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Joi Sigers

Tangy Southern Coleslaw: Fast, Easy, and Oh So Delicious!

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Tangy Southern Coleslaw

Tangy Southern Coleslaw

One of my biggest culinary obsessions is coleslaw – it goes with so many things.. and those few things it doesn’t conceivably go with?

I make it go!

The only drawback to loving a particular food so much is it makes you hyper picky when you order it in restaurants (or, worse yet, when a family member makes some and it tastes like a movie prop!). Let’s be honest, really truly wonderful coleslaw is a work of art and not many people pass for artists.

This particular easy, but delicious southern coleslaw is spot on – a work of art that’ll make you a Picasso.

My personal favorite coleslaw is usually vinegar-based, but I wanted to add some creamy tanginess to the mix (literally), so  I opted to sort of combine a creamy coleslaw and a vinegar coleslaw. That’s where the buttermilk comes into play. It may sound unusual, but it really does make things interesting.

And delicious!

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Tangy Southern Coleslaw

Category: Introduction

Servings: 8-10

Tangy Southern Coleslaw

Ingredients

  • 1 (14 oz) Bags of Coleslaw Mix (with cabbage and carrots)
  • 1/3 Cup White Sugar + 2 TBS More!
  • 1/4 Cup Buttermilk
  • 1/2 Cup Duke's Mayonnaise (sub with Hellman's if necessary)
  • 1/4 Cup Whole Milk
  • 1-1/2 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Yellow Mustard
  • 1-1/2 TBS Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 3/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Pour the coleslaw mixes into a large bowl - preferably the one you'll be serving the coleslaw in.
  2. In a large glass measuring cup (or small bowl), combine the rest of the ingredients and stir well to combine.
  3. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
  4. Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir and taste. If you need to add more salt and/or pepper, do so.

Notes:

  • I specify Duke’s Mayonnaise simply because it’s the one I always buy and use in my recipes. I simply think it’s the best. However, using Hellman’s will not alter the recipe. In fact, it’s pretty much the same… don’t tell my beloved Duke’s that though.
  • This is outrageously delicious on or beside a chili dog or pork sandwich.
  • One of the things that makes “Southern Coleslaw” in fact “Southern Coleslaw” is the sweetness. Our capacity to eat sweet food is unequaled. If you want to add a little less sugar, feel free to cut back a tad. However, a certain amount is very, very necessary to balance the acidity of the vinegar.


Colorful Table and Chairs for Toddlers (In Love with This!)

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 This may seem like a deviation from the usual posts on the food blog, but… if you think about it…. it is actually exactly on brand!

My biggest motivation when I cook or plan meals (and I’m sure it’s the same for you) is my much loved family. Every step made in or near the kitchen is done with them in mind – from the oldest to the youngest and from the first one I ever met to the one I’ve yet to meet (as she or he isn’t due until July 9, 2020!).

We have been blessed with two beautiful grand babies (the beautiful July baby will make it three), so I have been thinking for a while now about finding a table and chairs for them to use while the adults take up all the spaces at the dining table. When I was growing up, we kids had a small table similar to the one shown here (except our chairs weren’t nearly as colorful or fun). When we outgrew it, we moved on to a card table and… again… our chairs couldn’t compare to these beauties!

This Kids Wood Table & 4 Chair Set  (Amazon link) is the best-looking and sturdiest set I’ve found – and, yes, MiMi has been shopping around for some time now.

The set is available in a variety of table and chair colors – the one pictured is my personal favorite but you may prefer pastel chairs or a darker wood for the table. There are even gray or white table options available that’re extra sharp, too.

  • Child-sized table and chair set from Tot Tutors; includes rectangular table and 4 chairs
  • Table crafted in sturdy wood with natural finish; wood chairs painted in 4 bright colors
  • Great for children ages 3 and up with 10-inch seat height; home assembly required
  • Table measures 26-inch wide by 22-inch deep by 19-inch high; 10-by-10-inch chairs stand 22-inch high overall
  • For ages 3+ years

See Kids Wood Table & 4 Chair Set for a closer look.  I can’t wait to be able to use this one for all future Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and birthday get togethers!

Chaffles 101: A New Obsession for MANY Reasons

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Chaffle Waffles

Chaffles with Blueberries… Delicious!

Have you ever heard of Chaffles? Whether you eat Keto, gluten-free, or simply love trying out fun, delicious new food trends, you’re going to love these!

First of all, what is a chaffle? The basic chaffle is simply 1 egg (beaten) with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (usually mozzarella, because it’s neutral in flavor, for a basic chaffle)… combined and cooked for 3-4 minutes in a waffle iron or chaffle maker.

Why I, Personally, am OBSESSED with Chaffles:

  1. I have to eat gluten-free (health reasons) and chaffles (even when you add extra ingredients) are gluten-free. However, unlike most gluten-free waffles, breads, etc.. they don’t cost an arm and a leg. Heck they don’t even cost one limb. Shredded cheese and an egg. That’s it.
  2. I have been experimenting with “Keto” recipes because I’m cutting into the number of carbs I eat. I’m not cutting them out, mind you, but I figure I can at least cut back on the number of carbs I consume. The best way I’ve found to do so is to experiment with Keto recipes. Chaffles are Keto-Friendly.
  3. They are crazy fun to make and to experiment with. The options are endless. If you’re making chaffles as “waffles,” you can try a lot of different fruits and/or nuts. My favorite is blueberries but other berries are delicious as well. If you want your chaffle to serve as bread, add a little garlic powder. When I make them for pasta, I use a little extra mozzarella (makes them crispier) and add some garlic powder before cooking. I also make a melted garlic butter for dunking them in. I promise… the flavor is exactly like garlic cheese bread. Before I had to give up gluten/wheat, one of my favorite things to make was garlic cheese bread – French bread with butter, garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese. When I first took a bite of chaffles made with garlic, dipped in melted garlic butter, the flavor took me right back to the French bread. Without the large carb count OR gluten.
  4. I happen to have a hiatal hernia which doesn’t normally cause problems. However, because of this guy, I need to eat frequent, smaller meals and dense food can be a problem. Gluten-free bread and certain other gluten-free food is about as dense as dense gets. Chaffles provide a softer, far less dense way to enjoy waffles, sandwiches, ‘toast,” etc.

The Original Chaffle Recipe by It’s Creator (Not Me)

The video below is the original Chaffle recipe and video from the creator of the chaffle, Kat Keto Doss (link to her YouTube Channel). Unfortunately it is not me.. I’d love to have been that clever! I felt it only fair to include the creator in an article about chaffles. Many have taken the premise and have come up with new techniques, new flavors, new creations, etc. but this is the brains behind the entire food craze.

(Continued below…)

When making chaffles, I, personally, combine the cheese and beaten egg and place it directly on the waffle iron on in the chaffle maker. Simple as simple gets. I don’t follow a strict Keto diet, either, so I never weigh my cheese – I use 1/4 cup, plus usually a tiny bit extra down on the bottom of the iron and a little extra on top of the egg mixture before I close the iron. This adds a little extra crunchiness and I just appreciate the golden brown color.

Chaffle Waffles with Blueberries

A Few Personal Tips of the Trade When Making Chaffles

  • I’ve found that I prefer finely shredded cheese over the traditional shredded cheese, but I guess it’s a personal thing.
  • If you like for them to have a firmer texture, allow them to sit a minute or two when you remove them from the waffle iron or chaffle maker.
  • While I do have, use, and love a chaffle maker, I use my Hamilton Beach Waffle Maker more than the Dash chaffle maker. The chaffle maker is ideal for making one (or even two) chaffles if you’re cooking for one person and I use it for my own lunches throughout the week. However, if you’re using chaffles for making several sandwiches or if you’re cooking for several people, the traditional waffle maker is much faster. The waffle maker also makes them larger, obviously, so there is more chaffle to nom on! However, the chaffle maker make a super cute size for small sandwiches (extra delicious with sausage and egg).
  • Chaffles EASILY replace waffles. Just be sure to use mozzarella or the taste will be way off. Basically, you don’t want your cheese to bring any flavor with it, which is why mozzarella perfect for the job. When you add a little butter and syrup, I promise you, you’ll be convinced you are eating good old fashioned waffles. It honestly just blows me away.
  • I love pizza chaffles – they’re an ideal way to conquer pizza cravings. I make them as I would a normal chaffle, but add a little oregano before pouring into the iron. I always add a small amount of mozzarella to the iron as well. While the chaffle is cooking, I warm some pizza sauce (my favorite is Classico, but any will do). When the chaffle comes out of the waffle iron or chaffle maker, I add a little sauce and Parmesan. I normally top mine with sliced olives, but any toppings will do. It’s usually best if you warm the toppings up first, as well as the sauce.
  • You can add a little coconut flour, gluten-free flour blend, rice flour, or almond flour to give your chaffles a more bread-like consistency. I’ve done this before when my chaffles were pulling garlic bread duty. It’s excellent also for pizza chaffles.

Whether you eat keto, lazy-keto, gluten-free, or simply want to cut unnecessary carbs, you’re going to love chaffles. I hope you’ll try them asap. You’ll be hooked!

Below is a keto, gluten-free (and delicious) way to enjoy chili dogs without bread – I made chaffles with cheddar cheese and piled the hot dogs, chili, cheese, and onions on top. It was seriously, seriously good!


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.