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Joi Sigers

Blueberry Gluten-Free Overnight Oats (Highly Customizable!)

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Gluten-Free Overnight Oats with Blueberries

Blueberry Gluten-Free Overnight Oats

Here’s a recipe for gluten-free overnight oats that’s so simple and customizable I almost hate to even call it a recipe. It’s more of a blueprint! When it comes to overnight oats, it’s hard to go wrong as long as you stay somewhat within the “portion” guidelines…. but, even then, going off script a little isn’t going to hurt anything. If your oats ever turn out with a little more milk (almond, coconut, whole milk, oat milk…) than you’d prefer, simply add more fruit, flaxseed, chia seeds, or nuts.

If it turns out a little drier than you’d like, add juicy fruit or a little more of the milk you used in the first place. Customize the heck out of your overnight oats and use your favorite fruits and milk in the process.

The technique I used for the Blueberry  Gluten-Free Overnight Oats pictured here are below. A few quick words, first. This makes two servings (possibly even three!), so if you want one serving, simply use half the ingredients!

2 Cups Blueberries
2 TBS Maple Syrup
1 TBS Chia Seeds
1 TBS Flaxseed
1- 1/3 cup gluten-free oats (I use Quaker Gluten-Free Quick 1 Minute Oats)
1-1/4 Cups Almond Milk

Don’t stir or shake or anything crazy. Just put a lid on it and put it in the fridge overnight.

Very important… before serving, stir everything together! This way you’ll get something of everything in each bite… plus, you’ll be able to quickly decide if you need a little extra milk or fruit.

Substitution or Addition Ideas:

You can add or substitute fruit or nuts and experiment to find your favorite type of milk. My personal favorite is Almond milk or Cashew milk because they don’t rival the fruit or oats for taste supremacy. Coconut and rice milk (which I love in many things) can often try to dominate the conversation if you know what I mean. They’re often like bananas… they want the spotlight!

If you want a different fruit, you can try peaches, apples (peeled), blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc. Just be sure to keep the measurement at two cups (1 cup peaches + 1 cup blueberries, for example… hmm, that sounds good actually). Also, if you use frozen fruit for your overnight oats, let them thaw completely before using.

If you prefer honey to maple syrup, go for it! I alternate between these two sweeteners each time I make overnight oats.

I hope you give these a try – they’re quick, convenient, and so good for you!

Gluten-Free Overnight Oats

Blueberry Overnight Oats


I Ain’t Afraid of No Ghosts (In Fact I Lowkey Love Them)

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One of the Halloween things I collect are ghosts – love them to distraction. So, naturally the two wonderfully boo-tiful goodies shown here are (as we speak) haunting my Amazon shopping cart.

First up is the adorable Halloween Ghost Salt & Pepper Set (Amazon link) from Mud Pie. Mud Pie absolutely makes some of my favorite things – I  search for their name on Amazon as much as I search for anything!

The little cuties come with their own little wooden fence and I have no idea how I’ll be able to keep from leaving them out all year.

The set is 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ and, while perfectly “usable,” I’d never dream of doing anything but allow them to sit on the table and just show off.

I’m also very smitten with another Halloween beauty from Mud Pie and it’s pictured below.

The Mud Pie Ghost Pitcher Set (Amazon link) will, of course, sit right beside the salt and pepper set and (again) I have no idea how I’ll ever bring myself to pack it away for the season!

Mud Pie Ghost Pitcher Set

Boo-tiful Halloween Dip Bowl Set (Love This so Much!)

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Not sure how I ever lived without this ADORABLE Halloween Dip Bowl Set (Amazon link).  This time of year is so wonderful it defies description. I have always been (and will always be) completely obsessed with Christmas and Thanksgiving but, quite frankly, I’ve only comparatively recently become obsessed with Halloween.

Maybe the older we get the more we truly, truly appreciate things that are just wildly fun and come with zero expectations… things that simply want to make everyone smile.

That’s Halloween season to a tee.

I remember when my daughters were little, I was obsessed with Halloween too. There’s a certain magic when you combine kids with Halloween. Now the kids in my life are all either in their 50s (husband), 30s (daughters and sons-in-law) or toddlers (grandbabies!) and making them smile is the one thing in the world that makes me smile the most.

Okay, my cats would figure in there too but their smiles are more audible than visual.

This colorful, fun, and deliciously unique dip bowl set is available on Amazon (they have so many beautiful Halloween dishes and decorations, I’m having a hard time not buying everything!).

  • 2-piece set
  • Nested set of two dipping bowls feature debossed sentiment rims, hand-painted interior stripes and exterior icon artwork
  • Material: Dolomite
  • Size: Size: small 2″ x 3 1/2″ dia | large 2

Please see the adorable Halloween Dip Bowl Set (Amazon link) for a closer look.

 

Wonderful Sandwich Cutters for Delicious “Uncrustable-Style” Sandwiches

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Uncrustable Style Sandwich Cutter

Sandwich Cutter (Amazon link)

If you have kids of any age in your family, you may already be familiar with the wildly popular, delicious, and… well… a little costly… Uncrustables. They’re sold frozen and you can conveniently thaw one or more as needed (they thaw VERY fast.. much to the pleasure of hungry kids). My oldest grandbabies absolutely love them. They fit in their little hands perfectly, allowing them to roam from one thing to the next to the next to the next.

My grandbabies love the peanut butter and jelly ones, so I buy the strawberry and grape varieties often. Only problem is, they don’t come cheap when compared with good old-fashioned jelly, peanut butter, and bread. But the sandwiches (even when cut into winsome triangles) don’t make these little cuties smile as much and, frankly, my world is consumed by making them smile.

I found something on Amazon that makes us ALL smile even more. Me because they’re fun, economical, and (most importantly) make my little buddies smile EVEN bigger because they’re involved with creating their own “Uncrustable-Style” sandwiches!

The Sandwich Cutter (Amazon link) allows you to choose your own fillings – just be sure you don’t overfill because the goodness will come through the roof! Peanut butter & jelly, Nutella – with or without the peanut butter, ham and cheese, cheese blends, pimento cheese, chicken salad, tuna salad… the options are nearly limitless.

The instructions are given very clearly and simply on the back and there’s even more information on the Amazon page when you click through.

One of the coolest things is you can use this tool to make up a LOT of handheld little sandwiches and freeze them. They’re just as good after being frozen as they are when fresh. It’s kind of magic, if we’re being honest.

The fact that kids can help you make them is one of the biggest attractions. I am ALL for getting girls and boys involved in food preparation and in making discoveries in the kitchen. These handheld sandwiches are IDEAL for school lunchboxes, taking to the office, afterschool snacks, and even a quick breakfast.

They’re available on Amazon….. Sandwich Cutter (Amazon link)… and can be used again and again and again and again. Each “again” adds up the money saved! This would make a wonderful gift idea for anyone on your list.

Uncrustable Style Sandwich Cutter Instructions

See Sandwich Cutter (Amazon link) for a lot more information and photos!


Have You Invested in a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer Yet?! Here’s Why I Think You Should….

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Ironically, in spite of ALWAYS saying, “You’ll only be as great a cook as your tools and ingredients allow you to be,” I put off buying a KitchenAid stand mixer for years. And years.

The very person who consistently pays more for most ingredients and who grabs every new kitchen gadget that hits the market put off buying something because it, “… seems so high.”

If I didn’t do a great deal of baking, it’d be more forgivable but with a large family, there are always birthday cakes to make, homemade icing to throw together, candies, pies, and whatnot. And that in’t even counting Thanksgiving and Christmas – my annual grand finales!

I knew Kitchenaid stand mixers were gorgeous and knew the brand had one of the best reputations in the business but I  honestly assumed my handheld mixer could do anything it could and I knew it was far cheaper. More on the faulty assumption in a minute.

Earlier this year, my youngest daughter got a Kitchenaid stand mixer (Amazon link) and immediately began to rave about it. She’s one of the rare humans who does as much baking and cooking as I do, so when she recommends something, I listen. I decided to test her Kitchenaid out with something I make each week – Homemade Whipped Cream. My husband and I love it in our coffee (as well as on ice cream, cakes, cookies… heck, I’ve even seen him eat it right out of the bowl!).

(Continued Below the Whipped Cream!)

Homemade Whipped Cream

Homemade Whipped Cream (Recipe) 

First of all, I fell in love with the fact that all I had to do was put all of the ingredients into the bowl and that the Kitchenaid did the rest. My right arm marveled at something being beaten without it feeling the burden.

However, if the results had been the same, I would have stayed loyal to my handheld for the rest of my life.

The results were not even remotely the same. My homemade whipped cream has always been delicious but this time it had a MUCH better consistency – a consistency that made it look better and, somehow, even taste better. I remember picking it up with a spoon and thinking how much it looked like store-bought whipped cream. My handheld never did that!

Then it hit me… if the Kitchenaid stand mixer (Amazon link) makes this big of a difference with something as simple as whipped cream, imagine the difference it can make with cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, divinity, fudge… that was it. I was sold.

Yes, a Kitchenaid stand mixer  is more expensive than hand held mixers and, yes, for most of us, they’re somewhat of an investment. But here’s the thing, if the meals we make for our loved ones aren’t worth it, nothing is.

I would never recommend anything to my readers that I don’t absolutely love and use. I’d never suggest you buy something unless I knew you’d love it – I’m just not built that way.

I 100 percent believe you will love a  Kitchenaid stand mixer (Amazon link) and recommend buying one before Thanksgiving and Christmas show up in your home! From what I’ve read, other stand mixers do not hold a candle to the Kitchenaid brand, so I wouldn’t get sidetracked there, if I were you. Kitchenaid is a household name and know I know why.

See Also: Recipe for the Best Whipped Cream!

KitchenAid

KitchenAid Stand Mixer

The Absolute BEST Homemade Whipped Cream

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Whipped Cream

Homemade Whipped Cream

I’ve made many different versions of homemade whipped cream (or whipped topping, if you prefer) and was decidedly loyal to another version for years (one that called for granulated sugar). After making it with powdered sugar, however, I have NEVER gone back to the other version and I never will. This one is simply much, much better.

I make up a batch each week to use in coffee, on cake, on ice cream, between cookies… you get the idea. We also love it on pancakes and waffles!

Due to its popularity in our home, I make up a larger amount than you may want – in which case, you’ll need to half this recipe.

One more thing, while a KitchenAid Stand Mixer isn’t necessary for this whipped cream, the consistency will be better if one is used!

  • Beat 2 cups of heavy whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Be sure it’s Heavy Whipping Cream and not just Whipping Cream (makes a big difference).
  • Add 4 Tablespoons powdered sugar and beat to incorporate.
  • Beat in 2 teaspoons of clear vanilla extract until stiff peaks form

About the clear vanilla: Obviously any vanilla extract can be used, but if you use clear the whipped cream will be prettier!

Nightmare on Elm Street Freddie Kruger Halloween Bowl Holder (YIKES!)

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This A Nightmare on Elm Street Freddy Krueger Candy Bowl Holder (Amazon Link) would be SO up my oldest daughter and oldest son-in-law’s haunted alley it isn’t even funny. They love Halloween as much as some people love oxygen and go ALL OUT each year – inside the house and outside the house, they leave no doubt as to what season it is!

A Nightmare on Elm Street is one of his favorite movies of all time (right up there with Top Gun), so I know this candy bowl holder would make his entire Halloween season!

If you embrace Halloween like they do, you might want to click through and take a closer look at this macabre little dude.

Product Description from Amazon:

  • Lightweight injection molded figure crafted from heavy duty foam, with hollow back designed to stand flush against a wall
  • Base is approximately 10-inch square, stands approximately 18-inches tall
  • Includes plastic bowl, 9.75” across and 3.5″ deep
  • Officially licensed figure adds personality to your home or office
  • Not just for candy, can be used to hold business cards, keys, coins, pens, party favors, and much more

For more information and a closer look (if you aren’t scared!) see A Nightmare on Elm Street Freddy Krueger Candy Bowl Holder (Amazon Link).

Edible Landscaping 101: Great Time to Start Planning Next Year’s Garden!

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Roasted Tomatoes with Pasolivo Rosemary Olive Oil

Roasted Tomatoes Straight from the Vine

Each year for as long as I can remember, I have planted herbs, tomatoes, and peppers. Sometimes I’ll also plant pumpkins or cucumbers (love both of these!). This year we went all out and planted tomatoes, herbs, cucumbers, corn, pumpkins, squash, okra, peppers of every conceivable kind.

It has been an absolute joy to go outside and “grocery shop!” So much so that we’re planning on planting even more next year and have mapped out a few choice spots to have not one, but two gardens. We got an extra freezer to store our produce in and I have a strong feeling we’ll be thanking ourselves for our efforts all winter long.

Benefits of Growing Your Own Food

  • It’s healthier! Fruits and vegetables are outrageously healthy and growing them, yourself, means you control the pesticides used and know EXACTLY what all has been involved from getting them from the garden to your plate.
  • Convenient. Even when we weren’t living inside of a pandemic, the convenience of being able to step outside your back door and grab what you need to complete your meal was crazy convenient. These days, however, it’s even more so. Anything we can do to keep from having to go to the store is a win.
  • Economical. If you shop for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices in stores I don’t have to explain this one to you at all! Growing your own produce and herbs saves you money during the summer as well as during the winter if you freeze or can your harvest.
  • Fun and Enriching Hobby! Any time we push ourselves out of our comfort zone and learn how to do new things, it’s SO good for our minds. Not only that, new hobbies are great for your emotional health as well. Gaining confidence through growing your own produce is a great payoff and one you won’t even realize has happened until you proudly walk into the kitchen with your colorful bounty.
  • Excellent Exercise, Sunshine, and Fresh Air. Having vegetables and herbs in addition to my beloved flower beds has given me more reasons than ever to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. The extra (enjoyable) work of watering, weeding, planting, picking, etc.. has been wonderful exercise, too.
  • Get the Kids Involved! My oldest grandbabies (3 and 1) have LOVED watching the veggies grow, watering them, picking them, and even tasting them! It’s a great way to get kids involved in a wonderful and useful hobby AND encourage them to eat more fruit and vegetables.
  • Perfect for Those with Restrictive Diets. I have to eat gluten-free and have to say, it’s always extra comforting to KNOW something is completely free from gluten or wheat and hasn’t been cross-contaminated. Anyone who has to avoid gluten, peanuts, soy, wheat, or other problematic ingredients will appreciate the full control growing your own food gives you.

Below is a wonderful infographic about “Edible Landscaping” from an outstanding article titled The 12 Best Edible Landscape Plants. After clicking on the infographic below and seeing the wonderful information, I hope you’ll click through the link above to learn more. If you live in here in the states, more likely than not you’re like me – looking at the end of the gardening season. But, truly, what better time to start planning than now?! Gather your information, arm yourself with facts, accumulate the tools and seeds you’ll need, and map out your garden.

Next year will be here before you know it… so get growing!

Edible Landscaping Infographic

Source


Chicken Salad with Eggs: You’ll Be Surprised How Much Flavor the Eggs Add!

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Chicken Salad with Boiled Egg Recipe (Gluten-Free)

Chicken Salad with Boiled Egg Recipe (Gluten-Free)

When I  had to start eating entirely gluten-free (health reasons), I realized how much I took sandwiches for granted – especially favorites like chicken salad, pimento cheese, and egg salad. Throw them on bread and BOOM, you’re done. When you have or choose to eat gluten-free or choose to eat keto, you have to get creative. Thankfully this is pretty darn easy and actually just as delicious, if not more so.

If you’ll be eating this chicken salad recipe on bread (regular or gluten-free), you’ll probably want to chop the veggies finely and chop the chicken and eggs as much as possible. If, like me, you’ll eat it on the plate with lettuce, tomato, and all the pickles in the house (What? Not everyone is a pickle hound like me??), leave the chicken, boiled eggs, and veggies chunky (as in the picture above)- you’ll be glad you did when stabbing them with a fork.

After you’ve combined the ingredients, taste and add any extra mayo or seasonings desired.

Either way, I think you’re going to love this chicken salad recipe.

If you want an easier way to make “boiled” eggs, please do yourself a HUGE favor and check out the Dash Egg Cooker. I’ve used mine (at least once a week) for over a year and think, “This is one of the best kitchen gadgets ever made..” each time I use it. The eggs turn out PERFECT each time and are gloriously easy to peel.

If you’re looking for a great egg salad recipe, here’s one I use every single time!

Delicious Gluten-Free Snacks (Perfect for After School!) Using Parma! Vegan Parmesan

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Parma Vegan Parmesan

Parma! Vegan Parmesan Chips

A while back I wrote a review for the delicious line of Parma! Vegan Parmesan (link to the review). Often, when I really love a product, I will revisit the review, adding new ways I’ve enjoyed the product. This one was so tasty I HAD to give it its own post.

I’ve found that sprinkling this deliciousness on plain potato chips, then storing them in a covered container creates a tasty chip you simply won’t find on any store’s shelves. It’s a knock out on popcorn, too, but there’s something extra special about the magic it creates with potato chips.

You can find the different varieties of Parma! Vegan Parmesan on Amazon. They are absolutely delicious – I LITERALLY eat the parmesan right from the container. I wish to goodness they made slices of cheese that tasted just like this!