Presenting the Winners from Our Countertop Convenience Contest

Updated: Mar. 05, 2024

These home cooks are plugged into kitchen appliances. From pressure cookers to panini presses, the dishes they created are easy to meal-prep and convenient to eat. We can't get enough of these breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts.

1 / 12

Pressure Cooker Bo Ssam Sandwiches Exps Rc23 271274 Dr 02 01 7b

Grand Prize: Pressure-Cooker Bo Ssam Sandwiches

Pressure-Cooker Recipe

Here’s an hour-and-a-half version of the legendary eight-plus-hour bo ssam lettuce wraps. The Korean-inspired barbecue sauce provides a savory backdrop for the bright, fresh flavors of cilantro and pickles. Don’t skip the broiling step! That’s where the pork fat and sugar transform the soft shreds into wonderful crispy bits. —Kelly Burnham, Palmdale, California

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2 / 12

Buffalo Chicken Crunch Wraps Exps Rc23 271143 Dr 02 01 11b

1st Place: Buffalo Chicken Crunch Wraps

Panini Press Recipe

My daughter-in-law loves Buffalo chicken, so I came up with this easy-to-make crunch wrap using all the same flavors and grilled it in a panini press. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a hot, crunchy pocket of spicy, cheesy chicken ready for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch. The wraps are fantastic served with extra blue cheese dressing or sour cream for dipping. We also enjoy them served with fresh veggies, like shredded lettuce or sliced cucumbers. —Theresa Ravencraft, Marysville, Ohio

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3 / 12

Pressure Cooker Shrimp Risotto Exps Rc23 271100 P2 Md 02 01 6b

2nd Place: Pressure-Cooker Shrimp Risotto

Pressure-Cooker Recipe

Shrimp and risotto are two of my favorite dishes. But risotto takes time and attention when cooked on the stovetop. So I wanted to try making it in my pressure cooker since it’s such a timesaver. I think the flavor and texture of this speedy version is similar to the traditional method. —Donna-Marie Ryan, Topsfield, MA

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4 / 12

Coconut Almond Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Exps Rc23 271289 Dr 02 01 13b

3rd Place: Coconut-Almond Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Ice Cream Maker Recipe

This ice cream tastes like Almond Joy candy bars. Using a toaster oven and countertop ice cream maker couldn’t make this recipe any easier. —Linda Kirkpatrick, Westminster, Maryland

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5 / 12

Bakewell Pie Tarts Exps Rc23 271018 Dr 02 01 3b

Runner-Up: Bakewell Pie Tarts

Air-Fryer Recipe

With my busy family of five, I’m always burning things in the oven because I get pulled into other tasks. But the air fryer, with its time-controlled powers, has been a godsend. Now when the inevitable family emergency pops up, I don’t have to worry about setting off the smoke alarm! My British heritage means I grew up on tea and Bakewell tarts. This easy rendition uses similar components of the iconic tart, but it’s easier for bustling families to make. You can use any type of jam you want! —Kristin Bowers, Gilbert, Arizona

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6 / 12

Louisiana Meat Pies Exps Rc23 271200 Dr 02 01 8b

Runner-Up: Louisiana Meat Pies

Air-Fryer Recipe

I always found the food of Louisiana so full of flavor. These meat pies are my version of the region’s cuisine. I promise you won’t just have one! —Kristyne McDougle Walter, Lorain, Ohio

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7 / 12

Low Carb Cheesy Cheeseburgers Exps Rc23 271127 P2 Md 02 01 12b

Runner-Up: Low-Carb Cheesy Cheeseburgers

Waffle-Maker Recipe

I have turned my life around with a low-carb keto diet. This recipe is a wonderful new way to make burgers with all the same favorite flavors that I’m used to. Since the meat and toppings can be changed, the possibilities are endless and I never get tired of making these burgers. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

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8 / 12

Pressure Cooker Beef And Farro Stew Exps Rc23 271165 P2 Md 02 01 3b

Runner-Up: Pressure-Cooker Beef and Farro Stew

Pressure-Cooker Recipe

This pressure-cooked beef stew is loaded with tender beef and lots of veggies. It is comforting and filling, and is sure to become a family favorite. —Kaylen Friederich, Reno, Nevada

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9 / 12

Slow Cooked Apple Cinnamon French Toast Exps Rc23 271067 P2 Md 02 01 8b

Runner-Up: Slow-Cooked Apple Cinnamon French Toast

Slow-Cooker Recipe

My husband works nights. I often put this casserole together when I’m making dinner and refrigerate it. I’ll put the crock into the cooker around midnight and set the timer, so his breakfast is ready when he gets home. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky

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10 / 12

Slow Cooker Spanakopita Frittata Sandwiches Exps Rc23 271150 P2 Md 02 01 9b

Runner-Up: Slow-Cooker Spanakopita Frittata Sandwiches

Slow-Cooker Recipe

Years ago my husband and I took a cruise through the Greek islands for our 10th anniversary. Delicious and nutritious foods like this were served on our ship all day, every day. I enjoyed re-creating the flavors in this brunch sandwich. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California

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11 / 12

Spicy Fresh Tomato And Eggplant Sauce Exps Rc23 270807 P2 Md 02 01 1b

TMB Studio

Runner-Up: Spicy Fresh Tomato and Eggplant Sauce

Pressure-Cooker Recipe

My garden is overflowing with fresh tomatoes and eggplant toward the end of summer, so I was thinking of ways that those ingredients were used in the old country. A hearty gravy (what it’s called in Sicily) for pasta is just the ticket. You can add meat or sprinkle it with Parmesan if you’d like, but it is good on its own. It also freezes well. —Teri Schloessmann, Tulsa, Oklahoma

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12 / 12

Air-Fryer Lemon Oreos

Air-Fryer Recipe

I love to get fried Oreos at the county fair every summer. Since this version cooks up quickly in the air fryer, I can enjoy my favorite summer treat all year round! Lemon zest and lemon yogurt add a burst of flavor to the batter, and a dusting of powdered sugar makes for a pretty presentation. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

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