Holly’s Cooking Challenge

Holly's Cooking Challenge

Welcome to Holly’s Cooking Challenge! Here I will be sharing one of my favorite recipes that we can create together every month. Throughout the month, as you cook the featured recipe, snap a picture, and email it in for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card! 

Let’s get cooking!

Easy Meatball Recipe on a plate and in a pan with sauce

Cooking Challenge

December 2024 Cooking Challenge

Our Favorite Meatball Recipe

This easy meatball recipe is a staple in my kitchen! They are so easy to prep and are perfectly seasoned. They come out tender and juicy every time without fail.

They are also great for meal prepping and so versatile. So make a big batch and enjoy them fresh from the oven, or use them in one of the following recipes! These also freeze great!

View the Easy Meatball Recipe

This Month’s Alternative Recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy: Made with fresh or frozen meatballs, this recipe is budget-friendly and so satisfying. Simmer in a shortcut brown gravy and serve over mashed potatoes for the perfect meal!
  • Grape Jelly Meatballs: This is my go-to appetizer made with just 3 ingredients! It’s easy to make ahead and reheat or set it and forget it in the slow cooker.
  • Turkey Meatballs: If you’re looking for an alternative to beef, these turkey meatballs are moist and delicious!

Everyday Comfort Alternative Recipe:

Try a recipe from my cookbook, Everyday Comfort, for this month’s cooking challenge! If you don’t have it yet, grab a copy here and cook along with us.

  • Melty French Onion Meatballs (p. 221): Packed with caramelized onions and a deep brown gravy, this recipe has all your favorite flavors of French Onion Soup in one hearty meal!
image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text
3 images including an ipad with a recipe in it, polaroid photos of lasagna, and an email symbol on an envelope
  1. Make this month’s Cooking Challenge recipe (or one of the alternate recipes). Feel free to get creative and add your own spin to the recipe!
  2. Snap a photo of your creation.
  3. Email photos to cookingchallenge@spendwithpennies.com by the last day of the month at 11:59 PM PST for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

Have Fun!

If you’re looking for new ways to create in the kitchen, my Cooking Challenge is just what you need. The challenge is designed to inspire you in the kitchen and encourage you to try new things. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own twist to the recipes.

And don’t worry about making it look perfect – just take a quick picture with your phone so we can see your delicious creations. So let’s get cooking!

Join the Challenge

Challenge FAQ

What is Holly’s Cooking Challenge?

Holly’s Cooking Challenge is a fun way to try new recipes and a way for us to all share our love for cooking! On the first of every month, a new post will be published announcing the challenge recipe for the month. Make the recipe, snap a picture, and email it in for your chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. I can’t wait to see your creations!

How do I see the new challenge of the month?

Sign up for Spend with Pennies’ emails and watch for the email on the first of every month.

How do I enter?

By emailing cookingchallenge@spendwithpennies.com, you are automatically entered into the draw. For a bonus entry, leave a review on the Cooking Challenge recipe of the month! Make sure to do this before 11:59 PM PST on the last day of the month!

Do I have to make the recipe exactly to be able to enter?

Nope! Any variation of the recipe will count as an entry. You can also make a variation of the alternate recipes to enter.

What is the prize?

The randomly selected winner of the month will receive a $100 Amazon gift card!

How do I know if I’ve won?

You will be emailed if you are the monthly winner.

Previous Challenges

Official Contest Rules