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Reviews

Gorgeous Placemats from Amazon: Perfect for Christmas and Winter… Color Me OBSESSED!

November 30, 2023 By Joi Sigers

Gingerbread Man Placemats

Gingerbread Men Christmas Placemats (Amazon Affiliate Link)

I have a new obsession and I don’t care who knows about it… I am OBSESSED with colorful, seasonal placemats and I have a feeling the infatuation is just beginning. I ordered the beautiful, festive Gingerbread Men Christmas Placemats (Amazon Affiliate Link) from “Artoid Mode” last month and fell SO deeply in love with them that I went to Amazon the next day to see what other placemats Artoid Mode made.

To give you an idea of just how successful my venture was, you’ll notice them pictured below! I wanted to have a set of their placemats to take the place of the Gingerbread men placemats when Christmas was over. Given that the new ones are a tribute to winter, they’ll see me through to spring.. at which point, I’ll need to order my next beautiful placemats from them. Oh, let’s be honest, I’ll order them probably before the month is over. Problem is, they have so many gorgeous Spring placemats (Amazon Affiliate Link), I have no idea how I’ll choose.

Artoid Mode (Amazon affiliate link) has a gorgeous variety of placemats, kitchen towels, kitchen mats, and more. It won’t be long before I’ve filled my kitchen and den with just about everything they make – the products are THAT gorgeous, THAT eye-catching, and THAT exceptionally made.

(Continued Below…)

 

Gingerbread Man Placemats

Gingerbread Men Christmas Placemats (Amazon Affiliate Link)

 

I love the idea of having placemats and table decor compliment one another, and given the fact I collect gingerbread men and women, this one was a real cinch. I’ve been looking for a great-looking Gingerbread house to go in the center of the table… that would complete the look beautifully, especially if the house lights up.

 

Gingerbread Man Placemats

Gingerbread Men Christmas Placemats (Amazon Affiliate Link)

The only problem I have run into with these placemats (The Gingerbread ones as well as the Hello Winter ones) and with this post is the fact that the photos don’t even come close to showing how beautiful these placemats are. The colors are so vivid and they’re so well-made – when you walk into the room, they catch your eye and don’t let it go.

Gingerbread Man Placemats

Bright and Beautiful Gingerbread Men Christmas Placemats

I broke out the newest placemats, the Hello Winter Placemats (Amazon Affiliate Link) long enough to take a few pictures. Fortunately, we already have a few miniature trees to compliment the table setting but I’d like to find a few more.

At night, the way the candles reflect on these little trees is absolutely beautiful. (The trees, incidentally, came from Target).

Hello Winter Blue Placemats

Hello Winter Placemats (Amazon Affiliate Link)

While I ordered the blue Hello Winter placemats, I noticed they did have a gorgeous red one available as well. If you go to Artoid Mode’s Amazon Page (Affiliate link), you’ll find countless other placemats, towels, etc. They’re all stunningly beautiful and have added so much color, beauty, and personality to our kitchen and den, I only wish they also made bathroom decor!

Hope you’re having a peaceful and blessed Christmas season!

~ Joi (“Joy“)

Hello Winter Placemats

Hello Winter Placemats (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Filed Under: 2023 Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Gift Guide, Christmas Shopping, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Kitchen Decor Tagged With: Christmas Placemats, Holiday Placemats, Winter Placemats

Christmas for Sharing by Gooseberry Patch

November 28, 2023 By Joi Sigers

Christmas for Sharing by Gooseberry Patch

Christmas for Sharing by Gooseberry Patch (Amazon Affiliate Link)

I’ve LONG been a huge fan of the wonderfully charming, fun, delicious, colorful, and.. well… downright perfect!… Gooseberry Patch books. I have quite a collection of them and love adding to them. My mom got me hooked o them, which makes them even more special to me.

I wanted to tell you all about one I know you’ll love as much as I do – and you’ll want to get your hands on it right away, since Christmas is just around the corner!

Yeah, I have no idea how it got here so fast either. I was just planting my zinnia seeds yesterday it seems. But, no worries, it is my absolute favorite time of year, so it is welcome anytime!

Muffins

The Christmas for Sharing by Gooseberry Patch (Amazon Affiliate Link) is everything you’d expect from a delightful Gooseberry Patch book and then some.

Recipes include…

  • Hearty Holiday Sausage Muffins
  • Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Fruit Pancake Muffins
  • Egg Nog
  • Parmesan Garlic Money Bread
  • Sausage Dip
  • Holiday Hot Tea
  • Sour Cream Corn Muffins
  • Cranberry Orange Spread
  • Christmas Confetti Tamales
  • Hot Chocolate Mix
  • Christmas Coffee
  • Pecan Pancakes
  • Spiced Green Tea
  • And many, many, many, many more!

Christmas for Sharing by Gooseberry Patch

In addition to the amazing, easy and inexpensive recipes, I also LOVE the many Christmas memories and craft ideas as well as VERY creative ways to make the Christmas season an even bigger blessing for yourself and those you love.

I hope you’ll grab a copy of this extraordinary celebration of Christmas, families, food, and memories today – you’ll love it as much as I do. You can find Christmas for Sharing by Gooseberry Patch (Amazon affiliate link).

 

Filed Under: 2023 Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Gift Guide, Cookbook Reviews, Gift Ideas for Cooks Tagged With: Christmas 2023 gift ideas, Christmas cookbook reviews, Christmas cookbooks, Gooseberry Patch Christmas for Sharing

Plant-Based Cookbook Review: Forks Over Knives 100 Best Plant-Based Recipes

November 4, 2023 By Joi Sigers

ForkForks Over Knives Plant Based Recipes Magazine
Forks Over Knives 100 Best Plant-Based Recipes (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Due to health reasons, I have to follow a pretty restrictive diet… gluten-free, egg free, no red meat, dairy-free, low FODMAP. Not complaining, mind you, I’m so thankful for the things I CAN eat, I don’t worry about the things I can’t eat.

I’m also very thankful that there are so many wonderful restrictive diet products, ingredients, foods, and cookbooks on the market. I’ve found myself eating a lot more vegan meals and sides lately. They make my digestive system happy and, trust me, if it’s happy, I’m happy!

I recently found the wonderful paperback cookbook pictured above, Forks Over Knives 100 Best Plant-Based Recipes (Amazon Affiliate Link), in my favorite grocery store and had to have it. Since I had to begin eating a lot of plant-based meals, the Forks Over Knives website has been one of my most visited websites. Not only is there a WEALTH of information, including a lot for newcomers such as myself, there are so many fabulous and delicious recipes that’ll make you question why you never added more plant-based meals to your life sooner!

(Continue Below…)

Forks Over Knives Plant Based Recipes Magazine

Forks Over Knives 100 Best Plant-Based Recipes (Amazon Affiliate Link)

I’m not (even remotely) going to tell you how or what to eat. I will say that the more plant-based meals I add to my diet, the better I feel. If you have to or choose to eat vegan, this is a book you will very much want in your collection.

Honestly I can’t think of a better place to start.

Not only does the book contain delicious, easy to make, and very creative recipes, there’s a wealth of healthy information – as well as tips on how to get the most out of either a strictly plant-based diet or (like mine) one that incorporates into your own personal diet. Learn more at Forks Over Knives 100 Best Plant-Based Recipes (Amazon Affiliate Link).

More Plant-Based Cookbooks:

More Forks Over Knives Cookbooks (Amazon Affiliate link)

 

Filed Under: Cookbook Reviews, Plant Based Recipes, Vegan Cookbooks Tagged With: plant-based cookbook, plant-based recipes, vegan recipes

A Return to Ireland (Review of a Stunning New Cookbook!)

November 3, 2023 By Joi Sigers

A Return to Ireland Cookbook by Judith McLoughlin

A Return to Ireland Cookbook by Judith McLoughlin (Amazon Affiliate Link)

I have been obsessed with all things Ireland since I first saw The Quiet Man years ago. Irish beauty Maureen O’Hara has always been one of my favorite actresses, which also helped draw me to the gorgeous and fascinating country. The iconic beauty also happens to star in The Quiet Man alongside John Wayne and Barry Fitzgerald).

After seeing the film, I read everything I could get my hands on about Ireland and became infatuated with its food, customs, colors, charisma, and people… especially its people – with its food close behind!

A Return to Ireland Cookbook by Judith McLoughlin (Amazon Affiliate Link) is the newest cookbook added to my cookbook collection and (as you’d imagine), I am overjoyed. TWO passions of mine – Cooking and Ireland – combined. It doesn’t get any better than this!

The first thing that struck me was the size and beauty of the book – it’s absolutely stunning, from the Irish font to the gorgeous photographs. As one would expect, there’s a lot of green and it’s an absolute joy to the eyes.

REVIEWS FROM THE BACK COVER

“Judith’s beautiful book deftly explores the Irish immigrant story—her own, that of her grandparents, and of the wider Irish-American community—through the medium of recipes passed down through the generations. These now make their way back across the Atlantic in A Return to Ireland.”
—Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States of America“With A Return to Ireland, Irish cookery has come of age. Her recipes are steeped in our history and the future of Ireland. From nature to plate, with amazing stories of passion and love from the homeland.”
—Chef Noel McMeel, executive chef of the 5-Star Lough Erne Hotel and author of Irish Pantry“Judith’s continual passion for Ireland, Irish food and the Irish culture continues to be an inspiration to me and to everyone who meets her here in Georgia. Her zest for life, her stories and her Irish creations in the kitchen are superb and really fun. May the inspiration continue to call people to return to Ireland.”
—Chef Ford Fry, restauranteur and author of Tex-Mex Cookbook“McLoughlin’s new book is a truly intergenerational exploration of one Irish family’s emigrant journey from the rugged hills of Ireland to the shores of New England and the tastes of home they’ve savored ever since. Do yourself a favor and Return to Ireland without ever leaving your kitchen.”
—Nathan Mannion, Head of Exhibitions and Programmes at EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum

“Judith’s inspirational food and storytelling is very much part of this phenomenon that is calling the Irish diaspora home to Ireland to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors.”
—Dr. Tim Campbell, director of the St. Patrick’s Center

About the Author

Judith McLoughlin is a professional Irish chef based in Georgia, an author, tour guide and owner of a gourmet food business called The Shamrock and Peach in 2009, specializing in Irish cuisine, in which she has created her own unique food fusion by blending the techniques of her homeland with the newfound flavors of the South. Over the past 10 years, Judith McLoughlin has become one of the most recognized Irish faces and brands in Atlanta, throughout the American South and abroad. Judith grew up in County Armagh in the heart of rural Northern Ireland. She is regularly asked to contribute to food columns in national newspapers and magazines on both sides of the Atlantic and also leads numerous discovery tours from the US to Ireland each year. She has worked with Whole Foods, Cooks Warehouse, Aprons Cooking School, Tourism Ireland, and Kerrygold. She has previously published a cookbook entitled The Shamrock and Peach.
(Review Continued Below…)

A Return to Ireland Cookbook by Judith McLoughlin

A Return to Ireland Cookbook by Judith McLoughlin (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Not only is the author an Irish chef, the photographer (Gary McLoughlin) is also Irish. The pair make an absolute dream team to present their beautiful home country to the rest of the world. It is in very, very capable hands!

RECIPES INCLUDE:

  • Irish Cured Ham & Cheddar Cheese Pillows
  • Crispy Kale Salad with Baked Irish Cheese (with a Lemon Vinaigrette)
  • Padraig’s Roasted Potato Cups (gorgeous!)
  • Nana’s Lemon Meringue Tart
  • Asparagus Salad with Sweet Peppers & Baby Arugula
  • Cullen Skink Seafood Bake
  • And many, many more extraordinary and exciting recipes you have to see to believe!

I love the beautiful photos in this stunning cookbook, I love the author’s wonderful writing, and I love the creative and delicious recipes. I also love learning so much about this gorgeous country and its warm, wonderful people – so full of charisma, charm, and personality. The Irish traditions shared, alongside the stunnignly beautiful photos and text make you feel like you’re there.

And THAT, is a wonderful thing, indeed.

A Return to Ireland Cookbook by Judith McLoughlin (Amazon Affiliate Link) would make a very thoughtful, beautiful gift for any cooks in your life, but you’ll absolutely want to grab a copy for yourself while you’re at it. I simply couldn’t recommend this book high enough.

A word about restricted diets (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, low FODMAP, etc…): Obviously this cookbook, like the majority of the cookbooks I review featured traditional, non-restricted recipes and ingredients. However, when you’ve been at the restricted diet game as long as I have, you learn to automatically “mentally replace” listed ingredients with ones that are safe for you. For example…

  • Traditional flour can easily and effortlessly be replaced with a gluten-free flour such as my personal favorite King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour (Amazon Affiliate Link)
  • Vegan? Replace eggs with Egg Replacers (Amazon Affiliate Link) – there are so many on the market! I have to use egg replacers daily and you simply can’t tell the difference.
  • Etc!

A Return to Ireland Cookbook by Judith McLoughlin (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Filed Under: 2023 Christmas Gift Ideas, Cookbook Reviews, Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks Tagged With: cookbook review, Irish Cookbook review, Irish recipes

Food Prep and Storage Containers: Sanity Preservers for Specialty Diets (Especially Low FODMAP)

October 16, 2023 By Joi Sigers

SnapLock Containers: Perfect for Meal Prepping and Snacks

SnapLock Containers (Amazon link): Perfect for Meal Prepping and Snacks

If (like me and several members of my family) you have to eat some form of a restricted diet, you know how difficult it can be. Convenience flies right out the window – and the more food restrictions or intolerances you have, the further it files.

Your restricted diet may include…

  • low FODMAP
  • Gluten-Free
  • Dairy-Free
  • NO red meat
  • NO red meat products (broth or ingredients made from cows or their kind)
  • NO pork
  • NO eggs
  • as few processed foods as possible

Or… if you’re one of those with an extra dramatic digestive system, like me, you have to follow all of the above. There’s a reason I call my digestive system Greta Garbo… it brings ALL the drama and then some.

There are plenty of struggles about having to eat a restricted diet or choosing to eat a restricted diet (such as vegans, vegetarians, or those simply trying to lose weight). One of the greatest headaches is dining out – the more limitations in your diet, the more limitations in your restaurant options.

If your health depends on your diet, please always check a restaurant’s allergen and nutritional information. While low FODMAP isn’t listed as one of the categories on these charts, a quick check with a trusted resource (such as Monash University FODMAP) will let you know what foods are low FODMAP, what foods are low FODMAP, depending upon the serving size, and what foods are high FODMAP – think of these guys as toxic energy and avoid them like the biggest grouch in your world!

Monash University FODMAP is where the whole low FODMAP diet originated, so I trust their information explicitly.

Dining out is a headache with dietary restrictions, but… let’s face it… dining in can also be a pain in the gut (see what I did there??). The biggest issue is convenience when it comes to many diet restrictions, especially low FODMAP and especially if you have more than one restriction.

For gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.. you can still find plenty of options for snacks and condiments. But when you have to eat low FODMAP, it gets trickier. See, when you have to eat this particular diet, you have to avoid garlic and onions (including garlic powder, garlic salt, onion powder, and onion salt).  When’s the last time you read the ingredients on the label of ketchup, mustard, or even pickles?! Garlic and onion are everywhere.

I have to buy Fody Ketchup (Amazon link) and either Fody seasonings (Amazon link) or Smoke & Sanity Seasonings (Amazon link) – both brands are low FODMAP and are excellent.

Some Fody foods are starting to show up in select stores: I’ve seen Ketchup, Salsa Verde (once, until it sold out seemingly everywhere in the world!), Salsa, Taco Sauce, and Spaghetti Sauce in Kroger, Meijer, and (word is) they’ll be in Wal-Mart soon.

Wonder if it’d help if I begged?

Companies like Fody and Smoke & Sanity save a LOT of extra work, efforts, and give make your world a lot more flavorful.

Flavorful is glorious.

Anthony's Organic Pumpkin Seeds

Anthony’s Organic Pumpkin Seeds (Amazon link.. these are addictive!)

Food Containers for Portioning, Snacks and Meal Prep

Many foods are considered “low FODMAP” only in certain proportions. For example, Pumpkin Seeds are “low FODMAP” if the serving is approximately 2 tablespoons. More than this? No longer low FODMAP.

Welcome to my nightmare of trekking through the FODMAP jungle.

Small containers keep you on track by allowing you to measure your safe serving – when it comes to IBS, IBD, or any other health issue, “eye-balling it” simply does not cut it.

Continued below two of  my personal obsessions, strawberries and pineapple…

SnapLock Containers: Perfect for Meal Prepping and Snacks

Strawberries and Pineapples in a SnapLock Container

I have always loved food storage containers (Amazon link) but never more than NOW. I’ve only had to start eating Low FODMAP (and dairy-free, egg-free, red meat-free, pork-free… luck meee) this year, but have been gluten-free for many years.

Let’s suffice to say, this is a whole new ballgame and it’s anything but an “easy win!”

Winnable? Absolutely. Easy? No freaking way. Honestly, the low FODMAP part of the program is the toughest, thanks in part to, not just avoiding the high FODMAPS, but also keeping the “safe” foods at a “safe” portion.

Containers like SnapLock Containers (Amazon link), help set me up for a win by giving me the tools I need. I can easily portion my snacks and prep for my recipes by measuring the food into the containers and placing them into the refrigerator.

The smaller ones are also very handy for taking my own condiments into restaurants. So many people have or choose to do this these days, it’s not a big deal whatsoever.

When we go to Cracker Barrel OR Wendy’s, I take small containers of vegan butter (delicious), vegan sour cream (also delicious), and chopped chives with me if I plan to order a baked potato (be sure to always specify you want it without any butter or other toppings).

They’re also handy for carrying with you on the road, since goodness knows grabbing a snack on the go is all but safe.

Obviously there are many, many food storage options on the market, I’ve highlighted the SnapLock Containers (Amazon link) for a few reasons:

  1. They’re very durable. I’ve used mine for months on end and they still look as good as the day I got them.
  2. They’re colorful! When you have food restrictions, health issues, and such ridiculousness, the more FUN and COLOR you add to your world the better. Trust me, they’re a psychological boost and, let’s face it, with things like IBS, some days call for as many boosts as possible!
  3. Most families have only one or two people who have to eat restricted diets. A few even have people who eat DIFFERENT restricted diets. Having your very own containers lets everyone else know to keep their delicious doughnuts, red meat, and sautéed onions elsewhere!
  4. These beauties have leak proof silicone seals that keep your food safe all day, without spilling out.
  5. As I mentioned above, the smaller ones are excellent for carrying your own condiments into restaurants and are ideal to take on the road, to school, or to work.
  6. I use them! I only recommend products I’ve tested and loved. If I wouldn’t recommend something to my husband, daughters, sons-in-law, or grandbabies… I won’t recommend it to you.

SnapLock 14 Piece Lunch Container Set (Amazon link)

I’ll be having a lot more restricted diet tips, advice, cookbooks, recipes, and product reviews coming up. The recent health scare and paradigm shift rocked my very world a bit. I mean, can you imagine? You’re a food blogger and BAM! Suddenly a LARGE bulk of the foods you cook with and eat are suddenly toxic slime to you.

In fact, being a food blogger came up in one of my conversations with God after I got terribly ill and realized I was facing even more food restrictions. I believe the conversation went something like this…

Me: ” How could this even happen? I’m an AVID cook! I live to create recipes, try new recipes, cook for my family… and I even have a food blog!” (as though any of these were surprises to God)

God: “Then who better than YOU to face something like this? You know how to cook, you’re very familiar with ingredients and food.”

Me: – – – –

God: “And you could be there for others in similar situations to encourage and help them.”

Me: “I’m all in! Let’s do this…”

NOTE: Not all of the recipes on this blog are geared toward restricted diets. I’ve had this food blog for MANY years (even before I had to give up gluten). My dream is to go back and rewrite and redo every recipe on the blog and make them “safe” for everyone.

After all, I’ve been blessed with a situation where, hopefully I can bring information, encouragement, and “this is how I got through this and this is how I keep smiling.”

Let’s do this…

~ Joi (“Joy“)

Fruit in Container

Fruit in Container

Filed Under: Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Gluten Free, Low-FODMAP Diet, Meal Prep Tips, Reviews Tagged With: food prep containers, food prep for low FODMAP, low fodmap food review, storage containers

A Low FODMAP Dieter’s Dream Come True: Fody Condiments and Spices on Amazon

August 20, 2023 By Joi Sigers

Fody Salsa Verde

Fody Salsa Verde (Amazon link) CRAZY Delicious!

If you have IBS, Leaky Gut, or IBD – or simply have a grumpy gut! – you may have heard about the importance (as someone in this group, I would go so far as to call it a VITAL importance) of eating low FODMAP foods.

Those of us who choose this type of diet have to stay loyal to foods and drinks that are low FODMAP and avoid the high FODMAP foods as much as is humanly possible. You can find great charts and lists on low and high FODMAP foods online simply by searching them out.

A word of caution, however, please look for very reputable sources and even search for a particular food more than once. Because my choice to eat Low FODMAP is based on a health issue, I always search for a food three times before “accepting” its fate. I learned this the hard way and hope to spare you the same fate!

For me, personally, the trickiest problem has been avoiding onions, garlic, onion powder, and garlic powder (the powders and salts are actually even worse, it seems, because they’re so concentrated).

I simply replace onions with chives in my cooking and baking and (pinky swear!) I actually prefer the taste of chives. The biggest issue is finding salsa, salsa verde (an obsession), seasoning blends, and condiments without the two popular ingredients. Seriously… onions and garlic are everywhere!

Well… almost everywhere. I found a food brand on Amazon that has been a game changer and sanity preserver for me. Their ingredients are all Low FODMAP and free of any onion or garlic – powder or any type! Best of all, everything I’ve tried has been absolutely delicious.

The salsa and salsa verde (Amazon link) are particularly out of this world. Before I was even halway through the jar of salsa verde, I vowed to  never allow myself to run out of it and I’ve been true to my word. It’s actually better than ANY salsa verde I’ve gotten… with or without garlic and onion. It’s absolutely delicious stirred into rice, on tacos, with tortilla chips, or on a baked potato. It’s ridiculously good. The salsa is a knock out too (come to think of it… I’d better order more soon, I’m down to half a jar!).

I’ve also tried (and loved) their taco sauce (Amazon link). I’m wild about the taste. Like the salsa and salsa verde, I prefer it to anything else I’ve had on the market. Fody’s products are less sweet than other brands and, somehow, manage to taste fresher.

I have other Fody products I’ll be trying soon and will let you know all about them. Obviously, because this is a special needs type of food, the products are pricier. Given that it’s impossible to put a price tag on being healthy, feeling good, and being able to enjoy great food, I almost didn’t even mention this fact. However, I know that if you’re like me, you’ll see the price of these wonderful products and mentally calculate that each is more than you pay for in the grocery store.

Trust me on this, however, after you’re able to enjoy delicious condiments with peace of mind, the price will be the last thing you’ll worry about. All you’ll be thinking about is which product you’ll try next… for me, it’s the BBQ sauce, Ketchup, and Ranch Seasoning. I also have my eye on their snack bars!

I only wish their chips were available individually – as it is, they’re only available in bundles.

Shop all Fody Foods on Amazon! (Amazon link)

GREAT GIFT IDEA FOR YOUR LOW FODMAP PEEPS!

Whether it’s for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, or just because you’re cool like that, Fody foods would make a great gift idea (stocking stuffers or in a gift basket). As I said, they’re a game changer.. and those of us with dietary restrictions often need that game changed up a bit! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Fody Taco Sauce (Amazon Link)

 

Filed Under: 2023 Christmas Gift Ideas, Food Reviews, Gluten Free, Gluten Free Food Reviews, Health Food Reviews, Low-FODMAP Diet, Reviews Tagged With: low FODMAP, low FODMAP condiments, low FODMAP salsa verde

Gorgeous Textured Drinking Glasses: I LOVE These Vintage-Looking Beauties.

May 2, 2023 By Joi Sigers

This set of 6 Textured, Vintage Drinking Glasses (Amazon link) is so breathtakingly beautiful I want to order a set for me, one set for each of my three daughters, and a set for all of you as well. Unfortunately, my bank account prohibits that last one so I’ll just show them to you.

I mean that’s something, right??!

I am ALL about surrounding myself with vintage decor, glasses, lamps, books, old movies.. I guess it’s safe to say I live in a state of vintage.

I also love things that are unspeakably pretty and unique and this set certainly fits that description as well.

These beauties come in clear (shown on the right), pink, green, amber, and blue – they’re seriously all so gorgeous I have no idea how I’m going to choose. I mean the clear would be ideal for holidays, matching dinnerware of any season.. but the other colors are so stunning.

About this item:

From Amazon:

  • Vintage-inspired design and embossing that are long lost to bring you a glass that you will be proud to serve your guest with! They will elevate every cocktail or signature mocktail. They look great on a bar cart or with exposed cupboards. Great for floating shelves or behind your favorite bar.
  • Sweet tea glasses, Water glasses, juice cups, these are great for any cold drink from cocktails to mocktails and even beer! With a nice weight they feel great in your hand and look even better! The retro boho esthetic is sure to make all your guest where you got them from!
  • Looking for a hostess gift, housewarming gift, Christmas present for newly weds or anyone who likes to entertain? These drinking glasses look beautiful in a cabinet or displayed out on a bar cart for all to see! Coordinate your color choice with your cocktails this holiday for a real crowd pleaser!
  • The 13 oz. Vintage Textured Drinking Glasses are embossed with vertical ribbed lines around the base and intricate circular patterns. Not only drinking glasses, they also make a great display for shelves filled with pampas grass or small bouquets of flower, office supplies, toothbrushes and so much more!
  • Each glass measures 3.25 x 4.75 x 3.25 and are safely bubble wrapped and shipped in a brown box. The glasses have a 13 ounce capacity are Lead free.

See 6 Textured, Vintage Drinking Glasses (Amazon link) for a closer look. You’re going to flip over the gorgeous colors.

Filed Under: Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Dishes, Gift Ideas, Retro Kitchen, Shop Tagged With: vintage glasses

Short Message For Anyone Who Has to Eat a Restricted Diet: Tips and Advice from the Front Lines

May 1, 2023 By Joi Sigers

Salad with Chia Seeds

My Beloved Salads Have Never Betrayed Me!

If you have to eat any kind of a restricted diet, due to any of the following mood busters…

  • Celiac Disease
  • Heart Disease
  • Food Allergies
  • Autoimmune Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Or any other condition that insists on being your meal planner

… you know that the challenges are very real, you know that occasional feelings of gloom WILL happen, you know that others who do not have to eat your restricted diet have ZERO idea what it is like, and you know that… well, let’s be honest… it kind of sucks.

Having said that, there are certain tips and mindset “tweaks” that can help keep a smile on your face while keeping your body healthier and, thereby, helping you stay around longer for this extraordinary ride we call life.

I’ve had to live without gluten and wheat for over 10 years. There’s a certain reality you face when you have to make the dietary restrictions as an adult… it’s actually much harder because you know what you’re missing for one thing and, for another, it literally involves throwing aside everything you know and embarking on a journey that has been planned without your consent.

I was recently reminded of this very fact when, on top of having to diligently eat gluten and wheat free, my body has decided that… while we’ve had a strained relationship for years… it needs a trial separation from dairy. Possibly permanent, but definitely trial. Seems it isn’t completely thrilled about its relationship with hamburgers or eggs either at this time.

Cool beans… No wait, I can’t eat beans either… let’s make that cool carrots…  Cool carrots, time to restructure my meals and diet and to be even more mindful of everything I put into my face.

If this sounds like complaining, I apologize. I’m not angry and I certainly don’t feel sorry for myself, even remotely. It’s just kind of frustrating, that’s all. But, as I did many years ago, when I had to walk away from all wheat and gluten, including my absolute obsessions fried catfish at my favorite restaurant and onion rings from any restaurant, I will quickly adapt. In fact, I’m very blessed and grateful that plans and diets have already been laid out for me… I’m using a combination of the Paleo diet, the Bulletproof diet, and the Low FODMAP diet… in addition to my already firmly in place gluten-free diet. I’m unspeakably grateful that so many dairy alternatives exist on the market, as well as so many clearly-marked gluten-free foods. It makes cooking a lot easier when you simply have to make a substitution.. or, in my case, usually a couple of substitutions.

Cheese is going to absolutely be the hardest thing for me. I’m hoping that, once my leaky gut or IBS (whichever has been rough-housing me) has settled down, I can reintroduce it to cheese every now and then. If I can…. great! If not… well, that’s fine. As God reminded me recently, there’s a LOT more to life than just food. I mean, I always knew that, but one day (when realizing I needed to make yet another adjustment to my eating…which btw apparently will include stopping red meat for a while) I was driving through town, looking at all the cars in the fast food drive thrus and parking lots. I remembered the days when I could simply grab a burger and a diet Coke without thinking twice. I remembered when my husband and I could go out to eat anywhere we chose, instead of having the choice determined by my restrictions.

Just as a gorgeous day was becoming overcast with my negative thoughts, God reminded me (paraphrasing, here) to look at the beautiful blue sky, listen to the birds, think of my husband, daughters, sons-in-law, precious grandbabies, and cats. He reminded me to think of my flower beds I was already so excited about. He let me know that there is SO much more to life than food.

Amen!

Truth be told, though, over the years, this was one of my only weak moments. I attribute this one to the ‘yet again” emotions – the fact that big changes had to be made. Seriously, y’all, if someone would just stop moving the goalposts, it’d be lovely lol.

It’s been a few weeks since that wake-up call and I honestly feel SO much better. In fact, implementing dietary changes has me feeling so much better, physically, that I’m kind of excited to see how it all plays out. I even lost 5 very stubborn pounds that had already become such a part of my life I had all but given them names.

A few tips for anyone who has new (or old) dietary restrictions they need to make peace with:

  1. Food isn’t everything. As a nation, we Americans pretty much make our lives revolve around food, don’t we. If we want to get out for a drive through the country on a beautiful day, we grab a quick hamburger and fries or milkshake for the journey. Every family get together (from Super Bowl Sunday to holidays) revolves around food. And while there’s no getting around it or really any reason to change things, we can be smarter. Maybe by grabbing a bag of snacks and large tumbler of tea  from home before the ride through the country. Or having get togethers center around healthier options – a taco bar or even salad bar if you have enough vegetable lovers in your group.
  2. Look at what you CAN eat rather than what you CAN’T eat. This one may seem subtle but it’s so important I would have put it first, but there’s no way I’m leap-frogging over God’s advice. I made a list and printed it out of foods I can enjoy while eating Paleo – whether it’s for a specific amount of time or forever and ever, Amen. I didn’t even write down the ones I can’t touch – after all, I already know them, I don’t want to give them any more attention. I’m turning my attention to the many foods and drinks waiting to help me out. They’re my teammates now and I’m focusing on them. A word of caution when you research what foods are and are not on a particular diet. Whether it’s FODMAP, Paleo, Keto, gluten-free, or any such diet, there is a LOT of conflicting information online. For kicks (what can I say, it was a slow day) I Googled “are white potatoes high or low FODMAP” once and got at least a dozen different answers. Fascinated, I asked Google if white potatoes were on the Paleo diet.. again, different results! This bottomless pit of conflicting information led to the next tip..
  3. Do your research! If you’re embarking on a particular diet, please do a great amount of research first. Arm yourself with information or you won’t get anywhere. I would seek out the most reputable sources possible. I have a great number of books I’ve turned to for each of the three diets I’m pulling from the Paleo and Bulletproof diets are extremely similar, the Paleo one is simply more constructed and clearly-defined…. no “maybe this could be okay..” with Paleo – it’s more of a “don’t even put it in the cart,” which is the structured approach I frankly need right now. Having a great library of books will arm you with the information you need and help take a lot of worry and stress off of you. Let someone else do the heavy lifting with you! (Books I recommend are at the bottom).
  4. If you’re cooking for yourself as well as others without restrictions, take a deep breath, it’s going to be okay! One of the things I hear most people on restrictive diets complain about the most is having to fix several different meals instead of just one. Personally, I think of it as, “I GET to cook several meals instead of one” because (A) It means I have loved ones at my dinner table and (B) It means they don’t have to restrict their options.. good on them! I think most people aren’t setting themselves up for success. They’re making life way too complicated. For example, tonight I’m making Big Mac Salads for supper (one of my husband’s favorite meals in the world!). I’ll prepare the pickles, onions, romaine lettuce and other vegetables and throw them into a huge bowl. So far, so good. Then I’ll cook his ground beef in one pan while cooking my ground turkey in another (trust me, it’s delicious!).. each will be seasoned and placed in separate bowls to stay warm. When put together at the table, he’ll be able to add his meat, croutons, and dressing made with milk to his plate while I add my meat, gluten-free croutons, and dressing made with almond milk to mine. Easy peasy.  Meal planning may take a little more thought, but half the battle is simply having your options on hand and in mind. More on that next..
  5. Have a shelf for your food in the refrigerator and pantry. It will make it a lot easier, and healthier, on you if you (after careful label-reading and research) have a designated shelf in the fridge for foods that are safe for you. I mean, who wants to go digging through the refrigerator – especially if they have to keep reading those cursed tiny ingredient lists each time. Set yourself up for success and make life easier on yourself. Do the same with the pantry. Hunting for “safe” foods is a headache and does nothing but add stress.
  6. If you’re on Instagram or Pinterest, search out reputable accounts that deal with your particular dietary needs. Instagram has been a wealth of both information AND inspiration to me and have made a huge difference in making the dietary transitions. HUGE difference.

Some books and cookbooks I highly recommend:

(All links are Amazon links)

*** PALEO and BULLETPROOF ***

The Simple Paleo Kitchen

Eating Paleo (Complete Idiot’s Guide)

Celebrations

Five Ingredient Paleo Cookbook

The Bulletproof Diet

Bulletproof: The Cookbook

*** LOW FODMAP DIET ***

FODMAP Friendly: 95 Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Recipes

My next article will feature some of my favorite Paleo-Friendly snacks and foods, dairy substitutions, and favorite gluten-free foods.  And remember, stay positive… you’ve got this! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

 

Filed Under: Gluten Free, Health and Fitness, Keto, Low-FODMAP Diet, Mediterranean Diet, Table Talk Tagged With: how to eat a restricted diet, how to feel better about a restricted diet

Chef Michael Symon’s 5 in 5: 5 Fresh Ingredients + 5 Minutes = 120 Fantastic Dinners (Raving Review)

April 29, 2023 By Joi Sigers

Michael Symon's 5 in 5 Cookbook

Michael Symon’s 5 in 5 Cookbook

Since having to give up gluten and wheat, I have had to go back and edit a few of my cookbook reviews. I’m focusing more on gluten-free/wheat-free foods and don’t want to risk recipes or photos that could be confusing to anyone who has to eat gluten-free. The Cookbook review I’m editing and republishing today is one I absolutely love, Michael Symon’s 5 in 5 (Amazon link). Not long ago, when I told someone I collected cookbooks, she asked what my top 6 cookbook recommendations would be. The first thing out of my mouth (well, actually fingers, we were talking through Twitter DMs), was “Anything by Michael Symon…. but I’d start with his wonderful 5 in 5.”

A Few Thoughts Before Publishing my Edited Review:

  • Every cookbook can easily be altered in order to make the recipes gluten-free. You simply have to be diligent about making certain your replacements are in fact gluten-free. If you have Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disease, an intolerance, or an allergy, I HIGHLY recommend always looking for the gluten-free label on the product, itself. Don’t trust the label on the grocery store shelf – look at the product. When it comes to substituting pasta, for example in the wonderful Orecchiette with Sausage and Kale recipe in this very cookbook, more times than not I simply replace the ingredient with potatoes. I’ve used gluten-free pasta many times as well, but always love the extra goodness and flavor potatoes bring to a recipe. Bread is also very easy to “clean up,” whether it’s by using gluten-free bread, a wrap, or (my “go t0”), simply putting shredded lettuce in a bowl, adding the sandwich components, and calling it a “bowl.” The Fried Bologna and Egg recipe in this cookbook is delicious this way… you cut out extra calories AND the crunchy iceberg or Romaine lettuce adds so much to the flavors.
  • The original review was posted back in 2013 (before I had to leave gluten and wheat behind), yet this remains one of the cookbooks in my collection I turn to the most often. Most of the recipes, in fact, are memorized by now! Want to know another one I use just as often? Michael Symon’s Fix it With Food (Amazon link). There’s simply something about his extraordinary recipes I love – they’re PACKED with flavor, healthy, and never too highbrow. At this point, if he writes a cookbook, I’m one of the first to order it.

(Review Continued Below…)

Michael Symon's 5 in 5 Cookbook

Every now and then (quite often, actually), my husband does something super cool.  His recent act of coolness involved ordering me a new cookbook from Amazon. Not just any cookbook, mind you. This was the newest cookbook by one of our favorite Food Network Chefs, Michael Symon.

Like any good Food Network groupie, I knew Michael Symon’s 5 in 5 (Amazon link) was about to hit stores and like any good Food Network groupie, my plans were in place to grab a copy asap. I was beaten to the punch, but the only things that matter are that 5 in 5 is in my eager hands and that it’s even better than I’d expected.

From the Back Cover:

With his boisterous laugh and Midwestern charm, Michael Symon has become one of the most beloved cooking personalities on television. For ABC’s The Chew, he developed a brilliant, simple formula to help home cooks pull together fresh, from-scratch meals on weeknights: a maximum of five fresh ingredients that cook in five minutes. This cookbook ties into the segment, featuring dazzlingly quick, satisfying dinners that the whole family will love.

Michael first teaches readers how to set up their pantries with essentials that make whipping up dinner easy. Then he shares 120 recipes for pastas, skillet dinners, egg dishes, grilled mains, kebabs, foil packets, and sandwiches illustrated in 75 photographs. This is streamlined cooking for busy families and firmly solves the “what’s for dinner?” conundrum for home cooks everywhere. With a 5 in 5 recipe, there’s always time for a home-cooked meal.

The only exception I take with the description is this: I’ve made two of these dinners, so far, and Fantastic doesn’t even begin to cover it. These. Recipes. Will. Blow. Your. Mind.

Michael Symon's 5 in 5 Cookbook

Below are a few of the other recipes from 5 in 5:

(reminder: if you have to eat gluten-free, simply make safe substitutions you’re absolutely sure of)

  • Cavatelli with Cauliflower and Red Pepper Flakes
  • Orecchiette with Sausage and Kale
  • Lazy Meatball Kebabs with Yogurt
  • Fried Bologna & Egg
  • Spicy 50/50 Burger
  • Chicken Marsala
  • Garlic Chicken with Asparagus
  • Pork Schnitzel
  • Swiss Steak
  • Bricked Grilled Chicken with White Bean Salad
  • Grilled Skirt Steak with Chickpea Salad
  • Caramelized Banana Sundae
  • Salted Caramel Sundae
  • Ultimate BLT
  • Philly Cheesesteak with Provolone
  • Salmon with Rosemary and Garlic
  • Turkey and Avocado Melt
  • Poached Eggs Parmesan
  • Sloppy Mikes
  • Eggs in Hell
  • Plus Many more!

In the front of the book, you’ll find timesaving tips, Chef Symon’s favorite flavor combinations, and great pantry advice.  The book’s filled with gorgeous photos, including photos of Michael Symon and his beautiful wife. As one of the most genuinely likable celebrity chefs (or any celebrity or any chef for that matter!), one of the best things Michael Symon’s books have going for them is his personality – it comes through alongside his skills as a chef and the result is a cookbook you’ll always keep in plain sight.

If you love great food and love looking like a superhero to your family, you’ll want to order your own copy of Michael Symon’s 5 in 5: 5 Fresh Ingredients + 5 Minutes = 120 Fantastic Dinners today. This cookbook would also make an IDEAL gift for anyone, whether it’s Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, Graduation, or “Here’s this because you’ll love it…” basically any occasion.


Filed Under: Cookbook Reviews, Food Blog, Gift Ideas, Quick and Easy Recipes Tagged With: best cookbooks, favorite cookbooks, Food Network, Michael Symon

GORGEOUS Acacia Wood Spoon Rest

April 20, 2023 By Joi Sigers

I ran across this handsome Acacia Wood Spoon Rest (Amazon link) a few minutes ago and fell head over heels in love with it. It’s a heckuva lot more attractive than draping a spoon over the side of a mug or pan, isn’t it?!

I actually found it because I was shopping in the Folkulture shop on Amazon. Their kitchen towels are something of an obsession to me, but I had never bothered to check to see if they had other items as well.

Lesson learned… always check!

Acacia Wood Spoon Rest:

(Description below is from Amazon)

  • This spatula rest or cooking spoon holder is handcrafted in acacia wood and measures 4.7 Inches in diameter. The ladle holder is a must-have kitchen essential which can hold spoons, spatulas, ladle or tongs.
  • These rustic spoon rests make for the perfect wooden kitchen accessories. The kitchen spoon rest for stove top comes with a rubber grip and is anti-slip unlike other ceramic or silicon spoon rest.
  •  This boho spoon rest for stove looks extremely premium and will add elegance to your kitchen decor. This tea spoon holders can even be used to store coffee or tea spoons after use.
  •  The wooden spoon rest or kitchen utensil holder has an easy circular design with a natural finish. It is easy to wipe and clean with wet cloth making it absolutely fuss-free.
  • This kitchen utensil rest will be a perfect gift for friends and family. This boho kitchen accessory makes for a perfect housewarming gift in this cooking spoon rest.

I collect wooden spoons (never met one yet I didn’t want to buy) and can’t wait to see how beautiful they’ll look resting on this great spoon rest.


Filed Under: Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Kitchen Decor Tagged With: gift ideas for cooks, Mother's Day gift ideas, wooden spoon rest

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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.

Lots of coffee…

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What’s New on the Food Blog?

  • Gorgeous Placemats from Amazon: Perfect for Christmas and Winter… Color Me OBSESSED!
  • Christmas for Sharing by Gooseberry Patch
  • Plant-Based Cookbook Review: Forks Over Knives 100 Best Plant-Based Recipes
  • A Return to Ireland (Review of a Stunning New Cookbook!)
  • Food Prep and Storage Containers: Sanity Preservers for Specialty Diets (Especially Low FODMAP)
  • A Low FODMAP Dieter’s Dream Come True: Fody Condiments and Spices on Amazon
  • Rice Noodles, Bok Choy, and Red Bell Peppers
  • Air-Fryer Jicama Fries and Dipping Sauce Ideas

Gluten-Free Recipes

Wedge Salad with Roasted Tomatoes, Bacon, Chia Seeds, Sauteed Onions, and Ranch Dressing

Wedge Salad, Starring Roasted Tomatoes

CauliPower Linguine Pasta with Meat Sauce

Caulipower: Quite Possibly THE Best Gluten-Free Pasta

A Wonderful Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Cookbook: Whole Bowls by Allison Day

Gluten-Free Lasagna with Explore Cuisine Green Lentil Lasagna Noodles

Easy Gluten-Free Lasagna with Explore Cuisine Green Lentil (No Boil!) Noodles

Tostadas with Refried Beans and Tomatoes

Fast & Easy Summer Meal: Meatless Tostadas

Gluten-Free White Chocolate and Pecan Cookies

Gluten Free Cranberry Pecan Cookies

Air Fryer and Rotisserie in One!

Instant Vortex Plus 10 Quart Air Fryer, Rotisserie and Convection Oven (Amazon link)

A Reminder for all Cooks…

Kitchen Accident Tracker

If my accident can prevent you, a pet, or a child from being hurt, it will have been worth it to me… read more here!

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T-fal… As Good as Good Gets

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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