https://www.rawfullyorganic.com/content.php?section=recipes_archive&sub=detail&id=74&page=1 , mentions not to put the chard stems in a blender unless it’s a Vitamix.
Well, I have a little secret that I hope you will share with any new Raw foodies on a tight budget.
The KitchenAid 5 speed blender (KSB560).
I have been using this blender for about 2 years (and daily for 1 of those years) and it has done everything I have needed it to (except for breaking up raspberry seeds).
It does well with the Swiss chard stems and celery. I have even used it to make almond milk (but not almond butter).I make warm soups in it too.
I literally just throw stuff in the blender, pulse it once or twice to get it going then switch it to High speed.
In the Raw food world I have never heard one person mention the Kitchen Aid Blender (probably because they all have a blendtec or a vitamix) but for
$89.99 at Amazon.com you really can’t beat the KitchenAid KSB560.
I love that blender so much…that TWICE I have visited friends or relatives and bought them the KitchenAid blender.
Anyway, just spreading the love and the information!
With a little time, a cheese cloth and elbow grease, almond milk is easy!
-Soak, one pound shelled almonds and six dates in water. Monitor them, as they'll soak some up; use just enough water to keep them covered. -Pour the entire mixture in a blender -Blend -Get a big mixing bowl. Double the cheese cloth once and use it to line the bowl. Carefully pour in the almond goo. Carefully pick up each corner of the cloth until you have what looks like a dripping pouch of almond goo and then wring the crap out of it. Or at least until no more liquid will come out.
You can add more water to it if it's too thick or you want to make it stretch. Almonds ain't cheap. The best part about this is YOU CAN RE-USE ALL THE PULP!!!! I put it in oatmeal, baked goods, cereal, you can make pie crusts with it. It's really a great way to use the entire batch. If you don't want to use it immediately, you can even freeze it in a ziploc bag!
It's not as easy as the vitamix method but it makes the process and result much more personal. Knowing that the milk contains so much inherent goodness for my body makes me want to treat it with even more care and respect.