KITCHEN BASICS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Kitchen Basics for the Holidays. The most fun part of the holidays is visiting with family, cooking, and eating. Food is such a big part of the holidays. From before Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I want to enjoy that time and nice tools make it more enjoyable. I put together this list of my very favorite kitchen tools. 

KITCHEN BASICS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

When you have the right kitchen tools, cooking is fun. Over the years, I’ve found certain kitchen products that I just can’t live without. I curated a list of my favorite kitchen essentials for you. These items make great gifts for the rooky cook or seasoned pro. And, hey, nothing says you can’t treat yourself! 

Dutch oven

I LOVE my Dutch oven. Honestly, I use it often. It’s versatile, easy to handle even when it’s full, and easy to clean.

Here are some recipes for your new Dutch oven.

Dutch Oven Sausage Breakfast Pinwheels

Dutch Oven Sausage Breakfast Pinwheels | Tender bread is filled with sausage and cheese and baked in a Dutch oven. This recipe was designed for camping out!

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Best Damn Short Ribs

Succulent beef short ribs and cooked in rich red wine for an out-of-this-world meal!

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Southern Blueberry Dessert Dumplings

Southern Blueberry Dessert Dumplings recipe is an old-fashioned recipe that's easy & delicious! A great summer alternative to cobbler made stovetop.

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Skinny Turkey Meatball Tortellini Soup

This Skinny Turkey Meatball Tortellini Soup is packed with fresh flavors, very satisfying and super easy to make!

  Please read the narrative of my post for tips and substitutions.

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Chef Knife

I use a chef’s knife for everything. Rarely do I pick up another knife, not even a pairing knife. This is great information to read before you purchase your first chef’s knife or purchase one as a gift.

Chopping veggies or anything is easier and more fun with the right knife.

GLAZED CARROTS

These sweet and spicy carrots are coated in olive oil, pepper, and salt, and just enough honey to bring out the natural sweetness. They're then roasted until tender.

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30 MINUTE MONGOLIAN TENDERLOIN

30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin beef or pork can be used Marinade can be mild or spicy. Slow Cooker & Instant Pot methods given. #mongolian #recipes

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NASHVILLE HOT CAULIFLOWER BITES

A healthy alternative to traditional Nashville hot chicken and wings with none of the guilt.

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Cast Iron Skillet

I’m pretty sure you have to give up your Southerner card if you don’t have at least 2 cast iron skillets. I have, twelve, I think. Honestly, I have favorites for biscuits, cornbread, potatoes, and pancakes. Although I didn’t picture my 4-inch cast iron skillets, they are some of my favorites. I use them for individual dishes like skillet cookies, chicken pot pie, and nachos.

Some of my favorite cast iron skillet recipes.

Buttermilk Sausage Jalapeno Cheese Cornbread

Spicy. Hearty. Simple. That’s how I describe this Buttermilk Sausage Jalapeno Cheese Cornbread. You won’t believe how heavenly this sausage studded cornbread is. You’ll experience love at first bite!

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Sausage Potato Hash

An old classic made healthier with the inclusion of turkey sausage. Perfect for brunch!

 

*You can use red potatoes, but I'd prefer to peel red potatoes. I find the skin if tougher than Yukon gold potatoes.

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One Pan Best Damn Jalapeno Popper Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Hash Brown Casserole is always a crowd-pleaser and potluck favorite. This one has been kicked up with jalapenos and bacon. Taking inspiration from a popular appetizer, One Pan Best Damn Jalapeno Popper Hash Brown Casserole Recipe will knock your socks off and become a new family favorite and a holiday staple. 

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A Slow Cooker is high on the list of Kitchen Basics for the Holidays

Some of my most popular recipes with readers are slow cooker recipes.

Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe an easy 'dump and go' slow cooker recipe! Ten minutes of prep with ingredients you already have & endless meal possibilities.

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SLOW COOKER CHEESY PENNE

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne in a rich beefy tomato sauce is full of ground beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese. It's an easy Crock Pot comfort food recipe the whole family loves.

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Crock Pot General Tso Chicken

This family favorite meal is our favorite Chinese take-out dish. It's easy to make and healthier than the restaurant version.

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Hash Brown Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Hash Brown Slow Cooker Potato Soup is hearty and satisfying. This soup recipe is a family favorite. It's easy to make and taste amazing. The soup is thick, rich and cheesy making it a stand-alone meal.

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Crock Pot Crack Hash Brown Potatoes

Crock Pot Crack Hash Brown Potatoes, the quintessential comfort food gets an easy and delicious make-over with the addition of Ranch seasoning and bacon. 

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Sheet Pan

SHEET PAN GREEN BEANS AND POTATOES WITH AVOCADO RANCH

Green beans and potatoes are combined with garlic and seasoning and roasted until tender. It's an easy recipe that roasts in the oven. The creamy avocado ranch is a wonderful accompaniment.

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SHEET PAN HOOSIER STEW

Sheet Pan Hoosier Stew is an entire meal that’s made on a sheet pan in 30 minutes! Green beans, ham, and sweet potatoes is an unbelievably easy recipe that the whole family will love.

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CHERRY TEXAS SHEET CAKE

This moist cake is made with just three ingredients and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It's great for potlucks and parties.

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Sheet Pan Pound Cake

Sheet Pan Pound Cake is a classic pound cake recipe baked in a nontraditional 9x13-inch pan. It still has the crunchy top and buttery soft inside. 

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