13 Surprising Things You Can Make In A Blender

Smoothies are delicious, but there is so much more your kitchen blender can deliver than these expected frozen drink go-tos. Next time you are in the mood to liquify, whip, or purée, but are looking for a treat differing from the fruit variety, literally "mix it up" with these delectable, blendable alternatives that have you covered for every meal of the day. These surprising and simple blender recipes take you from day to night, and cover every snack in between with dips, spreads, and sauces to elevate any dish you desire.

Think creamy tahini, blended to perfection with crushed sesame, raw garlic, and a kick of lemon juice. Looking for something a tad sweeter? Use your blender to whip up a creamy chocolate mousse made even better by mixing in maple syrup and sea salt. Avoid the bad that comes with prepackaged and canned goods that overload in sodium what they lack in flavor. With just your blender and a handful of fresh ingredients, the culinary possibilities are endless, and are served up in various interpretations of sweet and savory. These quick and easy recipes promise to expand your mix-master repertoire. It is time to finally maximize the potential of your kitchen blender, and make the unassuming appliance the sous-chef of your dreams.

1. Gazpacho

This chilled Spanish soup is a summer sipping staple. What's Cooking Good Looking offers up an easy-to-follow recipe for a peach-infused remix to add some seasonal sweetness.

2. Hollandaise Sauce

Smother your next breakfast Benedict in some homemade "easy blender" Hollandaise sauce that recipe creator Savory Sweet Life promises takes only two to three minutes to make.

3. Peanut Butter

Make your next jar of peanut butter "the stuff that peanut buttery dreams are made of" with this blender-friendly do-it-yourself option by The Kitchn.

4. Sorbet

No ice cream maker? No problem! This simple sorbet solution requires only a blender and a baking dish. Big Girl Small Kitchen tops off her easy mango sorbet with coconut cream.

5. Tahini Dressing

This healthy tahini sauce by Tori Avey will become your new favorite condiment, and the ideal pairing to upgrade any snack or meal.

6. Hummus

Another mixed Mediterranean dipping favorite, hummus is taken up a notch with this blender recipe by Cooking For Keeps that infuses red pepper and feta cheese for added taste.

7. Salsa

A favorite for any fiesta or a fast snack, this salsa concoction by Foodie Crush packs a punch of flavor.

8. Almond Milk

Lactose allergy not required to love this homemade almond milk. The Kitchn notes that the recipe is also possible with a food processor, but using a blender makes the milk taste "ever-so-slightly better: it has a silky texture and a subtly sweet flavor."

9. Challah French Toast

This scrumptious breakfast treat by Tori Avey is enticing any time of the day. Your blender will purée to perfection banana, vanilla, spices, and rum (optional but recommended) before slices of challah are soaked to satisfaction.

10. Pesto

This healthy take on pesto by Little Leopard Book blends together kale, garlic, cashews, and olive oil for an appetizing addition to a multitude of meals.

11. Corn and Red Pepper Soup

The soup possibilities are endless once you warm up to the idea of making them in your blender, and this vegan variety, spiced up with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne, is a must-try. Recipe maker Averie Cooks assures it's as straightforward as making a smoothie: "toss it in, blend, taste it, season if necessary, and start slurping."

12. Chocolate Mousse

This nontraditional chocolate mousse recipe by The Kitchn adds ingredients like olive oil and sea salt for an extra treat for your tastebuds.

13. Chia Pudding

For a slightly healthier alternative, this chocolate chia pudding from Oh She Glows still satisfies even the fussiest sweet tooth.

Looking for some more fun food ideas? Visit Bustle on YouTube!

Images: What's Cooking Good Looking (2), Savory Sweet Life, The Kitchn (3), Big Girl Small Kitchen, Tori Avey (2), Cooking For Keeps, Foodie Crush, Little Leopard Book, Averie Cooks, Oh She Glows