has made a name for itself by offering stylish kitchen accessories with the features people want, and the Ninja Blast is no different. It's a portable, rechargeable blender that you can take anywhere and this last-minute Memorial Day deal means you can pick one up and save $15. New customers can save when ordering from QVC and entering the discount code HELLO15 at checkout. That'll slash the final price to just $54. Ninja's Twisti is one of our favorite blenders, so you know that the company knows how to whizz things up. This portable blender has an 18-ounce capacity and comes in a handful of colors so you can pick the right one for you. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. No matter which you pick, you'll get the portable blender base, a blending cup, a slip lid, a cap, a blade cover and of course, a USB charging cable. The unit can blend frozen fruit and ice and the design means you can even drink from the blender when it's done. Ninja says that the Blast will fit in most car cup holders and all parts are dishwasher-safe except the motor base, so cleaning couldn't be easier. Why this deal matters Blending smoothies and other drinks is a great way to get all the vitamins and minerals that you need without having to micro-manage your food. They're also a great way to stay cool, something to consider as we move into the warmer months. This handy portable blender can go wherever you do, and at this price the only thing you need to ponder is which color to choose.
New York Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- New York Times
How Healthy Are Mangoes?
In India, the mango is known as the 'king of fruits.' The fruit, and its tree and leaves, are symbols of prosperity, good luck and love. There's a lot to love nutritionally, too. Mangoes are rich in vitamin C and potassium. And they freeze well, making them a year-round smoothie staple. Here's what to know about their health attributes, along with delicious recipes from New York Times Cooking.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
For a better smoothie, turn on the oven
I'm in a season of life where I no longer make health resolutions focused on subtraction. No more cutting carbs, no more vilifying sugar. Instead, I'm leaning toward abundance: more vegetables, more water, more sleep, more walking just to feel the air on my face. More of the things that make my body feel like it's on my side. But abundance, I've learned, requires planning. These days, my refrigerator resembles a kind of produce altar: deli tubs filled with chopped vegetables for dipping, and trays of roasted eggplant, red pepper and onion — silky with olive oil, oregano and salt — ready to be layered onto sandwiches or folded into scrambled eggs. Fruit, though, remained a blind spot. I'm not someone who eats an apple on the way out the door. Bananas are often left to languish in tote bags; berries go soft in their cartons. So I began roasting it. On Sunday afternoons, I scatter halved strawberries or blueberries across a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle them with honey or maple syrup, and roast them until their edges bubble and the whole kitchen smells like jam. Stored in small containers, they're ideal spooned over yogurt or swirled into oatmeal. And then, one morning, I added a scoop to a smoothie — and something shifted. It began with peaches. Early ones: still slightly firm, with just enough fragrance to hint at what they might become. I halved them, added a splash of vanilla, a drizzle of honey, a pinch of sea salt, and roasted them until their edges browned and the juices pooled in syrupy puddles. The next day, I blended a few roasted halves with frozen banana, coconut milk and more cinnamon than seemed strictly necessary. The result didn't taste like breakfast. It tasted like something you might find in a glass bottle at a café where the music is low, the lighting flattering, and the smoothie menu handwritten in cursive. But there I was—barefoot in the kitchen, drinking it from a plastic blender cup, my dog looking on with mild suspicion. I drank that peach-and-coconut milk smoothie nearly every day for two weeks, surprised each morning to find myself willing — eager, even — to dirty the blender again. That kind of enthusiasm is rare in weekday routines, and it made me curious. If roasted peaches could do this, what else might transform with a little heat? From there, I started experimenting: berries, stone fruit, apple slices blanketed in cinnamon and clove. I discovered, over time, that most fruits benefit from the same treatment I give my vegetables — roasted until their flavors concentrate and their textures soften into something spoonable, or blendable or snackable straight from the tray. Eventually, a loose formula emerged. On weekends, I set aside a little time for a fruit roast: a simple, satisfying act of care that requires little more than a sheet pan and a hot oven. I toss fruit with a neutral oil; coconut and avocado are my go-tos, though I've found that olive oil does lovely, surprising things to blackberries. I add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of sweetener (maple syrup, honey, agave, even brown sugar), and whatever warm spices I have on hand. Cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger — all are welcome here. There's no need to measure, really. This is more about instinct and scent, about creating a tray of fruit that looks like it could be the filling for a pie or the topping for a tart, but will instead be tucked away in deli containers and folded into the fabric of the week. For something that tastes like vacation in a glass, roast sliced peaches in melted coconut oil, a drizzle of honey, a generous dusting of cinnamon and a whisper of flaky sea salt. Store them in a container in the fridge. When you're ready to blend, combine a few roasted slices with canned coconut cream, a spoonful of whole-milk yogurt (or coconut yogurt, if you want to double down), frozen banana, and more cinnamon. It's creamy, fragrant, and just decadent enough to feel like you're getting away with something. Toss blueberries with a little avocado oil and maple syrup, then roast until they collapse into dark, jammy puddles. Once cool, store in the fridge until smoothie time. Blend with frozen banana, a handful of frozen blueberries, a chunk of fresh or frozen ginger (those little ginger cubes from Trader Joe's work beautifully), almond milk, and a tablespoon or two of tahini. The result is earthy, zingy, and unexpectedly luxurious. Slice apples and roast them with avocado oil, brown sugar, and enough baking spices to make your kitchen smell like fall—cinnamon, cardamom, clove and ginger are all fair game. When you're ready for breakfast, blend the roasted apples with a scoop of rolled oats, a spoonful of yogurt, a pour of almond milk, and more cinnamon. It's like apple pie in smoothie form, but with enough fiber to feel vaguely virtuous. I'm not saying roasted fruit will change your life. But it might get you to eat breakfast three days in a row. It might make your fridge smell like jam. And it might turn your Tuesday smoothie into something that feels just a little more worth waking up for.
Health Line
09-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
5 Recipes to Try When You Don't Feel Like Cooking
All five of these recipes can be ready in 10 minutes or less and don't require cooking. Some days, the thought of cooking just feels like too much. Whether you're short on time or energy or just want to keep things simple, eating well without turning on the stove is still possible. With the right ingredients and a little prep, you can throw together healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meals with almost zero fuss. These five recipes are great for those low effort days. They're packed with nutrients, easy to assemble, and require minimal cleanup. Best of all, they demonstrate that you don't need a full kitchen session to enjoy a balanced, delicious meal. Creamy chickpea salad with apples and pecans This chickpea salad is a great creamy, crunchy, and fresh mix. Chickpeas offer plant-based protein and fiber, while celery and apples bring crisp texture and sweetness. Use canned chickpeas to cut prep time, and consider making a double batch to have lunches or snacks ready for days. It keeps well in the fridge and is great over spinach or stuffed in a wrap for an easy meal. Greens power smoothie When you need something quick, energizing, and packed with nutrients, this smoothie delivers. Full of healthy fats from avocado, hydration from cucumber and coconut water, and the refreshing touch of mint, it's great for jump-starting your day or refueling after a workout. To save time, keep pre-portioned smoothie packs in your freezer with everything except the liquid, so all you have to do is blend and go. Power smoothie recipe Smashed avocado and black bean sandwich This hearty sandwich is rich in fiber and healthy fats, thanks to the black beans, avocado, tomatoes, and pumpkin seeds. To make it even easier, mash the avocados in advance with lime juice to prevent browning and store them in the fridge. This filling, no-cook option keeps you energized without weighing you down. Tomato basil cottage cheese bowl This bowl is light, full of flavor, and rich in protein. Cottage cheese has a creamy base, while cherry tomatoes and basil give it a bright, fresh finish. Toasted pine nuts add a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. For convenience, prep your tomatoes and basil ahead of time and store everything separately in the fridge so you can assemble them in minutes when hunger hits. Mediterranean tossed salad with feta This Mediterranean-inspired salad is colorful, tangy, and loaded with nutrients. Edamame adds protein, while arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives bring bold flavor. Keep pre-cooked edamame in your fridge or freezer, and mix your dressing ahead of time for even quicker assembly. It's a satisfying, no-heat meal that's great for lunch or a light dinner. Takeaway Cooking doesn't always have to mean heat, time, or effort. These no-cook meals show that you can nourish your body with whole, flavorful ingredients even when you're not in the mood to cook. They're easy to prep, flexible, and designed to make your life easier without sacrificing taste or nutrition. On those days when cooking just isn't happening, having a few of these recipes in your back pocket can make all the difference. Whether you're working through a busy schedule or just want something light and simple, these meals offer a refreshing way to eat well with minimal effort.
