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Blend it

Blending vegetables creates a thick, creamy texture without adding cream or starch. It's a terrific trick for sauces as well as soups. Blend potato-based soups while still hot (they will become elastic if the potato cools before puréeing). Handheld immersion blenders—which let you blend in a bowl or pot—are easy to use and to clean up. Best of all: You can find a good one for less than $40.

Try these recipes:

• Spring Gazpacho
• Potato Leek Soup
• Carrot-Ginger Soup

Next: Sear it