How to Blend Hot Liquids

First, what is the problem with blending hot liquids? They release copious steam when agitated, and steam is super hot and produces tremendous pressure when confined (think: locomotive weighing 100 tons, moved by steam.) If you put a hot liquid in your blender and put the airtight lid on, it will invariably come blasting off the moment your machine revs up, splattering you and your kitchen with scalding liquid.  Big, dangerous mess.  Thanks to Carmine for posting this humorous video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qmZaL7pErA

So, steam needs directional venting, and preliminary gentle agitation to escape the liquid.

How?  Let me show you!

My disclaimer: CAUTION.  Hot liquids can cause injury.  I wish you all a long and happy life, free of scars and scalds. You read on at your own peril.

This method won't work with all blenders, but if yours has a Pulse feature like the KitchenAid in this picture, it will likely give good results.

(If your blender has a simple Hi/Low toggle and an On switch, you will need a quick hand to simulate that quick pulse. I make no promises, but it can be done.)

Tilt the central cover on your lid, angle the gap AWAY from yourself for safety, use the Pulse feature and the low speed setting to give the blades a few half-second jolts.

You will see the steam jet out safely, while the liquid merely blends like it should.

Once you have started the liquid with a few pulses, turn on the low speed with confidence, then proceed up to high if desired. KEEP the lid in vented position throughout.

Happy blending!