There is something about cooking at home that just feels better. Maybe it is trying a recipe you have never made before, getting everyone in the kitchen to help, or simply sitting down to enjoy something you made yourself. National Cooking Day is celebrated on September 25th and it's the perfect excuse to do just that and have a little fun with your kitchen lineup.
To celebrate, we are putting our Toastmaster appliances to work with a lineup of recipes for every kind of craving. We have savory green bean stir fry, fluffy pancakes, cheesy stuffed mushrooms, hibachi-style fried rice, slow cooker meatballs, crispy onion rings, and baked chicken wings. So grab your favorite kitchen appliance, pick a recipe, and let National Cooking Day inspire you to cook something delicious at home.
1. Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes with the Toastmaster Electric Griddle
Start National Cooking Day with a stack of fluffy, golden pancakes made on the Toastmaster Electric Griddle. The spacious cooking surface makes it easy to prepare several pancakes at once, making this recipe a great choice for a family breakfast or weekend brunch.
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or additional butter, for the griddle
- Maple syrup and fresh berries, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. A few small lumps are fine.
- Preheat the Toastmaster Electric Griddle to 350°F and lightly grease the cooking surface.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to look set.
- Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat with the remaining batter and serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries.
Griddle Tip: Keep pancakes warm on a plate while you finish cooking the remaining batter. Avoid pressing down on the pancakes after flipping to help keep them fluffy.
2. Quick Green Bean Stir Fry with the Toastmaster Electric Skillet
A stir fry is a fast and flavorful way to serve vegetables. The Toastmaster Electric Skillet delivers consistent heat, helping you sauté fresh ingredients in minutes.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the Toastmaster Electric Skillet to 350°F and add olive oil.
- Toss in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add green beans and sauté for 6–7 minutes until tender but crisp.
- Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, then serve hot.
3. Savory Stuffed Mushrooms
These cheesy stuffed mushrooms make a delicious appetizer for National Cooking Day. The Toastmaster Toastmaster 2.6 Qt Air Fryer cooks them quickly, giving the creamy, cheesy filling a lightly browned finish while keeping the mushrooms tender.
Servings: 12 mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) package whole white button mushrooms
- 2 scallions
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 pinch salt
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth. Remove and discard the stems.
- Mince the scallions, separating the white and green parts.
- Preheat the Toastmaster 2.6 Qt Air Fryer to 360°F.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, scallion whites, paprika, and salt.
- Stuff the mixture into the mushroom caps, pressing gently with the back of a small spoon to fill each cavity.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the mushrooms inside without overcrowding. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for about 8 minutes, or until the filling is lightly browned.
- Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with the scallion greens. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Hibachi Style Fried Rice with the Toastmaster Rice Cooker
Recreate restaurant-style fried rice at home with the Toastmaster Rice Cooker. This recipe is budget friendly and perfect for family meals.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cups jasmine rice, cooked and cooled
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Cook jasmine rice in the Toastmaster Rice Cooker and let it cool.
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add vegetables and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Push vegetables to one side, pour in eggs, and scramble until set.
- Add rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and toss everything together.
- Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot.
5. Slow Cooker Meatballs with the Toastmaster Slow Cooker
Perfect for busy days, these slow cooker meatballs are hearty and flavorful.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place meatballs into the Toastmaster Slow Cooker.
- Pour marinara sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
6. Crispy Onion Rings with the Toastmaster Deep Fryer
Crispy onion rings are a fun homemade recipe for National Cooking Day and a great way to put the Toastmaster Deep Fryer to work. A seasoned coating and hot oil create a crunchy exterior while the onions become tender inside.
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients:
- 2 large yellow onions
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Peel the onions and slice them into approximately ½-inch-thick rings. Separate the rings and set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
- Place the remaining ½ cup flour in a third bowl.
- Dip each onion ring into the plain flour, then the buttermilk mixture, followed by the seasoned flour.
- Dip the coated ring into the buttermilk mixture again, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Fill the Toastmaster Deep Fryer with oil according to the manufacturer's instructions and heat to 375°F.
- Carefully place the onion rings into the fryer in small batches, avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry for approximately 2–3 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully remove the onion rings and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
7. Crispy Baked Chicken Wings with the Toastmaster Toaster Oven
Game day or not, baked wings are always a hit. The Toastmaster Toastmaster Toaster Oven ensures crispy skin without frying.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup buffalo sauce or barbecue sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the Toaster Oven to 400°F.
- Toss wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Arrange wings on a baking rack placed over a sheet pan.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy.
- Toss wings in buffalo or barbecue sauce and serve.
Bringing It All Together
National Cooking Day is the perfect opportunity to gather in the kitchen, explore flavors, and enjoy meals made at home. With Toastmaster appliances, you can prepare fresh vegetables, hearty mains, and crowd-pleasing sides that bring people together. These recipes show that home cooking can be delicious, efficient, and fun for every family.
Celebrate National Cooking Day with Toastmaster by bringing these recipes into your kitchen. Shop the full collection of Toastmaster appliances and create meals worth remembering all year long.
FAQs
What is National Cooking Day?
National Cooking Day is celebrated each year to encourage families to cook fresh meals at home and enjoy the benefits of home-prepared food.
Do I need special equipment for these recipes?
Each recipe is designed with Toastmaster appliances for ease and consistency, but you can also adapt them with standard kitchen tools.
How can I make these meals healthier?
Use whole grain breadcrumbs, reduced-sodium soy sauce, or swap in lean meats and extra vegetables to lighten up these recipes without losing flavor.
Can I prepare these recipes ahead of time?
Yes, the slow cooker meatballs and fried rice can be made in advance and reheated. The wings and stuffed mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Can I make a full meal with Toastmaster appliances?
Yes. Toastmaster appliances can help with different parts of a meal, from vegetables and rice to meatballs, chicken wings, and appetizers. Using multiple appliances can also help you prepare several dishes at once.
How do I make cooking at home more fun?
Try a new recipe, invite friends or family to help, or challenge yourself to use a kitchen appliance in a new way. National Cooking Day is a great excuse to experiment with flavors and enjoy the process.
