Process no more than 8 strips at a time (zest of 1 medium lemon). Cut strips in half. Add strips and 1 teaspoon sugar or coarse salt (from recipe) to the blender jar. Cover blender jar. Set on Low; blend for 15 to 20 seconds. Turn blender off. Baby Food: Combine 1/2 cup cooked vegetables, fruit or meat with 3-4 tablespoons liquid (water, milk, fruit juice, broth, or cooking liquid) in the blender jar. Set on Low or High. Blend for 15 to 20 seconds until a smooth puree is reached. Add more liquid as necessary and process further until desired texture is reached. For “junior” type foods, set on High Speed and use the Pulse function. Always consult with your pediatrician/family physician concerning the best foods for your baby and when to introduce new foods to his/her diet. Grinding Hard Cheese: Cut cheese into 1/2-inch pieces; remove all outer hard rind. Place cheese in blender jar. Set on Low. Pulse to chop cheese, 10 to 12 times, then blend until desired grind is reached. For best results, grind no more than 3 ounces of cheese at a time. Grinding Spices: For best results, blender jar and cutting assembly must be clean and dry. Add 1/4-1/2 cup of spices/seeds/peppercorns to blender jar. Set on Low or High, Pulse to break up, then blend for 20 to 40 seconds. Turn blender off. Whipping Cream: If possible, chill blender jar and cutting assembly in refrigerator for 15 minutes. Add 1 cup heavy or whipping cream to blender jar. Cover jar. Set on Low and Pulse (1 second pulses) 20 to 30 times until cream is thickened. (Do not over blend – bits of butter will begin to form.) If desired add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla or other flavoring. Consistency with be that of a 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved thickened, but not fluffy whipped cream and is most appropriate for topping desserts or coffee drinks. When using the blender to puree hot mixtures such as creamed soups and baby foods, strain the solids from the liquid, reserving the cooking liquid. Then place the cooked solids liquid in the blender jar along with 1/2 to 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Use the Pulse function to chop, then blend until desired consistency/puree is reached. Allow hot foods to cool slightly before blending to prevent steam build-up which may cause the lid to lift up from the blender jar. Keep your blender out on the counter within easy reach and you will be surprised how often you will use it. Keep ice cubes made of juices, yogurt, milk or fruit purees on hand to substitute for plain ice to make smoothies and frosty beverages without diluting the drink. For quick cleaning, add 1 cup of warm water and a drop of liquid dish soap to the blender jar. Cover and blend on Low or High for 30 seconds or more as needed. Discard the soapy water and rinse blender thoroughly before the next use. RECIPES SMOOTHIES, SHAKES,FRAPPES, FROZEN BEVERAGES FRESH FRUIT SMOOTHIE Layers of fresh fruit blend in just seconds to make this all fruit smoothie. Makes six 8-ounce servings 1/2 cup orange juice 1 cup cantaloupe, cut into 1" pieces 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen) 1 cup pineapple chunks (1" pieces) (fresh or canned, drained) 1 cup navel orange segments, cut into 1" pieces 1 cup mango chunks (1" pieces) 1 medium banana, cut into 1/2" slices 1 cup ice cubes (about 6 standard) Layer the ingredients in the blender jar in the order listed. Place cover on blender jar. Set blender speed on High. Turn blender on and blend for 20 to 30 seconds until smooth. Turn blender off. Note: The riper the fruit, the sweeter the smoothie. Nutritional information per serving: Calories 101 (4% from fat) • carb. 25g • pro. 2g • fat 0g • sat. fat 0g • chol. 0mg • sod. 10mg • calc. 35mg • fiber 4g FRUIT AND YOGURT SMOOTHIE A delicious drink for “breakfast on the run.” The fruits may be varied to suit your own taste. Add more calcium by using calcium enriched orange juice. Makes 48 ounces. 2 cups pineapple chunks 1 medium banana, cut in 1" pieces 1 cup orange juice 1 cup fat free vanilla yogurt 2 cups frozen strawberries (do not thaw) Place all ingredients in blender jar in order listed. Set on High and blend until smooth and creamy, about 20 seconds. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Nutritional information per serving (based on 6 servings): Calories 105 (4% from fat) • carb. 25g • pro. 3g • fat 0g • sat. fat 0g • chol. 1mg • sod. 23mg • calc. 76mg • fiber 2g TO-FRUITTI SMOOTHIES The much-maligned tofu is a good source of protein and a nice alternative to using dairy products in smoothies. Change the fruits to suit your own taste. Makes 48 ounces 1 cup mango chunks (1"pieces), about 8 ounces 1 medium banana, cut in 1" pieces 1 cup orange, apple or other fruit juice 1 cup soy milk/beverage 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup silken tofu, cut into 1" pieces 2 cups frozen strawberries (do not thaw) Place all ingredients in blender jar in order listed. Set on High and blend until smooth and creamy, about 20 seconds. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Nutrit...