Every family has a non-cook. The first step to healing is admitting you’re the non-cook. There is no shame in that. No one is required to be Bobby Flay for every meal. If you don’t know who that is, you’re probably the non-cook. Keep reading.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner; let me save some of you right now. This is NOT the time to be whipping out a pot of kraft mac n cheese ®. Just because you put it in a pan doesn’t reduce the shame. However, if you want to shock your family with a little more than water and a complimentary bag of ice, I’ve got you! I’m going to share 3 secrets to cooking and a little gift that will keep on giving at the end of this blog. Merry Christmas, or whatever. 

1. Seasonings are the spice of life. Literally.

Seasonings define the tone of the dish. From a health coach’s perspective, they effortlessly add endless life-giving nutrients. From a foodie’s perspective, they add flavor! I’m not talking about salt, I mean dill, garlic, rosemary, turmeric, cayenne pepper, the real stuff. 

No matter who you are, having a few staples on hand will save your reputation every time:

• Basil

• Garlic

• Dill weed

• Pepper & turmeric

• Oregano (this one is strong. Use conservatively.)

2. Treat Yourself To An Air Fryer. 

If you don’t cook because you hate cooking, this one is for you! Air fryers are the perfect tool for the kitchen that has forgotten its purpose. You won’t ever use your oven again – even though you weren’t before – because your air fryer is 7 different machines in one. It air fries, bakes, reheats, broils, dehydrates, roasts, and cooks rotisserie style. HELLO?! Even your cooking-fever friends aren’t doing all that – unless they spent a grand, or got an air fryer. 

With the help of a few basic seasonings, your cooking will be of maximum quality with minimal effort. You can make chicken, fish, chips, tacos, wraps, desserts, and more! If you can make it in the oven, you can make it in an air fryer. If you can make it in a pan, there is still a good chance you can make it in an air fryer. 

3. What You Can’t Make In An Air Fryer, You Can In An InstantPot. 

I am an InstantPot snob and I carry NO shame about it. There is nothing you can’t cook in an instant pot. Sauces, broths, whole turkeys, mac n cheese, cake, cookies, cornbread, ALL. THE. THINGS! You can make your entire Thanksgiving meal solely with your instant pot. I will say, Thanksgiving mac n cheese still needs to go in the oven. If that top layer of cheese is not crispy with a sizzle, there is no reason to bring it to the Thanksgiving table. However, you can get creative with sides and desserts. 

4. Treasure These Safe Zones.

I’m not going to tell you you can’t go wrong. Thanksgiving is a serious holiday and that would be a lie. I tell you all that time that I am here to love you to life, not sweet-talk you out of a life. If your cornbread comes out dry…let’s just say the people choking on it might not be the only lives lost this holiday season. The good news is that there are a few dishes that offer lots of grace and even give you brownie points as a chef!

• Chili. I hate this and will not personally make it. It’s about 2 steps away from spaghetti for me and y’all know I don’t do spaghetti, but it’s a safe and easy dish to whip up. 

• Salad. Go WILD! Add fruits, veggies, herbs, spices, cheeses, the works! Even if you’re only dumping spring mix in a bowl, a few sprigs of mint and a light oil-based dressing will liven it up and crown you queen of holiday dishes! 

• Mashed Potatoes. Are you ready for the secret to flavorful mashed potatoes you can’t mess up? Ditch the box and buy a bag of real potatoes. Keep the skin for the fiber and cook them in your instant pot with chicken broth and garlic. They will come out soft and buttery. You won’t even need to add butter or salt. 

Wanna switch it up? Throw some sweet or Japanese sweet potatoes in the instant pot instead. Delish!

• Pasta. Again, not mac n cheese. As long as it’s not too hard, pasta can easily pair with sundried tomatoes and

• Stuffing. Mix some onions, celery, pepper, chicken broth, and parsley in a pot and cook until it’s the texture you recognize. Easy as eating pie – because pie is not easy. 

Now, about your gift! Let’s say you’re tasked with making all the main meals. Not to worry, I will walk you through this process. All it takes is focus and practice. To find step-by-step instructions, check out my Non-Cook’s Guide To Creating A Delicious Thanksgiving Meal! Register here you can catch the live recording or the replay.  

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