
Cyber Monday Kitchen Magic: Delicious Recipes & Walmart Deals Under $100
Cyber Monday is the perfect time to snag amazing deals on kitchen essentials. And with Walmart offering incredible discounts on appliances and gadgets, you can upgrade your cooking game without breaking the bank. This article combines the thrill of Cyber Monday savings with mouthwatering recipes you can create using your newly acquired kitchen tools, all while staying within a $100 budget per item. Get ready to cook up a storm with these delicious recipes and Walmart’s Cyber Monday kitchen deals!
Why Cyber Monday is the Best Time to Upgrade Your Kitchen
Cyber Monday follows Black Friday, offering another chance to grab discounted items. Many retailers, including Walmart, extend their sales or introduce new deals, particularly in the electronics and home goods categories. Kitchen appliances and gadgets often see significant price drops, making it the ideal time to upgrade your cookware, small appliances, or even larger items if you’re lucky. Keep an eye out for deals on air fryers, Instant Pots, blenders, stand mixers, and more.
Navigating Walmart’s Cyber Monday Kitchen Deals
Before diving into specific recipes, let’s talk strategy for navigating Walmart’s Cyber Monday deals.
* **Make a List:** Decide what you actually need. Do you need a new blender? A better non-stick skillet? A rice cooker? Knowing what you’re looking for will prevent impulse buys.
* **Set a Budget:** Sticking to a budget is crucial, especially during sales events. Consider how much you’re willing to spend on each item and stick to it.
* **Compare Prices:** Don’t assume that the first deal you see is the best deal. Check prices on other websites to ensure you’re getting the lowest price.
* **Read Reviews:** Before buying any appliance or gadget, read reviews from other customers. This will give you valuable insights into the product’s performance and durability.
* **Check Return Policies:** Understand Walmart’s return policy in case you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
* **Shop Early:** Popular items often sell out quickly, so it’s best to start shopping early on Cyber Monday.
* **Online vs. In-Store:** Consider whether you want to shop online or in-store. Online shopping allows you to compare prices easily, while in-store shopping lets you see the product in person.
Delicious Recipes to Try with Your New Kitchen Gadgets
Here are several delicious recipes you can easily create using some of the kitchen gadgets you might find on sale during Walmart’s Cyber Monday event. Each recipe is designed to be simple, flavorful, and utilize common ingredients.
Recipe 1: Creamy Tomato Soup (Using an Immersion Blender or Regular Blender)
**Cyber Monday Deal Potential:** Immersion Blender, Regular Blender
**Why this Works:** An immersion blender (or regular blender) is essential for creating smooth, creamy soups. Look for deals on these appliances to make quick and easy weeknight meals.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can vegetable broth
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Broth:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the dried basil, salt, and pepper.
3. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. **Blend:** Carefully use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before transferring it in batches to the blender. Blend until smooth and return to the pot.
5. **Finish (Optional):** Stir in the heavy cream for a richer, creamier soup. Heat through gently. Do not boil.
6. **Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread for dipping.
Recipe 2: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Using an Air Fryer)
**Cyber Monday Deal Potential:** Air Fryer
**Why this Works:** Air fryers are incredibly versatile and perfect for cooking crispy, healthier versions of your favorite fried foods. Chicken wings are a classic air fryer recipe.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds chicken wings, separated at the joints
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon 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 helps them get crispy.
2. **Season:** In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the wings are 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, until the wings are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. **Sauce:** In a bowl, toss the cooked chicken wings with your favorite wing sauce until they are evenly coated.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Recipe 3: Instant Pot Chili (Using an Instant Pot)
**Cyber Monday Deal Potential:** Instant Pot
**Why this Works:** Instant Pots are a game-changer for quick and easy meals. Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that cooks beautifully in an Instant Pot.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
* 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup beef broth
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté:** Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Heat the olive oil in the pot. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Brown the Beef:** Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. **Add Remaining Ingredients:** Add the chopped bell pepper, kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Pressure Cook:** Stir everything together well. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time for 25 minutes.
5. **Release Pressure:** Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
6. **Serve:** Open the Instant Pot and stir the chili. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and cilantro, as desired.
Recipe 4: Smoothie Power Bowls (Using a Blender)
**Cyber Monday Deal Potential:** Blender
**Why this Works:** Blenders are essential for making smoothies, which are a quick and healthy breakfast or snack option. Transform your smoothie into a power bowl by adding toppings.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
* 1/2 frozen banana
* 1/2 cup spinach (optional)
* 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds
* Toppings: granola, sliced fruit, shredded coconut, nuts, seeds, honey
**Instructions:**
1. **Blend:** Combine the frozen berries, frozen banana, spinach (if using), milk, and chia seeds or flax seeds in a blender.
2. **Blend Until Smooth:** Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
3. **Pour and Top:** Pour the smoothie into a bowl. Top with your favorite toppings, such as granola, sliced fruit, shredded coconut, nuts, seeds, and a drizzle of honey.
4. **Serve:** Enjoy your smoothie power bowl immediately.
Recipe 5: Rice Cooker Risotto (Using a Rice Cooker)
**Cyber Monday Deal Potential:** Rice Cooker
**Why this Works:** While a rice cooker is traditionally for, well, rice, it can also be used to make a surprisingly easy risotto. No constant stirring required!
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 onion, finely chopped
* 1 cup Arborio rice
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: mushrooms, peas, asparagus
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté:** Heat the olive oil in the rice cooker using the “cook” or “sauté” function (if your rice cooker has one). Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. **Add Rice:** Add the Arborio rice to the rice cooker and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted.
3. **Add Broth:** Pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine.
4. **Cook:** Close the lid of the rice cooker and let it cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. This will take about 20-25 minutes, depending on your rice cooker.
5. **Finish:** Once the rice is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in cooked mushrooms, peas, or asparagus.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
Recipe 6: Easy Homemade Bread (Using a Stand Mixer or Bread Machine)
**Cyber Monday Deal Potential:** Stand Mixer, Bread Machine
**Why this Works:** Freshly baked bread is always a treat, and a stand mixer or bread machine can make the process much easier. This is a simple recipe for a basic loaf.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups bread flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
* 1 1/4 cups warm water
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
**Instructions (Stand Mixer):**
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, until it forms a smooth, elastic ball.
3. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. **Shape and Second Rise:** Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
5. **Bake:** Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
6. **Cool:** Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
**Instructions (Bread Machine):**
1. **Add Ingredients:** Follow your bread machine’s instructions for adding ingredients. Generally, you’ll add the wet ingredients first, followed by the dry ingredients, with the yeast added last.
2. **Select Settings:** Select the appropriate settings for a basic white bread loaf. This usually includes the loaf size and crust color.
3. **Start the Machine:** Start the bread machine and let it do its thing! It will knead, rise, and bake the bread for you.
4. **Cool:** Once the bread is finished baking, carefully remove it from the bread machine and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Recipe 7: Simple Oatmeal (Using a Microwave or Instant Pot)
**Cyber Monday Deal Potential:** Microwave, Instant Pot
**Why this Works:** A microwave or Instant Pot can make preparing oatmeal incredibly quick and easy. Oatmeal is a healthy and customizable breakfast option.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
* 1 cup water or milk
* Pinch of salt
* Toppings: fruit, nuts, seeds, honey, maple syrup, brown sugar
**Instructions (Microwave):**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the rolled oats, water or milk, and salt.
2. **Microwave:** Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the oatmeal is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir halfway through cooking.
3. **Add Toppings:** Top with your favorite toppings, such as fruit, nuts, seeds, honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
**Instructions (Instant Pot):**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In the Instant Pot, combine the rolled oats, water or milk, and salt.
2. **Pressure Cook:** Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time for 1 minute.
3. **Release Pressure:** Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
4. **Add Toppings:** Open the Instant Pot and stir the oatmeal. Top with your favorite toppings, such as fruit, nuts, seeds, honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
Tips for Finding the Best Cyber Monday Kitchen Deals
* **Sign up for email newsletters:** Many retailers send out exclusive deals and early access to sales to their email subscribers.
* **Follow retailers on social media:** Retailers often announce deals and promotions on their social media channels.
* **Use price comparison websites:** These websites track prices across multiple retailers, allowing you to find the best deals.
* **Set price alerts:** Many websites allow you to set price alerts for specific products, so you’ll be notified when the price drops.
* **Check for coupon codes:** Look for coupon codes online before making a purchase.
* **Consider refurbished or open-box items:** These items are often sold at a discounted price and can be a great way to save money.
Beyond the Recipes: Other Kitchen Essentials to Look For
While small appliances often get the most attention, don’t forget about other kitchen essentials that might be on sale during Cyber Monday:
* **Cookware Sets:** Upgrade your pots and pans with a new cookware set. Look for deals on non-stick, stainless steel, or cast iron cookware.
* **Kitchen Knives:** A good set of kitchen knives is essential for any home cook. Look for deals on chef’s knives, paring knives, and bread knives.
* **Bakeware:** If you enjoy baking, look for deals on baking sheets, cake pans, muffin tins, and other bakeware items.
* **Food Storage Containers:** Organize your kitchen with a set of food storage containers. Look for deals on glass or plastic containers.
* **Kitchen Gadgets:** From vegetable peelers to garlic presses, there are countless kitchen gadgets that can make cooking easier and more efficient.
Making the Most of Your Cyber Monday Kitchen Haul
Once you’ve snagged your Cyber Monday kitchen deals, take some time to familiarize yourself with your new appliances and gadgets. Read the instruction manuals, experiment with different recipes, and don’t be afraid to try new things. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your kitchen into a culinary paradise.
Cyber Monday is a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your kitchen without spending a fortune. By planning ahead, doing your research, and taking advantage of the incredible deals available, you can create a kitchen that inspires you to cook delicious meals for yourself and your loved ones. So, get ready to shop, cook, and enjoy the magic of Cyber Monday kitchen deals!