Joi Sigers

Brilliant Organizer for Cans and Other Pantry Items… Even Dishes

December 5, 2022 By Joi Sigers

During the early weeks of the Pandemic (long before the lockdowns or even face masks), I fell in love with something I’ve never done before – borderline hoarding! Not hoarding to the point of interfering with others being able to get things they needed as well, mind you, but I began stocking up for things my family and I would need for weeks at a time.

Cats included, of course!

I figured that the less I got out, the less my chances were of contacting a respiratory disease neither my asthma or I were interested in acquiring. I began using my favorite grocery store’s “click-list” (grocery pickup) and limited running into a store as much as possible.

My youngest daughter and I organized a spare room into a big walk-in pantry of sorts – not only did I want to have everything our household would need but also plenty for my other family members.

Somewhere along the way, this became such a wonderfully agreeable practice and method that I decided I’d never abandon it, even after the pandemic was in the rear view mirror. Why? Not only is it convenient, cutting back on running errands is something I (as a self-embraced homebody) very much enjoy.

It’s also handy if, say, last minute I want to change my dinner strategy – I have plenty of things on hand to work with.

Also… let’s fact it… we’re right smack in the middle of cold and flu season right now and I don’t want to be out and about any more than necessary – to say nothing of when it snows!

If you also like to stock up on pantry items, this is an organizer you may be as interested in as I am – the Adjustable Pantry and Shelf Organizer (Amazon link). While cans can certainly be stacked in front of one another, lifting and peeking to see what you’re working with gets tiresome – trust me, more than once I’ve wished for a better, easier way than playing peek-a-boo with soup cans.

This versatile shelf organizer is very affordable and would be ideal for anyone, whether they love to stock up like me or fly by the seat of their apron (not knocking it, I did it for years!).

See the Adjustable Pantry and Shelf Organizer (Amazon link) for a closer look and more information (the uses they find for this is mind-blowing and I think I want one for the laundry room and bathroom as well!).

Disposable Air Fryer Liners: Perfect for Fast Cleanups!

December 2, 2022 By Joi Sigers

One of my newest obsessions in the kitchen is our air fryer (Amazon link). For some reason, I never really thought I’d use one but, here I am, using it almost daily! It’s MUCH healthier to use than frying foods and, quite frankly, most things get so much crispier in the air fryer.. WITHOUT any greasy feel or taste.

I even use our air fryer for frozen fries and tater tots, simply put in frozen and they’re ready a lot sooner than they are in an oven – to tell the truth, they’re ready to eat in the time it takes some ovens to preheat! What’s more, they’re much better in the air fryer – especially tater tots… much crispier.

I have always used parchment paper to line the air fryer basket, but cutting and fitting is a pain in the backside… even when you buy the pre-cut parchment sheets (which I love for baking), they have to be awkwardly folded to fit the basket.

I just saw a couple of different disposable air fryer liners on Amazon and I think you’ll be as intrigued by them as I am.

The one shown on the right is the GOAUS Air Fryer 100 Pcs Round Paper Liners (Amazon link).

Product Description from Amazon:

Make clean up a breeze: Tired of cleanup after baking and roasting? It’s never too late to settle a GOAUS disposable paper liner inside your air fryer basket. Once you’re done cooking simply toss the liner away, and pop in another liner and continue cooking without cleanup between different foods.
Eco-friendly and Oven Safe: Food-grade premium material and excellent craftsmanship by GOAUS make paper liners waterproof and greaseproof and catch crumbs and grease. With heat resistance up to 428℉, no effect on food tastes itself and no sticky mess. Things you cooked still turn out crispy!
For 5 to 8 Qt Round Baskets: Find out correct capacity of air fryer. GOAUS parchment paper of 7.9-inch bottom diameter is intended for round air fryers whose basket capacity is between 5 and 8 quarts. Moreover, the disposable paper even fits microwaves, ovens, steamer, cookers, roasters, etc.
Avoid Burning: Read the instructions first before use. Do not place cooking paper without food during preheating. Hot air blowing the lightweight paper onto the heating duct will easily cause the paper to burn. Thus, place paper on bottom and weigh down with enough food.
Easy to Use&Tips: GOAUS disposable liners have made life so much simpler as they’re precut and “with sides” design. No mess, no fuss with these liners whether you’re baking, roasting or frying. In a case where you’re cooking something far messy and greasy, doubling the liner would be advised. Definitely worth the minimal cost for such a time saver!

Amazon also has the beauties shown on the left, the Palksky 100Pcs Air Fryer Baking Paper Square Liners (Amazon link).

Like the GOAUS liners pictured above, these come in a variety of sizes. Simply measure your air fryer’s basket and order accordingly!

Naturally, there are a lot of other liners available, these are simply the two that caught my eye. Click through either link or image for more information about these particular liners or to search for others. These are wonderful for everyone, but for those of us who have to eat gluten-free, they can cut down on your chances of getting cross-contaminated.

If you’re giving an air fryer to someone as a gift, these would be an excellent, very thoughtful addition!

Vegan and Gluten-Free Salad Dressings, Mayo & Butter from Plant Perfect (Exciting New Products!)

November 17, 2022 By Joi Sigers

Plant Perfect Vegan Ranch Dressing

Quite a while back, I devoured and reviewed Parma!, a Plant-Based Parmesan Cheese Alternative and, frankly, I’ve never forgotten the extraordinary, downright addictive flavor. It often comes to mind when I see other plant-based food, which is why I never, ever brush off the idea… I know better. I only wish Parma! was available in stores. It is available online and is absolutely worth seeking it out… positively addictive, I tell you.

I recently saw the following press release for a new rapidly-growing brand from Pivotal Foods called Plant Perfect. After reading the release, I found myself extremely anxious to try quite a few of the products – especially the one you see pictured above, a Vegan Ranch Dressing. See the “No Palm Oil” on the front of the bottle? LOVE that!

I’ve found a few of their delicious-sounding products on Amazon and have linked to them in photos an/or content below.

As soon as I try these exciting plant-based products, I will write reviews on the food blog and link to them here.

Ready To Pivot To A Better Class Of Vegan Salad Dressings, Mayo & Butter?

STATELINE, NEVADA – For years, countless people following a vegan diet for moral or dietary reasons have been asking the same rhetorical question: why isn’t there a dairy-free brand that actually frees us from our lifelong craving for dairy?

Happily, one company decided to answer that question by developing a line of dairy-free products so authentic in flavor and texture that even non-vegans are singing their praises.

Introducing Pivotal Foods (www.pivotalfoods.com) and its signature Plant Perfect brand, creators of a rapidly-growing line of dressings, mayo and – soon – butter that seamlessly blend mouth-watering flavor, authentic texture and wholesome nutrition in each and every bottle and jar.

Treating consumers to a literal and figurative taste of the future, Pivotal Foods is currently experiencing its most significant period of growth to date since the introduction of Plant Perfect Vegan Mayo in 2020. Indeed, largely due to word of mouth rather than the sort of massive marketing blitz usually needed to break into the crowded vegan marketplace, Pivotal Foods has already expanded its retail presence to over 2500 mainstream and health food stores around the country – most recently adding 1200 Safeway stores in six regions around the country.

Today, consumers can find Plant Perfect vegan salad dressings and mayo in such chains as Whole Foods, Sprouts, Raley’s, Lucky, and Safeway as well as on Amazon.com.. For a complete list of store locations, please visit www.eatplantperfect.com/find-us.

The Name Says It All

Living up to its name, Plant Perfect products represent a perfect fusion of great taste and important nutrition, utilizing wholesome ingredients sure to please even the most discerning vegan and non-vegan palates. The brand’s growing family of products include six distinct salad dressings that are all vegan, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, non-GMO, EDTA-free (EDTA is a chemical that is added to certain foods and beverages to help them keep their color and flavor), palm oil-free and Certified Kosher.

Now Plant-Based Certified, Plant Perfect dressings are available in 8-ounce bottles in these delectable flavors:

Ranch
Green Goddess
Creamy Italian
Caesar (Amazon link)
Chipotle Ranch
Cilantro Lime

Like Plant Perfect’s Vegan Mayo, the brand’s salad dressings are 12-month shelf stable. Plant Perfect salad dressings can be found on the dry goods shelf next to conventional dressings.

Vegan Mayo Comes Of Age

Representing a deliciously nutritious dairy-free version of a classic condiment, Plant Perfect’s Vegan Mayo is every bit as tasty, rich, versatile and satisfying as its traditional counterpart. Like the brand’s salad dressings, Plant Perfect Mayo is all vegan, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, non-GMO, EDTA-free, palm oil-free and Certified Kosher.

Offered in 12-ounce bottles, Plant Perfect Vegan Mayo enhances any dish and represents an ideal alternative to traditional mayonnaise when preparing meals, snacks and desserts (great news for vegan or health-conscious home cooks and bakers during the holiday season!).

Next on the menu for Pivotal Foods will be Plant Perfect Vegan Butter, slated to be introduced next year. Performing just like dairy European butter in every way – but without the cows! – the new line will initially consist of two irresistibly satisfying varieties: Original and Buttery.

A Pivotal Time In The Vegan Food Industry

Committed to developing high quality vegan food products that taste great, are healthy and minimize the environmental impact on the planet, Pivotal Foods is not only attracting a diverse range of new retail and foodservice partners, but is winning over both committed vegans as well as mainstream consumers ready to incorporate healthier dairy-free products into their diet so long as they don’t have to sacrifice flavor in the process.

Commenting on his company’s fast-track expansion, Pivotal Foods’ CEO Mark Garrison said, “Every Plant Perfect item is developed with one overriding goal in mind – to create the most nutritious and delicious vegan alternative product possible. Giving up dairy for ethical or dietary reasons is never easy, so we went to great lengths to make sure our Plant Perfect Mayo, Salad Dressings and Butter not only live up to, but exceed, customer expectations. We’re heartened by the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received from full-time and part-time vegans alike and look forward to introducing many more vegan products over the years to come.”

For more information, please visit www.eatplantperfect.com and www.pivotalfoods.com.

Goodful Non-Stick All-In-One Pot: It Has all the Good and None of the Bad (Seriously, I Love This One!)

November 13, 2022 By Joi Sigers

The great looking Goodful Non-Stick All-In-One Pot (Amazon link), pictured above, is pretty darn special and would make a great addition to your kitchen as well as a perfect gift idea for any cook in your life.

The gorgeous Aluminum Dutch oven comes in a terracotta color that I’m pretty wild about if we’re being honest. While I tend to buy almost everything in my kitchen in the colors of purple or red, I’m totally feeling the terracotta.

Fortunately, it will go beautifully with the vibrant colors my psyche is so drawn to.

Features:

One of the best things about this all-in-one pot is that it can (and will) cut down on the clutter in your kitchen. It can serve as a Dutch oven, stock pot, deep fryer, sauce pot, roasting rack, steamer, braiser, saute pan and then some.
The pan comes with a matching lid, roasting rack, and beechwood turner.
Features a durable, high-performance, long-lasting multilayer non-stick coating that allows food to easily slide out of the pot for easy everyday cooking and effortless cleaning.
Made without PFOA, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, or nanoparticles.
Although the Dutch oven is heavy-duty, the anti-warp, thick cast aluminum is light enough to maneuver in the kitchen. Given that I have the strength of an anemic songbird, I love this to distraction. It’s said to be much lighter than a cast iron skillet or your typical Dutch oven.
Oven safe up to 400°F
This All Star does it all: Steam, sauté, sear, boil, simmer, blanche, braise, flambe, poach, deep fry, stew… then lets you serve your deliciousness in style!
Compatible with all cooktops: electric, gas, glass, or induction.
Last but absolutely NOT least, The Goodful Non-Stick All-In-One Pot (Amazon link), lid and roasting rack are dishwasher safe. Those two words are magical in my hyper-busy kitchen.

See Goodful Non-Stick All-In-One Pot (Amazon link) for a closer look at this beauty.

Torani Strawberry Flavored Syrup Makes VERY Memorable Tea, Matcha, Milkshakes, Smoothies…

November 2, 2022 By Joi Sigers

Torani Strawberry Flavored Syrup (Amazon link)

If you have tea lovers on your shopping list, a fun, unexpected gift idea is flavored syrup. Torani makes about a gazillion flavors and each is a knockout. Strawberry is a personal obsession, so it’s one of my favorite flavored syrups.

Adding a little Torani Strawberry Flavored Syrup to tea or matcha (whether you’re drinking your tea hot or iced) gives your drink a wonderful flavor, but the possibilities don’t stop there. You could also add a little unexpected zip and flavor to coffee or, if you choose to… hot chocolate. Personally, I wouldn’t dare of adding anything to or taking anything away from a hot cocoa but to each their own!

In addition to adding a little fun personality to tea, I love the idea of adding a little flavored syrup to milkshakes or smoothies – especially in the winter when you have to use frozen fruit. They need the extra flavor a great syrup brings.

I’ve also used flavored syrup to sweeten homemade whipped topping for iced matchas and iced coffee drinks.

You can find Torani’s complete line of extraordinary syrups – and more! – on Amazon (Amazon link to Torani products). You can even find Torani Flavored Syrup with dispensers (Amazon link)!

Gorgeous Purple Dutch Oven… My Ideal Soup Pan!

October 31, 2022 By Joi Sigers

I couldn’t possibly be MORE in love with this Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven (Amazon link). Seriously, I’m half-certain it’s going to be a Christmas gift TO me, FROM me this year. I love the Amazon Basics brand (phenomenal quality at very, very reasonable prices) and the color (purple) is my absolute obsession.

If this particular color doesn’t float your boat (what are you thinking?!), know that this gorgeous Dutch oven comes in a wide variety of colors:

blue
gray
white
navy
red
pink
green
matte white
orange (very good looking)
teal
purple (some things are worth repeating)

Features:

6-quart cast iron Dutch oven pot for cooking and baking in the oven or on the stovetop; Oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Smooth enamel finish provides long-lasting durability and non-stick convenience
Cast iron provides even heat distribution and retention; Hand wash only
Dual side handles and fitted lid
Roast meat, bake bread, marinate food, sauté vegetables, prepare soups, stews, casseroles, and more
Backed by an Amazon Basics limited 1-year warranty

See Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven (Amazon link) for more information and to see the other gorgeous colors…. in addition to the stunning purple.

As Simple as it Gets Japanese Broth Soup (The Possibilities are Endless)

October 28, 2022 By Joi Sigers

Japanese Broth Soup with Maifun Rice Sticks

When I had to start eating gluten-free years ago (Celiac made the decision, not me), one of the things I missed most was Japanese food. Sushi, salad, and soup at one of my favorite restaurants became something I “used to enjoy.” Over the years I’ve looked for different options but it’s been pretty much one disappointment after another (gluten-free Japanese food is a wide-open field if any company wanted to pave the way!).

I always, always, always scour the Asian section at my favorite supermarkets for new products. Recently the magic words (“gluten-free”) caught my eye when I spied a box of Simply Asia Japanese Inspired Ramen Chicken Broth.

Into the cart it went! I envisioned rice noodles or rice sticks and green onions in what was going to be a quickly thrown-together lunch, so I grabbed a package of Dynasty Maifun Rice Sticks (Amazon link). I use these QUICK and easy noodles in so many cold salads and hot soups!

I came home and heated the broth, placed the rice sticks in warm water for about 10 minutes, then added them and some chopped green onion to the broth to simmer. I wish I had grabbed some Shitake mushrooms at the store, too, because very thinly-sliced mushrooms would have been amazing.

This broth is PHENOMENAL and the possibilities are honestly endless.

Check your favorite grocery section for the Simply Asia Japanese Broth (Amazon link) or click through and grab some on Amazon. The flavor will blow your mind.

The Makings of a Ridiculously Quick & Easy Japanese Soup (Gluten-Free!)

Healthy and Delicious New Favorite Snack

October 24, 2022 By Joi Sigers

I have a confession to make… I am, quite possibly, the biggest fan of crunchy & salty food in the entire world. My “sweet tooth” isn’t a problem – I’m fine with the occasional cookie, candy, or fudge and don’t feel I have to have it on a daily basis. Chips, pretzels, Funyuns, Fritos… these are my problematic friends! My brain and taste buds crave them (I’d wrestle a crocodile for a Dorito right about now).

I’m trying to simply keep healthier snacks on hand and turn to them when I feel the urge to snack. Fortunately I love fruit, healthy bars, and vegetables, so it goes pretty well – until, that is, I find myself face to face with the cute little bags of deliciousness at the grocery store. Somehow one or two seem to always follow me home.

I have happened upon a snack, however, that I have literally chosen over chips like 4 times in a row. I’m kind of astonished if we’re being honest.

My husband and I have been buying the Chobani Greek Yogurt you see pictured above for some time now. It’s simply incredible… never in a million years expected to be this infatuated with a yogurt, but here we are. I’ve found that adding just a little good honey (like one of my favorites, Nate’s 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey – Amazon link ) on top makes everything even better.

I’ve also started adding some chia seeds and Bob’s Red Mill Flaxseed Meal (Amazon link)… and often whatever fruit I have on hand. Berries, bananas, apples are all outstanding.

It’s a filling, wholesome snack that makes you feel like you’ve done something good for yourself instead of bad. I hope you’ll give this combo a try soon – it might just become your new favorite snack too!

Christmas Gift Guide 2022: Gift Ideas for Cooks and Foodies!

October 22, 2022 By Joi Sigers

As we do each year, we’re launching our Christmas Gift Guide for Cooks and Foodies! It may seem odd to do so before Halloween, but… let’s face it… the sooner we star chipping away at that Christmas list, the better our odds are of getting it all done in time! Besides, if you’re like me, getting the shopping done early is a special treat, because it frees you up to simply enjoy the breathtaking magic of the season.

As I add new reviews or “great finds” to the blog, I will list them below. ~ Joi (“Joy“)

Gift ideas for Cooks and Foodies 2022:

Gnome Collectors: Christmas Gnomes in the Kitchen!

The Deviled Egg Tray of Your Dreams

The Nightmare Before Christmas Dish Set

Silicone Pie Molds

Gorgeous Purple Dutch Oven

Torani Flavored Syrups

Goodful All-In-One Dutch Oven

Christmas Gnomes: Dishes, Bowls, Salt & Pepper Shakers, Candy Bowls, Cookie Jars…

October 22, 2022 By Joi Sigers

Gnome Sweet Gnome

Over the past three years, I have fallen head over heels in love with gnomes. I love them, I collect them.. quite frankly, they have my undying devotion, whether they know what to do with it or not.

I honestly have no idea where this infatuation started – after all, when it comes to Christmas collections, I’ve always been ALL about snowmen, Christmas bears, and gingerbread men… somewhere along the way, gnomes just joined the party.

The snowmen don’t seem to mind, so it’s all good.

When it came time to make the image for the food blog’s Christmas Gift Guide 2022, there was very little doubt who the guest-star would be. I also thought it perfectly fitting to start the whole shebang off with a post about Christmas Gnomes in the kitchen, so I’ve rounded up a great assortment of gift ideas for the kitchen – after all, there are a LOT of other gnome collectors out there.

You may even be one, yourself! If so… like me… you’ll want as many of these as you can get your mitts on for your Christmas table.

Click through any image or link for more information and a closer view. These are absolutely gorgeous and would surely bring a lot of joy and smiles to your gnome home. All of the links below are Amazon links. ~ Joi (“Joi”)

Bico Christmas Gnomes 11 inch Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

Bico Red Gnome Candy Bowl

Bico Red Christmas Gnome Cookie Jar

Bico Christmas Gnome Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

Bico Christmas Gnomes Ceramic Spoon Rest

Holiday Gnomes Doormat

More Christmas Gnomes are on Amazon (click through any of the Amazon links above or in the Amazon graphic below). I love all of them and am crazy about the fact that most (like the doormat above) can be used all winter.