
Black Friday Feast: Delicious Recipes Inspired by Walmart Employee Deals!
Black Friday. The words conjure images of bustling crowds, incredible deals, and the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season. But for those working the front lines at retailers like Walmart, Black Friday is a marathon, not a sprint. While they’re helping us snag those coveted discounts, they’re likely dreaming of a comforting meal to enjoy after the frenzy. This blog post is dedicated to them (and anyone who loves a good deal and a delicious meal!), offering a collection of recipes inspired by the kinds of kitchen gadgets and ingredients often featured in Walmart’s Black Friday sales. We’re talking easy, satisfying, and budget-friendly – perfect for fueling up after a long day or enjoying a cozy weekend. Think slow cooker wonders, air fryer delights, and simple baking recipes that will warm you from the inside out. And who knows, maybe you even scored some of these items in the Black Friday sales!
Let’s dive into a culinary adventure inspired by Walmart’s Black Friday deals!
## Slow Cooker Sensations: Set It and Forget It!
Slow cookers are Black Friday staples, often heavily discounted and incredibly versatile. These recipes are perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying a hearty meal with minimal effort, ideal after a busy day shopping or working.
**1. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches**
This recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, pulled pork freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping.
**Ingredients:**
* 3-4 lb pork shoulder roast (Boston butt)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand – check those Black Friday deals!)
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* 1/2 tsp chili powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Hamburger buns, for serving
* Coleslaw, for topping (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Sear the Pork:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper. Sear the pork on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Transfer the pork to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Combine the Sauce:** In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
4. **Slow Cook:** Pour the sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is easily shredded with a fork.
5. **Shred the Pork:** Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. **Mix and Serve:** Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
7. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw if desired. Enjoy!
**Black Friday Tip:** Keep an eye out for deals on pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save even more time!
**2. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup**
Warm up from the Black Friday chill with this flavorful and comforting soup. It’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s easily customizable to your liking. This is a great recipe to use with discounted chicken or canned goods.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1 tsp cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Toppings: tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** Place the chicken breasts, onion, garlic, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, taco seasoning, and cumin in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Slow Cook:** Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
3. **Shred the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
4. **Return to Soup:** Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
5. **Serve with Toppings:** Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.
**Black Friday Tip:** Check for deals on canned goods and taco seasoning to stock up for future meals!
**3. Slow Cooker Pot Roast**
A classic comfort food that’s perfect for a chilly evening. The slow cooker makes the beef incredibly tender and flavorful. Keep an eye out for discounted chuck roast – a great cut for this recipe.
**Ingredients:**
* 3-4 lb chuck roast
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1 tsp dried rosemary
* 1 bay leaf
* 4 cups beef broth
* 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 potatoes, peeled and quartered (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Sear the Roast:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. Sear the roast on all sides until browned.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Transfer the roast to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Pour the vegetable mixture over the roast in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaf, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. **Slow Cook:** Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender. If adding potatoes, add them to the slow cooker during the last 2-3 hours of cooking.
5. **Serve:** Remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker. Slice the roast and serve with the vegetables and the cooking liquid. Discard the bay leaf before serving.
**Black Friday Tip:** Often, fresh produce is discounted the week of Black Friday. Keep an eye out for deals on carrots, celery, and potatoes.
## Air Fryer Adventures: Crispy and Convenient!
Air fryers are another popular Black Friday item, and for good reason. They offer a healthier way to enjoy crispy fried foods with minimal oil. These recipes are quick, easy, and perfect for satisfying cravings.
**1. Air Fryer Chicken Wings**
Forget the deep fryer! Air fryer chicken wings are just as crispy and delicious, but with significantly less fat. Get creative with your favorite seasonings and sauces.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and wingettes
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp onion powder
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* Your favorite wing sauce (e.g., buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Wings:** Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting crispy skin.
2. **Season the Wings:** In a bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. **Air Fry:** Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook them in batches.
4. **Cook:** Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. **Toss with Sauce:** If using, toss the cooked wings with your favorite wing sauce.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Black Friday Tip:** Watch for deals on pre-cut chicken wings to save time and effort.
**2. Air Fryer French Fries**
Say goodbye to soggy fries! Air frying makes them perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite seasonings.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* Your favorite seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, paprika, onion powder)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Potatoes:** Soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. This helps to remove excess starch and makes them crispier.
2. **Dry the Fries:** Drain the fries and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is essential for getting crispy fries.
3. **Season the Fries:** In a bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.
4. **Air Fry:** Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook them in batches.
5. **Cook:** Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Black Friday Tip:** Many air fryers come with accessories like a mesh basket. Consider purchasing one for even crispier results with fries.
**3. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls**
A quick and easy snack or meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Air frying makes pizza rolls extra crispy and delicious.
**Ingredients:**
* Frozen pizza rolls (your favorite brand)
**Instructions:**
1. **Air Fry:** Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place the frozen pizza rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
2. **Cook:** Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the pizza rolls are golden brown and heated through.
3. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Black Friday Tip:** Keep an eye out for deals on bulk packs of frozen pizza rolls to stock up for future snacking sessions!
## Baking Bliss: Sweet Treats for the Soul
After all that shopping or working, sometimes you just need a sweet treat to lift your spirits. These baking recipes are simple, satisfying, and perfect for using those discounted baking supplies you scored on Black Friday.
**1. Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies**
The quintessential comfort food. This recipe is foolproof and produces perfectly chewy and delicious chocolate chip cookies every time.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 2 large eggs
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark – your choice!)
**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. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. **Drop by Spoonsful:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Black Friday Tip:** Baking ingredients like flour, sugar, and chocolate chips are often discounted during Black Friday sales. Stock up for all your baking needs!
**2. Simple Banana Bread**
A classic recipe that’s perfect for using up ripe bananas. This banana bread is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 ripe bananas, mashed
* 1/3 cup melted butter
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1 tsp baking soda
* Pinch of salt
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. **Mash Bananas:** In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Stir in the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. **Add Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour.
5. **Combine Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool:** Let the banana bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Black Friday Tip:** Look for deals on bananas! Even if they aren’t perfectly ripe, you can freeze them for later use in banana bread.
**3. No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars**
A quick and easy dessert that requires no oven! These peanut butter bars are rich, decadent, and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 1/2 cup peanut butter
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 1 cup chocolate chips
* 1 tbsp shortening
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Base Ingredients:** In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and melted butter. Mix well until combined.
2. **Press into Pan:** Press the mixture into an 8×8 inch square pan lined with parchment paper.
3. **Melt Chocolate Chips:** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
4. **Spread Chocolate:** Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base and spread evenly.
5. **Chill:** Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
6. **Cut into Bars:** Cut into bars and enjoy!
**Black Friday Tip:** Peanut butter and chocolate chips are often on sale during Black Friday. Stock up to make these bars whenever you need a quick and easy treat!
## More Black Friday Kitchen Inspiration:
Beyond specific recipes, here are some other Black Friday deals that can inspire your cooking:
* **Instant Pots:** These multi-functional cookers are great for everything from rice to yogurt. Watch for deals on popular models.
* **Blenders:** Upgrade your smoothie game with a new blender. Consider a high-powered blender for making soups and sauces.
* **Knife Sets:** A good set of knives is essential for any kitchen. Black Friday is a great time to invest in a quality set.
* **Cookware Sets:** Replace your old pots and pans with a new cookware set. Look for sets with non-stick surfaces for easy cleaning.
* **Small Appliances:** Toasters, coffee makers, and other small appliances are often heavily discounted on Black Friday.
## Conclusion:
Black Friday isn’t just about electronics and toys – it’s also a great time to score deals on kitchen gadgets and ingredients that can elevate your cooking. Whether you’re a Walmart employee looking for a comforting meal after a long shift or a savvy shopper looking to save money, these recipes are sure to inspire you to create delicious and affordable meals. Happy cooking and happy shopping! Remember to always check Walmart’s Black Friday ad and employee discounts for the best deals. These recipes are designed to be flexible, so feel free to adapt them to your tastes and available ingredients. Most importantly, enjoy the process of cooking and creating delicious food for yourself and your loved ones!