Margaritas and pina coladas can be blended until very thick. To do this, add ice cubes to the liquid ingredients and blend on high speed until thick. Prepare fresh and flavorful salad dressings quickly in the blender. For oil and vinegar dressing that won't separate upon standing, place all ingredients, except the oil, into the blender container. With the motor running, remove the feeder cap in the center of the blender cover and slowly pour the oil into the whirling blades.
Blenders do an efficient job of chopping ingredients in a liquid.
Gazpacho is the perfect example of how this is done. Traditionally, this chilled soup required hand chopping of the vegetables. The blender allows the vegetables to be chopped in the tomato juice in just seconds. The liquid moves chunks of cucumber, onion and bell peppers through the blades to end in a coarse to fine chop. The secret is to use the pulse button to avoid overprocessing.