Every kitchen needs the right tools to make cooking easier and faster. Essential kitchen gadgets help save time and effort. The right tools help you unlock new flavors and save time in the kitchen. This guide highlights seven essential kitchen gadgets and appliances that will elevate your summer cooking and keep your kitchen running smoothly.

Choosing the right gadgets can improve your cooking experience. I personally own all of the gadgets below. Some are the exact same model, some specific products discussed are newer models because I’ve had mine for a while. Overall, I probably have way too many kitchen gadgets. But these are the cream of the crop, in my opinion.

They fit well in any kitchen and are worth the space they take up. Investing in these gadgets means less stress and more fun while cooking. Simple tools can make a big difference in meal preparation and cleanup.

My Favorite Kitchen Gadgets:

*Note that the prices all over this page are as of when the article was published, because I’m not fancy enough to somehow link it and auto-update things. Forgive me.

How I Chose These Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets

I focused on kitchen gadgets and appliances that offer versatility, ease of use, and durability to help you create flavorful meals with less effort. Each product was selected based on what I use most, customer ratings, performance, and how well it fits into a busy lifestyle.

The priority was on tools that save time, enhance cooking techniques, and bring convenience to your kitchen, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook.

Remember, don’t buy any of these if you don’t actually plan on using them. There’s no reason to waste money or precious storage space if you don’t actually use it. If you aren’t going to use it at least twice a month, then pass on it. You may even be able to find some of these quality products at second-hand stores or garage sales to save some cash. A cheap second-hand item can even be a great way to test the waters before jumping in with the latest and greatest with all the bells and whistles.

So, consider what may work best in your own kitchen.

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1

If you’re looking to simplify your cooking, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a solid choice. It’s like having several kitchen gadgets all in one, so you can pressure cook, slow cook, steam veggies, make yogurt, and more with the same easy-to-use kitchen tool.

Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or prepping a big batch for the week, this cooker saves you time and keeps things flavorful. Plus, the stainless steel pot is easy to clean, and the app with hundreds of recipes means you’ll never run out of ideas.

It’s a great way to add versatility to your kitchen without clutter.

• Brand: Instant Pot
• Color: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: Height: 12.48″, Width: 13.38″, Depth: 12.2″, Weight: 11.8 pounds `

The beauty of this favorite kitchen gadget is that it works as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, warmer, and sterilizer. The stainless steel design ensures durability and easy cleaning. Perfect for simple, healthy meals made quickly and easily.

Advantages

• Pressure cooking really can save time and give fantastic results.
• Offers multiple cooking functions in one device for convenience – I especially love that it is a pressure cooker and slow cooker.
• Includes a large recipe app to inspire easy meal ideas.
• Made with quality materials and the durable stainless steel insert can be put in the dishwasher.
• Automatically switches to warming mode when the cook time finishes to keep it warm until ready to serve.

Disadvantages

• The main base and lid are sometimes hard to clean.
• Pressure cooking can sometimes be finicky and a shot in the dark (can’t check it while cooking…) so having a reliable recipe is super important.
• Some of the cooking ‘modes’ are gimmicky and seem to be there just to say they have more functions.

Why I Love It

This Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is very easy to use. Pressure cooking meals can save a lot of time. The stainless steel pot feels strong and cleans up quickly. Recipes from the app help me try new dishes and there was an explosion in pressure cooker popularity, so recipes abound online. The slow cooker feature works well for tender meals. Controls are clear and pretty simple to understand. A great kitchen helper for busy families.

I also have a larger Crock-Pot branded variety of multi-cooker that I love. It does a lot of similar things. But it is seriously huge, so unless you are regularly cooking for a crowd it is a bit much.

The controls are straightforward, and cleanup is a breeze thanks to the stainless steel pot and dishwasher-safe parts. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, helping you cook smarter, not harder.

Why You’ll Love It

• 7-in-1 functionality covers pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, rice cooking, yogurt making, and warming
• 6-quart size fits meals for families or meal prepping
• Stainless steel inner pot is durable and easy to clean
• Includes app with over 2000 recipes to inspire your cooking
• Programmable settings make it simple to use, even if you’re new to pressure cooking

Current Price: $99.95

Rating: 4.7 (total: 101,667+)

Cuisinart Mini-Prep Food Processor

When you want a handy little helper for your kitchen gadgets collection, this Cuisinart Mini-Prep Food Processor fits right in. It’s perfect for chopping, emulsifying, or whipping up small batches of sauces without pulling out a bulky machine.

I must admit that I do not own this size of food processor. I own the very large size. But most people probably don’t need that large of an appliance for this purpose. Though that one does have a few more attachment options. So, this one’s great for everyday use when you just need a quick prep boost.

• Brand: Cuisinart
• Color: Brushed Chrome
• Dimensions: Height: 9.25 inches Width: 7.0 inches Length: 5.0 inches Weight: 2.2 pounds `

This Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor is perfect for small chopping and pureeing tasks. Its 24-ounce bowl handles herbs and vegetables easily. The stainless steel blade cuts quickly and cleans up well. Compact size fits nicely on any kitchen counter without taking much space. Simple to use with just one button for chopping or grinding. A reliable tool for fast food prep at home.

Advantages

• Saves time chopping herbs, vegetables, and cheese quickly.
• Small size fits easily on any kitchen counter.
• Stainless steel blade cuts finely or coarsely.
• Dishwasher-safe parts.
• Perfect for small meals and quick food prep.

Disadvantages

• Lots of parts to clean up when it’s done.
• Getting it locked in place can be a bit fiddly.
• It can be difficult to get things chopped to the desired size – I tend to use it for shredding, sauces, and doughs rather than straight chopping.

Why I Love It

This Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor is very easy to use. It’ll chop and shred herbs, vegetables, and cheese quickly. The 24-ounce bowl is just the right size for small tasks. Stainless steel blades are sharp and work well on different foods. Cleaning is simple because parts come apart easily. The brushed chrome finish looks nice in my kitchen. It saves time and makes meal prep much faster. Definitely a handy tool for everyday cooking.

This mini food processor is a versatile addition to your group of kitchen gadgets. It’s not just for chopping—think grinding, mixing, and even making dressings or dips. It’s a great tool to have on hand when you want to add fresh flavors without fuss or clutter.

With simple push-button controls and dishwasher-safe parts, it’s designed to fit smoothly into your cooking routine. Plus, the compact size means it’s easy to store, making it a practical choice for daily use.

Why You’ll Love It

• Compact size perfect for small chopping and grinding jobs
• Smart Blade handles both soft and hard ingredients smoothly
• Dishwasher-safe bowl and lid
• Lightweight design slips easily into your kitchen gadgets lineup

Current Price: $29.22

Rating: 4.5 (total: 31,581+)

Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro

If you’re looking for a handy kitchen gadget that fits right into your busy lifestyle, the Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro is a solid pick. It’s got enough power to crush ice and frozen fruits, making it great for refreshing smoothies, protein shakes, as well as dressings and sauces.

• Brand: Ninja
• Color: Cloud Silver
• Dimensions: Height: 14.29 inches Width: 6.93 inches Depth: 6.34 inches Weight: 6.28 pounds `

The best part? You blend right in the cup, then just pop on the spout lid and take it with you. It’s compact enough to keep on your countertop without hogging space, and cleanup is a breeze since all dirtied parts are dishwasher safe. (Don’t put the electric base in the dishwasher…)

Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast or mixing dressing for a small get-together, this little blender handles it all without fuss.

This Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro blends smoothies, shakes, and frozen fruits quickly. Its 1000-watt base offers strong power for smooth results every time. Two 24-ounce cups with spout lids make it easy to take drinks on the go. Perfect for small kitchens or busy mornings.

Advantages

• Blends things quickly with a powerful 1000-watt motor.
• Compact size makes it easy to carry anywhere you go.
• Two 24-ounce cups fit perfectly for single servings.
• Handles frozen ingredients smoothly for fresh, cold drinks.
• Simple design allows easy cleaning and fast food prep.

Disadvantages

• Small blender size – so you aren’t making smoothies for a crowd easily.
• Wish there were more containers or more size variety.
• Also, only a single blender base – if you want more you have to buy extra.

Why I Love It

This Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro is very easy to use and clean. It comes with two 24-ounce cups and spout lids, perfect for on-the-go drinks. The blender is small and fits well in any kitchen space. Frozen fruits and ice crush smoothly without any trouble.

This blender isn’t just for smoothies. I probably use it most for dressings and sauces (like my popular go-to chipotle crema). With its simple push-to-blend control and dishwasher-safe parts, this blender fits seamlessly into your daily routine. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and designed to keep up with your lifestyle without any hassle.

Why You’ll Love It

• Powerful 1000-watt motor easily blends frozen fruits, ice, and more
• Blend directly in the 24-oz. cups for quick, on-the-go nutrition
• Compact size fits comfortably on any kitchen counter
• All parts are BPA free and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup

Current Price: $69.99

Rating: 4.6 (total: 15,453+)

Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Oven

This is one of my absolute favorite kitchen gadgets. The Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Oven is a game changer. It’s roomy enough to handle meals for 4 to 6 people, so whether you’re air frying crispy wings, roasting a whole chicken, or baking a 12” pizza, it’s got you covered. This has honestly become one of my favorite kitchen gadgets.

• Brand: Emeril Lagasse
• Color: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: Height: 14.8 inches Width: 15.8 inches Length: 16.9 inches Weight: 26.5 pounds `

I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical at first. We mostly bought it because we wanted an air fryer after moving and not bringing ours with and this one was in stock on the shelf at either Costco or Sam’s Club (I don’t remember which one, and yes, we do have memberships to both…. I can stop any time I want).

Boy, has it won me over.

The French doors open smoothly, and the interior light lets you keep an eye on your food without opening it up. Plus, with 25 cooking presets, you can easily switch between air frying, roasting, baking, toasting, and more.

It’s perfect for everyday meals or when you’re entertaining friends and family, and it’s a great way to add some versatility to your favorite kitchen gadgets. Plus, it takes less elecricity and makes less heat than our full-size conventional oven (a huge plus in Hawaii without central A/C). This has truly become one of the most essential kitchen gadgets for me.

Advantages

• Doesn’t heat the whole house.
• Large 26QT capacity fits big meals and multiple dishes easily.
• Twenty-four cooking functions simplify preparing a variety of foods.
• Digital controls offer easy and precise temperature and time settings.
• Accessories included provide versatile cooking options right away.
• Stainless steel finish and French doors look sleek.
• It is awesome and my favorite from this entire list, even though I wouldn’t get rid of any of these gadgets.

Disadvantages

• It can be difficult to clean – with high temperatures inside, some of the stuff will get cooked on real good.
• Too many function buttons, they probably could have pared down (90%+ of the time I use air fry or bake).
• It always tricks me in to thinking that the buttons are touch/press and it isn’t, you use a dial on the side.

Why I Love It

This Emeril Lagasse air fryer toaster oven is very easy to use. It’s large enough to get the job done. Seven accessories give great options for baking and roasting. Stainless steel finish and the fancy feeling French doors look nice. Food cooks evenly and tastes delicious every time.

It is nice to have multiple cooking options – air fryer, toaster oven, roasting, baking, broiling, dehydrating, and more. It’s like having several utensils kitchen gadgets rolled into one, so you can switch up your cooking style depending on what you’re craving or the occasion. I haven’t even tried all of the functions fully yet, but there are some I mean to get to (I’m looking at you Dehydrate).

Why You’ll Love It

• Spacious 26-quart capacity fits larger meals and multiple dishes
• 25 preset cooking functions make switching between tasks effortless
• French doors with interior light for easy monitoring and access
• Stainless steel finish adds a sleek look to your kitchen
• Includes accessories to get you started right away

Current Price: $199.99

Rating: 4.5 (total: 9,994+)

KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer

The KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer is a well-known staple of kitchens everywhere. It’s got a roomy 4.5-quart bowl that’s just right for most baking projects, from cookies to bread dough. The tilt-head makes adding ingredients and scraping the bowl super easy, so you won’t be wrestling with your mixer mid-recipe.

• Brand: KitchenAid
• Color: Onyx Black​
• Dimensions: Height: 13.9 inches Width: 8.7 inches Length: 14.1 inches Weight: 22.0 Pounds `

Plus, with 10 speeds, you can go from gentle stirring to whipping cream in no time. It’s sturdy, reliable, and can handle everyday cooking as well as those special summer baking sessions.

Whether you’re a beginner or have been baking for years, this mixer fits right in and makes the whole process feel a little less like work.

This KitchenAid Classic Series mixer has a strong motor and a 4.5-quart bowl. Perfect for mixing dough, batter, and more. Its tilt-head design makes adding ingredients easy and quick. The onyx black finish looks sleek in any kitchen. Durable and simple to use every day. A reliable tool for baking and cooking tasks.

Advantages

• This mixer handles dough, batter, and more with ease.
• Its 4.5-quart bowl fits large recipes perfectly.
• Tilt-head design makes adding ingredients quick and simple.
• Durable metal construction ensures long-lasting kitchen help – this thing’s a tank.
• Multiple speed settings let you control mixing power.
• Attachments – both those included and aftermarket – make this a versatile machine.

Disadvantages

• Takes up a lot of space when not in use.
• Heavy and hard to move around.
• Kinda short cord – which can be annoying depending on your kitchen outlet setup.

Why I Love It

The KitchenAid stand mixers have a reputation for a reason.

They’re sturdy and work well day in and day out. Controls are simple to use, even for beginners. Accessories fit tightly and mix ingredients evenly every time. Cleanup is quick since parts detach easily. A reliable choice for anyone who enjoys baking at home. Use optional attachments to expand your kitchen gadgets’ capabilities.

This mixer is a true multitasker among your essential kitchen gadgets. I’ve made bread dough, pasta, ground meat, whipped cream, butter, and much more.

With easy-to-use speed controls and a removable, dishwasher-safe bowl, this mixer fits smoothly into your daily cooking routine. Cleanup is straightforward, and the sturdy build means it’s ready to handle your kitchen adventures for years to come.

Why You’ll Love It

• Generous 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl fits most recipes
• 10 speed settings for everything from gentle mixing to fast whipping
• Tilt-head design gives you easy access to the bowl
• Durable metal construction built to last
• Power hub lets you add attachments like pasta makers or grinders

Current Price: $279.99

Rating: 4.7 (total: 10,372+)

KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer

If you want a handy gadget that makes mixing a breeze, this KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer is a great pick. It’s lightweight and fits comfortably in your hand, so you won’t get tired even if you’re whipping up a batch of cookie dough or mashed potatoes. The 5 speeds give you just the right amount of control, whether you’re folding in nuts at a slow pace or whipping cream at full speed. Plus, the Turbo Beater™ accessories are designed to mix ingredients thoroughly, so you get consistent results every time.

• Brand: KitchenAid
• Manufacturer: KitchenAid
• Color: Contour Silver
• Dimensions: Height: 6.0 inches Width: 3.5 inches Length: 8.0 inches Weight: 2.0 pounds `

It’s perfect for everyday cooking and those spontaneous summer recipes where you want to keep things simple but tasty.

This KitchenAid hand mixer offers five speeds for perfect mixing every time. Its powerful motor handles thick dough and light batter with ease. The sleek Contour Silver design fits comfortably in your hand. Easy to use and clean, it saves time in the kitchen. Mixing becomes faster and more enjoyable with this reliable tool.

Advantages

• Five speed settings let you mix ingredients just right.
• Lightweight design makes mixing easy and less tiring.
• Powerful motor handles thick dough or light batter smoothly.
• Compact size fits well in any kitchen drawer or cabinet.
• Attachments are all dishwasher safe.

Disadvantages

• Not always easy to control – I’ve made a mess splattering ingredients around many times.
• Speaking of mess, the body of the mixer frequently needs wiping down with all the splatter.

Why I Love It

This KitchenAid hand mixer works very well for baking and cooking. It is easy to use and the motor is strong and mixes ingredients quickly. Cleaning the beaters is simple and fast. It feels comfortable to hold during use. Perfect for everyday mixing tasks at home.

It’s a great companion for baking, cooking, and even small prep jobs where you need a quick mix without hauling out a big stand mixer.

It’s reliable, easy to store, and ready whenever you need to mix up something delicious.

Why You’ll Love It

• Five speed settings to match any mixing task
• Lightweight design makes it easy to handle
• Lockable swivel cord keeps your workspace tidy
• Quick-release button lets you swap attachments fast

Current Price: $59.99

Rating: 4.6 (total: 25,225+)

OXO Good Grips Food Scale

When you’re trying to nail tricky baking measurements, this OXO Good Grips food scale is a solid kitchen companion. It’s got a sleek stainless steel surface that’s easy to clean and resists fingerprints, so it stays looking sharp. The pull-out display is a clever touch, letting you see your measurements clearly even when you’re using big bowls that would block the screen.

• Brand: OXO
• Color: Black and Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: Height: 1.25 inches Width: 7.125 inches Length: 9.5 inches Weight: 1.8 Pounds `

Whether you’re baking, meal prepping, or just want to keep your dishes balanced, this scale handles everything from tiny spices to hefty cuts of meat with ease. It’s one of those kitchen gadgets that quietly makes your cooking life smoother without taking up much space.

This OXO Good Grips kitchen scale offers accurate measurements up to 11 pounds. Its stainless steel design is durable and mostly easy to clean. The pull-out display makes reading weights simple and clear. Compact size fits well in any kitchen space. Perfect for cooking and baking tasks requiring precision.

Advantages

• Offers precise weight measurements for accurate cooking and baking.
• Features a pull-out display for easy reading at any angle (perfect when using large bowls!).
• Holds up to 11 pounds, perfect for various kitchen needs.
• Made with stainless steel, ensuring durability.
• Compact design saves counter space and stores neatly away.

Disadvantages

• It can sometimes take a bit to update the weight – annoying when you go from just under to too much.
• Lots of nooks and crannies where things (mostly flour) get stuck and are hard to clean.
• Getting the pull-out to perfectly fit back in isn’t always easy.

Why I Love It

Scales are important for exact baking measurements and making equal portions. This OXO kitchen scale is very easy to use and read.

Batteries last a long time, so no need to replace often. Perfect for baking and cooking with precise measurements every time. With simple buttons and a bright, easy-to-read digital screen, this scale is straightforward to use. The pull-out display is a thoughtful feature that really makes a difference when you’re working with big bowls or plates.

It’s reliable, easy to use, and a great addition to your kitchen gadgets collection.

Why You’ll Love It

• Pull-out display keeps numbers visible with large bowls
• Tare function lets you zero out containers for accurate measuring
• Measures in ounces, pounds, grams, or kilograms with a button
• Smudge-resistant stainless steel surface is easy to clean
• Supports up to 11 pounds, perfect for big and small recipes

Current Price: $47.99

Rating: 4.8 (total: 7,719+)

Wrapping Up

To sum up, equipping yourself with these 7 must-have kitchen gadgets will help you enjoy fresh flavors and (nearly) effortless cooking. Each tool is designed to make your cooking easier and more enjoyable. I personally vouch for and use these in my own kitchen. Let me know if you have any questions about them.

Investing in quality utensils kitchen gadgets not only saves you time but also inspires creativity, so you can savor every moment in the kitchen this season.

Having the right kitchen gadgets makes cooking easier and more fun. These tools save time and reduce effort. They help you prepare meals quickly and with less mess. You can enjoy trying new recipes and improving your skills. Small gadgets can have a big impact on your daily cooking.

Choose the ones that fit your needs and kitchen space. But remember, only get ones that you will actually use! There’s no need to buy a kitchen scale if you never bake with weighted measurements. Be smart. These tools are good and worth the money, as long as they fit into your regular cooking plans.

Start with basics and add more as you go. A well-equipped kitchen can inspire creativity so that cooking becomes a pleasant part of your day. And let me know in the comments if I missed any of your favorite kitchen gadgets. Cause I can always make more room…

The post 7 Essential Kitchen Gadgets to Cook Faster, Better, and Smarter appeared first on Do You Roux?.

Girls camp is a time of adventure, friendship, and growth. Food is not the main focus of camp. But it can make or break the experience. These camps create memories and forge bonds that can last a lifetime. When I was asked along with my wife to be in charge of the girls camp meal prep I had three main goals: 1. Make sure nobody went hungry 2. Ensure nobody got sick from the food and 3. Try my best to have them enjoy the food.

Feeding a group of hungry campers is no small feat. Limited supplies, basic cooking equipment, and the task of keeping food fresh can be daunting. Add in the challenge of catering to various tastes and dietary restrictions, and you’ve got a recipe for stress. But fear not! I’ll show you my path to planning and preparation so that girls camp food can be successful and, hopefully, a little less stressful.

I’ll walk through the process of planning, prepping, and executing meals for girls camp. Whether you’re a seasoned camp cook or a first-time meal planner, you’ll find valuable insights to make your camp dining experience a success.

Remember, while food isn’t the primary purpose of camp, it plays a crucial role in the experience. Good food can energize campers, boost morale, and even become a highlight of the trip. On the flip side, poorly planned meals can dampen spirits and ruin the experience. By meal planning for camp, you’re ensuring that nothing stands in the way of a fantastic experience.

Facilities and Tools: Understanding What’s Available

Before diving into meal planning for camp, it’s crucial to understand the cooking facilities and tools available. This knowledge will shape your menu choices and preparation methods.

Start by contacting the camp administrators to get a clear picture of what’s on-site. Is there electricity? Are fridges available? Is there a dedicated cooking area? How far/difficult is it to get water? Are any stoves, campfires, grills, firewood, etc. available for use? Is anything specifically not allowed? Knowing these details in advance will prevent unwelcome surprises and help you plan more effectively.

You may also be able to search for the campsite and look at photos on Google. Some camps even have preview weekends where you can go up ahead of time to scope things out and get the lay of the land. Be well informed and you are already starting out ahead of the game.

Assembling the Cooking Arsenal

Once you understand your camp’s facilities, it’s time to assemble your cooking arsenal. Essential equipment might include Dutch ovens, pots and pans, mixing bowls, cutting boards, knives, measuring cups and spoons, serving utensils, and plenty of plates and eating utensils.

Our campers were tasked with bringing their own mess kits in mesh bags. This reduced a lot of waste since we had a clothing line set out for drying after they were washed.

Don’t forget can openers, bottle openers, charcoal towers, and a reliable lighter or matches for starting fires and stoves.

Your cooking methods will largely depend on what’s available at the camp and what you can bring. Common options include camp stoves, campfires with grates, charcoal grills, and Dutch ovens. If you’re lucky enough to have access to electricity, slow cookers, microwaves (mostly for defrosting), and electric griddles can be game-changers for easy girls camp meals.

Don’t forget to pack aluminum foil as well – it’s incredibly versatile for cooking, wrapping, and storing food. Lastly, if you’re using propane or charcoal, always bring extra fuel to ensure you don’t run out mid-meal.

Storage Ideas

Storage solutions are another critical aspect of meal planning for camp. They make it easy to pack in and out as well as being an essential part of keeping for safe to eat.

For perishable items, using high-quality coolers is an absolute must to ensure food stays cold and fresh. Consider using separate coolers for items that are frequently accessed, as this will help maintain consistent temperatures and make it easier to find what you need. Try to organize the coolers thoughtfully so that all food designated for the same day is stored together in the same cooler. This approach can streamline meal prep and make serving more efficient.

For dry goods and non-perishables, utilizing sturdy plastic bins with tight-fitting lids will effectively protect food from moisture, pests, and curious wildlife, while also making it significantly simpler to pack in and out of your campsite. We used a combination of the black bins with yellow lids paired with the collapsible carry totes that we purchased from Costco.

Additionally, it’s wise to have a plan for potential leftovers after meals. However, be sure to let those leftovers cool down (safely!) before adding them to the coolers to prevent any spoilage. If a refrigerator is available at your campsite, consider yourself very lucky, as this can greatly simplify keeping things cold.

Meal Planning for Camp Success

When it comes to camp meal planning, simplicity is key. Avoid overly complicated recipes that overwhelm you or need intricate cooking techniques. This will look different for every camp chef depending on your own skill level.

Remember – with girls camp food you’re cooking outdoors, often for a large group, so choose recipes that are scalable and forgiving. I also find it helpful to choose meals that can be customized with a lot of separate toppings. This way food allergies can be taken into account and everyone can decide what they want for a personalized meal.

Choosing the Girls Camp Food

Once you know what facilities and tools will be available, start coming up with lists of meals, snacks, and desserts that you’d be able to make. You can use some of my ideas from below, search for other sites, and ask previous camp leaders to come up with meal ideas. Then you can begin to finalize from there.

To get the campers excited about the meals, involve them in the planning process. Take the list of potential meals and let the girls choose. This not only ensures that the menu will be well-received but also gives the campers a sense of ownership over their camp experience.

Before finalizing your menu, it’s essential to gather information about any food allergies and dietary restrictions. This might involve creating a simple survey for campers or their parents to fill out in advance. Plan meals around those needs or ensure you have suitable alternatives.

Budgeting and Planning Amounts

Budget is another important factor in meal planning. Determine your overall food budget and break it down per meal. Look for ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing quality or nutrition. This might involve choosing recipes that use similar ingredients across multiple meals to be able to buy in bulk. My spreadsheet linked below has a section to enter the budget and it will add up all of your estimated costs to give you an idea of how close you are.

Accurate portion sizing is crucial to ensure everyone is well-fed without excessive waste. It’s also one of the most difficult aspects of meal planning since it will take a little guesswork. I ended up doing a lot of Googling for portion sizes and estimates. Then multiply based on your camp’s headcount. Remember – it’s always better to have a little extra than to run short, but try to strike a balance to avoid overbuying.

I also recommend using collaborative tools like Google Docs to streamline your planning process. This allows multiple organizers to contribute ideas, update shopping lists, and keep track of everything in real-time. Multiple people can look at and edit the same document during planning meetings. It’s an efficient way to ensure everyone is on the same page and that no important details slip through the cracks. I’ll have some links to the docs I made in the section titled My Girls Camp Menu Ideas and Prep down below.

Meal Prep for Girls Camp and Packing

The key to lower-stress (because it won’t be stress-free…) camp cooking lies in thorough preparation. Maximize your home kitchen time to minimize camp kitchen hassles. Chop vegetables, pre-cook certain ingredients, and assemble dry mixes for things like pancakes or seasoning blends. This will save time at camp and allow you to use tools that wouldn’t be available there – for example, I used a smoker at home to make pulled pork.

Make Ahead Camp Meals

Preparing as much as you can at home before heading out to camp is a game-changer for saving time and energy. Think of anything that could be easily reheated at camp that makes sense to pre-cook.

Proteins, soups, and sauces can be prepared at home, frozen flat in freezer bags or quart deli containers, and used as ice packs in your cooler. As they thaw, they’ll help keep other items cold, and by the time you’re ready to eat them, they can be easily defrosted in a pot of hot water.

We had a food prep activity to involve the girls. I spent the day making a lot of the girls camp food (tomato soup, ground beef taco meat, pulled pork, etc.). The girls then came to help make some more food and to pack it all up. We have an extra fridge and deep freezer, so we were able to store everything until camp time. But you can look towards other leaders of girls families to store everything if you don’t have the space.

Packing the Girls Camp Food

Creating a comprehensive packing list is crucial. Include all ingredients, cooking equipment, and serving items needed for each meal. Double-check this list before departing to ensure nothing essential is left behind. Consider organizing items by meal or day to streamline the cooking process at camp. My ingredient spreadsheet has a column for marking whether an item was packed or not.

Proper food storage is paramount for safety. Use high-quality coolers and plenty of ice to keep perishables at safe temperatures. Or use a fridge if you are lucky and the campsite has one available. Pack raw meats separately from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. For dry goods, use lidded containers to keep out moisture and critters. Don’t forget to pack a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to safe temperatures.

Seasonings can make or break a meal, so don’t leave them behind! Create a spice kit with small containers of your most-used seasonings. Include versatile options like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and maybe a premixed blend for specific dishes.

Quick Tips for Smooth Sailing in the Camp Kitchen

Here are a few quick tips that didn’t really fit in any of the other sections:

• Make sure to bring snacks – Snacks are unsung heroes of camp life. Between main meals, campers may need an energy boost. Pack an assortment of healthy, satisfying snacks. We included apples, cutie oranges, bananas, trail mix, and applesauce packets as options. We needed less than we thought, but they were helpful to have available.

• Flexibility is key – Despite your best planning, unexpected situations arise. Perhaps an activity runs long, or weather refuses to cooperate. Be prepared to adjust your meal schedule or cooking methods as needed. A positive attitude and quick thinking can turn potential culinary disasters around. I had to swap meals around when the potatoes were not cooking quickly enough for baked potato night.

• Have simple backup meals available – Pack some easy-to-prepare alternatives like instant soups, peanut butter and jelly for sandwiches (this was our go-to backup), or canned foods that can be quickly heated. These can be lifesavers for feeding extra-hungry campers or for extra-picky eaters.

• Always be getting ice – Have anyone coming up mid-camp bring up ice for your coolers. This helps maintain safe food temperatures without requiring you to leave the camp or store large amounts of ice from the beginning.

Embrace the challenges, celebrate the successes, and don’t stress too much about perfection. With these quick tips in your camp cooking toolkit, you’ll be well-prepared to handle whatever adventures await.

Actually Cooking the Girls Camp Food

Now down to the nitty-gritty – cooking the food while at camp. This will depend largely on what out of all the girls camp menu ideas made it to your final list. Just be sure you fully understand the cooking method your meals involve. And be sure you’ll have all of the tools and ingredients at camp.

To ensure food is done at the right time, have a schedule in place. I literally wrote down everything that I would need to do for each meal. Then I planned out when I would need to begin each step to get done on time. You can see my planning in the next main section.

Setting Up For Girls Camp Meal Prep

Setting up a functional camp kitchen is the first step to successful meal execution. After hauling all of the stuff into the campsite, choose a flat, dry area away from tents and sleeping quarters. Establish hand and dish-washing stations with soap and water. Remember, a clean kitchen is a safe kitchen, so make sanitization a priority throughout your camp stay.

Use foldable tables and shade tents to set up a nice camp kitchen area.

Safety should be at the forefront of your camp cooking efforts. Ensure all cooking equipment is stable and secure. If using a campfire, keep it contained and supervised at all times. Have fire safety equipment and buckets of water readily available. Teach campers about kitchen safety rules and make sure they’re followed consistently.

Involving the Girls

Transform meal prep for girls camp into a team activity by involving the girls in the process. Assign roles and responsibilities based on age and skill level. Consider them as a bunch of sous chefs, waiting to help you. This not only lightens the load for camp leaders but also teaches valuable life skills and fosters a sense of community.

They helped wash dishes, chop, peel, mix, set out, clean tables, cook, stir, and everything in between.

Our camp had girls divided into smaller groups. Each group was assigned to be in charge of multiple meals throughout the week. They would show up about 30 minutes before mealtime and help with whatever we needed. They were also in charge of cleanup after the meal they were assigned. This was very nice, so that I had to do very little dishwashing – my least favorite kitchen task.

This made for a rotating schedule of kitchen duties so that everyone got a chance to participate. Don’t forget to praise efforts and celebrate successes – a little encouragement goes a long way in building confidence in the kitchen.

My Girls Camp Menu Ideas and Prep

When tasked with meal planning for camp, I knew that collaboration and detailed planning would be key to success. It can seem pretty daunting at first. Just break it down into smaller tasks and it can be manageable:

• Figure out the facilities and tools you’ll have available
• Decide on the girls camp menu ideas that you can make work with those facilities and tools
• Finalize the menu
• List out the ingredients you’ll need for each meal
• Calculate how much you’ll need and estimate costs
• Schedule out when and how you’ll make everything
• Purchase everything – sometimes in stages
• Make ahead camp meals and ingredients that you can
• Pack and drive to camp
• Set up your camp kitchen
• Follow your schedule and involve the girls in the process
• Rest and recover

My Planning

I started by creating a Google Doc to serve as our central hub for meal planning. This document became an invaluable tool, allowing me to jot down initial ideas, pose questions to other leaders, and gather input from the campers themselves.

Then, I created a comprehensive Google Sheets document. In this spreadsheet I detailed every aspect of our meal plan. I listed all ingredients needed for the meals, guesstimated the amounts for our group size, and estimated prices to stay within budget.

One of the most useful features of the spreadsheet was the daily meal schedule I created. This timeline accounted for all our planned activities, ensuring that meal prep and cooking times wouldn’t clash with other camp events. It also helped me plan when to start making the different parts of each meal.

I then used my ingredients list to filter to what I would buy, when, from what store, and what amounts. I used this to make a separate doc as a shopping list.

By the time camp arrived, we had a clear, detailed plan. This made the process much smoother. It helped break down the daunting task into simpler items I could work through.

Links to My Documents

I want to share the documents I used in this process in case you find them helpful. If you have any questions or concerns about them, please let me know and I’ll try to help out. These links should let you make a copy of each document for yourself:

• Prep Doc – used to ask initial questions and let the girls choose the meals
• Planning Spreadsheet – used to plan out ingredients and schedule
• Shopping List – used to list out what to buy, when, from where

Some Easy Girls Camp Meals

Here are some actual girls camp menu ideas that you can use to help plan food. You can also search elsewhere online for more ideas or pull from recipes you know and are comfortable with making. I have also linked to some of my recipes, and some of the other recipes I used from the web for planning out those meals. For any linked recipes, those are what I used to inspire my cooking at camp.

Breakfast:

• Campfire Hash
• Breakfast Tacos
• Pancakes (Berry Syrup) (Chocolate Syrup)
• Yogurt Parfait
• French Toast Sticks
• Overnight Oats
• Breakfast Burritos
• Bagels
• Costco muffins

Lunch:

• Tomato Soup (link 2) with Grilled Cheese
• Chicken Caesar Wraps
• Quesadillas
• Pasta Salad (link 2)
• BLT Sandwiches
• Walking Tacos (Ground Beef Taco Meat)

Dinner:

• Campfire Chili
• Grilled Chicken
• Taco Bar (Ground Beef Taco Meat)
• Beef Stew
• Potato bar
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Smoked Pulled Pork) (BBQ Sauce 1) (BBQ Sauce 2)
• Nachos
• Burgers
• Foil Packet Dinners

Dessert:

• S’mores
• Campfire cones
• Fruit kabobs
• Rice Krispies
• Brownies

Drinks:

• Water
• Lemonade
• Gatorade mix (Amazon link)
• Hot cocoa
• Special soda/mix ins night

Snacks:

• Cutie Oranges
• Applesauce packets
• Apples
• Bananas
• Granola bars
• Campfire popcorn
• Trail mix
• Jerky
• Cheese/crackers

Final Thoughts on Meal Planning for Camp

As we wrap up our journey through camp meal planning and preparation, it’s clear that food plays a crucial role in the overall camp experience. Well-planned and executed meals fuel the physical activities of camp and can also serve as focal points for social interaction, learning, and memory-making. The effort put into meal planning and prep pays dividends in reduced stress, increased enjoyment, and more time for camp activities and bonding.

Remember, the key to camp meals lies in thorough planning, smart preparation, and flexible execution. Don’t be afraid to involve the campers in the process – their participation can turn simple meals into cherished memories.

Now, we’d love to hear from you! What are your go-to camp recipes or meal prep strategies? Have you tried any of the ideas we’ve shared? We encourage you to share your experiences, tips, and favorite camp meals in the comments below. Your insights could be just what another camp planner needs to hear.

Don’t forget to come back and let us know how it went – your success stories and lessons learned can inspire and help others in our community.

Remember, great camp food isn’t just about satisfying hunger – it’s about creating moments of joy, fostering community, and fueling unforgettable adventures. Happy camping and good luck!

The post Girls Camp Meal Prep 101: Fun Recipes and Quick Tips appeared first on Do You Roux?.

With so many amazing ingredients to choose from, creating a traditional Thanksgiving feast can be a daunting task. But with the right Thanksgiving recipes, it can be a smooth ride.

Thanksgiving is the perfect day to celebrate with your loved ones. It’s a time when you spend quality time with your friends and relatives. And it’s also a great opportunity to cook up a feast and enjoy every single moment together. Because good food is truly worth sharing together.

If you are looking for ideas on how to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal, then you came to the right place. In this article, we will help you find some easy-to-follow recipes that you can try out.

So here goes… find the most mouth-watering recipes for you to enjoy this holiday season.

Turkey: the Ultimate Roasted Bird

First, let’s talk about the main dish. I know that many of you will be making a roast turkey on Thanksgiving Day, but what recipe to follow?

One of the most popular Thanksgiving foods is turkey. It is the centerpiece of the holiday meal. The goal is tender and flavorful meat. Turkey has a reputation for being dry, but that all comes down to overcooking.

If you do want to roast your own turkey, the best advice for making sure you don’t end up with dry meat is to take a bit of time in the kitchen to ensure you get the most out of your bird.

My recipe calls for using a meat thermometer, not stuffing the turkey, and making sure to let it rest to make sure it is cooked perfectly. That and a lot of sage for added flavor.

Mashed Potatoes: the King of Side Dishes

Potatoes are such simple ingredients. But that might be why they are so amazingly versatile. After all, there are a million ways to cook a potato. Mashed just happens to be the method of choice for Thanksgiving.

For Thanksgiving recipes, this one is super easy to prepare. It takes very little effort to cook up a batch of these luxurious potatoes.

Peel the potatoes (or thoroughly scrub them if you want skins in the mashed potatoes), and toss them into a large pot of water to boil. Cook the potatoes until tender.

After boiling the potatoes, drain them and allow them to cool off. Then peel and mash the potatoes with a potato masher, fork, or hand mixer. Add in some butter and cream. Mmmmmm.

Gravy: A Great Sauce for All Food

Gravy is an essential part of my Thanksgiving recipes. Plus you start it off by making a roux, the namesake of my website!

Gravy is a great condiment that adds extra flavor to foods. And, unless you are like my wife who detests even the thought of gravy (idk how…), it can go over almost anything.

Gravy is one of the most versatile sauces out there. It is the most versatile because it is so simple. You only need 3 ingredients to make gravy: fat, flour, and liquid. Then add in a few other things for more flavor – garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. That’s all you really need.

Use drippings from the turkey if possible, otherwise a solid turkey or chicken stock will work fine.

After making the roux, add in drippings or turkey/chicken stock and salt and pepper it to taste. Then stir until smooth. Now lather it over all those delicious potatoes and turkey slices.

Dinner Rolls: Bread with a Little Twist

Dinner rolls are a staple in American households. And this roll recipe comes from my mom and was one of my favorites from growing up. She would always make huge batches and then we’d have rolls for days. Perfection!

In this case, we’ll be making dinner rolls from scratch. But, the process is very similar to making basic white bread. And that means we’ll be making yeast dough and baking it in the oven.

What makes this particular dinner roll recipe unique is the way that it includes a big twist – literally.

Instead of just making dough balls and packing them together in a pan to cook, this dough is rolled out, cut, and then twisted together like an XL-sized garlic knot. Just without any added garlic butter or parm on top. Trust me, they’re still delicious and pillowy soft inside.

Glazed Carrots: A Sweet Side Dish

Carrots are a great side veggie. They have a naturally sweet flavor and a nice crunch to them.

Start them off by building the glaze in a large frying pan. Honey, brown sugar, spices, and broth. They combine for a spiced sweet glaze that’ll really complement the flavors of the carrots themselves.

Then just add the carrots and let them cook until perfectly tender. It’s as simple as that.

Glazed carrots are one of those side dishes that almost everyone likes. They are simple, sweet, and go well with everything.

You can serve it by itself, or you could add some nuts, raisins, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, etc. to make it more interesting.

Salad: Fall Flavors with Greens

There are many different kinds of salads you can prepare. And on a day when it has to compete with all of the other Thanksgiving recipes, you don’t want a plain, bland salad.

Now, let’s mix it up with this fall-flavored salad.

First, we’ll be starting with an interesting dressing. This salad has a mustard-maple dressing that gives hints of fall flavor in a warm almost honey-mustard flavor.

Next, we’ll be adding in some greens. Whatever mix of greens you have available will work. I tend to use a spring mix, even though it isn’t springtime…

Add in some pomegranate seeds, pecans, cheese, apples, and pears.

This salad is very simple. It doesn’t really need much else. But you can always play around with the ingredients to see what you think. You can use any combination of lettuce you like.

Punch: Mixed Drink for All Ages

This recipe comes courtesy of my wife’s family. It was one of their Thanksgiving recipes that became a tradition. And so now we continue that tradition.

Why? Because punch is awesome and it is great to just have out for everyone to serve themselves.

Bubbly, fruity flavors make this a drink that the whole family can enjoy. Just make sure that you have a huge punch bowl ready to go.

This is a super easy recipe, just get the ingredients and pour it all together and then add a few scoops of sherbet to float on top.

Pumpkin Pie: A Classic Dessert

Now we’re ready to finish off our meal with some pie! Or maybe wait for a few hours after the meal so there is room to eat some dessert.

Pumpkin pie is one of the most popular desserts at Thanksgiving. There are so many different varieties that you can make, but here’s a recipe for pumpkin pie that everyone loves!

It is one of the most common desserts you will find in the grocery store. But I frequently find those store-bought pumpkin pies bland and lacking in complexity.

So trust me, it is definitely worth making from scratch. And, one of the best parts, you can make it the day before and then just keep it in the fridge until it’s time to serve.

Make sure to have some whipped cream on hand for topping your pie slices.

The post 8 Heavenly Recipes for a Traditional Thanksgiving appeared first on Do You Roux?.

The ubiquitous flavor of pumpkin spice is now synonymous with the season changing to fall. But that isn’t the only flavor to enjoy.

From mouthwatering maple to ambrosial apples, there is something here for everyone. But, which flavors are really worth our time during autumn and the spooky season? I have taken it upon myself to review 10 fall flavors and let you know which are worthwhile.

So, now on to the totally not subjective and absolutely set-in-stone fall flavors tier list.

Pumpkin Spice – F Tier

Let’s get this out of the way, I’m not a fan of pumpkin spice. Not because I think it’s too ‘basic’ or that the flavor itself isn’t tasty but on principle alone. Pumpkin spice is not its own spice. So it must be F-tier.

It originates from all of the spices that make up a pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin spice has long since been synonymous with fall because of the far-reaching pumpkin spice latte (a PSL for short…) made famous by Starbucks.

In fact, the spice you usually buy at the grocery store is just an imitation of the true flavors that make pumpkin pie. The spice contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

So instead of buying a pre-made spice, why don’t you try making your own? You can easily combine these five basic spices into a delicious mixture that will remind you of pumpkin pies and other autumn treats.

And even though this is the worst of the fall flavors, you can enjoy it in these recipes (though only one calls for pre-made pumpkin spice mix):

• Easy Brown Sugar Pumpkin Spice Butter
• Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
• Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Cloves – A- Tier

I have a confession. I’ve got a soft spot for cloves. For me, I think it was love at first smell.

So I may be biased but I definitely think cloves are A-tier. But because I can be reasonable and recognize others might not enjoy the flavor as much, I’ll knock it down to an A- for fall flavors.

Some may find the flavor and smell of cloves overwhelming. I don’t know how. I would like to wrap myself in a blanket of cloves for the whole fall and winter season.

Unfortunately, it is a bit difficult finding recipes that feature cloves. And I’m sad to say I haven’t made a recipe for this site yet to use cloves as the star. Though my clove ratios in all pumpkin pie spice creations are skewed much higher than most.

So try the following clove recipes:

• Smoked Ginger Chicken with Cardamom, Cloves and Cinnamon
• Apple Butter with Cinnamon and Cloves
• Honey Baked Ham With Cloves

Cranberry – D Tier

I’ve long had a grudge against cranberries.

I’ve never really loved their flavor and found them a bit sour for my taste. I must admit that I do have a real bad sweet tooth. But, my issue with them started when they just started being used in everything.

Maybe it was cheaper to include cranberries or their juice in things, but it just took over. It may be a kind of smart cooking technique to use this fall flavor to cut the sweetness of other foods. But I just won’t stand for it.

Though I have to say that craisins – dried cranberries – make for pretty good salad toppings. That’s the saving grace that secures them a D instead of an F rating.

If you’re more into cranberries than I am, try these creations:

• Cranberry Orange Bread
• Fresh Cranberry Bars with Oat Crumble Topping
• Cranberry Coulis Recipe

Maple – A Tier

Maple syrup is one of my favorite things to cook with. Not only does it taste great, but it can be used to make delicious treats. Maple syrup can be used in place of sugar or honey.

You’ll want to get real maple syrup, rather than any kind of imitation. There are a bunch of different grades of maple syrup and whatnot, but I can’t be bothered to get into all of that right now.

Because it is a natural product, maple syrups can vary widely depending on a whole lot of environmental and processing factors. But I think that lends a bit of uniqueness when looking at different

Its sweet, slightly spicy, and vanilla flavor profile along with its wide versatility give maple syrup an A rating.

If you’re looking to add maple flavor to your life, here’s how to get started:

• Delicious Orange Maple Soy Glazed Salmon
• Maple Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
• Maple-Glazed City Ham

Pumpkin – D Tier

Pumpkins are a symbol of the season. If you think of fall you’ll likely think of leaves changing colors and pumpkins.

But just because something is iconic doesn’t mean it is the best. Just like with pumpkin spice, we have to keep it real.

Most things that use pumpkin call for canned pumpkin. That’s because it can be annoying to cook and prepare your own pumpkin. Plus, the typical pumpkin you think of for carving up and decorating is not the best for eating. Those varieties are much smaller.

Plus, most recipes with pumpkin really feature other more powerful flavors that overshadow the gourd itself, so how good can it really be? Just look for butternut squash recipes instead cause they’ll probably be better.

When it comes down to it, pumpkin tends to make a better decoration than it does a flavor. So it’ll rank D-tier on our fall flavors list.

Put your canned pumpkin to good use in these recipes:

• Fall Spiced Pumpkin Pie
• Super Simple Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Pumpkin Risotto

Cinnamon – A+ Tier

Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices in the world. Its warm, woody, slightly sweet flavor and amazing fragrance make it one of the best.

Many many fall recipes call for the addition of cinnamon. It definitely seems to be the most widely used spice from the list of those that make up the warm spices of pumpkin pie spice.

With its delicious flavor and wide usability, cinnamon deserves an A+ rating.

Here are some cinnamon-centric recipes:

• Simple Cinnamon Candied Sliced Almonds
• Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
• Savory Cinnamon Shoulder Roast

Ginger – C Tier

Okay, ginger itself is better than C-tier. But I’m out here judging everything as fall flavors. And I haven’t ever really associated ginger with just the fall. It is a year-round kind of spice that is used widely in many dishes.

Warm, peppery, with some heat and zest, use ginger when you’re looking to add that extra kick to a dish. Whether fresh or ground, it can add a whole layer of complexity to food.

Because ginger is just not quite associated with fall, I had to rate it lower than it really deserves.

Get your ginger fix with any of these:

• Glazed Carrots with Honey and Ginger
• Simple Candied Ginger
• Ginger Broccoli Stir Fry

Pecan – A Tier

Pecans are nuts that grow on trees. If you have a tree in your yard, you might be able to get some pecans from time to time. However, most people buy them at the store.

If you love pecans, then you should definitely add them to your diet. You can eat the raw seeds straight from the shell, but you can also bake them into cookies. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the flavor.

You can also use pecans as an ingredient in many different recipes. Ground, chopped, whole,

Here are some recipes for enjoying this nutty treat:

• Pecan Crusted Chicken
• Double-Chocolate Pecan Pie
• Butter Pecan Fudge

Nutmeg – C Tier

I mostly think of nutmeg as a finishing garnish. It is difficult to find recipes with nutmeg as a featured ingredient.

Especially associated with eggnog (which is a trash drink… don’t get me started), it is somewhat comparable to cloves but with a nutty, woody flavor.

I’ll admit that I’ve never grated any fresh, just used a prepackaged spice. So maybe that would improve its ranking for me. But until then, nutmeg gets a grade of C compared to all fall flavors.

Try this warm spice in any of these recipes:

• Ultimate Jerk Seasoning
• Silky Smooth Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
• Seasoned Breaded Chicken

Apple – S Tier

Apple is one of the most popular fruits around the world. From applesauce to apple pie, this fruit is delicious. If you want a snack that can help you keep your energy levels high, then you should consider apples.

They are so completely versatile. Eat it straight. Bake it. Chop it. Slice it. Juice it. Top a salad. Blend it up into applesauce. Add it to pies and desserts galore.

Plus, there are like a million different varieties of apples that all have a slightly different taste. So there’s bound to be a variety for everyone.

Because fall is when apples naturally ripen, this is when they are at their peak. Especially if you can find a pick-your-own orchard near you for those super-fresh and ripe apples. Also, you need apples to make both apple juice and apple cider. Which are both top-tier drinks in their own right.

For all these reasons, apples get the highest rating possible when ranking the fall flavors – S-tier.

So, don’t let

• The Best Apple Pie
• Excellent Fall Apple Crisp
• Homemade Applesauce Recipe

The post Fall Flavors Tier List | 5 A+ Flavors, 5 C- Flavors appeared first on Do You Roux?.

Some are frozen drinks to cool you down, some are meals to grill outside to help keep the house cooler, and others focus on using foods that are at their peak flavor while in the summer season.

Bring summer to the table with these 10 awesome summer recipes:

1. Marinated Steak Kabobs with Chimichurri

I love summertime. And one of my favorite things to cook is grilled meats. Grilling meat over a fire makes it taste so delicious. And this recipe is perfect for grilling outdoors. Just get a grill and some sturdy skewers and you are off to the races.

This is one of my personal all-time favorite summer recipes, so I made sure to put it first on the list.

First, mix together the chimichurri sauce, which is a bright, fresh, herb-based sauce that really takes the dish to the next level in flavor. This is then added to a marinade for the meat, along with a few other ingredients.

The marinade for this dish includes ingredients like garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices. This makes it perfect for serving with your favorite side dishes.

While the meat is marinating in that herbaceous mix, take the time to chop, cut, and slice the veggies and everything else for the skewers. Then assemble and grill until the meat is cooked to your liking. Note – if you are using wood skewers, then soak them beforehand.

And, if you’d rather eat a vegetarian option, try making them all vegetable skewers. You can use vegetables such as eggplant and mushrooms along with those that are already included in the recipe.

2. Easy Frozen Mint Lemonade

With summer comes heat, so you know that you have to start thinking about refreshing drinks. Nothing’s better than a frozen drink to cool you off on a hot day. And with three frozen drinks on this list, you know I mean it. If you’re looking to add to your summer recipes, then you might be interested in trying this easy frozen mint lemonade.

To make this recipe, all you need to do is mix together some ice cubes with fresh mint leaves and a peeled lemon. Then, add some sugar and water. You’ll want to blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth consistency.

Serve the drink straight away after blending so that it doesn’t melt and separate. It can still taste pretty good, but the texture will be a bit off and it won’t be quite as refreshing if the ice all melts.

Make it fun by using some green and yellow straws to complement the lemon and mint.

Most interestingly for this recipe, I peel the lemons like you would an orange. I’m not sure if many people would think to approach it this way. But it is fast, easier than juicing. And if I’m already blending it up anyway, then why not. Whenever I make frozen lemonades it is my go-to move.

3. Watermelon Feta Mint Salad

Watermelon is the epitome of summer fruit. That’s probably why I have two different watermelon recipes in this list. The combination of watermelon, mint, and feta cheese makes this dish taste delicious. You can serve it with grilled chicken or fish, or as a side dish to any summer dinner.

Salty, creamy, and sweet, You can make this watermelon feta salad to bring summer to the salad bowl. You’ll need fresh watermelon, feta cheese, and mint leaves. The best thing about this dish is how easy it is to prepare. All you have to do is chop up your ingredients, toss them together, and serve!

Though I use this watermelon salad as a side, it can also make a perfect appetizer.

If you want to add more flavor, then you can try squeezing some lime juice over the salad. Another option is to use other fruits in place of the watermelon. Try using strawberries, peaches, or nectarines instead. Just be sure that they are ripe.

You also don’t have to make the homemade watermelon dressing – I’ll be honest it does take a fair amount of effort. So feel free to substitute any dressing that will pair with the watermelon flavor.

4. Caprese Salad with a Balsamic Reduction

Caprese salads are so simple to prepare. But their simplicity is what really lets them shine. You are getting pure, fresh flavor. Because it is a simple dish, the quality of your ingredients makes a big difference in the final flavor. So make certain that you source excellent components so that every part can shine through.

Or even try using some home-grown produce where possible.

The best caprese salads have fresh mozzarella cheese, thick tomato slices, large fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle a bit of salt on top at the end for added punch.

I try to kick it up a notch with a homemade balsamic glaze and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The balsamic glaze is essentially just balsamic vinegar that has some of the water cooked out of it. So that it gets a little thicker.

This is great to make as an appetizer for a large gathering because it is easy to make a large platter.

5. Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs

Summer is here, and it makes it lovely to cook outside. So once again I bust out the grill to make some kabobs. Kabobs are just so versatile for all your summer recipes. You select the main protein (shrimp in this case) and then add any vegetables or fruits to cook alongside it on the grill.

Just skewer everything up and get to cooking.

To fully lean in to the ‘summer’ of these summer recipes, I pair these shrimp kabobs with a sweet coconut sauce. Great for dipping your shrimp or drizzling it over a bed of rice.

These kabobs cook quite quickly, so we’ll make sure they won’t dry out by using a marinade on the shrimp. Plus, it’ll also infuse even more coconut into the dish.

6. Pesto Pizza Pasta Salad

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the U.S. for good reason. So why not mix things up with another summer recipe favorite – the pasta salad. If you’re looking for a new recipe that’s perfect for summer, then this pesto pizza pasta salad might be just the thing that you’ve been searching for.

This dish combines the three P’s: pizza, pesto, and pasta. The combination makes for an incredibly tasty meal. And I highly recommend checking out my recipe for homemade basil pesto to make this dish.

This recipe assumes you’ll be starting with prepared pesto, whether homemade or store-bought. Then, get to cooking that pasta. I like using rotini pasta since it seems to hold on to the sauce and some of the cheese really well. But you can honestly use whatever variety you prefer most.

Remember that it is for a pasta salad though.

With the pesto and pasta ready, it all comes down to mixing everything together in a tasty summer concoction.

7. Simple Watermelon Limeade Freeze

Another frozen drink, and certainly not the last. And this one’s so good you’ll probably want to make sure you have enough ingredients on hand to make more than one batch. Because it goes fast, especially when it’s warm out.

This recipe also uses summer’s favorite fruit – the watermelon. This time in a sweeter fashion than the more savory-focused salad. If you’re looking for a different citrus-based refreshment, then try my rainbow lemonade recipe.

Always use freshly-squeezed lime juice. I promise you it is better than any type of concentrate from a container. Even though I’ve been known to turn to those in desperate times on occasion…

This is a great summer treat that’s easy to prepare and it will keep you cool throughout the day. Which I really envy with my air conditioning being out during this current heat wave.

I like serving this in a tall glass and, if I’m feeling real fancy, garnishing the top of the drink with a slice of lime and a skewer of fresh watermelon.

8. How to Make Guacamole

For me, guacamole is like getting ice cream at Cold Stone. You smash together the avocados and then choose all of your mix-ins. And while the base itself is really good, the mix-ins help determine your final flavor profile. This is how to make the best possible guacamole that is tailored to your own tastes.

Making guacamole isn’t difficult. The first step is to choose everything you’d want inside and then prepare all of the ingredients. Then, you need to mash the avocado. Finally, you simply combine everything into the avocado bowl and give it a good stir.

You can serve guacamole as an appetizer, snack, or even as a side dish along with the meal. But, in my mind, it goes best as an appetizer with tortilla chips. Use ripe avocados and fresh lime juice for the best flavor possible.

Guacamole is delicious. It’s creamy and tangy, with just the right amount of spice. This summer recipe is all about getting creative, so try adding different ingredients until you find your favorite flavor combo.

9. The Best Black Cherry BBQ Sauce

A good sauce can complete a meal. And for summer recipes the typical go-to is usually a sweet and tangy bbq sauce. If you have a grill outside, then you should definitely give this recipe a go. You’ll be amazed by how delicious the results will turn out.

I originally wanted to make my own barbecue sauce because so many of the commercially available sauces relied on corn syrup. I’m not totally against it as an ingredient, but I wanted a sauce that used molasses and brown sugar to sweeten it.

And, when I looked at a lot of other barbecue sauce recipes, they tend to use ketchup as the base. Ketchup has never been my favorite, so I wanted to start off with crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.

I’m also a sucker for anything with black cherry flavor. So I definitely didn’t impulse buy 100% black cherry juice when I saw it at the store and then have to retroactively come up with a recipe to justify having made the purchase.

I’d never do that.

10. Easy Family Friendly Piña Colada

To round out the list we finally have our last frozen drink. Perfect for keeping cool and bringing on all of the summer vibes.

If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy your summer vacation, then you need to start thinking about how you can turn pineapple and coconut into a refreshing drink. And for this family-friendly version, we won’t be using any alcohol.

Just that pure pineapple-coconut flavor. The epitome of lounging on the beach with a drink in your hand and the ocean waves lulling you into a calm afternoon nap. All distilled into a simple drink.

And, luckily, the ingredient list isn’t too complicated. Just make sure you can get your hands on some lusciously-sweet cream of coconut.

Frozen drink perfection? Maybe. Though I’d probably have to set up a bracket and let it contend with my frozen butterbeer to see which is the true winner.

So, choose your favorite summertime recipes from this list and try making them at home. Then, tell me what you think. Which of all of these is your favorite? Any iconic summer recipes that are missing? Let me know in the comments.

The post 10 Awesome Summer Recipes to Try This Year appeared first on Do You Roux?.

It’s time to bust out the grill! But before you start grilling, make sure everything is set up to make it as easy as possible to fire up delicious meals every time. So read through my top 10 grilling tips and prepare for the tastiest summer you’ve ever had.

A barbecue is a great way to spend time with friends and family, all while sharing beautifully cooked and flavored food together. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, a way to cook outside, or you just want to try a new recipe, grilling can make it happen.

The sun, the smoke, the smells. Grilling can be one of the greatest pleasures in life, but it can also be a bit tricky to master. And so, with the grilling season upon us, here’s everything you need to know to get the best results with your next BBQ feast.

I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 grilling tips. In no particular order, read on for my tips to become a grill master.

Grilling Tips #1 – Preheat the Grill

The first of my grilling tips has to do with temperature. One of the keys to perfect grilling is to preheat your grill. If you’re planning on grilling, make sure to preheat your grill and let it hold at your desired temperature for at least 15 minutes before throwing the food on.

The preheat time will depend on your grill. If you’re using a gas grill, 15 minutes is usually sufficient (see tip #5 for a note on weather affecting things).

If you’re using charcoal, it is a little more obvious that preheating is necessary. There are specific tools and methods for lighting and prepping the charcoal. And it can take a bit longer. So find a good charcoal chimney and choose your method to know exactly how long it will take you to heat your charcoal.

Pellet grills can be a whole separate ball game. Most have digital or physical controllers that let you set the exact temperature you are looking for. In my experience, these pellet grills typically take about 20 minutes to fully preheat. Though, if you are using it to smoke meat then you can likely add it on before everything is fully warmed up.

Also, make sure to not actually go by the temperature gauges placed in the lids of many grills. They’re usually fairly cheap, inaccurate, and aren’t located near where the food would actually be cooking.

Grilling Tips #2 – Brush the Grill Grates or Food with Oil

Of all my grilling tips, this one seems to be the most controversial.

I say to brush the grill grates with a high smoke point oil like avocado, peanut, canola, or sunflower oil. A lot of places have suggested this as a way to combat food sticking to the grates. But I am not sure that it really helps with that.

However, in my experience, it does help give your food some exquisite grill marks. Count it as a cheat method for making the food look pretty with grill marks. It seems the oil is cooks on the grates and then transfers to the food.

To do this, you’ll want to dab some oil onto a paper towel and then use your tongs to wipe down the grill. Toss the paper towel when you’ve finished. It will likely be black…

To actually help the food release from the grill and be less likely to stick, you need the oil to be on the food itself. Either in the marinade or by coating it right before adding it to the heat. Also, see tip #9 down below for more help keeping food from sticking.

Grilling Tips #3 – Use Long Utensils

One of my favorite grilling tips is to use long utensils. Long utensils make it easier to move food around on the grill. It also allows you to easily flip over and handle food without getting too close to the heat. And it is easier to reach items that are placed towards the back of the grill.

I’ve been burned before by using tongs that couldn’t easily reach the back of the grill. So I had to reach in too close to the flames. Spoiler alert: the grill can get really hot. And I’ve lost some arm hair too many times to risk it with shorter cooking utensils.

Typically when grilling I prefer to use long-handled stainless steel grilling tongs. And then if I need a backup or assistance for some large items on the grill, I will use a large spatula/turner thing to help me. The tongs give me great control of picking up and moving things around without a high risk of puncturing the food. Because that tends to lead to juices flowing out and potentially dried out food.

The following is my favorite all-around grilling utensil and the backup turner/spatula: 

• Cuisinart Locking Grill Tongs
• Oxo Good Grips Grilling Tools Turner

Just make sure that you find tools that you like working with. Preferably ones that are long and reach where you need them to go.

Grilling Tips #4 – Get to Know Your Grill’s Hot Spots

Knowing the hot spots on your grill is essential when grilling to help you get an even cook every time. Every grill is unique. So you’ll have to learn what parts of your grill tend to run hotter or colder than the rest.

You can slowly learn about your grill’s hot spots over time as you cook. However, you can run also an experiment of sorts to find out where the hot spots are.

Use the bread test. This simple test will show where your grill is hottest.

To run the test, preheat your grill to medium heat for 15 minutes. Then place slices of bread to cover the whole grate surface (it doesn’t need to be 100% edge-to-edge coverage). Let the bread cook for 2 to 5 minutes and then turn off the grill and flip the bread over to see where the bread is the most and least toasted.

The darker the color of the bread, the hotter that section of your grill runs. As you can see in my before and after, the left side of my grill has some large hot spots.

I highly recommend using some cheap white bread for the test. It won’t cost much, and it will show the results of the test the best.

Once you know the hot spots on your grill, you can adjust your cooking to get an even cook. Take a photo of the results of your bread test so that you can refer back to it later.

Then use this information when cooking to move food around and manage the grill. Put the thickest piece of meat near the hottest part of the grill. Move items that are nearly cooked through to the coldest spot of the grill so they don’t overcook but can stay warm.

Grilling Tips #5 – Check the Weather

Wind, rain, lightning, snow, and cold weather can all make it miserable or dangerous to go out and grill. However, grilling can work in a lot of different weather types. It doesn’t have to be perfect, clear blue skies to cook outside. As long as you are prepared and willing to brave the elements.

Don’t get discouraged if the weather isn’t perfect for grilling. Just be sure to look at the forecast so that you know what to expect and plan accordingly. It is best to know beforehand rather than the moment you step outside to start preheating the grill (hey, it’s tip #1!).

It’s also important to know how the weather that day may affect your grilling. A colder day may mean longer cooking times. Or the need for something like this thermal insulation blanket to help insulate from the weather.

So, besides just looking ahead and planning for your own comfort, look out for wind. Heavy wind can be one of the biggest enemies for proper grilling. The heat can easily be pulled out of the enclosed grill and make it very difficult to cook anything properly.

If the weather is a bit rough out and you don’t want to grill outdoors, you can still grill indoors. You can use a countertop grill like the George Foreman grill, or a quality enameled grill pan on the stovetop to get a good result. Or, you can even use your oven.

Grilling Tips #6 – Use a Meat Thermometer and Know Your Temperatures

This is one of the most useful grilling tips, especially for a novice. An instant-read thermometer is essential when grilling. This will allow you to know when your food is done to your liking and to safe food-handling standards.

Nobody likes food poisoning.

So, use a thermometer to make sure everything is cooked to safe temperatures without overcooking everything to a burnt crisp. Once you are more familiar with cooking different things, it may be a little less necessary to use a thermometer but I still tend to bust it out all the time.

There are tons of options for meat thermometers. Bluetooth, apps, smartphone alerts, and a whole heap of other fancy gizmos. But all of those fancy additions make things very pricey.

And all you really need is an accurate instant-read thermometer.

I’ve had enough success with this cheap ThermoPro TP15 instant-read thermometer that I have purchased it twice. But you can also upgrade to the highly-rated Lavatools Javelin or the ultra-luxe Meater Plus bluetooth thermometer.

For some of the most common meats, take a look at these links for an idea of temperature ranges and doneness to have an idea before you get grilling:

• USDA Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart
• Best Beef Recipes: Beef Temperature Chart
• What’s Cooking America: Internal Temperature Cooking Chart

Grilling Tips #7 – Try to Keep the Lid Closed

It is always tempting to take a peek at the food while it is cooking.

But opening the lid allows all of the trapped heat to escape from the grill. With it closed and contained, all sides of the food can cook instead of just the one closest to the flame. It’s why ovens have lights and glass fronts in many cases to allow for peeking without losing heat.

It isn’t the end of the world to open the grill, and you do need to do so in order to check on the food, flip it, move it between hot/cool spots (thanks, tip #4!), and remove it from the grill when done cooking. But try to open infrequently and close it as soon as possible when you’ve finished with whatever task brought you to open it.

This is even more important when using a smoker than a grill.

The smoke that you create with a smoker is what adds that unique flavor to your food, so you want to make sure that the food is exposed to it while cooking. If the lid is open, then you lose the ability to control how much smoke is surrounding the food. Plus, the controlled temperatures typically found inside a smoker will be affected by the opening and closing.

Just let it go low and slow and trust the process.

Grilling Tips #8 – Be Wary of Flare-ups

Dripping marinades, rendered fat, or drippings from the food are all potential sources of flare-ups.

So it’s important to be careful with the food.

When you see a flare-up, you want to move the food away from whatever is burning. If you don’t take care of it, then the smoke and direct flames of whatever is burning can give a very acrid, bitter, burnt flavor to the food. Not tasty. And, at worst, it can also lead to a fire hazard.

If it’s really bad, remove whatever you’re cooking from the grill and put it on a plate or sheet pan. Then once the flare-up is out, continue cooking or choose another cooking method if the flare-ups keep occurring.

To avoid this in the first place, try to keep your marinades, sauces, and other liquids away from the flame. Drain off as much as possible before putting anything on the grill.

If you are scared that might affect the flavor, reserve some marinade before letting it touch any raw food. Then drizzle the reserved marinade over the food once it is fully cooked and off the grill.

Try to keep an eye on the smoke coming from your grill. If there is an abundance of smoke or abnormal color to it, then you may need to attend to your grill and get things under control.

Don’t let a flare-up ruin perfectly good food, or lead to an out-of-control fire.

Grilling Tips #9 – Keep Your Grill Clean

It is important to keep your grill clean. This will help keep the grates in good condition, make food less likely to stick, and protect the initial investment you made in the grill.

You can clean the grill using a grill brush or steel wool.

I use this GrillArt Grill Brush with no exposed bristles so that they can’t break off and get into anything I eat. This provides a simple surface-level clean to get off the biggest pieces left behind. I typically run it over the grill grates at the start and end of every cook. To start, I let it preheat and then scrub. Then when I am done cooking I typically let the grill sit for at least 5 minutes on full high-heat to help burn things off, and then brush it with the grill brush.

You can also do a more thorough deep-cleaning of the grill grates at the start of the season to get everything prepped and ready to go. Most grill grates can be removed from the grill. So you can take them inside and use hot soapy water or your favorite cleaner to scour them clean.

There are some cleaners made specifically for grills and grill grates. Some of them may be helpful at fully breaking up the cooked-on coating and char that you see on your grill.

And don’t just focus on the inside of the grill. Keeping the outside nice and clean will help to avoid corrosion and let you grill for years to come. I usually just use a mix of dish soap and water to clean up the outside of my grill.

Grilling Tips #10 – Use a Sturdy Grill Cover

This final tip is the second one that has to do with the outdoor elements. Because mother nature can be quite powerful. Grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. But it can also cause a bit of a beating to your gear.

Since grilling is typically done outdoors, your grill will often tend to sit unattended for extended periods of time outside. Rain, snow, wind, dirt. They can wear and tear at your grill, reducing its lifespan. And they’ll get your grill covered in a nice layer of dirt and grime. Which no one likes walking out to.

Make sure your grill is covered and safe from the elements.

Keeping your grill under a covered patio or pergola can help, but likely won’t fully protect it. So I still recommend getting a grill cover.

Finding the right grill cover is key to a proper, snug fit. Either search online for your make and model of grill, go to your grill manufacturer’s website, or measure your grill’s dimensions and find a generic cover that will fit.

Recipes to Try Grilling

If you want to enjoy a hot summer meal and grill like a pro, keep all of these tips in mind. These are proven to work for me, but are easily adaptable to suit your preferences.

So, now that you have some of my top grilling tips, it’s time to put your newfound skills to use. Try some of my favorite grilling recipes below – along with a homemade BBQ sauce that will pair with almost anything that you toss on the grill. Happy grilling!

• Marinated Steak Kabobs with Chimichurri
• Cedar Plank Salmon with Honey Orange Glaze
• Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs with Sweet Coconut Sauce
• Twice Baked Potatoes
• Grilled Steak with Gorgonzola Butter
• Black Cherry Barbecue Sauce

The post Top 10 Grilling Tips for the Summer appeared first on Do You Roux?.

I want to thank everyone who has tried out a recipe, visited the site, followed, liked, commented, and everything in between. Support has been wonderful and it is amazing to see others enjoying my recipes.

I’ve had a lot of fun cooking and experimenting. I still have lots to learn both in the kitchen and when posting online. But I cannot believe that it has been a year since my very first post on how to make a roux.

One year and 77 recipes – about 1.5 new recipes a week. Since that is a fair amount of recipes to sift through, I thought I’d make a list of the top ten recipes of year one.

There’s no real method to this madness. But I’ll be judging it based on my own feelings, along with including some of the most popular and most visited recipes. So, here it goes in no particular order:

#1 – Easy Brown Butter Sage Sauce

This is far and away my most popular recipe. Like, seven times as many views as second place.

All because somehow it got popular on Pinterest (note – go follow me there if you’re on Pinterest a lot!). I wish I knew why everyone loves it so much, but I’ll take it.

It truly is a simple recipe with only 3 ingredients. With a nutty, sage-filled, delicate flavor, it is best paired with something that won’t overshadow the butter. Plus, those crunchy leaves. Mmmmmm. Don’t even think about tossing the leaves out once the butter is cooked.

#2 – Perfectly Flaky Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

These buttermilk biscuits are in my top ten recipes of year one mostly because I am proud that I made them.

I have long said that I cook, but I don’t bake. Cooking to me feels comfortable and easy because you can almost always save a dish by tasting it as you go along and adding or changing as needed.

For baking, you have little control once you put it into the oven. It will either turn out, or it won’t. So I was over the moon when I opened the oven and saw these perfect little layered flaky biscuits.

#3 – Pesto Pizza Pasta Salad

I’m a sucker for alliteration, even if I’m the one who came up with it. And this recipe is just too fun to say. Try saying it ten times real fast. Pesto pizza pasta salad, petsto pizta pasta salad, pezto…

Plus it feels kind of unique and fun. And last spring it was popular for a minute on Pinterest as well, bringing in some new viewers to the site.

#4 – Buttery Salted Caramel Sauce

That picture just makes me happy. And makes me want to whip together a batch of this caramel. This one is just a personal favorite of my own. Ever since I found the basis for the recipe in a waffle and pancake cookbook years ago.

Gooey, salty, caramel. Great for topping everything from desserts to breakfasts, including ice cream, pancakes, waffles, banana bread, and more.

Just try to make it when other people will also be around. Because otherwise, a straight spoonful of caramel may be too tempting.

#5 – Hot Honey Biscuit Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Oozing with flavor, I’m a sucker for buffalo chicken. Especially in sandwich form. So, I paired it with biscuits and hot honey for a tasty combo.

For the longest time, this was also my top performer on Google search. Though it did require some pretty specific search terms, it would show up as the top result. It was recently overtaken by my fried baja shrimp burrito.

#6 – Marinated Steak Kabobs with Chimichurri

Originally inspired by another food blogger’s recipe, this became our go-to family recipe for Easter. Since one of the biggest things I love about food (besides the taste…) is sharing it with others, I love the memories of sharing this with family.

Plus, the chimichurri sauce is to die for. Truly the best way to describe it is simply fresh. Bursting with fresh herbs, it both complements and contrasts the steak and other kabob ingredients.

#7 – Fried Potato and Onion Strings

This recipe is actually a decent amount of work. But frying things will of course taste delicious. Thin potato and onion are the perfect things to batter and fry.

When I first started Do You Roux, a lot of family and friends came out to visit my initial post. Then the views dropped off a bit… so How to Make a Roux remained my top post for a long time. This fried potato and onion string recipe was the first one to surpass it in views to become my most viewed recipe. It has since been overtaken itself (see above), but it was a nice boost to see this one perform well at the time.

#8 – Family Thanksgiving Punch

Honestly, I mostly just love how the images for this one turned out. The colors, the mood. Mmm.

Plus it is a delicious party punch that comes from my wife’s family. Lots of fruit juices combine for a punch that… packs a punch. And the sherbet included as a floating treat adds even more flavor to the drink.

#9 – One-Pot Dutch Oven Garlic Roasted Whole Chicken Meal

This is a very tasty meal, but it is hard to photograph right. Honestly, I still don’t really like most photos I have of it.

Fun fact – I also had the chicken upside down for most of the cooking on accident, and I took photos of it that way. Then I realized and saw how bad those looked. So I flipped it over, tossed some seasoning (mostly smoked paprika) on top, and put it in the oven a bit longer. Then I took more photos. And it turned out ok. I guess the people of Pinterest agreed since it got fairly popular there – though maybe they mostly just like the fact that it is a one-pot meal.

#10 – Easy Instant Ramen Omelet

A ramen omelet is a childhood favorite and one that I learned to make fairly early because of its simplicity. A simple and cheap meal – but one that I’ve now realized can be dressed up a little bit.

Originally we would only make it with the ramen, seasoning packet, egg, and cheese. Now I dress it up with garlic chili sauce, green onion, soy sauce, sliced carrots, pickled red onion, and more.

So there you have it, my top 10 recipes of year one.

The post The Top 10 Recipes of Year One appeared first on Do You Roux?.