Like any parent or working professional, I’m always on the look out for anything that makes my life run a bit smoother and save me time. Enter the Magic Bullet. When my nieces each took one to college, I was intrigued. I already had a blender and a mini food processor, so I thought I was covered. So when Generation Rescue asked me to test the Magic Bullet, I was delighted. Not only does it work like a charm, but this top-selling kitchen appliance is teaming with Jenny McCarthy’s autism treatment and recovery organization, Generation Rescue, to offer the Rescue Bullet in order to raise funds that provide guidance and support for medical treatments which directly improve the quality of life for children living with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The Blue Limited Edition 20-piece Rescue Bullet blender will launch and be available for purchase on Monday, July 18, 2011 on HSN (Home Shopping Network), where Ms. McCarthy will present and demonstrate live. The product will also be available via the Magic Bullet Facebook page, website and select retail stores. Part of the proceeds from each Rescue Bullet blender sold will be donated directly to Generation Rescue.

I tried the Bullet for several of my existing recipes and developed a few new ones. It makes wonderful smoothies, salad dressings and salsa to name a few. I tried it out on my No-Milk Milkshake, adapted for a single serving and it worked great:

No-Milk Milkshake
3/4 c. chocolate almond milk
1/2 banana
2 T almond or peanut butter
1 tsp. agave nectar
1 c. crushed ice

1. Add the ice and pulse for several seconds to break it up. (If you add all ingredients together at the same time, the thickness of the peanut butter and banana impede the crushing of the ice).
2. Add all remaining ingredients to bowl of Bullet and blend until smooth.

An anti-oxidant rich Blueberry Smoothie gets a kick from pineapple juice and banana and is a quick breakfast to go, or a mid-afternoon pick me up. In fact, the Bullet is great for a variety of smoothies, just make sure you adapt the recipe for a single serving. And it produces great Basil and Cilantro Pestos, salsa and even guacamole.

The Bullet’s cups are safe for the dishwasher – just make sure you put them on the top. The heat from the bottom level will distort their shape. In fact, everything can go in the dishwasher, except the base unit. When you buy a Bullet, you’ll find an accompanying pamphlet with a slew of recipes ranging from iced coffee drinks (that’s for you, parents), to quick salsa and alcoholic drinks. In fact, although the bullet is great to use for kid’s snacks, here’s one for you when you put them to bed at night – an oldie, but a goodie.

Blended Margarita
8 oz. sweet and sour mix (try Trader Joe’s brand – it’s delicious and no HFCS)
1-2 oz. Tequilla
1/2 oz. triple sec or Gran Marnier
handful of ice
slice of lime

Place everything in the large cup and blend until smooth. Serve with chips and salsa or guacamole – also compliments of the Bullet. Pair it with your favorite movie and you’ve got a fun night in.

For kids and adults alike, the Bullet is a nice little short cut to make your life run a bit smoother. Be sure to watch HSN on Monday, the 18th and get your Rescue Bullet.