Cyber Monday Kitchen Creations: Walmart Deals to Delicious Meals
Cyber Monday is the perfect time to snag incredible deals on kitchen appliances and gadgets at Walmart. Upgrading your kitchen can unlock a world of culinary possibilities, and this year’s Cyber Monday sales are no exception. This article will guide you through some amazing recipe ideas you can bring to life with your new Walmart Cyber Monday kitchen finds, complete with detailed steps and instructions. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, there’s something here for everyone.
Leveraging Your Cyber Monday Kitchen Upgrades
Before diving into specific recipes, let’s consider the types of kitchen upgrades you might have scored during Walmart’s Cyber Monday sale. Did you get a new stand mixer, an air fryer, a pressure cooker, or maybe even a new blender? Each of these appliances opens doors to a range of delicious dishes. Think of this article as your recipe guide, uniquely tailored for your new kitchen toys.
Stand Mixer Magic: Baking and Beyond
A stand mixer is a game-changer for any baker. But don’t let its name fool you; it’s more versatile than just cakes and cookies. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 large eggs
* 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips by hand until evenly distributed.
7. Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Homemade Bread
Ingredients:
* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
* 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of your stand mixer, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the dough comes together.
3. Knead: Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf.
6. Second Rise: Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slash the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or razor. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool: Let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
3. Perfect Pizza Dough
Ingredients:
* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
* 1 1/4 cups warm water (105-115°F)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the dough comes together.
3. Knead: Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Divide and Shape: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round disc.
6. Second Rise (Optional): Let the dough rest for another 15-20 minutes before stretching or rolling it out.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Top the pizza dough with your favorite toppings and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Air Fryer Adventures: Crispy Delights with Less Oil
Air fryers are a fantastic way to achieve crispy, delicious results without all the added oil. These recipes are perfect for quick and healthy meals.
1. Crispy Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
* 2 pounds chicken wings
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prep: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
2. Season: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Air Fry: Preheat your 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: Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the wings are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
2. Air Fryer French Fries
Ingredients:
* 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Soak: Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This will help them get crispier.
2. Dry: Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Season: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Air Fry: Preheat your 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: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
3. Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients:
* 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prep: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Season: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate: Brush the marinade over the salmon fillets.
4. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down if applicable.
5. Cook: Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
6. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Pressure Cooker Power: Quick and Flavorful Meals
A pressure cooker can significantly reduce cooking time while preserving flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights!
1. Pressure Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups chicken broth
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup egg noodles
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Sauté Vegetables: Turn your pressure cooker to the sauté function. Add the olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add Garlic and Broth: Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth.
3. Add Chicken and Seasonings: Add the chicken breasts, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pressure cooker.
4. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure. Cook for 10 minutes.
5. Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pressure cooker and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pressure cooker.
7. Add Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pressure cooker and cook on sauté function for 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
8. Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley and serve immediately.
2. Pressure Cooker Chili
Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 pound ground beef
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup beef broth
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Sauté Vegetables and Brown Beef: Turn your pressure cooker to the sauté function. Add the olive oil, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
2. Drain Excess Fat: Drain any excess fat from the pressure cooker.
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth to the pressure cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure. Cook for 25 minutes.
6. Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
3. Pressure Cooker Risotto
Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 1 cup Arborio rice
* 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional additions: mushrooms, asparagus, shrimp
Instructions:
1. Sauté Onion: Turn your pressure cooker to the sauté function. Add the olive oil and onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened.
2. Toast Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pressure cooker and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted.
3. Deglaze (Optional): If using, pour in the white wine and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the wine is absorbed.
4. Add Broth: Pour in the warm chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure. Cook for 6 minutes.
6. Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Stir in Cheese and Butter: Remove the lid and stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and creamy.
8. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite additions.
Blender Bliss: Smoothies, Soups, and Sauces
A high-quality blender is essential for making smoothies, soups, sauces, and more. Here are some recipes to try:
1. Green Smoothie
Ingredients:
* 1 cup spinach
* 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
* 1/2 frozen banana
* 1/2 cup almond milk
* 1 tablespoon chia seeds
* 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients in your blender.
2. Blend: Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more almond milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
2. Creamy Tomato Soup
Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 4 cups vegetable broth
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
3. Blend: Carefully transfer the soup to your blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in Cream (Optional): Stir in the heavy cream, if using.
5. Serve: Serve hot with grilled cheese sandwiches or a dollop of sour cream.
3. Pesto Sauce
Ingredients:
* 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/3 cup pine nuts
* 2 cloves garlic
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients: Place the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic in your blender or food processor.
2. Blend: Pulse until finely chopped. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
3. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve: Serve over pasta, chicken, or vegetables.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Cyber Monday Deals
* Read the Manuals: Familiarize yourself with the operation and safety features of your new appliances before using them. It saves time and prevents accidents.
* Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new recipes and experiment with different flavors. Your kitchen upgrades are tools for exploration!
* Clean Regularly: Keep your appliances clean to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
* Join Online Communities: Connect with other home cooks online to share recipes, tips, and experiences with your new kitchen gadgets. There are many forums and social media groups dedicated to specific appliances.
* Store Appliances Properly: Store your appliances in a safe and dry place when not in use to prevent damage. Protect from humidity, extreme temperature changes, and pests.
Conclusion
Cyber Monday is more than just a shopping event; it’s an opportunity to transform your culinary life. With the right appliances and a bit of creativity, you can create delicious and healthy meals with ease. These recipes are just a starting point. Let your imagination run wild and explore the endless possibilities that your new Walmart Cyber Monday kitchen upgrades have unlocked. Happy cooking!