This is Mama Miche, and today in my Magic Kitchen: Saffron Crab Risotto.

In the pilot episode of the sitcom, "Mom," Christy insults Chef Rudy by calling the risotto "a big steaming pile of gooey rice." Well, technically, it is, but it's a delicious dish that is easy to make but involves constant attention, and you stir, stir, stir to achieve the right amount of gooeyness. When my MIL gifted me this automatic stir device many years ago, a New Year's Eve tradition was born of surf turf and risotto.

In the 90s, for a short spell, I lived in Nashville on White Ave., around the corner from The Sutler, where I worked. My roommate and still longtime friend, Max Hutchinson, and I were invited to our next-door neighbor's holiday potluck party. Our neighbor, Keith Urban, had a friend (whose name escapes me) who made this luscious fruit dip. I couldn't get enough of it, but I also had a hard time figuring out the ingredients. I kept asking him, and he said, "It was a family secret." I eventually got the recipe from him. It was too easy; I almost didn't believe him. I don't make it much. There's a lot of sugar, which I usually avoid, but y'all, it's worth every calorie. It should come with a warning label because it is addictive. Seriously, addictive. Make it for a party so you don't eat it all yourself!

This is Mama Miche, and today, in my magic kitchen: Applesauce

With Hanukkah starting in two nights, all Jewish households will smell like oil—deep-fried goodness. There will be a lot of food cooked in oil. One of the most popular Hanukkah offerings is the potato latke. The latke is traditionally served with sour cream and applesauce. Everyone has a preference except for those special people who love it with both toppings. I'm special! If you want to level up, combine them. Sour cream AND applesauce on your latke. Thank me later. Anyone who has made latkes knows it is a labor of love. It takes hours to make, but it's worth every minute. If you're putting in all that work to make a homemade latke, isn't it worth having delicious, homemade applesauce? It takes no time compared to the main attraction, but it will make it much better than any store-bought applesauce could. You can make it up to a couple of weeks before. I make homemade applesauce all year, but it's extra special at Hanukkah.

This is Mama Miche, and today in my Magic Kitchen: Seafood Fries 

Do you know how some people love French fries? Utterly obsessed with eating them all the time, might be the only vegetable-consumed kind of French fry love? When my teens were tiddlypeeps, they ate them just about every other day. They still love them, but if they're topped with another culinary fave like Pizza, chili, cheese, nacho or seafood, fuhgetaboutit! Next-level love. These are so easy, and you know this mama loves easy. “Work smarter, not harder” is my current motto and mantra. This is a great "snack" meal, which the kids love! It can also be a side or party platter. Versatility is desirable, doncha think? Have fun with the toppings.

This is Mama Miche, and today in my Magic Kitchen: Burnt Ham Ends

Oh, ya’ gotta’ love the internet and Facebook reels. I came across a Burnt Ham Ends reel and thought,” Hey Miche, if you use the fabu Memphis Mojo Rub™ and the hubster's special recipe BBQ sauce, you could make the best burnt ham ends ever to be eaten!” I was right. This is an excellent use of leftover ham, and with so few ingredients and just a little time, it is perfect for parties and, you guessed it, holiday gatherings. Our rub isn't available yet, but we hope to get it on the market ASAP. Place orders for the fabulosity we sell on our website and help us make more great products happen. 

Let Mama Miche make your kitchen magic. MMMK, let's eat!

This is Mama Miche, and today in my Magic Kitchen: Charcuterie 

Sharkcoochy? Qu'est-ce que c'est? What is it? How do you say it? What is this magical French thing? Technically, the word charcuterie refers just to the meat; in French, the word literally means "pork butcher's shop," from char cuite, "cooked flesh." Yum. 

A charcuterie board typically contains a beautifully arranged assortment of meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits. You'll also often see bread or crackers, jams, kinds of butter, and other dips or spreads.

This is Mama Miche, and today in my Magic Kitchen: Crack Green Beans.

When a recipe has the word crack in the name, you already know it will be delicious and addictive and might become a favorite. Something you can’t stop eating. Crack green beans are no exception. Easy prep. Like, beyond easy. Tasty AF! I have only met a green bean I didn't like if it was mush. Even if you don't like green beans, I dare you not to love them. I dare you to make these and not love them. 

Let Mama Miche make your kitchen magic. MMMK, Let's eat!

This is Mama Miche, and today, in my magic kitchen: Smoked Turkey Leg

I love family traditions, and one of my love languages is food, so the holiday food traditions warm the cockles of my heart. BUT.  Turkey doesn't rock my world, and the only time we stuffed & roasted a turkey was for the Thanksgiving feast. I always preferred the sandwiches and Turkey a la King leftovers to the bird served at dinner. I make a moist, never-dry, and tasty roast turkey; however, if you want an orgasmic flavor, smoke and serve the most popular part: the leg! It's one of the quickest meats you can smoke on a smoker, and it's fantastic. Try this easy recipe. It's great any time, including Thanksgiving.

I don't make this enough, and I have no excuse or reason why I don't make this more often. I love stuffing vegetables with yummy fillings. It looks lovely, and it tastes divine. This stuffing is easy to make while the acorn squash cooks, and honestly, when these ingredients combine, your taste buds and your belly will be like, “Damn! You love me! You really love me.”

This is Mama Miche, and today in my Magic Kitchen: Smokin' Ham

I need to preface this recipe by saying it does not fall into my usual category of quick and easy meals. It doesn't have many ingredients, but this bitch takes a week just to prep! And a day to smoke. This bitch needs constant love and attention and is the very definition of high maintenance. Is this bitch worth it? Yes, she is.

This is Mama Miche, and today in my Magic Kitchen: Wonton Soup.

Ordering in Chinese food was affordable once upon a time. Seriously, the prices are through the damn roof for meals you can make at home for a fraction of the cost. I think at this point in time, many families are having trouble making ends meet, and eating at restaurants or ordering in isn't an option. That doesn't mean you have to do without the tasty food. Buy the spices! A well-stocked pantry is essential. Use resources, like my cookbooks that you can pre-order on our website, and cook quality meals, even better than the restaurants. You can do it!

This is Mama Miche, and today, in my magic kitchen: Alex Casey's Italian Sausage Soup 

Stick around till the end of the video this time. Big announcement coming! For some people, Fall is pumpkin spice season. While I don't hate pumpkin spice, it's not what I live for when the leaves change color, drop, and crunch as we purposely walk through them. What I love most in the Autumn season is that it's finally sweater weather and soup season! I have so many recipes I love, and this is the newest addition to my repertoire. Thanks to my customer who sent this to me! We love it in Mama Miche's Magic Kitchen! 10 out of 10! You've inspired our next contest! Watch the rest of this video and visit our website for details.