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You are here: Home / Archives for Gift Ideas

Gift Ideas

Mule Sauce, from Sticker Mule, Responds to the Global Chile Pepper Shortage

June 18, 2022 By Joi Sigers

Mule Sauce

Photo Credit: Sticker Mule Mule Sauce

There have been quite a few shortages lately (food, paper products, etc..). While most of us have become pretty good at rolling with the punches and saying things like, “It is what it is..,” when it comes to food, even the mildest-mannered foodies get their dander up. ESPECIALLY when it has the potential to effect something as delicious as hot sauce.

I mean, how would eggs ever get along without it?!

A shortage I certainly didn’t see coming was the global chile pepper shortage. Recently, Siracha sauce made news for getting rocked pretty hard by the shortage and people everywhere seemed to scramble to find the last bottles on shelves.

The following is a press release from Sticker Mule regarding their popular Mule Sauce. I love the attitude… to take shortages like the ones we’re experiencing and turn them into opportunities. Read on, then head over to Amazon to order some of their Mule Sauce (Amazon link) to try for yourself!

A global chile pepper shortage is decimating current stocks of popular hot sauce brands, like Huy Fong Inc.’s Sriracha sauce, but craft brands like Mule Sauce, the Kick-Ass hot sauce from Sticker Mule, encourage hot sauce fans to use the shortage as an opportunity to try new tasty options.

The sriracha pepper and general chile pepper shortage is a result of changing weather conditions, primarily in western Mexico, New Mexico and California, where droughts, extreme heat and wildfires pervade normal growing conditions. Mule Sauce relies on habanero, yellow Scotch bonnet and bhut jolokia (also known as ghost pepper) to add a fruity, floral heat to its base of red bell pepper mash for its hot sauce. These peppers are grown widespread in a variety of environments, making them readily accessible for Mule Sauce production.

“We have been fortunate to skirt around current supply chain issues related to chile pepper production and maintain a steady stock of ingredients to make our Mule Sauce,” said Sticker Mule founder Anthony Constantino.

The Sriracha shortage (Sriracha accounts for 10 percent of the $2.17 B U.S. hot sauce market) creates an opportunity for brands like Mule Sauce to entice hot sauce aficionados to try a new-to-them sauce and boost sales for craft businesses.

Mule Sauce is quick to adapt to ongoing supply chain issues during the pandemic and credits its nimble start-up roots with Sticker Mule as the reason. “We have carefully gauged our rate of growth to be sure we are never outpacing our abilities to expand. Producing smaller batches of Mule Sauce and basing our production schedule around projected times of higher demand and fluctuations in growing seasons means a fresher hot sauce without preservatives, delivered directly to our customers,” Constantino said. Using multiple trusted purveyors for ingredients – especially chile peppers – mitigates production disasters with a single supply source.

Mule Sauce is already seeing an uptick in sales based on the Sriracha shortage. The addition of ¼-ounce individual easy-open packets of Mule Sauce are popular with the expanded take-out dining market and with outdoor diners during the summer recreation season. Mule Sauce offers piquant heat with notes of floral sweetness and a hint of molasses, measuring 3 out of 5 on the heat intensity scale. It has an impressive cache of 5-star reviews on Amazon, comprising 80 percent of its nearly 800 reviews.

ABOUT MULE SAUCE: Mule Sauce was originally created by the folks at Sticker Mule in 2019 for one of its summer barbeques the company was hosting for its team members. The hot sauce was so delicious that Sticker Mule decided they should share it with the world and launched its hot sauce manufacturing operation and began distributing it online.

Filed Under: Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Foodie News, Gift Ideas for Cooks Tagged With: food news, hot sauce

Colorful and Ingenious Measuring Cups and Magnetic Measuring Spoons (These Redefine CLEVER!)

June 18, 2022 By Joi Sigers

I have been  trying to simplify things for myself in the kitchen… meal prepping when possible, cooking some components ahead of time, organizing where everything is (and fighting to stay organized!), and just simply trying to ensure cooking stays as enjoyable as it is, without becoming a burden or pain in the backside.

One area that I’ve recognized needs improvement is my kitchen’s relationship with measuring spoons and dry ingredient measuring cups. Seems my kitchen had rather hide these tools and make me search for them than to have them ready when I need them… where I need them to be! I have one set of measuring spoons and invariably they are either taking a much-needed vacation from the drawer they live in or they’re in the dishwasher each and every time I need them.

I turned to Amazon to buy not one but TWO other sets this morning (when I say I’m tired of their shenanigans, I mean business!) and I saw the gorgeous, colorful, and ingenious measuring cups and magnetic measuring spoons set (Amazon link) pictured on the right.

Every single thing about these spoons and measuring cups is brilliant. I’m not going to lie… I especially like their bold colors. You know, the ones that make your kitchen brighter and happier, while standing out on a shelf or in a drawer, ready to be noticed AND used?!

When it comes to meal prep and simplifying things in the kitchen, you’re only going to be as brilliant as your tools are. These measuring cups and spoons can go a long way in helping us all spend more time cooking and less time looking for the right tool.

Let’s take a look at what makes these so ingenious…

  • There are 5 different sizes measuring cups (1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/4 cup, 1/8 cup) – an 1/8 cup can sometimes be hard to come by.
  • 6 stainless steel measuring spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 /2 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1/4 teaspoon,1/8 teaspoon)
  • Each cup’s “ml” and cup sizes have passed clearly engraved marking, and you can quickly identify the cup scale according to the color of the handle.
  • The handles are reinforced and welded to make each one stronger and far less likely to break. The handles are made of food-grade silicone material and boast a non-slip material. 
  • Measuring spoons and cups are crafted from food-grade 18/8 stainless steel. They could be used for any food, are rust-resistant, dishwasher-washable.
  • The spoons feature a round-shape on one end, meaning they’re ideal for liquids. The other end is oval, ideal for measuring dry ingredients and for digging in spice tins.

See measuring cups and magnetic measuring spoons set (Amazon link) for a much closer look. These are really, really impressive.


Filed Under: Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Meal Prep Tips Tagged With: meal prep, Measuring Cups, measuring spoons, Measuring spoons for dry and wet ingredients

Himalayan Salt Block for Grilling (Review)

May 9, 2022 By Joi Sigers

Voltas Himalayan Salt Block and Ground Chuck

Have you ever used a Himalayan Salt Block (Amazon link)? They are so incredibly cool and fun to use, you’ll wonder why in the world you never ordered one before! I highly recommend buying Salt Block Grilling: 70 Recipes for Outdoor Cooking with Himalayan Salt Blocks by Mark Bitterman… (Amazon link) as well.

Features of the VOLTAS Himalayan Salt Block:

  • 100% Natural Himalayan Salt Cooking Block & iron Steel Holder to Avoid Rust.
  • Recipe Pamphlet, Size, 12 X 8 X 1.5
  • Kosher Food Grade Natural Himalayan Salt.
  • Salty Flavor Extra Sizzle: Add extra sizzling salty flavor taste to all your meals Meat, Fish, Vegetables, seafood and more.
  • High Quality Metal Tray: The Salt Block Holder is made out of high quality steel that provides the sturdy support and protection to extend your Salt Block’s life.
  • Great Serving Plate Presentation: Himalayan Salt’s natural pink crystals also enhance food presentation, making it suitable for serving chilled food. Place Salt Block in the Holder, refrigerate for an hour or two and use it as a serving plate. Whether hot or cold, Himalayan Salt tiles hold temperatures effectively (up to 500°F). Impress your guests and yourself with an all natural serving dish.
  • Simple & Easy to clean: Unlike all those hard to clean cutting boards, given the salt blocks natural properties the salt disinfects themselves and is cleaned by simply wiping it with a wet cloth, And let the air dry it.

Voltas Himalayan Salt Block, Rack, and Storage Tote

This Himalayan Salt Block (Amazon link) would make an outstanding gift idea for Father’s Day – just in time for grilling season… or, in this case, grilling seasoned.

Sorry, I had to.

Hamburgers and Asparagus on the VOLTAS Himalayan Salt Block

Burgers and Asparagus on a Himalayan Salt Block

Not surprisingly, the first thing he wanted to fix on the block were burgers (he could give Popeye’s buddy Wimpy a run for his money) and asparagus (his favorite vegetable).  He cooked some burgers and asparagus on another part of the grill (for comparison’s sake) and the juiciness of the burgers were BEYOND noticeable. In fact, “JUICY,” was the first thing out of our mouths – when they weren’t full, of course – our mothers taught us manners, after all.   They were delectable and juicier than any burger I think I’ve ever had.

Ever.

As for the asparagus, if all asparagus tasted as great as these did, it’d be more people’s favorite vegetable. Before putting them on the block, I lightly oiled them with EVOO and seasoned them with pepper and garlic powder – I trusted the block to take care of the salt factor.

They were just fantastic – flavorful with the perfect amount of crispiness. Wilting, overcooked asparagus is depressing and these were nowhere near that.

Himalayan Salt Blocks are PERFECT for:

  • Steaks
  • Kabobs
  • Fish
  • Burgers (Juicy burgers, that is)
  • Vegetables

I think the cast of characters for a fajita – skirt steak sliced bell peppers, mushrooms and onions – would be out of this world too.  The possibilities are endless. See Himalayan Salt Block (Amazon link) for more information.

 Salt Block Grilling: 70 Recipes for Outdoor Cooking with Himalayan Salt Blocks by Mark Bitterman (Amazon link) would make a perfect companion as a gift. It’s full of ideas, recipes, and tips – everything a new salt block griller needs to know to have the confidence and swagger to work their salt block magic.

Salt Block Grilling by Mark Bitterman

Book Description: Over 70 all new recipes for grilling traditional and nontraditional dishes on a Himalayan salt block from salt expert and best-selling author of Salt Block Cooking, Mark Bitterman.

Everyone who loves the excitement and pleasure of discovering new cooking techniques will enjoy this guide to grilling and entertaining with salt blocks. The introduction is your salt block owner’s manual, with everything you need to know to purchase, use, and maintain salt blocks with confidence. The six chapters that follow are divided into over 70 recipes organized by key ingredients: Meat, Seafood, Poultry, Vegetables and Fruit, Dairy, and Doughs. You’ll find recipes for Salt Seared Smoked Pork Belly, Lamb Satay with Mint Chutney and Spicy Peanut Crumble, Salt Seared Tuna Nicoise Salad, Hot Salted Edamame with Sesame, Shiso, and Szechuan Pepper, and Salty, Smoky Walnut-Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

Bitterman is the foremost salt block expert and one of the largest importers and retail distributors of salt blocks. The precious pink mineral mined from ancient hills in Pakistan’s Punjab province has arrived on the American cooking scene as an exciting and enticing new form of grilling. Himalayan salt blocks are available at specialty retail stores around the world and the market is growing.

Recipe from Salt Block Grilling

Information and Recipes Include:

  • Essential Tools
  • Care and Handling
  • Heating Step by Step and Heating 101
  • Cleaning and Storage
  • Sandwich Steak with Peppers Onions and Aged Provolone
  • Short Rib Tacos
  • Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Hot Salt Rocks and Fresh Herbs
  • Salt-Barbecued Scallops with Habanero Sprinkle
  • Salt-Block Grilled Vegetables
  • Hot Salted Edamame with Sesame, Shiso, and Sichuan Pepper
  • Blistered Baby Peppers
  • Pizza on a Salt Block
  • Salty-Smoky Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies
  • Plus a lot more delicious recipes – like all cookbooks, there are a few you’ll never make (I’m looking at you baby octopuses and you know it) but all will intrigue you and inspire you. The process and food combinations are exceptional and it’s a must have book if this is your first time grilling with a salt block.

See Himalayan Salt Block (Amazon link)  and Salt Block Grilling: 70 Recipes for Outdoor Cooking with Himalayan Salt Blocks by Mark Bitterman… (Amazon link) for a lot more information.

Hamburgers and Asparagus on the VOLTAS Himalayan Salt Block

Burgers and Asparagus Grilled on a Himalayan Salt Block

Filed Under: Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Grilling, Reviews Tagged With: Grilling on a Himalayan Salt Block, Himalayan Salt Block Grilling Cookbook, Himalayan Salt Block Review

Black and White Farmhouse Salt and Pepper Shakers

May 6, 2022 By Joi Sigers

I was browsing salt and pepper shakers on Amazon earlier and, as I often do on Amazon, I found a lot more to love than just one. This Black and White Farmhouse Salt and Pepper Shaker Set (Amazon link) is one of my favorites.

These great looking shakers are made of high quality, thick glass. The lid is made of corrosion resistance stainless steel meaning they’re built, not just to looks handsome, they’re built to last.

I love that there are lots of holes in the lids. I hate shakers that pretty much give my arm a workout because there are so few holes. I’m not Popeye… heck when it comes to arm strength I’m not even Olive Oil, but that’s a whole other story.

I also love the color scheme. Black and white goes with absolutely every color and design scheme – even my colorful, whimsical kitchen with all it’s purple and red.

As if they don’t have enough going on for them, they even feature extra wide openings at the top, making filling your salt and pepper shakers easier and more convenient.

See Farmhouse Salt and Pepper Shaker Set (Amazon link) for a closer look.

These give all new meaning to the word charming.

Filed Under: Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Salt and Pepper Shakers, Whimsical Kitchen Tagged With: salt and pepper shakers

Review: Quesadillas by Donna Kelly (I LOVE this Cookbook to Distraction!)

April 11, 2022 By Joi Sigers

Chicken Bacon and Ranch Quesadillas

Four-Layer Folded Ranch

I was recently sent a copy of a wonderful Quesadilla cookbook in exchange for telling you all about it and I KNOW you’ll love it as much as I do.  Quesadillas by Donna Kelly (Amazon link) is a dream come true for me for more reasons than one.

  1. When you have to eat gluten-free, you turn to gluten-free tortillas, like the AMAZING ones from Mission (Amazon link) often. Roll-ups, wraps, quesadillas, burritos, etc. Things you can’t put in pliable bread, you can most absolutely put in pliable gluten-free tortillas!
  2. I am obsessed… obsessed I tell you… with everything even remotely connected to Mexican or even Tex-Mex.
  3. Quesadillas are a meal that comes together really fast. Meal prep can all be done ahead of time, leaving you with only one task – put it all together and make the magic happen.
  4. This is a cookbook with easy to find (I’ve found that I usually have the ingredients on hand) recipes – ones you’ll use again and again and again.
  5. It’s a physical cookbook. Let me tell you why I find this to be a HUGE plus… I detest searching through my phone, files, and drawers for a recipe! Detest it like a shy 12 year old kid hates giving an oral book report in front of a roomful of other kids with every single eye staring a hole right through me… I mean her. Physical books mean the recipe is always right where you left it. Each and every time.

Book Description from Amazon:

Simply put, the quesadilla is a delightful package of melted cheesy goodness―all sandwiched inside crispy tortillas. But now these little gooey snacks we all used to make as kids have evolved into savory meals and scrumptious desserts that are bursting with flavor. Featuring all new photography, Quesadillas contains some of these delicious favorites, including Roasted Veggie and Goat Cheese, Thai Peanut, Parmesan-Crusted Italian, Chicken Caesar, Philly Cheesesteak, Peanut Butter Apple, Triple Chocolate Decadence, and Pecan-Crusted Pear.

The first recipe I made was the one titled Four-Layer Folded Ranch. It involves bacon, cream cheese, Ranch dressing mix, chicken, tortillas, pepper jack cheese… see why I chose it first?? It’s pictured at the top and was even more delicious than it looks.

Remember how I spoke of meal prep above? I am a firm believer and ardent follower of the meal plan attack for suppers. I have the JOY (one of the greatest blessing of my life if we’re keeping score) of watching my grandbabies (from around 8:00am to 4:00-5:00 pm) while their parents are at work. I have two (ages 4 and 2, both boys) every weekday and some days also have their cousin (18 months, also a boy!). My days are FULL of fun, dinosaurs, Hot Wheels, laughs, and immeasurable love.

They’re also deliciously busy – and, if you’re familiar with little people, you know that between 3-5 is the crazy zone. I mean, they kick it up a notch or 50 around then, don’t they?! That’s why I love meal prep and that’s why I turn to things like quesadillas so often.

For the quesadillas pictured at the top, I cooked the chicken and the bacon earlier and placed them in meal prep containers. Then I sliced the cheese and combined the other ingredients I’d need. When 5:00 came, all I had to do was heat up the gridle and throw everything in place.

Whether it’s adorable miniature humans or a not so adorable 9-5 job, meal prep may be your new best friend.

Other Recipes Include:

  • Crowd-Pleaser Sheet Pan (Giant Quesadilla!)
  • Old World Mexico (potatoes and chorizo)
  • S’Mores (a scrumptious looking dessert)
  • Peaches and Cream
  • Greek Isles (Feta, spinach, black olives…)
  • Black and Blue (spicy beans and several cheeses)
  • Four-Layer Folded Caprese (cream cheese, diced tomatoes, mozzarella, basil..)

There are International, Vegetarian, Meat-y, and dessert recipes as well as a section for salsas and sauces… they are amazing.

I can’t recommend this wonderful cookbook enough. I know you’ll love and use it as much as I do!

For more information, please see  Quesadillas by Donna Kelly (Amazon link).

Quesadillas by Donna Kelly

Quesadillas by Donna Kelly


Filed Under: Bacon, Cookbook Reviews, Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Gluten Free Tagged With: best cookbooks, cookbook review, Cookbooks, quesadillas

The Time Has Come: Time to Buy an Ice Cream Maker this Summer!

March 29, 2022 By Joi Sigers

I was on Amazon a few minutes ago, comparing ice cream machines and came across this absolute BEAST of an ice cream machine. The name Ninja caught my eye because I love absolutely everything they make.

In full disclosure, I’m not sure this will be the one I buy or not because for whatever reasons (nostalgic ones, I’m sure), I kind of have my heart set on one of the wooden ones you use outdoors. However, this beauty is making me reconsider.

  • With the Ninja CREAMi, you can transform everyday ingredients into ice cream, gelato, smoothie bowls, milkshakes, and more.
  • Easily enjoy a wide array of frozen treats like decadent gelato, lite ice cream, dairy-free, gluten-free and much more. The Ninja CREAMi makes delicious treats that fit your lifestyle.
  • The CREAMi is compact in size allowing for seamless storage and fitting easily on your countertop.
  • Easy-to-use functionality allows for the whole family to enjoy making frozen treats together.
  • Customize your flavor and texture by mixing in your favorite chocolate, nuts, candy, fruit, and more to personalize any CREAMi treat.
  • Seven one-touch programs allow for the perfect combination of speed, pressure, and time to completely shave through your frozen pint. Choose between Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream​, and Mix-in.
  • Unlike traditional ice cream makers, Ninja’s innovative Creamerizer System finely shaves and churns ice particles into creamy frozen treats in minutes.
  • Select the Re-spin function if, after processing, you want your processed treat softer and creamier.
  • Dishwasher Safe: Containers, lids, and paddle are top-rack dishwasher safe.

WHAT’S INCLUDED: Motor Base with Dual-Drive Motors, Creamerizer Paddle, (2) 16 oz. CREAMi Pints with storage lids, Outer bowl and lid to house pint while processing, Recipe inspiration guide with 30 recipes.

I love that this beauty makes milkshakes and smoothie bowls (two of my personal obsessions), as well as ice cream. It makes so many more treats than I ever thought of asking of an ice cream maker. So… yeah… I’m torn between this beauty and the more traditional ice cream maker (Amazon link) that’s sitting in my Amazon cart!

Read a lot more about the Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker (Amazon link) and see videos and photos by clicking the link. You’ll see why I’m having a tough time deciding!

Filed Under: Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Desserts, Gift Ideas, Introduction, Milkshake Recipes, Summertime Favorites Tagged With: ice cream machine, ice cream maker

Gorgeous Knife Set with Wooden Block from The Pioneer Woman

December 30, 2021 By Joi Sigers

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, it helps 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 life as 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!


Filed Under: Gift Ideas for Cooks, Kitchen Decor, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Tools Tagged With: knife set with wood block, The Pioneer Woman cutlery

Possibly the Most Beautiful and Elegant Tableware Set EVER Created…

November 21, 2021 By Joi Sigers

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!

Filed Under: 2021 Christmas Gift Ideas for Cooks, Christmas Gift Guide, Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks Tagged With: classy tableware, gift ideas for cooks, gold colored tableware, gorgeous tableware

Beautiful Indoor Herb Garden Kits… Santa, are You Listening?? (Delicious Gift Ideas)

October 20, 2021 By Joi Sigers

I have officially given Santa my first gift request of the season… the Indoor Herb Garden Kit (Amazon link) I just saw on Amazon. For too many years to count, I have planted herb gardens each spring and lovingly used them throughout the summer and even into the fall. But I’ve always wished for an attractive way to grow them indoors as well – year round.

While it’s certainly possible to set individual pots around the kitchen (something I do during the cold months), they aren’t necessarily attractive and don’t look like they have a plan, you know? Yet I’ve always been loyal to the practice because, frankly, I use fresh herbs with just about every meal – even if it’s just topping something with a little chopped fresh parsley or chives.

The ridiculously handsome Indoor Herb Garden Kit (Amazon link) pictured here promises to take care of three of my favorite herbs for me: Basil, Oregano, and Thyme. BUT it gets even better… there are also matching kits (equally handsome) for…

  • Basil, Cilantro, and Parsley (I use cilantro and parsley about as often as I use salt and pepper)
  •  Cilantro, Parsley, and Chives

My first thought was… in a perfect world, each of the three kits available would have completely different herbs, with none overlapping (as basil, cilantro, and parsley do)… but then it hit me – I use these particular herbs often enough to NEED more than one plant! Besides, who’s to stop someone from planting rosemary, dill, or stevia seeds in one and labeling it such?!

Filed Under: 2021 Christmas Gift Ideas for Cooks, Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Herbs in Recipes Tagged With: gift ideas for cooks, grow herbs indoors, indoor herb garden kit

Why You Need an Air Fryer (and Why They Make IDEAL Gifts for Cooks)

October 18, 2021 By Joi Sigers

Cosori Air Fryer

Cosori Air Fryer

The air fryer pictured above (nevermind the little Matchbox truck… I have three grandbabies, all boys, so there are little cars, trucks, and dinosaurs everywhere… and I thank God for it daily!) is the latest picture of proof that… well… sometimes I’m wrong.

You see, when air fryers (Amazon link) first became a “thing,” I never thought I’d ever want one, yet alone use one. When it comes to some things, I can be very, very, very old school – this is never more true than in the kitchen. Now, mind you, I still think a cook should stay sharp with all forms and techniques of cooking – that is to say, he/she should regularly make omelets, saute’, make gravy, broil, poach eggs, etc… not only does repetitively using a cooking technique keep your skills sharp, doing so allows you to develop the absolute best way of making something. Relying solely on one small kitchen appliance (at the expense of other styles of cooking) doesn’t serve one well. I know a family member who became SO dependent on her microwave once that she had to go out and buy a new pan to boil water in when her microwave decided it no longer wanted to work for a living.

I didn’t ask if she remembered how to turn the stove on again – I was afraid of the answer.

However, the other end of the spectrum is also very true and can also make you an even better (and more creative) cook: Having a variety of fun kitchen appliances encourages you to cook different meals and experiment with different foods and styles of cooking… both of which make your kitchen a much more delicious place to be.

So, if we’re numbering the reasons you need an Air Fryer, I’d put Creativity at the top of the list. The ones that follow it, however, are just as important.

  1. Creativity. New appliances and gadgets encourage creativity and can, by their very nature, shake you out of the all too common kitchen rut! There are so many wonderful air fryer cookbooks (Amazon link) and even magazines on the newsstand that provide even more channels for creativity and fun.
  2. Crispiness. While I love, love, love experimenting with different techniques and recipes for the air fryer, want to know the one thing I love it for the most? The one thing I’d fight someone for if they came to steal our air fryer? Hold onto your seats, this is a very high brow, food blogger food…. tater tots! Hear me out, fellow foodies, the air fryer will make you fall in love with tater tots all over again. It gives them a crispiness that the oven simply cannot muster. If you want just a little crispiness, you pull them out sooner… if you want a lot more crispiness, you leave them in a little longer. Personally, I think a perfect tater tot is a little crispy on the outside and soft inside. The air fryer gives you that restaurant quality tot you never knew you missed until you make it yourself. Air fryers are also IDEAL for fries, chicken strips, onion rings, and just about anything else you can think of!
  3. Coronary Health! Obviously, anytime you can replace fried foods with “air fried” foods, your heart and arteries will thank you for it. Fried foods are horrific for your heart’s health – something I (as a southerner) am pained to admit, but it’s true. When you air fry the food, it is just as delicious and SO much healthier.
  4. Convenience. Remember the three grandbabies I mentioned earlier? I have a lot of blessings in life (wonderful husband, three beautiful daughters, three beloved sons-in-law, three perfect grandbabies, precious cats…) and one I never take for granted is the BLESSING of watching my grandbabies while their parents are at work during the week. The boys are all under 4, so this is a blessing that keeps MiMi hopping! Needless to say, meal prep and quicker meals are big on my list. The air fryer cuts cooking time in half for many foods – allowing me to fix quick meals for the little guys and quick suppers for me and my big guy! It’s also an excellent way to cook frozen foods such as fries, fish sticks, and chicken strips. They go into the air fryer frozen and come out, minutes later perfectly delicious – often even better than when cooked in the oven. Quicker, always as good/often better, and no preheating is necessary.
  5. Cooler in the Kitchen. In summer, I lose track of the number of times I plan meals around what will keep from “heating up the kitchen.” The air fryer allows the tater tots or crinkle cut fries to accompany the cookout!

I’m not going to list the following “bonus” with the ones above, and not just because it doesn’t start with a C… although I am absolutely anal enough to be bothered by that. Anytime we (any age) can learn something new and take on a new challenge, we do absolute wonders for our brains. The brain loves a challenge and, frankly, most of us don’t offer our brain nearly enough challenging opportunities. When I have a new kitchen gadget or appliance (or a new toy to put together for my little buddies) that I have successfully put together or learned how to use, I can literally feel my brain buzz with excitement. It’s kind of a rush, if we’re being honest.

I love that learning new things like this makes my brain set up and take notice. In the same way we all need to be more mindful of our heart’s health, we absolutely need to be more mindful of our brain’s health.

I just realized, I could have used “Cognitive Benefits” in the list and still kept with the C theme. Sigh.

The air fryer will make an excellent addition to your family, if you don’t already have one. It would also make an excellent gift idea for anyone on your Christmas list (or gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Anniversaries, birthdays, graduates…). It is an extremely thoughtful gift idea and one the recipient will cherish and think of you each time they use it.

If you’re lucky, they may even make you some tater tots.

While our brand is the Cosori Air Fryer, I’m linking you to a newer model. This one has the coveted Amazon Choice label and something I generally find just as lovely – a $20 off coupon!


Filed Under: 2021 Christmas Gift Ideas for Cooks, Christmas Gift Guide, Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Reviews, Small Appliances Tagged With: air fryer, gift ideas for cooks

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Welcome to the Get Cooking Food Blog

My name is Joi (“Joy”) and Get Cooking is where I celebrate some of my greatest passions: Recipes, kitchen gadgets, gluten free food reviews, gluten free recipes, pig collectibles, chocolate, cookbooks, and coffee.

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The T-Fal Cookware Set (Amazon link), above, is absolutely one of the best cooking sets you’ll ever find. It’s on Amazon and available in several gorgeous colors.

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