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Joi Sigers

Multi Hard Boiled Egg Peeler: One A-Peeling Kitchen Gadget!

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Ingenious! This Multi Hard Boiled Egg Peeler is going under the 2019 Christmas Gifts for Cooks Guide category but, let’s be honest here, this is something most of us will want… not just before Christmas, but also before Thanksgiving. Kangaroo Eggs (Deviled Eggs to most of you, but one of my daughters started calling them Kangaroo Eggs when she was little and they’ve been Kangaroo Eggs in our family since. Come on, how could they NOT be?) are a staple of our family gatherings. Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fourth of July – hmmm, now that I think about it, they’re at get-togethers as much as I am.

The only thing I hate about making Kangaroo Eggs (Deviled Eggs) is the peeling. Hate it with a passion. Some have a beautiful gift for shelling a hard-boiled egg without causing any damage to the egg, itself. They’re peels even look like works of art. My youngest daughter, Stephany, is the world’s most gifted egg artist. Every egg, perfect. Every peel, long and glorious. She doesn’t even chip a nail in the process.

I do NOT have this gift. Like, at all.

That’s why I am very excited about the Multi Hard Boiled Egg Peeler, on the left.

I’ll soon be making these popular eggs and everyone will think Steph made them! I may or may not let them in on my secret.

Multi-Hard Boiled Egg Peeler Description:

  • Peels 1-3 eggs in under ten seconds. Quick, simply & no mess.
  • Egg Stripper spins and rotates in water to loosen and remove egg shells.
  • Simply fill the egg stripper base with water up to the water fill line. Add hard-boiled & chilled eggs. Close & shake it up and down (but not too hard!) for about 5 seconds.
  • Seeing the white of the egg indicates that egg shell was loosened enough and the egg will be ready to slip out of its shell.

The Multi Hard Boiled Egg Peeler is available in two sizes – the small allows you peel 3 eggs at once, while the larger one accommodates 5 eggs. Since I make mine in batches of 12, I’m just ridiculously anal enough to go with the smaller one, as 3 is a factor of 12…. 4 spins around the block will get the job done.

And they thought I never paid attention in math class. Obviously I did…. that day.

For those who want to REALLY make Kangaroo Eggs (Deviled eggs) as simple as is legal, check out the Dash Egg Cooker.


15 Best Free Apps for Eating Healthy on a Budget

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Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can definitely be a challenge at times. With fast-food chains such as McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy’s on nearly every corner, the temptation to stop and get a quick bite to eat is something that everyone has in common. In life, you can’t control everything, but you most definitely can control the food you put into your body.

Of course, it’s okay to splurge every now and then, but if your diet mainly consists of processed foods this can and will be very detrimental to your health. Even though you may not see the effects right away, in the long run you will be more prone to various types of illnesses that can be a great threat to your general health. That being said, there is no better time to take control of your health by finding ways such as downloading healthy food apps to create a more balanced diet.

Due to the fact that the health and fitness lifestyle has become more popular than ever, it only makes sense that the number of health and fitness apps would skyrocket too. It’s 2019, and there seems to be an app for just about everything! So why not download an app that can transform your diet and help you live a healthier lifestyle? These apps can virtually do everything! Some can track your heart rate, the number of calories you eat, provide you with personalized meal plans and so much more. Having these apps is almost like having a personal trainer or nutritionist in your pocket. 

So instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a personal trainer or nutritionist, you can simply download apps that can basically do the same thing. Feel free to utilize or download the various apps that Wikiby has found to help you keep your general or specific diet on track and so that you can crush your fitness goals by the new year. 

15 Best Free Apps For Healthy Eating On A Budget

Infographic Credit: WikiBuy.com

ChocZero: Sugar Free Chocolate Squares (Perfect for the Keto Diet)

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ChocZero Sugar Free Chocolates Review

ChocZero Sugar-Free Chocolate Squares

One of my greatest passions in life is chocolate. If I weren’t so allergic to pain, I’m fairly certain I’d get one tattoo – the word CHOCOHOLIC (all caps, non negotiable) somewhere on my person.  I mean, the world deserves to know what they’re dealing with.

True Story: 10-12 years ago (time flies when you’re eating chocolate), I literally made a couple of New Year’s Resolutions that I knew, beyond a shadow of doubt, that I’d be able to keep. It was half playing-around with my daughters and half let’s see what it feels like to actually keep New Year’s Resolutions throughout the year. What were the things I knew I’d stay loyal to?

  1. Tell my family… including cats, naturally… that I love them everyday (awwwwwww).
  2. Read from an Agatha Christie mystery daily. I read and re-read her mysteries and have been in the midst of reading one for half of my life.
  3. Eat chocolate every single day.

10-12 years later and I’m still going strong. With each. Please don’t ask about learning to speak Italian, drinking more water, never drinking sweet tea, or learning to play the piano. Thank you.

I was recently sent ChocZero Chocolate Squares in exchange for telling you about them. My first thought was, “Yay! Chocolate!” but then I began to worry… after all, I am as big of an expert when it comes to chocolate as is possible. I know chocolate. I breathe chocolate. So, I started to worry that I might not be able to give a raving review of the chocolate!

What worried me? Well, the fact that it is… are you sitting down… sugar free. That concerned me – but, strangely enough, it shouldn’t have. In fact, the fact that these chocolates aren’t overly sweet actually allows you to taste the chocolate better.

That, y’all, is a very positive thing.

ChocZero Sugar Free Chocolates

ChocZero Sugar-Free Chocolate Squares

ChocZero uses a zero-calorie, low carb natural plant called monk fruit to create delectable chocolate that’s low carb and sugar-free. Indulge in some more chocolate minus the sugar crash and extra calories. Whether you’re on the keto diet or simply hoping to reduce your sugar intake, ChocZero has savory options to fit a healthier lifestyle.

Perfect for the Keto Diet or “Lazy Keto” Diet (or anyone cutting back on sugar)

While my family doesn’t strictly follow the Keto Diet, I do incorporate A LOT of Keto recipes and philosophies into our meals. Cutting back on carbs is important to me but cutting back on sugar is far more important. I regularly eat potatoes but am trying very hard to cut as far back on sugar as I possibly can. ChocZero makes it easier to enjoy chocolate, thanks to their monk fruit sweetener.

My favorite way to enjoy these ChocZero Sugar-Free Chocolate Squares is given below the deliciousness….

ChocZero with Ghee and Salt

As I’m sure I’ve mentioned on the food blog before, I am a Ghee FANATIC. I saute’ chicken tenders in it, melt it for popcorn, slather it on toast… it has a flavor that, as far as I’m concerned is nearly as addictive as chocolate.

Soooo, it was just a matter of time before my two worlds collided – with a little salt thrown in for good measure.

Every single day, I take a square of chocolate (dark, usually but medium is just as delicious), add a little ghee on top, then sprinkle the whole shebang with pink Himalayan salt or sea salt. It has to be one of these and the reason is a very technical one… they look cooler.

Very technical.

The absolute best ghee on the market is Ancient Organics Ghee. Trust me on this one – I’ve tried them all and, for whatever reasons, no other ghee even come close.

My beloved Ghee and ChocZero make an unbeatable team and I do believe I’ll get up from here and have one. Oh, heck let’s make it two, want to?

ChocZero Sugar Free Chocolates, Ghee and Pink Himalayan Salt


Bee-U-Tiful Glass Honey Dispenser (Sorry, I Had To….)

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I eat honey as often as any self-respecting bear.. more often than the intermittent fasting bear crowd.

My Honey Obsession Checklist

  • in hot tea
  • honey mustard dressing
  • on oatmeal
  • on toast
  • drizzled over hot cornbread
  • in yogurt
  • drizzled over freshly fried chicken (add a little red pepper flakes for a real knockout!)
  • a little warm honey drizzled over bacon & eggs is Heavenly
  • I have even been known to drizzle warm honey over pizza – it is AMAZING.

Judge me, if you must, but it will not slow me down!

The only drawback to my honey fanaticism is the sticky little containers – even those shaped like bears look (and feel) unsightly. I was actually on Amazon yesterday shopping for Orange Blossom Honey (have mercy!) and I saw the beauty pictured to the right.

Can you say TOTAL game-changer?!

The Glass Honey Dispenser promises me that it will not drip, it will keep my honey (even the extra-special kind I order from Amazon) fresh and fabulous – and that it will look gorgeous doing it.

This bee-utiful hive-shaped glass dispenser would make a wonderful gift idea for anyone who loves honey.


Celebrate National Coffee Day with Two “Sparkling” Coffee Recipes

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Finally, a “National Day” we can ALL get behind – National Coffee Day! Granted, it’s pretty much National Coffee everyday in my world, but today is a day to FULLY broadcast my obsession with all things coffee.

One of the coolest things about coffee… you know, aside from the whole “making adulting possible on most days” and “giving me the motivation I need to get dressed” each morning things… is the way it is so versatile. You can enjoy it every single day of the year – summer, winter, fall, spring. It’s always flexible and in the mood for a great time.

I also love how it can be dressed up or dressed down – used in recipes or simply poured into a comforting mug.

The fun recipes below are beautiful, fun, and outrageously delicious – everything worthy of coffee. You can find Sparkling Ice drinks in grocery stores, department stores, and even on Amazon.

Enjoy the recipes, which are shared with you courtesy of Sparkling Ice (click the link for more recipes).

Sparkling Ice Coffee CocktailTHE COFFEE’S CHERRY

2 Cups Cold Brew Coffee
1/2 cup Sparkling Ice Black Cherry
Coconut Milk
Toasted Marshmallow

Combine cold brew coffee and Sparkling Ice Black Cherry and pour into two ice cube trays. Place into freezer until frozen.
Fill a Collins glass with cubes and top with coconut milk, garnish with toasted marshmallow.

 

Both of these recipes would be gorgeous to file away and use during the holidays, wouldn’t they? They’d be perfect for Christmas and New Year’s Day.

BLACK SAGE

Coffee Liquor
Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry
Heavy Cream
Sage Leaf

 

Mix coffee liqueur and Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry in a cocktail glass. Just before serving, gently add cream and garnish with a sage leaf.

“Candy Cookies” – No Bake Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookies (With Gluten-Free Option)

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Candy Cookies or No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

Over the years, I have baked, sliced, cut, and molded every kind of cookie imaginable. Given that I am the human equivalent of Cookie Monster who also happens to love to bake – this is completely understandable. Expected, even.

What isn’t understandable or expected, however, is the fact that one of my absolute favorite cookies is one of the simplest.

What’s more, it doesn’t even have to be baked. No need to turn the oven on for these guys!

Most people refer to this type of cookie as “No Bake Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookies” or “Haystacks.” When my daughters were little, I would actually shape them into little haystacks because they got such a kick out of how they looked.

Today, however, I just drop them by a tablespoon onto parchment paper and allow them to spread. I have always referred to them as “Cookies that are Really Candy,” I recently began calling them Candy Cookies. By gosh… that’s what they are after all!

Below is the easy as it gets recipe.

Notes:

  • For gluten-free cookies, use gluten-free oats. I use Quaker Gluten-Free 1 Minute Quick Oats… available online or in just about any store.
  • If you want “haystacks,” use a teaspoon when you drop onto the paper. As the mixture cools, shape the cookies into cute little haystacks.
  • For the “Candy Cookies” pictured here, use a tablespoon to drop the mixture onto the parchment paper.
  • Keeping the ingredients for these cookies on hand at all times is always the right thing to do – especially during the months leading up to Christmas. You never know when you’ll need to whip up a batch of something delicious to give as a “Well.. of course I got you something too!” gift. Been there, cooked that.

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"Candy Cookies" - No Bake Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookies

Category: Candy, Christmas Recipes, Cookies, Quick and Easy Recipes

"Candy Cookies" - No Bake Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

  • 3 cups white sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups peanut butter
  • 4-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats (I use Quaker Gluten-Free Oats)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan *over medium heat) - combine sugar, butter, and milk.
  2. Bring to a rapid boil and boil for 1 minute. A rapid boil doesn't just mean when it "comes to a boil." You need for it to be boiling all across the top at a frenzied pace.
  3. Remove from the heat.
  4. Add the vanilla and peanut butter and stir well.
  5. Mix in the oats - stir to combine well.
  6. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto waxed or parchment paper.
  7. Allow to cool until set.

I preach a lot about parchment paper and it’s many, many, many, many wonders but, when it comes to candy and cookies, it is all but downright necessary. I give a lot of my candy and cookies to family members and having parchment paper on hand to put between layers makes my life easier and everything neater for those who dive right in!

Seriously, once you start using parchment paper regularly, you’ll wonder how in the world you ever got along without it.

Easy Christmas Cookies

Gift Ideas for Pig Collectors

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If you scroll through my food blog for any length of time, you’ll see pig after pig after pig. I’m completely and utterly (if only cows were my obsession, what a joke this would be) in love with pigs and you can find them everywhere in my kitchen.  The deliciously unique pig platter (pictured on the right) needs to join my crew as soon as possible.

In fact, I plan to see to it that she does.

Made of resin, I plan to use her more for looks than anything else.

Equally beautiful is the equally unique small pig bowl pictured to the left. How gorgeous is this?! When you click through and see the picture on Amazon, you’ll notice they have a few artificial flowers in it, along with a candle. LOVE the way that looks and that’s exactly what I’ll be putting in mine.

Originally carved out of a knotty wood, this adorable pig bowl measures 4″ wide, 8″ long, and 3″ wide.

Like the beautiful pig platter above, the pig bowl is also made of resin.

Click through the links or the pictures to take a closer look.


Fall Decorating Ideas You Can Use in Your Kitchen and Dining Room

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With a thousand and one apologies to “summer lovers,” this is MY TIME OF YEAR! Autumn and Winter have always been extra special to me (even when it meant back-to-school… I forgave these magical seasons for that injustice). Naturally, I love to make our home come alive with each season, but when it comes to Autumn and Winter… well, let’s just say the seasons are embraced in every single room.

The colors, the smells, and the comfy vibes of Autumn? You just can’t beat it, can you?

The infographic, below, includes some wonderful ideas for embracing the season in every room of your house. Since we’re a food blog, we’ll pay special attention to decorating the kitchen and dining room for Fall.

(Continued Below the gorgeous infographic…)

Fall Decorating Ideas Infographic

 

Infographic Credit: Fall Decorating Ideas

A couple of personal tips and ideas:

  • When decorating tabletops or wreaths, please use fake acorns as opposed to taking those you find on the ground. Animals are counting on this type of food source to make it through the winter. If everyone were to start rounding these up, that’s going to take a lot of food out of innocent animals mouths.
  • If you need more space for seasonal decorations, securely and safely box up the decorations that are currently in their way! I have pigs and other farm animals all over my kitchen (decorations, not real ones – my cats wouldn’t approve). These guys always “sleep” through fall and winter in a comfy box in a closet as they make way for ghosts, bears dressed for trick or treating, pumpkins, snowmen, reindeer, Santas, etc. Just be sure to remember where the regulars are napping!
  • Autumn tablecloths, runners,and napkins are especially gorgeous – especially in the dining room, where your table can remain “set” throughout the season.
  • Strings of lights make the top of hutches, flower centerpieces, or cabinets uncommonly festive and beautiful. There is an ingenious strand of lights on Amazon that is dimmable and can be controlled by a remote control. Click here to check it out. There are many colors available – each season is represented. Be still, my heart.
  • While candles are gloriously associated with fall and winter, many people can’t use them (either they or a beloved pet may have a lung disease or there may be young children or pets around – candles are very dangerous with little ones around, whether they have fur or skin!). If this is the case for you, the above-mentioned strands of lights may be just the thing to add festive light. There are also lots of flameless candles, too, of course.
  • I add a few autumn dishes to my collection each year. Using autumn plates, bowls, mugs, etc during the months of fall just makes the season even sweeter. Of course, we do the same with other seasons, as well.
  • Here’s a tip for any time of year: If there is a season you aren’t that crazy about, for whatever reason(s), try embracing it. Decorate your home, inside and outside, and you’ll soon see the beauty of that particular season. Go all out! Bring the colors, scents, and energies of each season into your world – it’s all part of living out loud… which is, of course, the only way to live!


Gorgeous Pfaltzgraff Football Platter

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The gorgeous Pfaltzgraff Football Platter shown here isn’t just on my gift-giving list this year, it’s at the top of my, “Buy for my own darn self” list as well.

My family celebrates any and all seasons, days and occasions as we can. What can I say? We love to eat, love to laugh, love to make a lot of noise and look for a reason to do all of the above at once.

Football season was made for families like this one!

Whether it’s college football or the NFL, weekends just become a lot more fun this time of year, don’t they?

Product Description from Amazon

  • This rectangular Football Platter will be a big winner on game day
  • Designed to look like a football field, this platter is perfect for serving your guests lunch meat and cheese, hors d’oeuvres and more
  • Football platter measures 17 inch long x 11 inch wide
  • Crafted of ceramic
  • Use & Care: Microwave and dishwasher safe

I’m picturing so many delicious things on this gorgeous platter…. pigs in blankets, cookies, brownies, sandwiches, chips, cheese and crackers… and, just like that, I’ve made myself hungry.

See Pfaltzgraff Football Platter for more information and a closer look. This is a beauty.


Christmas Gift Guide 2019: Daily Gift Idea… Alexa-Inspired Products on Amazon

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When buying and giving Christmas gifts (or any gifts, for that matter), I love things that’ll make my loved ones smile and (if I’m lucky) even laugh. That’s why I love the line of “Alexa…” gifts on Amazon. Below are just a few of the ones that are applicable to a food blog, click the link above to see the entire collection. They’re absolutely ingenious – and sure to make you AND THEM smile.

Click through the following links for a closer look and to read more about each handmade item.

Alexa, Order Tacos Towel 

It’s like this Alexa, Order Tacos Towel reads my mind. Seriously, I am never NOT in the mood for tacos. My favorite Authentic Mexican restaurant makes the best grilled shrimp tacos you’ve ever tasted and I could, honestly, eat them every single night and twice on Saturdays. What is it with Authentic Mexican cooks? They make everything so delicious?!

Product Description from Amazon: These are 100% premium cotton flour sack towels. They are as useful as they are pretty. Flower sack towels are also known as tea towels. These are a natural white towel, not a bright white.

  • Image is ink that is heat pressed into fibers to be permanent. It is a dark gray color and not solid black, which adds to the slightly vintage farmhouse style charm.
  • Size: 30 x 30 inches
  • They are hemmed on all 4 sides, with slight size variances possible.
  • 100% cotton towel

 

Alexa, Do The Dishes Towel

The Alexa Do the Dishes Towel is one most of us can appreciate. I say “most” because I am (in many ways) a very odd duck. I enjoy doing dishes! Love to cook, love to clean up after the deed. Now if Alexa wanted to clean the fridge or do the laundry, she can knock herself out!

Product Description from Amazon: These are 100% premium cotton flour sack towels. They are as useful as they are pretty. Flower sack towels are also known as tea towels.

  • These are a natural white towel.
  • Image is ink that is heat pressed into fibers to be permanent.
  • Size: 30 x 30 inches
  • They are hemmed on all 4 sides, with slight size variances possible.
  • 100% cotton towel

Alexa, Cook Dinner Towel

One of my three beautiful daughters is receiving this Alexa, Cook Dinner Towel as a Christmas present this year because she is the PERFECT example of a gal who simply does not like to cook. As in at all. Her mother has a food blog, loves to cook as much as she loves to breath and yet… she’d rather have a trip to the dentist than to cook a meal.

Literally.

Her two sisters took after me when it comes to cooking – they love it. Funny thing is, each one of them is a wonderful cook – including the non-cooker! She makes excellent spaghetti, breakfast foods, and all of her desserts are outstanding.

Funny thing, though, some people simply do not like cooking and this towel is just for them.

Product Description from Amazon: Towels measure approximately 25″x15″.

This is a natural colored, 100% cotton towel.

To see even more wonderful (and hilarious) gift ideas like these, see “Alexa…” gifts on Amazon.