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12 things you didn't know you could do with a blender (pictures)

From nut butter to guacamole, here are 12 surprising ways you can make your blender more versatile.

Andrew Gebhart
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1 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Blending outside the box

Turns out, high-powered blenders are more than just smoothie makers. Here are 12 extracurriculars you can task them with. Click through for lots of blender possibilities; no other appliances required.

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2 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Guacamole

Blenders can make it easy to fix a good guac. Save yourself the hassle of chopping the onions and tomatoes. The blender can do that for you.

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3 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Guacamole

I recommend starting off on a slow speed. It helps the blender catch all the ingredients and leaves you time to stop if you want a chunkier guac.

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4 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Guacamole

For a creamy mixture, let it blend.

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5 of 18 Katie Pilkington/CNET

Whipped cream

Blenders are more graceful than I initially thought. With a little sugar and vanilla, most blenders successfully can aerate cream into a frothy whip capable of holding a shape.

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6 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Chocolate frosting

Take advantage of that whipping power by mixing cream, chocolate, sugar, vanilla and butter together for a delicious cake topper.

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7 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Mayonnaise

You can even whip eggs and oil into something you'd be happy to spread on your sandwich.

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8 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Pancake batter

In addition to smoothies, blenders can help make a sweeter breakfast by mixing your pancake batter.

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9 of 18 Ry Crist/CNET

Nut flour

Turn up the speed, and high-powered blenders can really impress. Many were able to turn whole almonds into powdery flour in no time.

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10 of 18 Andrew Gebhart/CNET

Nut butter

Keep the blades to that nut flour -- the best blenders will break it all the way down into an almond butter.

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11 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Coffee beans

If you don't have a burr grinder but want a quick way to pulverize whole beans for a fresh brew, your blender can come through for you.

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12 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Coffee beans

Pour these into a filter and start the brew.

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13 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Peppercorns

Blenders can do the same with whole peppercorns.

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14 of 18 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Shredded cheese

Some blenders include unique attachments. The Oster Versa actually lets you shred cheese.

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15 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Applesauce

Ideally, I should have peeled these apples. Fortunately, the blender still made the applesauce taste just fine.

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16 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Applesauce

A little green, but a sweet, healthy snack.

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17 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Ice cream

For a less healthy, but more coveted snack, your blender can actually make great ice cream.

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18 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Ice cream

With ice cubes, vanilla, sugar and milk, we made a tasty dessert.

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