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Kitchen Gadget Reviews

Adorable Wilton Halloween Cookie Cutter Set PLUS Tips for Baking with Children

October 21, 2022 By Joi Sigers

Wilton Halloween Cookie Cutter Set

Wilton Halloween Cookie Cutters (Amazon link)

While I have always loved to cook and bake, it have never been more enjoyable and rewarding for me than when I am in the kitchen with one of my daughters (when they were children or today!) or grandbabies.

Children make the entire affair messier, slower, and considered (by some anyway) to a bit less “Instagram-worthy” – however, they also make it all a perfect and absolute joy. More about cooking and baking with children in a moment, but first I want to show and tell you about a wonderful set of Halloween Cookie Cutters (Amazon link) from Wilton. They’re pictured above and in many of the photos shown below of me and Maddox (4) in action yesterday.

Halloween Cookies with Maddox

Halloween Cookies by Maddox!

His little brother Jacoby (3) fell asleep just as the cookies were coming together, so we plan to make more next week so he can take part. That ought to be worth the price of admission!

This adorable set of Halloween cookie cutters includes pumpkin, ghost, and candy corn shapes. We actually ran out of yellow food coloring, so we pivoted mid-cookie decorating and turned the “candy corn” into witches hats.

Halloween Cookies with Maddox

Pumpkins, Ghosts and an Unexpected Witch’s Hat

As Maddox said, “That works anyways!”

When we went shopping for our sugar cookie and icing ingredients, we grabbed some really pretty sparkly sprinkles for the ghosts… they’re very much glamour ghosts, you understand. Fortunately we (somehow!) still had some of the Wilton Sprinkles I told y’all about yesterday. Jacoby was (wide) awake for that one, so (trust me) having sprinkles left is thisclose to a miracle!

Halloween Cookies with Maddox

The Wilton Halloween Cookie Cutters (Amazon link) are extraordinary – VERY well-made and comfortable to use (for small hands and larger hands). Some cookie cutters are floppy and awkward, these are an absolute dream. I know they’ll be used for years and years and years with my grandbabies… all three will will make memories with me with these and that fills my heart with all kinds of sweet joy.

Tips for Baking with Children

Maddox using Halloween Cookie Cutters from Wilton

Maddox Rolling Out the Dough

  1. Through out boy/girl stereotypes. As a mother of three girls who always helped in the kitchen and three grandabies who are all boys (ages 2, 3, and 4…  how cool is that?). I will admit that there are many things that are quite different between the two. However, cooking is wonderful fun for everyone! Helping clean up, afterward, isn’t quite as fun, but with the right energy, you can make it  as fun as possible (putting on a song they love like “Monster Mash” helps). Never assume the little boy(s) in your family won’t enjoy cooking and baking just as much as the little girls. After all, think of all the male chefs in the world. Their passion very well may have started in the kitchen with their parents, aunts/uncles, or grandparents.
  2. Supervise, don’t smother! When cooking with children, you want them to enjoy the experience… you want them to, hopefully, fall in love with both cooking and spending time with you. One sure way to keep that from happening is to criticize or hyper-direct their every move. Let them get creative…. let them do as many (safe) things by themselves as possible…. let them have an eye-level view of everything going on (a chair helps with the real short ones!)… let them have fun… and, for goodness sakes, let them be kids! When my girls were small and now with my grandbabies, I obviously knew that if I rolled the dough, it would be more even and if I chose the colors or did the icing, it would look more “professional” but where’s the fun in that?! Maddox decided halfway through the icing that he wanted some ghosts that were his favorite color (blue), so by gosh, we made that happen. He said they were “Sonic the Hedgehog ghosts” and he even put red shoes on one of them! Unfortunately, he bit the shoes off before I could get a picture (the shoeless Sonic ghost is pictures somewhere above.. just look for the bite marks!). If you make a child feel successful and confident, he/she will be much more inclined to want to pursue the interest. Make him/her feel like they’re letting you down or that you have to “correct” or “fix” their every move and you’re going to lose the cutest help you could ever hope for.
  3. Obviously, keep them safe. This almost goes without saying, but I have to say it. Be sure they stay away from knives, hot pans, hot water, and the stove.
  4. Use it (and everything!) as a FUN learning experience. Turn off the tv, apps, and the outside world and just live totally in the moment with your child(ren). Count cookies, use math, teach color combinations, shapes, etc. When making cookies, all sorts of opportunities for new words come up (rolling pin, flatten, dusting with flour…). I also love the fact that lessons for “planning” and “reasoning” comes up… for example, when cutting cookies, deciding which shape can be used as the dough dwindles down or which shape can be used the most often. Maddox figured out at one point (as I watched silently… the best learning is ALLOWED to happen after all) that turning the triangle shape “opposite” ways allowed him to keep from rolling the dough again…. not that he didn’t love doing that!

Maddox Concentrating on Making Halloween Cookies

Maddox, Concentrating on His Ghosts!

Also, keep in mind that (to a very large degree) people love to be around us because of the way we make them feel. Make the children in your kitchen feel loved, welcome, and downright cherished!

I want to extend a large, heartfelt thank you to Wilton for sending me their WONDERFUL products in exchange for telling you about them. They helped me create extra special memories this Halloween and I know they will for many years to come.

Find Wilton’s Phenomenal Baking Products on Amazon (Amazon link).

Wilton Halloween Cookie Cutters, Sprinkles and Pie Crust Molds

Filed Under: Cookies, Fall Favorites, Halloween Treats, Happy Holidays!, Kids in the Kitchen, Kitchen Gadget Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: Baking with Kids Tips, cookie cutters, kids in the kitchen, Wilton Halloween Cookie Cutters

Wilton Silicone Pie Crust Molds Make Fancy Pies Possible… Just in Time for Pie Baking Season!

October 15, 2022 By Joi Sigers

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pie

It’s here… Holy cats, it’s finally here! Pie season is upon us and I couldn’t be more excited. Making, baking, and eating pies is one of my favorite things in the world and this is basically my Super Bowl. Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Chess, Pecan (my favorite!), chocolate, apple… never met a pie yet I didn’t adore.

Having to eat gluten-free poses a bit of a challenge in most areas in the kitchen, but never more so than when it comes to bread and pastries. Gluten-free flours simply behave differently, period. Fortunately, I’m almost always up for a challenge, so I’ve stuck with them until I’ve mastered the situation.

Wilton Pie Crust Molds

Wilton Silicone Pie Crust Molds (Amazon link)

Making a Fancy Pie Crust

When it comes to making a pretty pie presentation, let’s fact it, most of us just don’t have the time or energy for all the fuss. The old-fashioned (and, let’s face it, pretty darn impressive) fork tines pressed around the edge serves most of us well. Yet, we often yearn for a real show-stopper pie on our table.

One of the most-respected names in the business, Wilton, has come to our rescue. I’m, by nature, a very brand-loyal person and this brand is one of the ones I have an unwavering devotion to.

Something about never being let down has something to do with it. Another thing I love about them is pictured right here in this post… they never stop or rest on their laurels. The creativity  keeps flowing and they keep coming up with new tools to help home cooks and bakers make their dreams come true.

They make us look good and, by gosh, I love them for it.

These Wilton Silicone Pie Crust Molds  are among their newest products and I absolutely love them. They’re incredibly easy to use (and reuse and reuse and reuse…), VERY well made and durable, and work like an absolute charm.

Back of Pie Crust Mold Package

Back of a Pie Crust Mold Package

Wilton Silicone Pie Crust Mold Features:

  • Create impressive pie crust designs with this silicone mold
  • Color: Red
  • Material: Silicone
  • 10.5 x 5 in. (26.6 x 12.7 cm)
  • Top-rack dishwasher safe; however for best results, hand wash in warm soapy water before first and after each use; rinse and dry thoroughly

I was sent two of these wonderful pie crust molds in exchange for telling my food blog readers about them and I recently put them to use with my first pie of the season, a delicious pumpkin pie.

Wilton Pie Crust Mold

Wilton Silicone Pie Crust Molds

I made a double batch of pie crust, one for the pumpkin pie and one batch for “playing” with the molds! The photo of the pumpkin pie shows the fluted edge and a few of the cut outs I placed on top. For those of you who don’t have to eat gluten-free, you have it made in the shade… you can use store-bought pie crust dough and play all day! Those of us who have to make our own gluten-free dough have to be very judicious with our dough lmao!

Fortunately, these molds are so easy (and outrageously fun) to use that anyone can do it. Heck, I did it with my 4 year old and 3 year old  grandbabies playing King Kong vs Godzilla all around me! I was even told at one point, “Be a Skull Crawler, MiMi!” so I did my best. I’m guessing skull crawlers roar and chomp their teeth?

Back of Pie Crust Mold Package

Back of Pie Crust Mold Package

As you can see from the directions on the backs, the instructions are incredibly clear and straightforward – so easy a skull crawler can follow them.

I 100 percent recommend these molds for the best and most beautiful pies this Thanksgiving and Christmas. They’re very thick, sturdy, and do an outstanding job. The dough doesn’t stick to the molds and you can let your creative juices really flow.

Please click through for more information:

Wilton Silicone Pie Crust Molds (Amazon link) – This link goes to the Pie Crust Mold pictured first, the one with a gorgeous apple pie on the front.

Wilton Silicone Pie Crust Mold – This link goes to Wilton’s website where you can find the mold set with the leaves (the one pictured second!) – This one doesn’t appear to be on Amazon, unfortunately.

I hope you’ll click through either link and give these a try. I just love them so much! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pie


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Filed Under: 2022 Christmas Gift Ideas for Cooks, Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Kitchen Gadget Reviews, Kitchen Tools, Pies and Pastries, Thanksgiving Recipes Tagged With: Making Pies Pretty, Pie Mold, Pie Mold Review, Wilton

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

September 26, 2021 By Joi Sigers

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’m 100 percent certain you will love a  Kitchenaid stand mixer (Amazon link) as much as I do.  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 experience has shown me why.

See Also: Recipe for the Best Whipped Cream!

KitchenAid

KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Filed Under: 2021 Christmas Gift Ideas for Cooks, Christmas Baking, Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Kitchen Gadget Reviews, Reviews, Small Appliances, Thanksgiving Recipes Tagged With: Kitchenaid Stand Mixer

Colonel Popper’s Popcorn Maker: Healthy (but Delicious) Snacking Made Possible

September 19, 2019 By Joi Sigers

Colonel Popper Microwave Popcorn Maker

Colonel Popper’s Popcorn Maker

I have a foodie confession to make. I am a snacker. What’s more, I am a snacker who is uncommonly passionate about her snacking. When I stop and think about it (which I’m doing now, for better or worse), I do very few things without a snack within reach.

  • Watching a baseball, football, or basketball game on tv
  • Watching an old movie on TCM
  • Posting on one of my blogs
  • Cooking supper
  • Working a puzzle
  • Reading
  • Sitting outside, listening to the birds
  • Working in my flower beds
  • Gossiping with my daughters
  • Swearing to my husband that we don’t gossip

Yep… everything has to have a snack close by.

Popcorn

I have popcorn in front of me at the moment – made with my new obsession: Colonel Popper’s Popcorn Maker.

We’ve already established that I’m a snacker of the highest order, so it’s obviously very important to me that my snacks be as healthy and low-calorie as possible. Otherwise I’d be in a world of trouble.

Fortunately my favorite “go to” snack is popcorn and now, with this ingenious little popcorn maker, it’s healthier than ever.

Colonel Popper’s Silicone Popcorn Maker is super durable, safe, and eco-friendly. You can eat fresh microwave popcorn right out of the colorful popcorn bowl. I can say from experience – you’ll never want to pop popcorn without a Colonel Popper again.

Five things you’re going to love about Colonel Popper:

  1. Such an inexpensive snack! Use any popcorn kernels – which are about as cheap as it gets.
  2. BPA Free Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper makes up to 14 cups of popcorn, plenty for your kids and family.
  3. MUCH healthier than microwavable popcorn you buy in stores. Who wants those harmful chemicals around their family? I certainly don’t.
  4. Easy and convenient. You simply pour the desired amount of kernels into the bowl, add butter/oil or (my personal favorite) ghee, and “pop” it into the microwave. After you remove the perfectly popped popcorn, add a little salt or other additions that float your boat (M&Ms, Parmesan, etc.)
  5. Easy to store. The bowl collapses, when not in use, to a height of 2 inches – freeing up counter space and minimizing cabinet space. Perfect for college dorm rooms or even an RV Camper with portable microwave.
  6. Dishwasher Safe – these words are always like choir music to my ears. You can either hand-wash your Colonel Popper or use your dishwasher.
  7. Available in eight gorgeous colors. You can match your personality, style, or favorite team colors. Truth be told, the Colonel Popper is so inexpensive, you can grab several different colors. Some of the colors are transparent and others are solid. Be sure to take a close look at each – and good luck choosing. They’re all beautiful!
  8. Makes a great gift idea – fun, original, and highly useful.

The Colonel Popper’s Silicone Popcorn Maker  comes with a handy guide that tells you everything you need to know to pop perfect popcorn time after time. You’ll want to hang onto this guide by either storing it right with the popper or keeping it in a drawer.

When you add the kernels to the popper, be sure it’s in the “up” position, as opposed to the collapsed position. It’s at this point you can add either oil, butter, or (my personal favorite, by far) ghee – my favorite ghee is the best ghee available, Ancient Organics Ghee. I fell in love with ghee on popcorn about a year ago and haven’t seen fit to eat it any other way since!

Topped off with a little salt (I love Rachael Ray’s Pink Himalayan Salt) and you have a fun, delicious, and guilt-free snack for any occasion.

Click through any of the links to learn more about this ingenious little popcorn maker and… trust me… even if you do buy several for fun gift-giving, you will want a Colonel Popper’s Silicone Popcorn Maker for yourself.

Colonel Popper Microwave Popcorn Maker 2


Filed Under: Christmas Gift Guide, Cooking on a Budget, Gift Ideas, Kitchen Gadget Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: healthy snacking, kitchen gadget review, microwave popcorn maker, silicone microwave popcorn maker

Winco Hamburger Smasher and Turner: Perfect for Diner-Style Burgers

June 27, 2019 By Joi Sigers

Winco Hamburger Smasher and Turner

Winco Burger Turner (and Smasher!)

I LOVE burgers. There, I said it. I love them more than words can even say. In fact, I wouldn’t spend too much time searching for words because that would be time taken away from eating burgers.

My favorite way to fix burgers is “diner-style,” just a food blogger cool way of saying, “burgers that are smashed into an iron skillet.”

Before we found  the HANDY as HECK Winco Burger Turner above (or as I call it, my smasher), it was a headache to smash the burgers into the skillet. I’d try to get my spatulas to go along with the plan, but they just weren’t built for it. You should’ve seen me, holding the spatula in one hand and placing a mug on top of the spatula with the other hand. The spatula took a beating, the mug felt anxious, and the cats laughed.

Perfectly embarrassing.

This crazy cool and inexpensive little tool has made life a lot easier. It’s also perfect for the grill – gets the burgers nice and flat. This makes them cook quicker and, in my opinion, makes them tastier.

Product Description from Amazon

  • Stainless steel construction
  • Wooden handle
  • Winco products range from tabletop to kitchen utensils to food preparation supplies
  • Winco products are used by all foodservice and hospitality industry experts worldwide

See Winco Burger Turner for more information!


Filed Under: Christmas Gift Guide, Cooking Tips, Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Grilling, Kitchen Gadget Reviews Tagged With: gift ideas for cooks, gift ideas for foodies, Hamburger smasher, kitchen gadget reviews, Kitchen Gadgets

FUN Silicone Egg and Pancake Rings: Heart, Star, and Circle

February 6, 2017 By Joi Sigers

Silicone Heart, Star, and Circle Egg and Pancake Rings
Somewhere along the way, I have developed an obsession with silicone kitchen gadgets and gizmos. The material seemingly lasts forever, is a cinch to clean and work with, and is almost always fun and colorful (two of my favorite life ingredients).  The Silicone Heart, Star, and Round Egg (or Pancake) Rings pictured here aren’t anything but awesome.

I love them!

Roasted Sweet Potato Pancake
In the picture above and below, I used the heart-shaped ring to make Sweet Potato Pancakes (click the link for the recipe). They turned out beautifully – the pancakes at no point tried to stick. I’ve used these rings with traditional pancakes and, again, they didn’t even think about sticking to the ring.

Roasted Sweet Potato Pancakes with Apple Whipped Topping
I’ve also used the rings for eggs (as any self-confessed egg fanatic would do) and they couldn’t work any better than they do. NO sticking whatsoever. I’ve used metal egg rings in the past that did stick – even when buttered – but these silicone rings don’t even come close to sticking.

Eggs with Silicone Ring
I love the looks of a perfectly round fried egg. I don’t know, it just does something for me.  You can see pictures of the perfectly round fried eggs in my Krusteaz Gluten-Free Mixes review.  A few of these well-rounded guys are keeping company with a gluten-free waffle.

I’ve had a lot of fun with the heart-shaped and star-shaped rings as well. The heart-shaped one will (of course) serve me well on Valentitne’s Day and the star one will come in particularly handy on the Fourth of July.

Who are we kidding, though, I use them the rest of the year, as well. They’re just too fun not to!

Heart-Shaped Egg
Find the Silicone Heart, Star, and Round Egg (or Pancake) Rings on Amazon for just under $10.


Filed Under: Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Kitchen Gadget Reviews Tagged With: egg rings, pancake rings, silicone kitchen gadgets

Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor, with Bowl Scraper (Review)

October 26, 2016 By Joi Sigers

 Peppers and Cilantro
My husband recently surprised me with a Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor, with Bowl Scraper (Amazon link) and I am completely infatuated with it. I’ve been going out of my way to find things to process – driving my cat crazy in the processes.

Seriously, it’s just a perfect food processor for everything. My old processor (which was a Hamilton Beach, too) wasn’t just old, it was probably one of the first food processors ever made. I’d actually love to know how old it was, just out of curiosity. I do know it was well over 10 years old.

And here’s the thing – it was still running. I had accidentally dropped it once, cracking the lid, which kept it from fitting tightly. I had to hold it on each time I used it. I guess my husband felt sorry for me because, next thing you know, I get a box from UPS and, tada…… … a brand new beauty!

Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor, with Bowl Scraper

 

Features:

  • Scrapes Sides of Bowl – No Spatula Needed
  • 10-Cup Capacity Built-in Scraper Works While Processor is On or Off
  • 2-Speeds Plus Pulse Chopping Blade and Slicing / Shredding Disc
  • Large Feed Chute S-Blade for Chopping, Mixing & Pureeing Dishwasher Safe Bowl, Lid & Blades Scraper Attachment
  • 450 Watts of power

The Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor, with Bowl Scraper (affiliate link) is the number one bestseller on Amazon in food processors and, after using it, I’m not the least bit surprised. First of all, it carries one of the most trusted and turned-to names in appliances, Hamilton Beach.

Second of all, the bowl scraper is all kinds of ingenious. Anyone who has ever dodged blades with a spatula knows that this is an invention long overdue.

Third of all? It’s downright handsome. I’m sorry if this sounds girly, but as someone who cooks all day everyday (ahhhh, the life of a food blogger – making and even eating brownies falls under the category of being productive), my appliances sit out at all times. If I’m going to be looking at them every single day… and I am… I want them to be a feast for the eyes and this food processor most certainly is.

{Review Continued Below….}

Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor, with Bowl Scraper
Fourth of all, it’s simple to use. Step by step illustrations and even a very helpful box make it as simple as it gets.  The only way it could be any simpler would be if someone came into your kitchen and used it for you.

Then again, you’d have to feed them, so it wouldn’t really be that simple after all, would it?

I’ll stick with the box. He didn’t even ask for a glass of tea.

If you’re one of those rare birds who’ve never bought a food processor because you think it’s simpler to chop everything with your knives, we have got to talk. When you’re making a meal, any task that you can make easier on yourself is just good sense.  Take Thanksgiving, for example. A food processor cuts your work making the dressing in half. Celery, onions, breadcrumbs, sage leaves… it is so much simpler than standing at the counter all morning chopping away.

Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower Rice: Cut your cauliflower and process it in the food processor. 

I also love my food processor when it comes to other foods as well…

  • coleslaw
  • hummus
  • cauliflower rice (more about him in a minute)
  • hamburger relish
  • green tomato relish
  • pimento cheese
  • chopped nuts
  • guacamole
  • chopped salad
  • the list goes on and on…

Fifth of all (and last of all), it’s very affordable. In fact, it’s so affordable you could buy one for the cook in your life and snag one for yourself in the process (sorry, once I get started with the puns, I just can’t stop)

If you only used your food processor for making cauliflower rice and nothing else, it’d be more than worth it. Cauliflower is insanely good for you, so replacing rice in traditional recipes with something so healthy is all kinds of smart.

I use cauliflower rice in place of regular rice in stir fried rice (pictured below) and it is out of this world good. Here’s something whacky I’ve discovered with cauliflower stir fried rice – when I make traditional stir fried rice, I don’t just walk, I RUN to my bottle of gluten free soy sauce. I wouldn’t even dream of eating it without a splash or two or twenty.

However (and I have zero idea why), with cauliflower stir fried rice, it doesn’t need any soy sauce. In fact, it tastes better without it, in my opinion.  The bacon, onions, eggs, and cauliflower rice work beautiful magic together.

It’s something you have to try for yourself to understand. It’s amazing.

Stir Fried Cauliflower Rice
I whole-heartedly recommend the Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor, with Bowl Scraper (affiliate link). It more than earns its #1 Amazon ranking.


Filed Under: Christmas Gift Guide, Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Kitchen Gadget Reviews Tagged With: food processor review, gift ideas for cooks, Hamilton Beach Food Processor with Bowl Scrape review

Kitchen Gadget Review: AnySharp Pro – World’s Best Knife Sharpener

October 14, 2016 By Joi Sigers

AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener
Today marks the beginning of a series of Christmas Gift Ideas for Cooks and Foodies, 2016 – since I pretty much live for this time of year, I’m beside myself with excitement. I chose the beauty pictured here to launch the series, which will go through mid-December.

I was sent this gorgeous AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener a few weeks ago to review on the Food blog and I’ve been waiting for this day to do so. When they asked which color I’d like, I must have stared at the screen for 15 minutes trying to decide. My cat thought I was in a trance.

AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpeners (So many colors to choose from!)

There are so many gorgeous colors to choose from (see the AnySharp Pro photo above for proof!). Understand the trance a little better now? In the end, I actually gave them a couple of colors I’d narrowed it down to and put the decision-making in their hands.

That right there tells you all you’ll ever need to know about me and the way my brain works. And, yes, you should feel for my family.

When I opened the package, I was thrilled that they’d chosen orange. It’s extra, extra beautiful! I collect Rachael Ray and Pioneer Woman dishes, gadgets, and… well, everything… and orange goes beautifully with the bright, beautiful things in their collections.

AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener

Why the AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener is the Ideal Gift Idea for Cooks

  • It does an outstanding job. I have to say, given its great looks and miniature size, I wasn’t sure it was “up for the task.” I was crazy wrong. It sharpened even my dullest knives and made them seem as good as new.
  • Minimal effort involved in using. Anyone, of any age, will be able to use this knife sharpener. It doesn’t take strength (for which I’m very grateful) or dexterity – you simply have to be able to guide the knife, the AnySharp takes it from there.
  • It’s small and compact. Is it a nightmare to find room for kitchen gadgets, tools, and small appliances or what?! Just this morning, I rearranged three shelves to make room for a new juicer. In the process, I decided that I have to have more shelves. My husband’s going to love that revelation. When something comes along like this that can easily sit out on the counter or a shelf without taking up a great deal of space, I get a little excited. Sure, it could easily go in a drawer but it’s simply too good looking to hide away.
  • It’ll make cooks better cooks. I often say that, when it comes to cooking, you’ll only be as successful as you set yourself up to be. If you surround yourself with the best tools and gadgets (and, of course, ingredients), you put yourself way ahead of the game. Dull knives don’t just slow your roll, they make your vegetables and everything else you’re cutting look dull and amateurish. A beautifully sharp knife makes everything quicker, easier, and better looking.
  • I love that so many different colors are available – Pink Cream, Pistachio, Almond Cream, Royal Red, British Racing Green, Royal Blue, Orange Zest, Citrus Lime, Silver… Choosing a color you know someone loves makes the gift even more personal.
  • Did I mention the AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener is a beauty? I did? Well, I’ll mention it again. I’ve been a food blogger for a lot of years and a cook for at least twice that many (suddenly I feel 110).  Knife sharpeners just aren’t supposed to be this pretty. Normally they’re pretty plain and even a little on the unattractive side. The ones I’ve seen and used in the past were the type of gadget you insist on hiding away in a drawer. THEN, you end up forgetting it even exists and you go right on battling with your dull knives.

AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener

Why You’ll Want an AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener for Yourself

When you’ve chosen colors for the cooks or foodies in your life, you’ll also want to pick one for yourself. Why? In addition to the aforementioned…

  • It’s a lot cheaper than replacing knives! My husband recently bought me a set of knives and when I happened to see the price, my eyes spun in their sockets. Good knives are worth the price, I assure you, but the last… last, last, last thing you want to do is replace them. Buying a great knife sharpener (and the AnySharp Pro may just be the best) is the best way to ensure that your investment in knives is a wise and lasting one.
  • This is the most sturdy and well-constructed knife sharpener I’ve ever seen. It is obvious that this is a very well crafted kitchen tool. Great thought went into making this the only knife sharpener you’ll need. Since it lasts for years, it’ll be a long time before you have to think of replacing it. While I’m FAR from that happening, I know that when it does – I’ll replace it with another AnySharp Pro.
  • They’re so darn pretty. Yest, it is worth repeating.
  • Sharpens straight blades and serrated. 
  • The suction cup grips to the counter as though they’re one. When you put the AnySharp in place and pull the top black lever down, the suction cup on the bottom “becomes one” with the counter or surface it’s placed on. This makes it so sturdy and safe – it literally feels as though the knife sharpener is part of the counter. However, as soon as you’re through, and you pull the black lever back up, it lets go immediately.
  • The AnySharp Pro is a cinch to use. The box opens into a set of easy to follow and accomplish instructions.

AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener
I cannot possibly say enough good things about this little beauty. I hesitate to call kitchen gadgets, tools, gizmos, or small appliances “must haves” simply because of this: When I DO, I want everyone to KNOW that I mean it from the bottom of my food blogger, kitchen tool and gadget-obsessed heart.  Having said all of that, I just have to say this…. the AnySharp Pro knife sharpener is a must have.

Furthermore, it’s a gift you can feel extra good about giving because it’s a unique and thoughtful gift that will be used, appreciated, and loved.

Where can you buy the AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener? Black, Blue, and Silver are available through Amazon (just click the link). I’ll let you know if any additional colors are ever available on Amazon – fortunately blue, black, and silver are three of the most popular colors for kitchen accessories. What’s more, the blue (pictured below) is one of the most beautiful.

Blue AnySharp Knife Sharpener
You can also visit AnySharp’s Where to Buy Page for a list of retailers. I’d visit the retailer’s websites and see if they’re available to order online if one isn’t located near you.

If you have any further questions, contact or connect with AnySharp through their following channels:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • AnySharp.com


Filed Under: Christmas Gift Guide, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Kitchen Gadget Reviews Tagged With: gift ideas for cooks, gift ideas for foodies, kitchen gadget review, knife sharpener review

Silicone Egg Poachers (Review)

January 10, 2016 By Joi Sigers

HighFive Silicone Egg Poachers
I fell madly in love with cooking when I was 19 – never-mind how long ago. Let’s just say it means I’ve been an avid cook for many moons. Many suns. However, even after so many moons and suns, I’ve never been fond of poaching eggs. I absolutely love them, mind you, but the whole process just does not float my boat.

That has completely changed this past week, however. I was sent a bright, beautiful set of Silicone Egg Poachers (from HighFive Naturals) and my boat isn’t just floating, it has set sail.

Poached Egg
Health Benefits of Poached Eggs:

A poached egg contains only 70 calories, as opposed to fried eggs or scrambled eggs which are often accompanied by butter, milk, and cheese. A large poached egg supplies more than 6 grams of high-quality protein, 4.7 grams of mostly unsaturated fat and significant amounts of vitamin D, antioxidant compounds and choline – a nutrient essential to Healthy Brain Function.

Product Description:

  • Set Of 5 egg poachers in bright, vibrant colors. 
  • Easy and fun to use.
  • Innovative design allows you to make perfectly poached eggs every single time. 
  • Clear, concise, and easy instructions takes the guesswork out of poaching eggs.
  • FDA Approved Food-Safe Silicone, BPA-Free, Temp Resistant form -40 to 450˚F, Dishwasher, Microwave, Freezer and Oven Safe.
  • Highly mulit-functional: Use For Baking And Molding, Making Quiche, Custards, Mini-Cheesecakes, Creme Brûlée, Melting Chocolate and Even Steaming Vegetables.
  • Your Purchase is Backed by HighFive Naturals Lifetime Money-Back 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee.

HighFive Silicone Egg Poachers
These beautiful little Silicone Egg Poachers take something that has never been particularly fun to make and does the impossible – it makes you actually WANT to make poached eggs.

Poached eggs are delicious all by themselves, served with a meat of your choice, or with a piece of toasted bread.  They’re also delicious served atop asparagus. Add a little Hollandaise sauce and you’ve got a party.

This set of five silicone poacher “baskets” comes with instructions for easily (and I mean EASILY) poaching eggs – several at a time, even. How cool’s that?

HighFive Silicone Egg Poachers

Simply bring water to a boil; reduce to medium. Grease the inside of the poacher with olive oil, add the egg and carefully place into the boiling water (about 4 inches of water is necessary). Cover the pot with a lid – I used a glass pie plate because none of my lids are see through, and I wanted to see what was going on.

Cook 4-6 minutes, then carefully remove the poachers (I used my spider but a slotted spoon would be fine).  Flip the poacher upside down to remove the egg or wiggle it out with a spoon.

You can find the beautiful set of 5 colorful Silicone Egg Poachers on Amazon. I highly recommend them!

Filed Under: Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Kitchen Gadget Reviews Tagged With: gift ideas for foodies, kitchen gadget reviews, silicone egg poachers, silicone kitchen gadgets

Review: Rachael Ray 3-Tier Wooden Stacking Salt Box

January 5, 2016 By Joi Sigers

Rachael Ray 3-Tier Wooden Stacking Salt Box

Rachael Ray 3-Tier Wooden Stacking Salt Box

Everyone knows I collect Rachael Ray kitchen tools, dishes, gadgets, and cookbooks. Strangers on the street stop me and ask what color mopines I have. Okay… not really. I got going and couldn’t stop.

Rachael Ray, Wolfgang Puck, Pioneer Woman, and Curtis Stone are four names that you’ll see throughout my kitchen and dining room. They’re excellent products – from cookbooks to, well, mopines, I’m a huge fan.

The beautiful Wooden Stacking Salt Box, shown here, isn’t my newest Rachael Ray kitchen tool, but it is one of my favorites. And, like the garbage bowl and food mover, I use it several times a day EVERYDAY.

Features:

  • Store table salt, gourmet salts, herbs and favorite seasonings in this stylish stackable salt box
  • Convenient stacking design with top lid allows for easy and moisture-free storage of three different salts or seasonings
  • The salt box is distinctly crafted from gorgeous acacia wood in a natural tone
  • Handy and beautiful, the box looks great left out on the table or countertop
  • Hand wash and then dry the salt box immediately for best care

This beautiful salt box looks great sitting on the counter and, more importantly, is ridiculously convenient and even fun to use…. to the tune of EVERYDAY!

Click through the following link or the picture below for a closer look – Wooden Stacking Salt Box.

Filed Under: Kitchen Gadget Reviews, Rachael Ray Tagged With: Rachael Ray 3-tier Salt Box, Rachael Ray kitchen tool review, Rachael Ray kitchen tools

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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?

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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…

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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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