Holiday Recipes: Staff Favorites

Image shows a table with a cutting board and cooking ingredients, including fresh herbs, sifted flour, white chocolate wafers, berries, brown sugar on a wooden spoon, and nuts. Pine branches and cones are also decorating the table. Text reads: Holiday Recipes, Staff Favorites. All StarZ Staffing.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and at All StarZ Staffing, we’re spreading the holiday cheer in the most delicious way possible! Our team is coming together to share their favorite holiday recipes, bringing warmth and joy to your festive celebrations. From savory delights to sweet treats, our staff has curated a collection of mouthwatering recipes that are sure to make your holiday season extra special.

Smoke Fried Turkey Recipe

Photo of our Sales & Safety Coordinator, George Hohnsbehn. All StarZ Staffing.

George Hohnsbehn

Sales & Safety Coordinator

Embark on a culinary journey with George’s favorite Smoke Fried Turkey. This isn’t your ordinary roasted turkey—it’s a flavorful masterpiece that combines the richness of smoke and the crispy perfection of frying. Infused with a secret blend of herbs and spices, this turkey will be the star of your holiday feast, creating a symphony of savory aromas that will have your guests asking for seconds.

Image shows a photo of George's favorite holiday recipe, Smoke Fried Turkey
George's favorite holiday recipe, Smoke Fried Turkey

Pair it with your own signature stuffing for the ultimate holiday flavor combo. Then, gather your loved ones, fire up the smoker, and get ready to savor a turkey experience like no other!

I have done variants of this when I lived in Louisiana, but not since I have been back in WA. Best of both worlds and by far the best turkey I have had!

– George Hohnsbehn

Image shows a photo of Megan's favorite holiday recipe, Crab Mac & Cheese
Megan's favorite holiday recipe, Crab Mac & Cheese

Crab Mac & Cheese

Photo of our Branch Manager & Recruiter, Megan Phillips. All StarZ Staffing.

Megan Phillips

Branch Manager & Recruiter

Indulge in a sea-inspired twist with Megan’s Crab Mac and Cheese. Dig into a blend of succulent crab meat, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you to coastal bliss. This decadent recipe is a celebration of comfort and luxury, making it an irresistible addition to your holiday table.

Feel the ocean breeze in every bite as you savor the richness of crab melded with three varieties of cheesy goodness. Megan invites you to elevate your holiday feast with this seafood-infused delight, a true staff favorite that promises to be the highlight of your celebrations.

Pair it with soft breadsticks brushed with lemon-herb butter or a mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness of the mac and cheese and add a zesty, aromatic flair to your meal.

Quote Text

– Megan Phillips

View Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Dungeness
  • Crab legs and claws (cooked)
  • 16 oz dry pasta (any type, I like to use something that will trap some saucy goodness)
  • 5 TBSP butter
  • 4 TBSP all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese (fresh grated)
  • 8 oz muenster cheese (fresh grated)
  • 8 oz smoked gouda cheese (fresh grated)
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • Cracked pepper and sea salt (measure with love)

Panko Crumb Topping

  • 1.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 TBSP melted butter

 

Instructions

Cook the pasta as per the package’s instructions. While the pasta cooks, you can start your cheese sauce. When the pasta is done, drain and set aside.

 

Heat a stock pot or Dutch oven over moderate heat. Melt 5 TBSP butter. Gradually whisk in the flour one TBSP at a time until a thick roux forms. Once a roux has formed, add milk and whipping cream slowly and whisk while it thickens up.

 

Add the grated cheese, half first, then slowly add the rest. Stir until all cheese has melted and you have a thick and creamy cheese sauce. Then, stir in seasonings to taste.

 

Carefully transfer the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Stir in most of the crab, but reserve some for the top (the bigger, nicer looking pieces).

 

Mix 2 TBSP of melted butter and 1.5 cups of Panko; stir until the breadcrumbs have soaked up all the butter. Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the surface of the mac and cheese.

 

Pre-heat broiler to high and place the mac beneath the broiler for approx. 2 minutes, but because broiler temps vary, watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Remove the mac when the crumb topping turns to a golden-brown crisp.

Chocolate Orange Tea Drop Cookies

Photo of Chrissy Roshak

Chrissy Roshak

Marketing Manager

Chrissy brings a delightful dessert to the holiday table – Chocolate Orange Tea Drops. These cookies offer a simple yet delicious fusion of rich chocolate and orange zest, finding the perfect balance between sweetness and citrus notes.

These cookies feature a smooth blend of butter and cream cheese for a soft and creamy texture. The addition of freshly grated orange zest adds a touch of brightness, complemented by the indulgent sweetness of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Image shows a photo of Chrissy's favorite holiday recipe, Chocolate Orange Tea Drop cookie dough
Chrissy's favorite holiday recipe, Chocolate Orange Tea Drop Cookies

Enjoy the exquisite mix of sweet and citrus in every bite. These chocolate Orange Tea Drops are more than just cookies; they’re a delightful creation that elevates the simple chocolate chip cookie to a joyful holiday treat.

I grew up with these! My family only made them during the holidays, so I associate them with the holiday season. I make them with powdered sugar in place of granular sugar, and use about 3 times as much orange zest to kick up the orange flavor. This recipe doesn’t make a large batch though, so I recommend doubling it.

– Chrissy Roshak

Image shows a photo of Joe's favorite holiday recipe, Smoked Prime Rib Roast
Joe's favorite holiday recipe, Smoked Prime Rib Roast

Smoked Prime Rib Roast

Joe Williams is the Business Development Manager for All StarZ Staffing & All StarZ Technical.

Joe Williams

Director of Business Development

Delight your taste buds with Joe’s favorite Smoked Prime Rib Roast. This culinary gem promises an exceptional burst of rich, smoky flavors that will elevate your holiday celebration.

Indulge in the mouthwatering experience of succulent prime rib, expertly smoked to perfection. The robust smokiness enhances the natural juiciness of the meat, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation with each savory bite.

Complement the deep flavors of this holiday recipe with a side of creamy garlic mashed potatoes and a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables for a well-rounded holiday meal!

Fire up the smoker for this family favorite! It’s seasoned to perfection and then slow-smoked for amazing flavor. We finish it with a torch for a flame-roasted crust. I pair it with my signature garlic mashed potatoes and fire-roasted asparagus for a mouthwatering meal every time. Don’t forget the horseradish and au jus!

– Joe Williams

Why we love sharing holiday recipes

The holiday season is all about coming together, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing our favorite recipes? At All StarZ Staffing, we believe in fostering a sense of community and joy, not just in the workplace but also in the homes of our extended family – you! Our team is excited to spread the holiday spirit through these delightful recipes that have been treasured and enjoyed by our own staff.

Image is a quote reading: "The holiday season is all about coming together and what better way to celebrate than by sharing our favorite recipes?

Cookie, Share, Connect!

We invite you to try out these recipes, create your own holiday memories, and share your culinary masterpieces with us! Connect with us on social media using the hashtag #AllStarZCooks to showcase your holiday creations and join the festive conversation.

As we wrap up the year, All StarZ Staffing extends warm wishes for a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and of course, delicious food. From our family to yours, happy cooking!

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