DID I BUY A THERMOMIX TM 31 ??

I am sure this is the burning question on the mind of all those who frequent my blog:p. I've done all the research, checked out the competition and I have finally made a decision. I decided in the end not to get a Thermomix at this point in my life. I have other things in my life that I can put $2000AUD towards and get more from it. However, I do intend to get one when my means allows for it. There are some amazing benefits to having a Thermomix for sure, I do not doubt that, but I also don't understand why a machine has to cost so darn much! Its quite ridiculous actually.

 I have bought something in the mean time, as I don't actually own a blender as my other one carcked it about 6 months ago! So it has been 6 months since I have been able to enjoy a good home made smoothie or milkshake! I was desperate to get 'something'. I scored my Dad in the Christmas Pick this year and he is always good for a great present. He decided in the end just to give me money so I could choose the exact blender I wanted. So of course, I went about researching for all the types of blenders that were available here. I do have to say, that prices for blenders here in Australia are truly ridiculous!! For example a Cuisinart Blender and Food Processor, which is the one I was leaning more towards retails here in Australia for anywhere between $230-$170AUD. In the States RRP is around $100USD. So what's up with that?? We just get ripped off here and it has always been that way, you don't need me to tell you that!

Anyway  I decided in the end to get a Breville Professional 800 Collection. There were a number of reasons that made me feel it was a good purchase.

1.The Polycarbonate jug. Its a 2L jug which is a good size for our family, its light weight - unlike the glass jars, they are so heavy, there would be no way I could let my eldest child make something and lift a glass jug to pour or even to assemble.
2. There is an ice crushing mode, which allows for slushies which is a hit in our family - great blackmailing material for the kids- hehehehe!!!
3. It has Kinetic blades which means you get even blending - no lumps and nowhere for food to get trapped.
4. 2000W motor - this was I think the best wattage available from a department store.
5. 2 year warranty on the product and 5 year warranty on the motor.

So what does all this mean? Well it means I have a pretty darn good blender that I am very happy with and I didn't have to spend heaps of money to get it!! It retails for $329AUD but there was a sale on and I got it for $269. Again, a bit on the pricey side I know, but I intend to have this blender for a long time and its far cheaper than any other blenders that I have been researching as being the best on the market - commercial included.

One of the reasons why I was drawn to the Thermomix was because it made amazing sorbet. However, the more I saw it being made, the more I thought, I am sure this can be done on a regular blender. Granted, it can't be done in 30 seconds, but really at the end of the day, what is the big difference between good sorbet in 30 seconds and good sorbet in 1 minute or longer for that matter?? Personally, I don't think there is any difference, so I went ahead and made some sorbet in my Breville. I will note, that you do have to stop the machine a couple of times to move the mixture around. A tamper would be perfect, if they ever make one available. When you think about it really, its the ingredients that makes the sorbet great, not the machine! My first run of Raspberry, Banana, and Pineapple Sorbet was a hit! The kids loved it and so did my husband. It was so wonderful that my son requested sorbet for his birthday breakfast, and how could I say no?! It is all fruit! I made the sorbet two ways and I will note them in the recipes below. Basically, if you want to make it yourself, you could do it on any blending machine that is made to crush ice or frozen fruit.

 My next step will be making ice cream. I will attempt to do this in my Cater Mixer and also my Breville Professional Blender. You will have to stay tuned in for this one, because it will be done in a way, I am sure a lot of you will not be expecting......hope I have your attention:) I also hope to be able to have photos of this process or even a video!

Raspberry, Pineapple, Banana Sorbet

1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup chopped frozen pineapple (canned or fresh)
1/2 cup frozen bananas
1/4 cup water
1/2 - 1 tablespoon castor sugar - or to taste its up to you
1 egg white

Add ingredients to blender, it is possible you may have to do it in two batches. On my machine I have an ice crushing button, so I would use this button. Otherwise  use the pulse setting a couple of times and when the mixture is broken up, blend. Remember to STOP machine and mix ingredients around and over the blades.
It is done when the fruit it combined and mixture is smooth and pinkish.

Creamy Berry Sorbet

1 cup mixed berries
1/2 - 1 tablespoon of castor sugar
1/2 cup milk - may need more

Add ingredients and blend on ice auto pulse or as above. This is a creamier mixture and the kids loved it!