Our homes have been put to the test this year. We’re all spending more time there, and many of our residences are now also serving as offices and schools. This holiday season – with travel curtailed – many of us will be staying home and creating new traditions.
Lowe’s has partnered with New York City-based chef, A-list caterer and restaurateur Millie Peartree to help hosts prepare for the holidays. Peartree has tips for sprucing up the kitchen and two easy, must-try recipes.
“Make your favorite dish, play your favorite song, pull out the family album and cherish the good times you’ve had with your loved ones,” advised Peartree.
Millie Peartree Cupcakes & More put her on the map. Alicia Keys, Justin Bieber, Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Dr. Oz are among celebrities who have served Peartree’s cupcakes at their events. Opening a soul food restaurant in the Bronx brought her even greater acclaim.
When unforeseen circumstances forced her restaurant to close, Peartree turned her attention to neighbors in need. Her organization, Full Heart Full Bellies (featured on “TODAY” on NBC) has provided more than 14,000 meals to children in the Bronx since July.
Get your kitchen holiday-ready
As a caterer, Peartree is adept at serving large crowds. But she also loves entertaining on a more intimate scale. And having the right kitchen equipment is a must. “As a chef, I’m in my kitchen quite frequently throughout the day and even more so this year as I’ve spent more time at home than ever – something we can all relate to,” she said. “While holiday hosting may look a little different this season, it’s still important to make sure your kitchen is in tip-top shape for testing new recipes, whipping up your favorite holiday dishes and spending time in the heart of your home with loved ones.”
Home renovation projects have taken on a new urgency in a year when most of us are spending lots more time at home. Now’s a good time to upgrade; deals on appliances are plentiful this time of year.
Lowe’s Peartree considers her new Samsung family hub refrigerator a “must-have” smart appliance. “It lets me see what’s inside my fridge, create shopping lists, set expiration dates and look up recipes, which makes the shopping and cooking processes so much easier.”
Peartree finds her new, high-tech Samsung self-cleaning air fry range essential. “I’ve been using the air-fry mode to create dishes that use little to no oil for a healthier option,” she said. “Its unique Wi-Fi connectivity allows me to preheat, monitor and adjust cooking time and temperature right from my phone.”
“The easiest and most cost-effective way to brighten up a space is with a fresh coat of paint, and Lowe’s has such a great variety of shades and finishes for any space. I’m obsessed with the grey color I found and used on my cabinets!” she continued.
“To add contrast to my newly painted cabinets, I chose gold cabinet knobs and pulls that pop against the gorgeous grey shade. I added pendant lights and recessed lighting to make this area extra merry and bright.” New quartz countertops and a glazed ceramic subway tile backsplash completed the refresh.
Fear not, first-time holiday hosts
Going over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s may not be feasible this holiday season. So, there could be lots of first-time Thanksgiving hosts. Peartree’s advice? “We aren’t living in ‘traditional’ times. Make what makes you happy.”
If you want to attempt Grandma’s famous angel biscuits – with butter, buttermilk, shortening, yeast and a dozen other ingredients, go for it. But a holiday meal doesn’t have to be fancy to be festive. Keeping it simple is smart.
Thanksgiving sides are an essential part of the experience. Every family has its favorites. Peartree considers baked macaroni and cheese “an old family favorite and indispensable side dish.” Her version is rich, creamy and deeply satisfying. Only six ingredients (plus salt and pepper) are needed – and no one will suspect how simple it was to make.
Another Peartree recipe, created just for Lowe’s, may be an unconventional choice for Thanksgiving. (But this is going to be an unconventional Thanksgiving.) Like her mac ’n’ cheese, her spicy broiled shrimp “requires minimal prep and uses ingredients and spices you already have in the pantry.” It’s versatile enough to be an appetizer or side dish.
Lowe’s Spicy Broiled Shrimp by Millie Peartree
Serves: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5-7 minutes
Total time: 15-17 minutes
Ingredients:
2 lbs. frozen, peeled shrimp with tails on (Between 13 – 15 shrimp)
2 tablespoons of Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon fresh black pepper
Half a freshly squeezed lemon
Fresh chopped parsley
To prepare:
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for the shrimp.
- Preheat the oven with a rimmed baking sheet inside. (arrange an oven rack about 6 inches under the broiling element. Turn the broiler to high, and place the baking sheet inside the oven for at least 10 minutes – you want to hear the sizzle when the raw shrimp is in the pan!).
- Rinse shrimp under cold water to remove ice crystals and separate any shrimp frozen together.
- Add shrimp to the spice mixture, and toss to combine.
- Place seasoned shrimp on preheated baking sheet. You should immediately hear the shrimp sizzle. Use tongs to arrange shrimp into a single layer, ensuring they’re evenly spaced apart.
- Place back in the oven, and broil until the shrimp curve slightly and become opaque, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place shrimp on a rimmed platter and garnish with lemon and parsley. Serve with crusty bread.
Entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated. This is a good year to keep the holidays simple. Make an old family recipe for tradition’s sake. And try something new for fun. With the right tools, ingredients – and company – something as simple as macaroni and cheese can become extra special.
