TheBolt

Sharing a delicious Thanksgiving meal with friends outside of your traditional family Thanksgiving is a growing trend. Let’s be honest, no matter if it’s your third time attending a “Friendsgiving” or your first time hosting one, you’re probably on the lookout for some delicious Friendsgiving dishes to win your friends over with this year! Well, you’ve come to the right place because we’ve compiled a list of extremely quick and easy Friendsgiving recipes to whip up, all you’ll need is a cast iron skillet! We’re kidding, you’ll need more than just a skillet – ingredients and certain kitchen tools will be necessary. However, the point is that the following recipes are all made to be served out of a cast iron skillet! So find yours at home or grab a skillet from us and let’s get started.

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If you’re looking for a simple and quick snack to serve this Halloween, we suggest trying out this spook-tacular Chocolate Cheesecake Graveyard Dip. Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it’s a ton of fun to decorate, AND did we mention it’s delicious? So get ready to bring out that creative side and rock your Halloween party with a spooky treat!

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KitchenAid’s Cook for the Cure® program is back and we hope you can join us again this year to help make a difference. It’s a fun, simple way to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the overall fight against breast cancer. So get ready to Bake, Snap, Share & Support!

All you have to do is bake some cupcakes, snap a photo and share it to Twitter or Instagram with the tags #donate and #10000cupcakes (we also invite you to share who or what inspired you to participate). For every cupcake photo tagged through October 18th, KitchenAid will donate $1 to Susan G. Komen. Take the chance to share your passion for baking and contribute to a good cause at the same time. Also, if you’re looking for a little inspiration, check out our favorite cupcake recipe called “Cherry Pink Cupcakes” – which can be found inside the KitchenAid “Cook for the Cure” cookbook. (Keep reading to find out how you can snag a copy of the cookbook for yourself!)

Click the cupcakes to view the recipe in full size, or scroll down to the bottom of this post.

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We’re only a few days away from the first day of fall, so say hello to apple, squash and pumpkin flavored recipes! September 22 is the official first day of Autumn and here at Abt, we’ve decided there is no better way to celebrate one of our favorite seasons than with a pumpkin flavored breakfast recipe. After all, breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day and we’ve got just the Pumpkin Spice Granola recipe to make it even better. It’s extremely easy to make and it’s made with real pumpkin & tons of pumpkin pie spice. You can combine it with milk and fresh fruits for a cereal substitute, mix it in with pretzels, dried fruits, and chocolate for the perfect trail mix, or create a delicious yogurt parfait! The possibilities are endless, so let’s get started!

We used 2 cups of regular oats, 1 cup of pecan halves, and 1 cup of pumpkin seeds
(feel free to switch it up and use whatever nuts you prefer)

INGREDIENTS

2 cups regular oats

1 cup pecan halves

1 cup pumpkin seeds

*for the sweet pumpkin sauce*

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup melted coconut oil

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

To begin, start by whipping up the sweet pumpkin sauce and pouring it over the oats and nuts you’ve chosen to use.

Next, stir it all up with a spatula.

Then, spread out an even layer on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven until it is crisp (about 15 minutes).

Lastly, remove from the oven to let the granola cool and enjoy!

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 350°F.

Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Set aside.

Combine the regular oats, pumpkin seeds and pecans in a large mixing bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt together until smooth.

Pour the maple syrup mixture over the oats and nuts, use a spatula to stir until everything is evenly mixed.

Spread out the granola mixture evenly on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Remove and let the granola cool until it reaches room temperature.

Serve immediately, or store in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

Use Pumpkin Spice Granola 3 different ways: mix with trail mix, combine with yogurt for a delicious parfait, or add milk and fresh cut up fruit for breakfast!

Game Day is almost here and we know what it takes to throw a great party. Besides catching up with friends and enjoying the football game, the best part about Game Day parties is the food. Here at Abt, we have all the kitchen gadgets you need to cook up your favorite appetizers, drinks, desserts and more!

Mini BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

These mini sliders will be a big hit at your Game Day party! Perfectly sized sliders with delicious pork coated with tangy sweet BBQ sauce, your guests will be wanting more. This is a simple, yet delicious recipe, you can make this ahead of time with a slow cooker.

What You Will Need:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 (12 oz) can soda
• 1 cup Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce (or you can choose your favorite BBQ sauce)
• King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
• Sliced pickles – optional

Directions

Place your pork in the slow cooker and pour the soda on top of the pork. Then you set your slow cooker on low for 6 hours.

After 6 hours has passed, let your pork rest on a cutting board for about 5 mins. When your pork is rested, take a fork or tongs and shred the pork meat back into the slow cooker.

Pour the BBQ sauce over the meat, (you can always add more sauce depending if you like it saucy or not) and toss the meat so that its coated well with sauce.

Then you take your roll, top it off with a generous amount of pork and pickles. Enjoy!

Beer Battered Onion Rings

Everybody loves onion rings and this recipe will validate that! Beer battered onion rings may seem difficult to make, but it’s super easy to make in just 25 minutes in a frying pan.

What You Will Need:

• 3 large onion- sliced into rings
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 2 tsps dried garlic powder
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 2 tsps dried parsley
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup beer of your choice
• 1 cup oil (for frying)

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, egg, oregano, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour the beer into the bowl, stirring until the batter becomes thick. You can add more or less beer if you prefer a different consistency.

Then, heat the oil in the frying pan over medium-heat. When the oil is finally hot, dip the rings into the batter and fry. Turn your rings once so it is browned evenly on both sides.

Once all the frying is done, grab your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the deliciousness of onion rings.

Baked Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are a must when you are throwing a football party. It’s actually pretty easy to make these baked buffalo wings at home. Usually you deep fry the wings but you can bake them too and still get the crispy skin! All you need is to bake the wings and toss them in  sauce that you can make with just 2 ingredients.

What You Will Need:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt and pepper
• ½ cup Frank’s hot sauce ( or your choice of hot sauce)
• 1 tbsp butter

Directions

First, preheat your oven to 400F. Then, rinse your chicken wings and pat them dry. Place your chicken wings in a large mixing bowl, and toss the wing with oil, salt, and pepper.

After you have tossed the wings, place the wings on a lined baking sheet. Then, place the baking sheet on the rack in the oven. Bake the wings until they are crispy and golden brown, this should take about 45-50 minutes.

Once wings are baked, toss the wings with hot sauce and butter. Serve them while they’re hot with ranch or bleu cheese, and celery or carrots.

Football Chocolate Fudge Brownies

You can’t finish a meal without desserts!  These football shaped brownies will satisfy every sweet tooth in the room and everyone will be wanting more. Baking these goodies is quick and easy. You simply mix every ingredient in one bowl, pour it in a baking pan, and then pop it in the oven.

What You Will Need:

• 9” X 13” baking pan
• Football shaped cookie cutter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• t/4 tsp baking powder
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Chocolate fudge icing
• Vanilla icing

Directions

First, preheat your oven to 375F. Lightly grease your baking pan and then set aside. In a large mixing bowl, add in the ingredients in the following order- flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, baking powder, eggs, butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Once you have combined the ingredients, using an electric hand mixer– beat the mixture until it’s smooth. Then once the mixture is smooth, pour the batter into baking pan.

Bake the brownies for about 25-30 minutes. Poke the brownies with a toothpick, if the toothpick comes out clean then the brownies are ready.

Take out the brownies when they are done, then let them cool down before you start cutting. After the brownies have cooled down, start making cutting your brownies into football shapes using a football shaped cookie cutter.

Then, take each football and spread chocolate fudge frosting on top and use vanilla icing as the lacing on the football.

Super Punch Bowl

Quench your thirst with delicious adult punch, or you can make it kid-friendly also. This sweet and refreshing punch will be a hit at your party. It just takes 10 minutes to make,  it’s super easy and delicious!

What You Will Need:

• 1- 16 oz can frozen pineapple juice
• 1- 12 oz can frozen orange juice
• 12 fl oz vodka -**omit to make kid friendly punch**
• 2-2 liter bottles lemon lime flavored soda
• 1 jar maraschino cherries
• 4 oranges sliced in rounds
• 1/4 cup of raspberries
• ¼ strawberries, halved.
• Ice

Directions

In a large punch bowl, combine all of the ingredients- pineapple juice, orange juice, vodka (or without), lemon lime soda, and then add the fruit  let them float on top- cherries, oranges, raspberries, and strawberries. Don’t forget the ice before you serve!

Classic Margarita

Everybody loves a good margarita and it’s a perfect opportunity to drink one on Game Day. The best way to make a margarita is using a Vitamix, and yes we do carry Vitamix blenders in our Gourmet Shop.

What You Will Need:

• 2 cups of margarita mix
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 cups of ice

Directions

Put all of your ingredients into your Vitamix Blender, in the order listed above, and place lid on top. Press the variable speed 1. Turn on the machine and slowly increase the speed to variable speed 10, then to high. Blend for about 45 seconds. Don’t forget to salt the rims of the glasses, then you can pour in the blended drink and enjoy!

One of the ultimate winter comfort foods gets revamped in this Super Grilled Cheese recipe.  With multiple melty cheeses and crusty bread toasted to perfection in your panini maker, these creamy, crispy sandwiches will be a big hit at your party.

Ingredients

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

10 slices sourdough bread

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, softened

Directions

1. Combine mayo and cream cheese in a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer until fluffy.
2. Add the garlic powder and cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, continue mixing.
3. Evenly spread cheese mixture onto five slices of bread. Top with the remaining bread and spread butter on both sides of each sandwich.
4. Cook in panini press until cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

Pregame snacking doesn’t get any easier than this tasty Parmesan Rosemary Popcorn. Just a few ingredients take your plain popcorn from simple to savory. The only thing about this Italian-inspired snack that should give you concern: your guests might eat so much of it they’ll ruin their appetites.

Photo by joyosity, available under a Creative Commons Attribution license.

Ingredients

1/2 cup popping corn kernels

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

2 teaspoons kosher salt

Directions

Pop corn kernels in your popcorn maker. 1/2 cup of kernels should yield about 4 quarts of popcorn

While warm, toss popcorn with cheese, olive oil and rosemary. Salt to taste, or leave unsalted and allow guests to do so.

Enjoy!

Tired of being told the Guac costs extra? Make your own with this simple recipe that comes to us from the culinary experts at Cuisinart. It’s quick to prepare and uses fresh ingredients, making it a great alternative to less-healthy dips from off the store shelf.

Some tips: For the best taste, make sure your avocados are ripe. A ripe avocado will be very dark green (almost black) in color and will be just slightly soft—enough to yield under firm pressure. If you’ll be doing your shopping a few days ahead of your party, pick out avocados that are firm to the touch and let them ripen in your kitchen.

Ingredients

1 garlic clove, peeled

1/2 jalapeno, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces

1/2 small onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro,stems discarded

3 ripe avocados,halved, pits removed

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Outfit your food processor with the chopping blade and turn the machine on. With the food processor running, add the garlic and jalapeno pepper until finely chopped.
2. Add onion and cilantro and pulse 5 times to chop. Scrape everything back down the sides of the bowl.
3. With food processor off, scoop out insides of avocados in pieces directly into the bowl.
4. Add lime juice and salt. Pulse food processor until the guacamole is at your desired consistency, which should be about 10 to 15 pulses.
5. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

Looking to make a meal full of flavor, but simply don’t have the time? Our slow cooked BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich is the perfect treat for The Big Game. Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set the timer and let the All-Clad Slow Cooker do the cooking for you.

Ingredients

2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced

4 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more as needed

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 (4-1/2- to 5-pound) boneless pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), twine or netting removed

2 cups barbecue sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Place the onions and garlic evenly in the slow cooker and pour in stock or broth.
2. In a small bowl, mix the sugar, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon and measured salt together.
3. Rub the spice onto the pork and place on top of the onions and garlic.
4. Cover and cook until tender: 6-8 hours on low high and 8-10 hours on low.
5. Remove pork to a cutting board.
6. Strain onion and garlic mix, set aside liquid and return onion and garlic mix into slow cooker.
7. Use a fork to shred the pork into small piece and discard large pieces of fat.
8. Place shredded meat back into slow cooker
   1. Add and mix barbecue (optional).
   2. Or add ¼ cup of strained liquid onto shredded pork until moistened.

Perfect for your hot wings or added to these Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls, this buffalo sauce will add an extra kick to your kickoff appetizers. The no-cook recipe takes less than ten minutes from start to finish, thanks to the speed and power of a Vitamix Blender.

Ingredients

1/4 cup  soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon hot sauce

2 Tablespoons  honey or agave nectar

1 orange, peeled, halved

1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inch cube fresh ginger root

1 garlic clove, peeled

2 inch strip of orange peel

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to your Vitamix blender. Liquids first, then the orange, ginger and garlic.
2. Set your Vitamix to Variable 1.
3. Turn the blender on, slowly increasing speed to Variable 10 and then to the High setting.
4. Blend for about 45 seconds until contents are smooth.