Allrecipes Allstar Candice Walker: Spotlight on Her Best Recipes and Cooking Tips
Candice Walker is a name synonymous with delicious, approachable, and reliably successful recipes within the Allrecipes community. An Allstar contributor, Candice has built a loyal following with her clear instructions, flavorful dishes, and warm, encouraging tone. This article shines a spotlight on Candice Walker, exploring some of her most popular recipes, highlighting her cooking style, and offering tips and tricks gleaned from her extensive online presence. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, Candice’s recipes are sure to inspire and delight.
## Who is Candice Walker?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s get to know the woman behind the screen. Candice Walker is a passionate home cook who shares her culinary creations on Allrecipes. Her recipes range from quick weeknight meals to impressive holiday feasts, always with a focus on using readily available ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. She’s known for her ability to take classic dishes and add her own unique twist, often incorporating bold flavors and innovative techniques. Candice’s recipes are consistently highly rated by Allrecipes users, a testament to their deliciousness and dependability. Her friendly and helpful approach in the comments sections of her recipes has helped thousands of home cooks achieve success. Candice’s profile features several badges denoting her years of contributions and helpfulness in the community.
## Exploring Candice Walker’s Top Recipes
Candice Walker’s recipe collection is vast and varied, but some dishes stand out as particular favorites. Here’s a closer look at some of her most popular and highly-rated recipes:
### 1. Candice’s Kickin’ Chicken
This recipe is a true standout, boasting thousands of rave reviews. It’s a simple yet flavorful chicken dish marinated in a tangy, slightly spicy sauce. The secret to its success lies in the combination of ingredients, which creates a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/2 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Marinade:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
3. **Cook the Chicken:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a skillet on the stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C).
4. **Grilling:** Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. **Skillet:** Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. **Baking:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. **Rest and Serve:** Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, vegetables, or a salad.
**Tips from Candice (and other reviewers):**
* **Don’t Overcook:** Chicken breasts tend to dry out quickly if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature.
* **Adjust the Spice:** If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of red pepper flakes and add more to taste.
* **Marinate Longer:** The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. However, avoid marinating for more than 8 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the chicken.
* **Glaze during Cooking:** For extra flavor, brush the chicken with some reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. Be careful not to brush too early, as the marinade may burn.
* **Serve with Pineapple:** Several reviewers suggest grilling pineapple slices alongside the chicken for a tropical twist.
### 2. Candice’s Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Another crowd-pleaser, this pulled pork recipe is incredibly easy to make and yields tender, flavorful results. The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
**Ingredients:**
* 4-5 pound pork shoulder (Boston butt)
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup ketchup
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup water (optional, if needed for thinning)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pork:** Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Place the chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. **Make the Sauce:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, and black pepper.
3. **Combine and Cook:** Place the pork shoulder on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the pork, ensuring it is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
4. **Slow Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. **Shred the Pork:** Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat.
6. **Return to Sauce:** Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker with the sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
7. **Serve:** Serve the pulled pork on buns with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, or barbecue sauce.
**Tips from Candice (and other reviewers):**
* **Don’t Skip the Smoked Paprika:** It adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the pork.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet pulled pork, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of around 200°F (93°C).
* **Sear the Pork First (Optional):** For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder on all sides in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
* **Strain the Sauce:** Some reviewers prefer to strain the sauce after cooking to remove any chunks of onion or other ingredients.
### 3. Candice’s Easy Peach Cobbler
This simple peach cobbler recipe is a perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s quick to make, uses canned peaches for convenience, and delivers a warm, comforting flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (29 ounce) can sliced peaches in heavy syrup, undrained
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
* Ground cinnamon (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare the Peach Filling:** Pour the undrained can of peaches into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the peaches evenly over the bottom of the dish.
3. **Make the Batter:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. **Add Liquids:** Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Pour Batter over Peaches:** Pour the batter evenly over the peaches in the baking dish.
6. **Sprinkle with Cinnamon (Optional):** Sprinkle the top of the cobbler with ground cinnamon, if desired.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool Slightly:** Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
**Tips from Candice (and other reviewers):**
* **Use Fresh or Frozen Peaches:** If you prefer, you can substitute fresh or frozen peaches for the canned peaches. If using frozen peaches, thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid.
* **Add Almond Extract:** A few drops of almond extract can enhance the flavor of the cobbler.
* **Use a Different Fruit:** This recipe can be adapted to use other fruits, such as apples, berries, or cherries.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If the peaches are very sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the batter.
* **Serve with Ice Cream:** Vanilla ice cream is the classic accompaniment to peach cobbler, but other flavors like butter pecan or cinnamon ice cream would also be delicious.
### 4. Candice’s Creamy Tomato Soup
This isn’t your average canned tomato soup. Candice’s version is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. It’s a perfect comfort food on a chilly day.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Broth:** Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Simmer:** Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. **Blend (Optional):** For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
5. **Stir in Cream:** Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and heat through. Do not boil.
6. **Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or crackers.
**Tips from Candice (and other reviewers):**
* **Roast the Tomatoes First:** Roasting the tomatoes before making the soup will intensify their flavor.
* **Add a Pinch of Sugar:** A pinch of sugar can help to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
* **Use High-Quality Tomatoes:** The quality of the tomatoes will greatly affect the flavor of the soup. Use the best quality canned tomatoes you can find.
* **Add a Splash of Balsamic Vinegar:** A splash of balsamic vinegar can add a touch of sweetness and complexity to the soup.
* **Garnish Creatively:** Get creative with your garnishes! Try adding a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a swirl of pesto.
### 5. Candice’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
No recipe collection is complete without a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe. Candice’s version is chewy, slightly crispy around the edges, and loaded with chocolate chips.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Beat in Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. **Drop by Rounded Tablespoons onto Baking Sheets:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips from Candice (and other reviewers):**
* **Use Room Temperature Butter:** Room temperature butter will cream together more easily with the sugars.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies.
* **Chill the Dough (Optional):** Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking will help to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
* **Use Different Types of Chocolate Chips:** Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough for added flavor and texture.
## Candice Walker’s Cooking Style: What Makes Her Recipes Stand Out?
Several factors contribute to the popularity and reliability of Candice Walker’s recipes:
* **Clear and Concise Instructions:** Candice’s instructions are easy to understand, even for beginner cooks. She breaks down each step into manageable tasks, eliminating any ambiguity.
* **Readily Available Ingredients:** Her recipes primarily use ingredients that are commonly found in most grocery stores, making them accessible to a wide range of cooks.
* **Emphasis on Flavor:** Candice doesn’t shy away from bold flavors. She uses a variety of herbs, spices, and sauces to create dishes that are both delicious and satisfying.
* **Adaptability:** Many of Candice’s recipes can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs or preferences. She often provides suggestions for substitutions or modifications.
* **Community Engagement:** Candice is actively involved in the Allrecipes community, responding to questions and providing helpful advice in the comments sections of her recipes. She encourages feedback and uses it to improve her recipes over time.
* **Focus on Comfort Food:** Many of her most popular recipes fall into the category of comfort food – dishes that are warm, satisfying, and evoke feelings of nostalgia. They are perfect for cozy nights in or sharing with loved ones.
## Tips and Tricks from Candice Walker’s Recipes
Beyond the specific instructions for each recipe, Candice’s work offers several general cooking tips and tricks that can be applied to a variety of dishes:
* **Taste as You Go:** This is a fundamental principle of good cooking. Taste your food frequently throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Cooking should be fun! Don’t be afraid to try new ingredients or techniques. You might just discover your new favorite dish.
* **Read the Recipe Thoroughly Before Starting:** This will help you to avoid any surprises or last-minute ingredient shortages.
* **Prepare Your Ingredients in Advance (Mise en Place):** This will make the cooking process much smoother and more efficient. Chop your vegetables, measure your spices, and have everything ready to go before you start cooking.
* **Invest in Good Quality Kitchen Tools:** You don’t need to spend a fortune, but investing in a few good quality knives, pots, and pans will make cooking much easier and more enjoyable.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** This is the best way to ensure that your meat is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
* **Let Meat Rest Before Slicing:** This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When sautéing or searing food, avoid overcrowding the pan. This will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the food from browning properly.
* **Use Fresh Herbs Whenever Possible:** Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor to any dish.
* **Properly Store Leftovers:** Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent them from spoiling.
## Conclusion
Candice Walker is a valuable asset to the Allrecipes community, consistently providing home cooks with reliable, delicious, and easy-to-follow recipes. Her emphasis on flavor, clear instructions, and community engagement has earned her a loyal following and made her recipes a go-to resource for countless cooks. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for a special occasion, Candice Walker’s recipe collection is sure to have something to inspire you. So, explore her recipes, try her tips and tricks, and discover the joy of cooking delicious food at home. Her Kickin’ Chicken, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, and Easy Peach Cobbler are great places to start. Happy cooking!