3 fresh tomatoes quartered 1/4 to 1 medium onion quartered Up to 1/2 cup (120 ml) green chilies (mild or hot) 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1/2 tsp. sugar or other sweetener 1 tbs. vinegar 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)

Place all ingredients in the Vita-Mix container in order listed. Secure 2-part lid. Select VARIABLE speed #4 to 5. Turn machine on and allow the machine to run for 3 to 5 seconds or until ingredients are chopped to desired consistency. You may need to stop the machine and run a spatula inside the container to integrate ingredients halfway through the process. Do not over mix. If necessary, use the tamper to press any ingredients into the blades while processing. Serve with tortilla chips or Doritos®.

Speed: Variable #4 to 5
Time: 3 to 5 seconds, until chunky
Yield: 2 cups (480 ml)

3/4 cup (180 ml) water 1 lemon, peeled and halved 1/4 inch (6 cm) of lemon peel 1/4 cup (60 ml) sugar or other sweetener, to taste 2 cups (480 ml) ice cubes

Place all ingredients in the Vita-Mix container in the order listed. Secure 2-part lid. Select VARIABLE speed #1. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to #10; then to HIGH. Insert the tamper through the lid opening to press any frozen fruits (or cubes) into the blades, while the machine is processing. The mixture is frozen when it has formed four mounds (about 30 to 60 seconds). Watch your mixture carefully, running the machine longer does not make it more frozen – it causes melting. Enjoy immediately as a soft serve treat or proof in an airtight container in your freezer for one hour.

Speed: Variable to High
Time: 30 to 60 seconds
Yield: 3 cups (720 ml)

Cranberry Citrus Punch

3/4 cup (180 ml) cranberry juice cocktail 1/2 orange, including white part of peel 1/4 cup (60 ml) pineapple 1/4 cup (60 ml) sweetened strawberries, frozen 1/2 cup (120 ml) club soda

Place all ingredients in the Vita-Mix container in the order listed. Secure 2-part lid. Select VARIABLE speed #1. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to #10; then to HIGH. Allow machine to run for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until smooth. Serve immediately.

Speed: Variable to High
Time: 1 to 1 1/2 minutes
Yield: 2 1/2 cups (600 ml)

Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing

1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider or raspberry vinegar 1 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. salt 1 tbs. sugar 1 tsp. ground oregano 3 tbs. red raspberry preserves

Place all ingredients in the Vita-Mix container in the order listed. Secure 2-part lid. Select VARIABLE speed #1. Gradually increase speed to #10 and run machine for 45 seconds.

Speed: Variable #1 to #10
Time: 45 seconds
Yield: 1 cup (240 ml)