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Brilliant Organizer for Cans and Other Pantry Items… Even Dishes

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During the early weeks of the Pandemic (long before the lockdowns or even face masks), I fell in love with something I’ve never done before – borderline hoarding!  Not hoarding to the point of interfering with others being able to get things they needed as well, mind you, but I began stocking up for things my family and I would need for weeks at a time.

Cats included, of course!

I figured that the less I got out, the less my chances were of contacting a respiratory disease neither my asthma or I were interested in acquiring. I began using my favorite grocery store’s “click-list” (grocery pickup) and limited running into a store as much as possible.

My youngest daughter and I organized a spare room into a big walk-in pantry of sorts – not only did I want to have everything our household would need but also plenty for my other family members.

Somewhere along the way, this became such a wonderfully agreeable practice and method that I decided I’d never abandon it, even after the pandemic was in the rear view mirror. Why? Not only is it convenient, cutting back on running errands is something I (as a self-embraced homebody) very much enjoy.

It’s also handy if, say, last minute I want to change my dinner strategy – I have plenty of things on hand to work with.

Also… let’s fact it… we’re right smack in the middle of cold and flu season right now and I don’t want to be out and about any more than necessary – to say nothing of when it snows!

If you also like to stock up on pantry items, this is an organizer you may be as interested in as I am – the Adjustable Pantry and Shelf Organizer (Amazon link). While cans can certainly be stacked in front of one another, lifting and peeking to see what you’re working with gets tiresome – trust me, more than once I’ve wished for a better, easier way than playing peek-a-boo with soup cans.

This versatile shelf organizer is very affordable and would be ideal for anyone, whether they love to stock up like me or fly by the seat of their apron (not knocking it, I did it for years!).

See the Adjustable Pantry and Shelf Organizer (Amazon link) for a closer look and more information (the uses they find for this is mind-blowing and I think I want one for the laundry room and bathroom as well!).

Gorgeous Purple Dutch Oven… My Ideal Soup Pan!

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I couldn’t possibly be MORE in love with this Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven (Amazon link). Seriously, I’m half-certain it’s going to be a Christmas gift TO me, FROM me this year. I love the Amazon Basics brand (phenomenal quality at very, very reasonable prices) and the color (purple) is my absolute obsession.

If this particular color doesn’t float your boat (what are you thinking?!), know that this gorgeous Dutch oven comes in a wide variety of colors:

  • blue
  • gray
  • white
  • navy
  • red
  • pink
  • green
  • matte white
  • orange (very good looking)
  • teal
  • purple (some things are worth repeating)

Features:

  • 6-quart cast iron Dutch oven pot for cooking and baking in the oven or on the stovetop; Oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Smooth enamel finish provides long-lasting durability and non-stick convenience
  • Cast iron provides even heat distribution and retention; Hand wash only
  • Dual side handles and fitted lid
  • Roast meat, bake bread, marinate food, sauté vegetables, prepare soups, stews, casseroles, and more
  • Backed by an Amazon Basics limited 1-year warranty

See Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven (Amazon link) for more information and to see the other gorgeous colors…. in addition to the stunning purple.


Christmas Gnomes: Dishes, Bowls, Salt & Pepper Shakers, Candy Bowls, Cookie Jars…

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Cooks Christmas Gift Guide 2022

Gnome Sweet Gnome

Over the past three years, I have fallen head over heels in love with gnomes.  I love them, I collect them.. quite frankly, they have my undying devotion, whether they know what to do with it or not.

I honestly have no idea where this infatuation started – after all, when it comes to Christmas collections, I’ve always been ALL about snowmen, Christmas bears, and gingerbread men… somewhere along the way, gnomes just joined the party.

The snowmen don’t seem to mind, so it’s all good.

When it came time to make the image for the food blog’s Christmas Gift Guide 2022, there was very little doubt who the guest-star would be. I also thought it perfectly fitting to start the whole shebang off with a post about Christmas Gnomes in the kitchen, so I’ve rounded up a great assortment of gift ideas for the kitchen – after all, there are a LOT of other gnome collectors out there.

You may even be one, yourself! If so… like me… you’ll want as many of these as you can get your mitts on for your Christmas table.

Click through any image or link for more information and a closer view. These are absolutely gorgeous and would surely bring a lot of joy and smiles to your gnome home. All of the links below are Amazon links. ~ Joi (“Joi”)


Bico Christmas Gnomes 11 inch Dinner Plates (Set of 4)


Bico Red Gnome Candy Bowl


Bico Red Christmas Gnome Cookie Jar


Bico Christmas Gnome Salt and Pepper Shaker Set


Bico Christmas Gnomes Ceramic Spoon Rest


Holiday Gnomes Doormat

More Christmas Gnomes are on Amazon (click through any of the Amazon links above or in the Amazon graphic below). I love all of them and am crazy about the fact that most (like the doormat above) can be used all winter.


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

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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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Ingenious Over the Sink Drying Rack: Perfect for Dishes and Produce

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Amazon has a GENIUS for showing me things they know I’ll love. I mean, I will venture onto their website (honest session, here… the Amazon window is always open on my desktop computer) and BADABING! Right there is something I don’t just want, but need.

Case in point: Earlier I breezed onto Amazon to buy some Halloween decorations for the yard. With two daughters who are OBSESSED with Halloween and three grandbabies (two 2 year olds and a 4 year old), I always do Halloween up BIG. Long story, short (too late??), they showed me a couple of kitchen items I honestly have no idea how I’ve lived without.

One was the dish drying rack pictured here (available in many sizes). While most of my dishes go directly into the dishwasher, there are plenty of special coffee mugs and sippy cups for the littles that I do by hand. This is exactly what I need for them to dry without taking up precious counter space.

I also love the idea of washing produce and leaving them to airdry on the rack. Genius. Absolutely genius.

Click through for more information and to see the sizes available.

Oh… and the second thing I saw that I absolutely need may or may not have been Gluten-Free Macaroons (Amazon link).

Narrator: “It absolutely WAS macaroons.”

PERFECT Baked Potatoes in Your Oven

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Baked Potatoes with Sea Salt

Baked Potatoes with Sea Salt

I’ve always loved a great baked potato. In fact, when at a favorite steak house, I’ve been known to get every bit as excited about the baked potato as I am the steak.

Oddly enough, though, I’ve recently become an EVEN bigger potato fanatic. I have no explanations as to WHY but since I began eating Gluten Free, my cravings for baked potatoes are almost non-stop.  My daughter Emily (who also recently had to begin eating Gluten Free) has similar cravings – only her potato of choice is sweet potatoes.

Although I can’t explain the increased cravings, I can certainly take care of them. It just so happens I like my own baked potatoes as well as – and often better than – potatoes gotten at restaurants.

Although it’s different from most people, I don’t wrap my potatoes in foil before putting them in the oven. To me, doing so kind of  just “steams” the potato rather than “baking” it.  I like for the skin to have a slight crispiness to it when I cut into it. If it doesn’t’ have that slight little crunch sound when the knife cuts into the potato, I don’t get quite as excited.

Step By Step To Perfect Baked Potatoes

  1. Wash your potatoes well. I have a little scrub brush (Amazon link) that looks like a pig (I mean, who doesn’t??) that I like to use on my potatoes.
  2. After they’ve been washed well, oil them down with butter, vegetable oil, or olive oil.  It’s like you have a little spa for potatoes and you’re the masseuse.
  3. I roll my greased up potatoes in a little flaky sea salt (Amazon link). Trust me, this little extra step makes a world of difference. It doesn’t make them too salty… I promise.
  4. Pierce your potatoes about 4 or 5 times to allow steam to escape. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.  An exploding potato is a hideous thing.
  5. Bake your potatoes directly on a rack in a 400 degree preheated oven for 45 – 50 minutes.  Place a cookie sheet on a lower rack to catch any drippings. The timing depends upon the size (density) of your potatoes.

How To Test For Done-ness:

There are several ways to check to make sure your baked potato is cooked thoroughly. Below are the most commonly used (with my own personal method listed first).

  • Use an oven mitt to give the potato a slight little squeeze. If there’s a bit of “give,” the potato is done. If there’s no “give,” return it to the oven.
  • You can also check for a potato’s done-ness by taking its temperature. The internal temperature should be 210 degrees F.
  • Some people check their baked potatoes by piercing them with a fork. If the fork doesn’t meet any resistance, they know it’s showtime.

 And showtime is a beautiful thing.


Wedge Salad, Starring Roasted Tomatoes

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

Last night I made what instantly became a Salad Legend in our kitchen: A wedge salad with bacon, chia seeds, ranch dressing, and the main attraction, roasted grape tomatoes.

I seldom give either sautéed onions OR bacon second billing to anything, yet here BOTH of them are… playing second fiddle to the humble, miniature grape tomato.

Wedge Salads: Iceberg Lettuce’s Call in Life

Iceberg Lettuce for Wedge Salad

Wedge Salads, Fixing to Happen

For a great wedge salad, you have to start with a fresh, crisp, clean, beautiful head of iceberg lettuce. Cut it into fourths and salt it a little under, over, around, and through. Iceberg lettuce has a shy flavor, you have to coax it out with a little salt.

Place your wedges on a plate and pour either Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing on top – be generous.

Now, add your favorite toppings. You can choose from..

  • crumbled, cooked bacon (or bacon bits if you’re in a hurry or don’t want to mess up a skillet)
  • chopped tomatoes (grape or cherry tomatoes – roasted or not – are ideal for wedge salads)
  • green onions
  • crumbled Blue Cheese or Feta
  • sautéed onions
  • roasted vegetables
  • roasted corn (YUM!)
  • Chia seeds
  • sunflower seeds
  • etc…

A wedge salad can be as quick and easy or as elaborate as you want it to be.

The wedge salad pictured at the top (and at the bottom of the post) involved a little more time to make than the average wedge salad, but when it comes to sautéed onions and roasted tomatoes, I have all the time in the world.

How to Roast Grape Tomatoes

Grape Tomatoes for Roasting

Grape Tomatoes

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice the grape (or cherry) tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, then season them with Kosher Salt.  Depending upon your preference AND depending upon what you’ll be eating at this particular meal, you could also drizzle a little Balsamic Vinegar on top of the tomatoes.

There are endless herb possibilities, too, but for this wedge salad, I just wanted to taste the roasted tomatoes… nothing but them in all their glory.

Large tomatoes or Roma tomatoes generally take upward of 30 minutes to roast, but the little guys don’t take quite as long.  Grape (or cherry) tomatoes usually begin to caramelize in about 20 minutes.  You’ll want to take them out and give them a quick little flip about halfway through the cooking time.

Don’t let the dark color rattle you. As cooks, when something turns dark, it usually means a trip to the garbage can, followed by another trip to the store – but when roasting vegetables, you want the darkness… that’s where the flavor is.

A word about roasting – I don’t want to venture too far off the beaten path here, but roasting vegetables is a woefully underrated and underused way of enjoying sides. Most vegetables can be roasted using the same approach I described above – most simply need more time under the heat.  Roasting vegetables brings out the flavor like few things ever could. Experiment with oils, seasonings, and even vinegars to mix things up.

Pan roasting on the stove-top (simply putting food into a hot skillet briefly) is a great way to bring out the deep, intense flavors of spices and herbs. Just keep an eye on them, they’ll burn fast.

Dressings for Wedge Salads

I favor using Blue Cheese Dressing or Ranch. I almost always make my own dressing but also love using Hidden Valley Ranch packets to whip up a great Ranch dressing. When it comes to dressing, I do prefer to make my own and, during the warmer months, I often have at least one made up at all times. During the colder months, when we aren’t having salads quite as often, I’ll turn to bottled dressing.

Topping Things Off

To finish off the presentation beautifully, and tastefully, add crumbled cheese (blue, mozzarella, or feta), bacon, snipped parsley or chives, sunflower seeds, salt, pepper, and/or chia seeds. Just find the combo that makes you smile.

Wedge Salad with Roasted Tomatoes, bacon, and Chia Seeds.

Wedge Salad

**** If you have to eat gluten free, always check everything you put on your plate and into your mouth. Never “assume” salad dressings, bacon bits, and all salad toppings are gluten free. Make  sure the label says “gluten free.”

Also See: Ideas for Salads and Gluten Free Salad Toppings


Black and White Farmhouse Salt and Pepper Shakers

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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.

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

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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!


The Coleslaw Diva’s Favorite Creamy Buttermilk Coleslaw

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Best Coleslaw

Coleslaw Diva’s Favorite Creamy Buttermilk Coleslaw

I love coleslaw, but my love comes with a caveat… I am extremely coleslaw picky! When it comes to restaurants, very few have coleslaw I like, let alone love. KFC has excellent coleslaw and, if we’re being honest, probably the reason I’m so coleslaw picky – I hold every coleslaw up to it. I also loved Chick-Fil-A’s coleslaw but they did a darn fool thing and took it off the menu.

Ironically, I also love Raising Cane’s coleslaw – a coleslaw most fans of the restaurant dislike.

And I’m the Coleslaw Diva!

This particular simple, quick, easy, and delicious recipe is the one I use most often when making coleslaw in my kitchen. I normally make it and a vinegar slaw at the same time – my husband prefers a vinegar slaw, so I make one up all for him… plus it keeps him out of this one, leaving it all for me.

This recipe stars with a 16 oz bag of coleslaw mix which makes is even easier. Practically makes itself, y’all.

Ingredients

1 16 oz bag of coleslaw mix (I use the Kroger brand)

While it isn’t necessary, I always chop my coleslaw mix up a little bit in the food processor. I honestly think that the reason for this is it harkens back to all the KFC coleslaw I enjoyed in my childhood. Comfort slaw, if you will.

THE DRESSING:
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup buttermilk (trust me!)
2-3 TBS lemon juice
1-1/2 TBS white vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
pepper to taste

Combine the dressing ingredients, then pour over your slaw. I often add a little red or green bell pepper if I have it on hand.

Refrigerate (covered) for a couple of hours and taste before serving to see if you, personally, want any more salt or pepper.

Easy Coleslaw with Buttermilk

Creamy Buttermilk Coleslaw

I love the colorful, summerlicious ceramic bowls below – perfect for ice cream, salads, cereal, and (you guessed it!) coleslaw….


Colorful Bowls for Summer! (Amazon link)