Welcome to the weekend, my friends! I hope that your Thanksgiving was a wonderful one. This newsletter is a little different from the usual and I’m hoping you will find it helpful! I spent a while this week sifting through my favorite kitchen tools, selecting my absolute favorites to share with you. I’ve been a food blogger for 15 years now and I’ve been cooking 2-3 meals a day for most of the past 25 years.

And over those years? I’ve tried and tested sooooo many kitchen tools, most of which have gathered dust and eventually made their way to donation centers over time. (I’d like to spare you that hassle if I can!) So, if you’re looking for gift ideas for yourself or for those on your Christmas lists, these are my recommendations for kitchen gear that will earn its keep.

KITCHEN ESSENTIALS 

For kitchen gifts that actually get used, I’ve got you. Not another candle. Not another mug. These are the things that I use in my kitchen every. single. day. (And the reasons WHY I choose these over others that look just like them at first glance.) Check out my go-to favorites!

KITCHEN TINY EXTRAS 

I’ve tried so many kitchen tools over the years. And, far too many of them are gimmicky nonsense. But THESE? These actually work. These are the tools that I keep using, time after time. Can we just agree to say no to “cute but useless” kitchen gadgets? These tools right here are perfect for gifting… or upgrading your own kitchen. Kitchen tools you WILL use!

KITCHEN SPLURGES 

Ok, confession time. I am a frugal cook. But, sometimes I make an exception. These things were absolutely positively worth the extra cost. They work incredibly well. They last. And, most importantly, they give me no regrets. Ready for an investment that makes sense? You will not regret clicking this!

KITCHEN POTS AND PANS 

Did you know that quality cookware actually makes cooking easier? I used to think that I couldn’t afford good pots and pans. Oh, how wrong I was. Skip the trendy and expensive sets. You don’t need to be fancy. Here are the must-haves. Click here for easier cooking! 

THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS: Oh, baby, have I got you covered this year. I’ve never had so much fun with the holiday leftovers. Is there anything more American than sitting down to a feast with multiple pounds of meat on the table for each person? Turkey leftovers are real. 

But, they aren’t a problem, at my house! We use it up in sandwiches, s

Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl of creamy, savory comfort food heaven—Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff. The slow-cooked beef absorbs every ounce of flavor, making each bite a deep, comforting indulgence.

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef slowly simmers in a rich, velvety sauce made with a delicate blend of seasonings, all brought together with tangy sour cream and cream cheese. Perfectly paired with egg noodles or mashed potatoes, this dish offers the ultimate cozy meal that practically cooks itself.

I find it so interesting that so many countries have a stroganoff recipe. It originated in Russia, but in case you missed it, there are versions I’ve had in America, Italy and Cade says it’s a huge deal in Brazil, though their version is much more tomato based with cream. I want to try that way now.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is loaded with flavor and each ingredient adds a layer of flavor needed to make the best stroganoff. Here is a list of everything you’ll need:

• Beef Stew Meat: look for a package labeled as stew meat or grab some chopped sirloin
• Seasonings: Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
• Baby Bella Mushrooms: the best part of a stroganoff in my opinion
• Beef Broth: becomes the base of the creamy sauce
• Dijon Mustard: adds flavor and helps tenderize the beef
• Worcestershire Sauce: adds rich umami flavor
• EZ Gel by Cornaby’s: used to thicken the sauce, cornstarch can also be used
• Cream Cheese: adds richness and creaminess to the sauce
• Sour Cream: adds creaminess and a little tang to the sauce
• Egg Noodles: any type of pasta can be used or mashed potatoes
• Fresh Thyme and Parsley: adds a pop of freshness

The measurements and details for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

This crock pot beef stroganoff recipe is one of the easiest stroganoff recipes you’ll ever make and the meat turns out tender and juicy every time. Serve with fresh or store bought egg noodles for the ultimate family dinner. Here are steps for making this simple crockpot recipe:

1. Prep: Lightly grease a slow cooker with nonstick spray.
2. Season the Meat: Add stew meat to the crock pot and sprinkle with all the seasonings and then toss to combine.
3. Cook: Add the mushrooms, beef broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Thirty minutes before serving, remove 1/2 cup of the broth and whisk in the EZ Gel or cornstarch. Slowly pour the mixture into the slow cook

This is the classic holiday recipe for meringue cookies! Our little meringues only call for 5 ingredients, and a lot of oven time. Be patient as the piping takes a little bit of practice, but this recipe will walk you through the steps so that you can make your own perfect meringues!

Must Make Holiday Cookies

Ok, this Christmas, well, holiday cookie recipe is one you would have found in my grandma’s kitchen which means it’s a must-make! I love the traditions of holidays and cookies are the perfect place to remember loved ones.

I’ve been busy practicing meringue cookies, dying meringues, and munching on A LOT of meringues so that I can share what I’ve learned with you! Now you can make these addictive cookies without the stress! And since they are only about 20 calories each, munch away!

Important Tip: Making Meringue Cookies

This recipe calls for only 5 ingredients. With so few ingredients, you actually run a higher risk of issues. The key to avoiding those issues is stiff peaks.

While adding the sugar, the foamy egg mixture will start to become thick, glossy, and sticky, that’s exactly what you are looking for! My mom would often stop the mixer, grab the whisk and turn it upside down to inspect. I love that method of checking for stiff peaks!

Ingredients for Meringue Cookie Recipe

• Egg Whites: The foundation of meringue — when whipped, they trap air, creating the light, airy structure. As they cook, the proteins set and give the cookies their crisp texture.
• Salt: Sharpens the flavor and helps slightly strengthen the egg white foam during whipping.
• Cream of Tartar: The acid that stabilizes the egg whites which allows them to hold more air without collapsing, and helps prevent overbeating.
• Clear Vanilla: Adds flavor without discoloring the pure white meringue. Regular vanilla extract can give the meringue a beige tint.
• Sugar: Sweetens and dissolves into the egg whites to create a glossy, stable foam that bakes into a crisp shell outside with melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow on the inside.

How to Make Meringue Cookies

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 225℉ and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat: Using the whisk attachment on a stand mixer (you can also use a mixing bowl and electric hand mixer), beat the egg whites. When they start to get foamy, add the salt, cream of tartar and vanilla. Continue beating until soft peaks form.
3. Whip: Slowly add the sugar one small spoonful at a time continuing to w

Is there anything more American than sitting down to a feast with multiple pounds of meat on the table for each person? Turkey leftovers are real. But, they aren’t a problem, at my house! We use it up in sandwiches, salads, and now the most incredible Turkey Quesadilla. Crispy edges, gooey cheese, tender meat… you know the drill.

Turkey Quesadilla

I can’t remember the first time I blogged a quesadilla. It was probably during the time when I was writing my first cookbook. Talk about being absolutely overwhelmed! Simple and easy lunches were what I survived on amidst the seemingly endless rounds of recipe development, photography days, and writing, writing, writing.

Today, I made a turkey quesadilla for lunch, but not because I was pressed for time. Now, quesadillas just feel like an easy treat. They’re ridiculously simple, since nailing down the process. Cheese and a tortilla with the fillings I want? Who says no to that kind of lunch? Not me. Not today, at least!

And, they make it so easy to use up your leftovers. Any time I have chicken or turkey or steak that didn’t get eaten on the first go round, I shove them into a grilled and gooey quesadilla for lunch. It turns what might otherwise be ordinary or lackluster “leftovers” from the fridge into a small joy.

Speaking of leftovers, I have been loving this winter salad, lately with all of its crunchy, seasonal veggies. All that texture made it the perfect accompaniment to a cheesy turkey quesadilla. And, because it has a vinaigrette dressing, the flavors are well balanced, too!

Turkey Quesadilla Recipe

I use shredded Monterey jack cheese in this turkey quesadilla recipe. And, I think the subtle flavors are perfect to let the turkey take center stage.

Whether you cook every night or just find joy in the occasional evening spent baking, the right tools make all the difference. I have found that some tools become lifelong companions, and others end up gathering dust in the back of a drawer. These kitchen tools are the everyday essentials that I reach for more than any others.

This is not a sponsored post. But, it is a list of things that I consistently recommend. I own every single one of these products. How else could I swear by them? If you want to give the chef or baker in your life an upgrade that will last, these are the gifts to give.

Knives

When it comes to kitchen essentials, I’m not sure there is anything that would be considered more essential than knives. It’s a divisive subject, because chefs have strong opinions on their knives. Well, I have owned a lot of knives. A LOT. I have been given quite a few. I’ve bought plenty of others. And, at one point or another, I’ve tried just about every top-rated or trendy knife that exists.

It was over 10 years ago when I first tried Victorinox knives, while visiting a professional test kitchen. It was love at first slice. I looked up the knives when I got home and my jaw dropped at the inexpensive price. These are stellar knives, and the price point can’t be beat for quality. My 8″ Chef’s Knife and the 4″ Paring Knife are pictured above.

That said, my all-time favorite is a Misen Chef Knife. The weighting of this knife makes it an absolute dream to use. And, it holds an edge incredibly well. It is a higher quality knife, but that comes with a higher price tag. So, Victorinox is the way to go, starting out.

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