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Joi Sigers

Table Runners: Inexpensive Way to Add More Color to Your Kitchen or Dining Room

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My youngest daughter, Stephany, and I went to Kohl’s earlier shopping for various pretties. The main thing I was looking for was a new runner for the dining room table. I didn’t see anything I really liked, so I came home and jumped on Amazon (a place I ALWAYS see things I love!). Sure enough, one search for table runners (Amazon link) produced so many choices I’m still trying to decide.

I love table runners because they allow you to still see your beautiful wooden table. It’s like you’re adorning it rather than hiding it.

The Akuntana Table Runner (Amazon link) pictured here is one of the ones I’m considering. We have a lot of purples, blues, and deep reds in our kitchen and dining room, so the deep red and dark blue have caught my eye. I love that it’s High-quality Waterproof and Stain Resistant – with one husband and three grandbabies (all 4 and under), I can’t possibly tell you how much I love this!

Other Features:

  • made of 100% high quality polyester with a cotton-like feel
  • machine washable
  • low iron if needed
  • spill-proof, wrinkle-free, no shrinking, no color run
  • rectangular size 14 x 90 inches long 

Take a closer look at the gorgeous, vibrant colors the Akuntana Table Runner (Amazon link) comes in on Amazon.

Keto Coleslaw (This One Has Become my “Go To” Coleslaw)

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Low Carb Coleslaw

Low Carb Coleslaw

While I don’t follow a STRICT Keto diet, I do try to incorporate as many keto/low carb meals into my cooking and eating as possible. I believe it’s the healthiest way to eat and since we are very much only as healthy as our diets, I am trying to be as strict as possible.

Besides, you just feel better when you cut back on the unnecessary things in your diet.

Eating low carb can be a bit of a challenge, I will be the first to admit it. It takes a little period of adjustment for your taste buds to go from eating very sweet foods to marginally sweet foods. Coleslaw (one of my personal favorite sides) is a great example. The coleslaw you buy in stores and restaurants is crazy sweet (they must use CUPS of sugar), so making one with Truvia (or your sugar alternative of choice) may take getting used to.

Personally, I love that you can taste the vegetables more without the added sweetness. When cutting back on sugar with anything, if you focus on ADDING flavor instead of what you’re taking away, you’ll open up a whole new world. Adding a little more sea salt and/or pepper often does the trick beautifully. I’ve also found that inviting green onion to any party makes it instantly better.

Low Carb Coleslaw

Low Carb Coleslaw

 

Tips:

  • You can use a food processor to make the coleslaw smaller (like KFC’s) or use it straight out of the coleslaw mix bag. When I make a vinegar coleslaw, I like it straight out of the bag… coarser.. but when adding mayo, I run it briefly through a food processor. Why? I have no idea!
  • Duke’s is my go to mayo, but simply use your favorite!
  • Keeping healthier coleslaw on hand is ideal for a great side. When I have some made (which is almost always), I’m able to grab a burger off the bun through a drive through, avoid the fries, and bring it home to have with a healthier side.


Gorgeous Knife Set with Wooden Block from The Pioneer Woman

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I’ve probably mentioned it a hundred or two times on the food blog, but I love and collect everything Rachael Ray and have for too many years to count. A few years ago, I began collecting another favorite Food Network star, Ree Drummond, and now my Pioneer Woman collection rivals my Rachael Ray collection.

Cookbooks, magazines, dishes, pans, napkins, mopines, cutlery, spatulas, garbage bowls, EVOO bottles… you name it, if the name Rachael Ray or Pioneer Woman is on it, our kitchen has it (sometimes multiple times).

What can I say, I spend a GREAT deal of time in the kitchen and want to be surrounded by bright, colorful, whimsical, and beautiful things that make me smile. Plus, to be the best cook possible, you have to surround yourself with the best tools possible and these are some of the best you’ll find anywhere.

I also love that many of their kitchen and cooking items come in my favorite colors: Purple, red, and turquoise.

I like to keep things fun and as colorful as possible!

This gorgeous turquoise Rustic Pioneer Woman Cutlery Set (Amazon link) is on my radar. Most of the Pioneer Woman items I have are turquoise, so I’m absolutely thrilled these come in this wonderful color.

The Pioneer Woman Cowboy Rustic Forged 14-Piece Cutlery Knife Block Set includes a GREAT variety of knives including a chef knife, bread knife, Nakiri knife, utility knife, paring knife and steak knives.

The blades are stainless steel and have ergonomically designed handles.  LOVE that!  I also love that the set comes with a beautiful wood block for easy storage.

See Rustic Pioneer Woman Cutlery Set (Amazon link) for a closer look!


Possibly the Most Beautiful and Elegant Tableware Set EVER Created…

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This Tableware Set (Amazon link) is BEYOND gorgeous! I mean, come on, I’d consider it an honor to eat with these beauties. Pretty sure I’d feel like a modern day, Kentucky version of Cleopatra… you know… without murder and snakes.

I was originally thinking of this set for my own use (there’s that Cleopatra mindset again).. of how much better this set would look  on the kitchen counter for a Thanksgiving or Christmas buffet (than a splattering of forks and knives spread out like weapons of war). But, after thinking about it and looking at them a little more closely, I realize they’d also make wonderful gift ideas.

As your family admires them at your holiday get together, opening their own set would be even sweeter.

Mind you, I still simply must have my own set – and the sooner, the better – but I also have my eye on these for gift ideas. After all, don’t we all enjoy surrounding ourselves with as much beauty as possible??

This beautiful set is…. here come the six magic words… safe to use in the dishwasher!

More Features of the Tableware Set: 

  • Each stainless steel silverware set contains 6 steak knives, 6 dinner forks, 6 dinner spoons, 6 teaspoons and a flatware holder.
  • Each piece of tableware has been carefully designed to meet the ergonomically appropriate size and weight, so that you can use it with ease and comfort, forget the silverware and enjoy dinners.
  • This flatware set is made of high quality food grade 410 stainless steel, Compared with 304 stainless steel has better strength, as well as hardness. It will not bend, break or be damaged by heat. Its sturdiness ensures that it will not bend easily, providing you with long term use. 
  • The whole set of cutlery comes with a stainless steel sideboard, which has the function of storing and properly sorting the cutlery, breaking the disordered drawer, and providing good protection for your cutlery. Beautiful and gorgeous appearance, let you put it in any place in the house is like the existence of art (oh, yeah, that part really resonates with Joi-patra).
  • Highly mirror finish followed by an electroplating finish that gives it a more lustrous finish than normal tableware, with a smooth edge that ensures safety and no scratches. Elegant design and exceptional quality make this silver set ideal for kitchens, restaurants, hotels, banquet events and daily meals, as well as a great gift choice.

See Tableware Set (Amazon link) for a closer look.

Also See: More Christmas 2021 Gift Ideas for Cooks and Foodies!

LOVE These Checkered Kitchen (or Laundry Room or Bathroom) Rugs

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I’ve been needing (okay, maybe wanting is closer to reality) new kitchen rugs, but can’t seem to find any I love. We like to switch up the colors and “theme” with the seasons and, truth be told, our summer-y rugs really need to go back into the linen closet for a while!

I do just about all of my shopping on Amazon (by almost I mean I still shop in grocery stores) these days, so naturally that’s where I was browsing earlier. When I came across these absolutely wonderful Buffalo Plaid Kitchen Rugs (Amazon link) and now my mind is absolutely set on them.

Things I love about these rugs:

  • They go with any kitchen theme. Our themes are rustic and whimsical and these rugs go perfectly with each.
  • Go with all colors! The black and white checks go with our primary colors red and purple.
  • Go with all appliance colors. Our large kitchen appliances happen to be black, so these will match perfectly. They’d also go perfectly with white or gray!
  • Durable-High Quality. These rugs are made of a new modified superfine polyester fiber. They’re non fade, which I adore. 
  • Non-Slip Backing. The anti-slip rubber on the back is a concave-convex dispensing design to ensure that the carpet is anti-slip, helps it to stay in place on the floor, meaning you don’t have to worry about the rug slipping with pets, kids, or husbands stumbling around at 5:30 am looking for coffee!
  • Easy Care. All you have to do is weep with a broom or vacuum regularly. They can even be put it into a washing machine when necessary.
  • Just in time for Holidays! While I’ve been focucing mainly on gift ideas, we all need to also focus on getting our kitchens

See Buffalo Plaid Kitchen Rugs (Amazon link) for more information. As for me, I’m now figuring out just how many I need. Seriously, y’all I am so in love with these.

Thanks for reading! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Old Amsterdam Classic and Goat Gouda Cheeses… These are Extraordinary!

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Old Amsterdam Classic and Goat Gouda Cheeses

Old Amsterdam Gouda Cheeses are Extraordinary

This card-carrying cheese fanatic has a couple of cheeses she needs to tell you about today – and they’re both from one of the absolute LEADERS in cheese: Old Amsterdam.

Whenever someone asks me, “What’s your favorite cheese?,” I always say, “Whichever one happens to be in front of me at the time.” Then I give them my top favorites… when I get to around 8 or 9, I tell them I have a bit of an addiction – which they probably figured out around number 6.

One cheese that always makes the list (very high, actually) is Gouda cheese. I love it in potatoes, grits, mashed cauliflower, and (of course) on cheese trays. It also pairs beautifully with smoked turkey and ham for sandwiches.

When I was asked if I’d like to sample two of Old Amsterdam’s gouda cheeses, I jumped at the chance I knocked the cat in my lap a country mile. Not really, but you get the idea.

I have to say that I showed absolutely no restraint whatsoever when they arrived – cutting into each immediately.

(Continued below….)

Old Amsterdam Goat Gouda Cheese

Old Amsterdam Goat Gouda Cheese

I tried the Goat Gouda cheese first because I have never had goat gouda cheese before and was wildly curious. Holy cats (or maybe I should say holy goats in this case) it was phenomenal. So creamy tasting and mild. Milder than traditional gouda and yet, distinctively from the gouda family.

This would be the IDEAL cheese to include on a cheese tray alongside grapes and almonds – it would lend itself beautifully for a party appetizer and would be excellent served with crackers. I seriously cannot say enough good things about this particular cheese – it simply blew me and my husband both completely away.

(Continued below….)

Old Amsterdam Classic Gouda Cheese

Old Amsterdam Classic Gouda Cheese

I fell so completely under the goat gouda’s spell that I actually put off tasting the classic gouda for a while because I wanted to judge him on his own… not in his brother’s shadow! I really needn’t have bothered because the classic gouda is every bit as good. A bit milder than smoked gouda, this one is also ideal for cheese trays and appetizers.

I kept myself from nibbling on the classic gouda long enough to shred some in my grits and a little more (at another meal) on top of mashed potatoes. It gives so much flavor and creaminess – I’m simply in love with it.

I will be buying and using these cheeses more in the coming days (and weeks, months, and years) and I will return to this post to provide you with more photos and recipes. I was simply very anxious to tell you about these extraordinary cheeses so you can order them now in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Trust me, ya’ll, you’ll want several of each.

See Old Amsterdam for more information! You can also find Old Amsterdam Cheeses on Amazon.

Thanks so much for reading! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Gorgeous 4-Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots (This color makes me want to redecorate my entire life…)

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I’m not sure any family uses their toaster any more than we do in this household. Toast, English muffins, bagels, waffles… in one way or another, it’s used on a daily basis. I love my toaster but have always wished it were a 4-slot instead of a 2-slot.

Earlier when I was pricing 4-slice toasters, I came across this beauty, the BUYDEEM Retro 4-Slice Toaster (Amazon link). It’s shown in Cozy Greenish, which I am WILD about… but it’s also available in a gorgeous yellow that I’m equally smitten with.

For those who like their appliances with less color, a great looking stainless steel is also available.

I love the retro look to this beauty, as well as the fact there are 4 extra wide slots – no more smushed bagels in this kitchen!

Product Features

  • Bagel & Muffin Expert – True bagel toasting function, heats up both sides of the bagel initially, then only toasts the cutting side of the bagel. Enjoy your crispy cutting side bagel!
  • Extra Wide Slots – 4 wide (1.4”) slots with self-centering guides, perfect for different kinds of slices.
  • 7 Toast Shade Settings – 7 browning controls for 5 basic functions with LED indicators. Satisfies all your daily toasting needs.
  • 4 Slice Dual Independent Control Panels – Less time, more choices; solid high lift lever, fulfill different tastes at the same time. Enjoy your morning with the ultimate breakfast.
  • Save your Space – With its compact and retro design, this stylish toaster can save space on your countertop, cord storage on the bottom to neatly store away your toaster.

Click through BUYDEEM Retro 4-Slice Toaster (Amazon link) for a much closer look at these beauties… you’re going to flip over the colors… and a lot more information. Any one of these three amazing colors would make a GREAT gift idea but, let’s be honest, one would look especially gorgeous in YOUR kitchen!

 

No Kitchen Should Be Without a Food Processor: I’m Willing to Die on that Hill (though I’d prefer it not come to that)

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I’ve been putting together gift ideas for cooks and foodies for the 2021 Gift Guide, so my mind has been entirely on showing you the best gift ideas for the cooks, bakers, and foodies on your list and in your life. I was deep in thought about this very thing while making chicken salad this afternoon when the two worlds of cooking and blogging collided.

As I added my almonds, celery, scallions, and chicken – and processed each, one at a time, in my Hamilton Beach Food Processor (Amazon link)…  one exactly like the one pictured, here… it occurred to me, a food processor makes the IDEAL gift!

I use mine almost daily…

  • chicken salad
  • homemade peanut butter
  • bacon butter
  • egg salad
  • tuna fish
  • chopped salads
  • guacamole
  • nuts for baking
  • flour and butter for pie crusts
  • etc..

It makes kitchen work and meal prep quick, painless, and keeps everything beautifully uniform.

About this particular Food Processor (from Amazon):

  • Bowl scraper attachment: Special attachment scrapes the sides of the bowl to keep ingredients close to the blades for more even results and to save you time when chopping or pureeing — no need to stop and remove the lid to use a spatula
  • 10 cup capacity: The generous 10 cup bowl can handle large volumes of foods without having to stop to empty it
  • Large feed chute: Can fit large foods like a whole block of cheese for quick, easy processing and less prep time
  • Versatility of a food processor, food chopper and vegetable chopper: Reversible stainless steel disc slices and shreds, while the stainless steel s-blade chops, mixes and purees
  • 2 speeds plus pulse and 450 watts of power: Food processor’s low and high speeds plus pulse gives you the control you need for a variety of recipes
  • Included Components: S-Blade for Chopping

There are, of course, MANY different brands and varieties of food processors on the market – I decided to link you to the exact one I  have simply because it’s the best one I’ve ever used, it has never let me down, and it’s a great deal – less expensive than most I’ve seen, yet easily as good. I also love the brand Hamilton Beach a great deal.

See Hamilton Beach Food Processor (Amazon link) for more information, pictures, and a video.

Guacamole and Chips

Guacamole: Just One of the Reasons a Food Processor is a MUST Have


Gift Ideas for Cooks and Foodies for Christmas 2021

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Christmas Gift Ideas for Cooks 2021

Christmas Gift Ideas for Cooks and Foodies 2021

I’m a bit late getting the Christmas gift idea guide published on the food blog this year. What can I say… life has thrown me lots of challenges the past few weeks. I guess it added a new level of difficulty to keep things interesting!

It’s all good, though. As long as God is just a prayer away (and He always is), I can handle the difficult levels as long as they can handle me. Woof!

Below are links to reviews or descriptions of wonderful gift ideas for the cook or foodie in your life – as well as some ideas to make your life easier and sweeter in the kitchen during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations. The list will grow daily, so bookmark the page and check back often!

Best wishes for a healthy, safe, and happy holiday season – one filled with great love and great laughter. ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Perfectly Delicious Gift Idea for Cooks, Grill Masters, and Men Who are DIFFICULT to Shop For!

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We all have them – men who are almost impossible to think of gift ideas for. Whether it’s because they buy everything they want or need for themselves or because they’re picky as any teenager shopping for clothes could ever hope to be… some men are simply difficult to shop for.

Fortunately, if he grills or cooks, the door to opportunities and gift ideas swings right open.

This gorgeous and perfect set of Smokehouse Grilling Spices and Seasonings (Amazon Link) only presents me with one problem… I not only want one for every male above 20 on my Christmas list, I want one for myself as well!

About this Gift Idea:

  • UNIQUE GIFT IDEA – Included are 20 unique BBQ rubs and spices to make cooking even more fun and flavorful.
  • FUN FLAVORS- Lime Chipotle, Chili Rosemary, Jalapeno, Black Cajun and Chili Parsley seasoning lend creativity AND fun.
  • CLASSIC FLAVORS- Classics such as Memphis, Cayenne, Garlic Salt, Italian, and Thyme Salt are always needed.
  • EXOTIC Flavors-  Jamaican, Caribbean, Southwest, Mexican, and Montreal seasonings add adventure and bragging rights!
  • OLD FAVORITES – Chili Onion, Cajun, Chili Salt, Chili Garlic and Rosemary & Herb Salt seasonings are also included which can be used with any meat or vegetable being made.

See Smokehouse Grilling Spices and Seasonings (Amazon Link) for more information – but, be warned, you’re going to want a set for your own kitchen and that of any other cook on your list, male or female. This is a very, very, very impressive set and it is packaged beautifully.