Ask Martha: Use blender for smooth texture

Dear Martha: When should I use a blender, and when is a food processor better?

A: In general, a blender is for tackling liquids and a food processor is the go-to gadget for solid foods. Given the processor's different attachments — the S-curve blade is the basic one — the appliance can slice and grate vegetables, cut butter into pastry dough and chop nuts. It's great for whipping up hummus and pesto, and the shallow bowl makes scooping easy.

Although you can puree with a food processor, the blade cuts through the mixture instead of blending it, so the result sometimes falls short of the desired silky texture.

When you want a smooth consistency, use a blender. Its short, angled blades and multiple speeds make it suitable for pureeing a soup, mixing a smoothie, or even crushing ice (if you have a high-powered model). Plus, the tall jar can hold a greater volume than most processors. A handheld immersion, or stick, blender is another option. Because it's inserted directly into a pot, an immersion blender is ideal for large batches.

Sometimes, either appliance might work well, depending on the purpose. Consider homemade baby food: You might first use a blender to make an easy-to-swallow vegetable puree. Then, when the child is ready for chunkier foods, switch to a food processor.

Dear Martha: How do I divide my irises, and when is a good time to do so?

A: For irises to flourish, they need to be divided into smaller plants when clumps become crowded and flowering declines, usually every three to four years.

The type of irises you have will determine how and when to divide. The four most common are reticulated iris, which flowers in early spring; Dutch iris, in mid- to late spring; bearded iris, in late spring to early summer; and Siberian iris, in early summer.

Reticulated and Dutch irises grow from bulbs, whereas bearded and Siberian irises grow from rhizomes (thick underground stems).

To divide bulbous irises, wait until the foliage and flowers have withered completely; this will give the plant a chance to gather energy. It's best to divide Siberian and bearded irises immediately after they have flowered, so the plants will have the maximum amount of time to recover before winter.

Choose a cool, cloudy day to divide. Lift the entire clump with a sturdy border fork, and inspect it carefully, discarding any withered, corky or dry parts.