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Salt and Pepper Shakers

Pepper Appreciation Post: Peppers, Peppers, and More Peppers!

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Chili Peppers Salt and Pepper Shakers

Hot Chili Peppers Salt & Pepper Shakers

Ever have a food obsession sneak up on you? This is the case with peppers and me. I’ve had a life-long love affair with certain foods….

  • chocolate
  • coffee (don’t try telling me it’s not a food, I will not listen)
  • tea (see above)
  • coconut
  • seafood – specifically shrimp, cod, and catfish
  • eggs
  • onion rings
  • sweet potatoes
  • cream cheese


But peppers are one of those foods that came looking for me. This particular all-encompassing fascination with all things peppers actually just came about in the last two years.  I always found them to be beautiful, tasty, and very serviceable – but the appreciation never hit full tilt fanaticism until recently.

And yet, here I am, currently unable to get enough of them. It’s one of those situations where I have to reign myself in or I’ll put them in everything. They simply take whatever dish they’re in and kick it up notches.

Take tossed salads, for example. I buy those colorful little bags of sweet mini peppers (organic) and chop them up with the rest of my salad ingredients. They add more flavor and crunch than you can imagine. They also perk up potato salads, soups, scrambled eggs, and meatloaves. Stuff them with cream cheese or any cheese combination and they become show offs.

Love it when that happens.

 


Next time you’re in your produce section, find the little bag of mini sweet peppers or grab a couple of chili peppers or jalapenos and experiment with them. They add a lot of kick and excitement to so many dishes. Try roasting them before using them in recipes, too, for a real knock out experience.

5 Great Gift Ideas for Pig Lovers and Collectors

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I love pigs and I love pigs muchly. Everything about them from their snouts to their curly tails. Some may say I’m obsessed, and I’m okay with that. Truth be told, if my cat (Alexa) would allow it, I’d have a pet pig.

As it is, though, I cannot get her to agree to anything that would possibly infringe upon her castle, her toys, her beds,  her food… especially her food…. or her attention from her parents.

So, I’ll just continue to love them from afar.

As you’ve probably guessed, my kitchen is filled with pigs -there are salt and pepper shakers, bacon presses (feels wrong, but looks cute), measuring cups, mugs, gadgets, etc. Pigs everywhere you look. And not a one touches any of Princess Alexa’s things.

Thank goodness.

The cuties shown here are in my Amazon “Pigs” folder…. what? you don’t have an Amazon “Pigs” folder?… and will find their way into my kitchen soon enough. Click through each link to read more.

ONE Little Piggy…

Rust Pig Marquee LED Lighted Sign Wall Decor
The Rust Pig Marquee LED Lighted Sign Wall Decor (pictured above) is made of metal and would look pretty darn sweet hanging on a wall OR sitting on shelves, a mantle, hutch, or on top of cabinets. Love this guy.

TWO Little Piggies….

Topiary Pig Frame
The Pig Topiary Frame (check out that tail!) is ideal for indoor or outdoor use. Personally, I’m picturing her on top of my hutch, right beside the Pig Marquee sign. This adorable topiary can be adorned with any live plant growing on it but an ivy plant would certainly be a knock-out.  You insert the ivy plant into the frame and allow it to weave throughout the frame, then you trim it to fit the shape – an adorable pig shape at that.  You could even fill her with some “craft store” moss and insert little pink flowers throughout. That’d actually be pretty darn cute, too.

THREE Little Piggies…

Purple Pig Trivet
The Purple Pig Trivet will probably be the first one of these I buy – Purple is one of the predominant colors in my kitchen. A purple pig almost seems custom made for me, you know.

FOUR Little Piggies….

Pig Scrubby Holder
The cutie above is a Pig Scrubby Holder. You could  sit it right by the kitchen sink and I’m pretty sure he’ll make you smile each time you look his way. Who couldn’t stand a few more smiles while going about kitchen chores, am I right am I right?

FIVE Little Piggies….

Pig Mug and Spoon
The ridiculously adorable Ceramic Pig Mug and Spoon set pictured here is almost too cute. Also available are black cats (also a must have for me, as I also have cats everywhere you look), panda bears, and a frog mug and spoon set that’s cuter than it has a right to be.


Halloween Salt and Pepper Shakers and Sets

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Halloween Ghost Salt and Pepper Shakers

I have a confession to make. Each and every year, like clockwork, I decorate for Halloween the first day of September.

I have another confession to make. It’s August 27th and I spent the morning putting out my Halloween decorations.  Please try not to judge me. Basically I’m a six year old that never quite grew up. This fact can be a real pain when it comes to controlling spending and candy impulses, but it certainly makes holidays a lot of fun.

As a salt and pepper shaker collector, it occurred to me – as I found perfect 2 month homes for my collection of “happy” ghosts (when I was a little girl, I was scared of any ghosts that weren’t “happy” – guess I assumed that if they were smiling they meant me no harm), scarecrows, trick or treating bears, and the rest of the gang – I don’t have a single set of Halloween salt and pepper shakers.

Not a single set! How did this happen?? Fortunately, I know the way to Amazon.

This post is for the other holiday lovers out there as well as other salt and pepper shaker collectors.


Cat & Pumpkin Salt & Pepper Set
As a cat lover, I’m pretty sure the set shown above will be the first one I order. I have two black cats of my own and two “grandkitties” that are black, too, so I’ve got a thing for black cats anyway. Contrary to what some knuckleheads may believe, black cats are actually good luck – and very, very beautiful!


Black Bat Halloween Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
 

While I can’t claim to own any black bats of my own and have no idea whether they’re lucky or not, I do think the set above is downright adorable.


Tombstone & Cauldron Salt & Pepper Shaker Set
For those of you who don’t mind a little spooky in your Halloween…


Spooky Skeleton Chef Glass Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
The handsome guys above and below would be just the sort of salt and pepper shaker sets two of my three daughters would go for. The other one is a total chicken like her mom.


Scary Skeleton Glass Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
You can find pages and pages of great Halloween Salt and Pepper Shakers on Amazon. Most are uncommonly inexpensive and all are a lot of fun. Ghouls, monsters, vampires, pumpkins, bats, zombies….


Pig Salt and Pepper Shaker Holder

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Pig Salt and Pepper Holder
From the e-mails you send to the comment you leave, I know y’all are as wild about pigs as I am.  When I searched Amazon earlier for pig salt and pepper shakers (I collect BOTH pigs and salt and pepper shakers, so it’s something I search for as often as I search for chocolate), I found this adorable guy.

This Pig Salt and Pepper Shaker Set is a little different from most salt and pepper shakers – after all, the star of the show isn’t the shakers, themselves, it’s the cutie cradling them.

Features:

  • Dimensions: 5 1/8″ x 4 1/4″ x 6 3/8″ high. Weight: 1.4 lbs.
  • Individually hand-crafted from cold cast resin with glass salt and pepper shakers.
  • Because our polyresin products are individually hand-crafted works of art, colors may vary slightly from what is pictured here.
  • Packaged in a decorative gift box. Spices not included.

Click through either the picture or the link above for a closer look. The set is less than $20, so I’m honestly tempted to buy one for salt & pepper and another one for garlic salt & seasoned salt.

Might as well go hog wild, right?

See Also: More Pig Salt and Pepper Shakers on Amazon.

White Pig Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

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White Pig Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

 
I know a lot of you love pigs as much as I do, so I know you’re going to love these guys too.  These is the Decorative White Ceramic Pig Design Salt and Pepper Shaker Set w/ Stand – MyGift – available online at Amazon.

  • White porcelain salt and pepper shakers designed to look like 2 pigs with snouts pointing up
  • Comes with a wooden stand that features specially-shaped spots for each shaker and a pole in the center with a small, circular carrying handle at the top
  • Removable plastic plugs at the bottom of each shaker make it easy for you to fill them as needed
  • Made of porcelain. Includes 1 salt shaker, 1 pepper shaker and 1 holder. Other items not included.
  • Approximate Dimensions: Overall Set – 6″ L X 3″ W X 5″ H; Each Pig – 2.5″ L X 2.5″ W X 3.5″ H.

Perfect for pig lovers and a must have for salt and pepper shaker collectors.  If you’re like me and fit BOTH descriptions… this might just make your day!

Click through the link or either picture for a closer look at these cuties.

White Pig Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

Health Benefits of Spices Plus A Recipe for Making Your Own Seasoned Salt

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The colorful, short video above (exploding spices set to classical music) just might be the most relaxing thing you do all week.

I’m sure I’ve already ‘fessed up to all of you that I have a bit of a magazine fixation. It started when I was a teenager with Tiger Beat, Seventeen, Teen, etc. The obsession has carried right through to today. The magazines have changed but the bliss I experience when stores put out new magazines is the same.

One of my favorite magazines is All You. It bills itself as “The magazine that pays for itself” because each issue is PACKED with coupons – and coupons you’ll actually use, at that. Personally, I think it should bill itself as “The magazine that pays for itself… and then some” because, each month, the money the coupons save me total up to a higher price than I paid for the magazine. So, basically, I’m being paid to enjoy fantastic recipes, health and cooking-related articles, crafts, and puzzles that my brain absolutely loves.

For example, in the recent issue (January 17, 2014), I used the coupons in the magazine to save over $7.00 on groceries and the magazine cost just $2.99.

With all this raving, I guess it’d be a good time to point out that this is not at all a sponsored post or even a review. Basically, I’m just jumping off into the actual post. I just happen to enjoy shining the spotlight on people who are doing things the right way.

In the issue I just mentioned, there was an outstanding section called “The Ultimate Guide to Spices.” In case you missed the issue (I’ll forgive you this time, but don’t let it happen again.), I thought I’d hit on a few of the highlights.

The first thing I thought I’d share is a “Mix it Up” recipe the magazine gives for making your own All Purpose Seasoned Salt. It’s extraordinary.

All Purpose Seasoned Salt

1 Tbsp. Salt

2 Tbsp. Onion Powder

2 Tbsp. Garlic Powder

2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper

1 Tbsp. Hot Paprika

Combine in a small glass bottle with a top and use with just about anything.  It’s especially good on hamburgers, Boca Burgers, baked potatoes, fries, beans, and chicken.

Another favorite part of the article involved the health benefits of popular spices. These health “boosts” are just another reason to add a little more spice to your meals.

Health Benefits of Favorite Spices

Black Pepper

  • Aids digestion.
  • Anti-inflammatory.
  • Might help accelerate metabolism.
  • Nutrients: Fiber, Vitamin K, Manganese

Garlic Powder

  • Heart-Healthy
  • Lowers risk of colon, rectal, and stomach cancer.
  • Might reduce blood pressure.
  • Might reduce hardening of the arteries.
  • Nutrients: Fiber, Vitamin B-6

Cinnamon

  • Heart-Healthy
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Aids Digestion
  • Might help decrease insulin resistance
  • Nutrients: Fiber, Calcium, Manganese

Chili Powder

  • Heart-Healthy
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Aids Digestion
  • Might boost metabolism and immunity.
  • Might help prevent stomach ulcers.
  • Nutrients: Fiber, Iron, Vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-6

Paprika

  • Heart-Healthy
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Promotes Healthy Vision
  • Might help fight age-related vision problems
  • Might help fight cardiovascular disease and arthritis
  • Nutrients: Fiber, Iron, Potassium, Vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-6

The article made me think more about spices, spice containers, spice racks, grinders, etc. While I have a pretty good number of small spice jars w/lids, I’m definitely in the market for a great pepper grinder and salt box. Below are a few of the lovelies that have caught my eye on Amazon.

Salt Box
Totally Bamboo 20-8551 3-Tiered Salt Box (above)

  • Pivoting three-section storage box holds sea salt, spices and more
  • Made of laminated strips of bamboo, a renewable resource
  • Designed with weighted base for better balance when open
  • Keep multiple salts or other seasonings near the stove and ready to use when cooking or baking
  • By Totally Bamboo – totally good for the environment and totally good for you

 

Kuhn Rikon 8-Inch Ratchet Salt Pepper Grinders (below)

  • Ceramic grinding mechanism stays sharp
  • Adjustable from fine to coarse
  • Ratchet design is easy for all users
  • Ideal for sea salt, peppercorns, spices, including flax seed
  • Easy to fill
  • Available in blue, white, red, lime green, and purple

Kuhn Rikon Salt Pepper Grinders

Don’t forget to go back to the top and watch the exploding spices. Maybe it’s because it’s a Monday, but I could watch this relaxing little video all day.

Adorable Salt and Pepper Shakers (Brace Yourself, Owl Collectors)

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Cute Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers

My youngest daughter (Stephany) inherited an insane love of owls from my mother. I’d hate to even try to count the number of owls in her collection. There are owl necklaces, books, calendars, statues, dishes, figurines, lamps… the list goes on forever. I’m pretty sure she’ll want to add these cuties as soon as she sees them.

These are the Cute owl salt and pepper shakers (available on Amazon).  Click through for more information.  So cute!

Owl Crock Pot

Also on Amazon: Owl Themed Oval Crock Pot Slow Cooker – 4 Quart (Pictured Above). Words can’t even describe how adorable this crock pot is. Click through for a closer look. LOVE this!


Rachael Ray Fancy Boy Grinders: 24/7 Seasoning and Pink Himalayan Salt

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Rachael Ray Fancy Boys Grinders

So there I was shopping in my local Kroger recently, minding my own business.  I was in the spice aisle, grabbing a box of baking soda (something I’m almost always low on) when a couple of colorful orange topped grinders on the top shelf caught my eye.

Right away, without even seeing the picture or name on the front, I knew they were Rachael Ray. As you may know, if you read the food blog regularly, I’m a HUGE fan of all things Rachael Ray – so it only makes sense that my radar would go off.

Naturally they both went immediately into the cart.

One of my new found treasures is the Rachael Ray’s 24/7 Seasoning Grinder (on the left in the picture above). The other is the especially lovely Rachael Ray Pink Himalayan Salt Grinder.  I have used them religiously since first bringing them home and absolutely swear by them.  They add so much flavor and personality to everything and, at the risk of sounding insanely girly, they look sooooooo pretty sitting on the counter.

I just have to point that out – besides, I’m a girly girl, what do I care if I sound girly?!?!

I’ve seen these two particular grinders in several stores around town, and I just assumed that’s all there were.

Boy was I wrong.

A quick search on Amazon turned up SCADS of these beautiful Rachael Ray Fancy Boy Grinders and yes, as a matter of fact, I must have each and every one. Check them out in the slideshow below – click through any that catch your eye.

If the slideshow doesn’t show up for you, simply click the following link: Rachael Ray Fancy Boy Grinders.

You are absolutely going to love these grinders.

Safari Lovers: Wait’ll You See This Giraffe and Zebra Salt & Pepper Shaker Set

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Giraffe and Zebra Safari Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

The Safari look is always popular because… well.. it’s always gorgeous! As an animal lover, I’m drawn to the Safari look mainly because of the beautiful animals.  Just take a look at the ridiculously beautiful Godinger GIRAFFE/ZEBRA SALT/PEPPER above.

These two are absolutely irresistible.  They’d make great Mother’s Day gifts, Christmas gifts, or my favorite type of gift – the “just because” gift. Love those!

  • Made of silver plated material
  • Set of 2
  • Coordinating styles are available
  • Measures approx: Giraffe 4.5″ high. 4″ long. Zebra 3″ high x 3.5″ long.

Click through the image or the link for a closer look at these beauties. You’ll find a lot of other similar lovelies.

Owls in the Kitchen: Beautiful Gift Ideas for Collectors

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Owl Measuring Cups

Whether you, yourself, collect owls in your kitchen or you’re shopping for an owl collector, the owl decorations and gifts in this post should make gift shopping as easy as a hoot.

I have close, close experience with owl collectors.  My mom collected owls for as long as I can remember and my youngest daughter (Stephany) is carrying on the tradition. Don’t you love it when people are collectors, it makes gift buying so much easier!

The Boston Warehouse Snowy Owls Measuring Cup Set, Set of 4 at the top of the post are so adorable, even people who don’t collect owls would want them. These colorful beauties are made from hand painted earthenware.

The owl measuring cups (so cute with their little scarves) have matching Boston Warehouse Snowy Owls Measuring Spoon Set, Set of 4 available on Amazon as well.

I may be on the brink of becoming an owl collector, myself, because I want the Owl Bird Measuring Cups / Bowls for Baking, Set of 4, Ceramic pictured below too!

These ceramic owl measuring cups have matching Owl Bird Measuring Spoon Baking Set with Display Rack / Holder, Ceramic (Pictured below the measuring cups).  The fact that they come with their own little display stand makes me love them even more.  No searching around in drawers for them when I need them the most!

Owl Measuring Cups

Owl Measuring Spoons

 

The Tag Turning Leaves Collection Owl Salt and Pepper below are just $14 on Amazon. That’s a great price for such cuties.  I DO collect salt & pepper shakers, so these are a must buy for me.  Must buy,  must have.

Owl Salt and Pepper ShakersSeriously, how adorable are these owl salt and pepper shakers? Look at those faces!

Owl Appetizer Plates

The gorgeous Owl-Shaped Appetizer Plate (Set of 4) (above) are also so gorgeous even non-collectors would want them. These Earthenware appetizer plates are microwave and dishwasher safe.

Owl Kitchen Towels, Oven Mitts, and Pot Holders:

Last, but far from least, the Rachael Ray Dinnerware Little Hoot 16-Piece Dinnerware Set (below). Talk about a super nice gift! Not only is this an exceptionally beautiful and well-made set of dishes, it carries Rachael Ray’s name on the box. It does not get any better than that.  Click through the link or image for more information.  The Little Hoot collection is huge, you’ll find A LOT of great gift ideas… whether they’re for your own kitchen as you get ready for holiday meals or for someone extra special, these are breathtakingly beautiful.

Rachael Ray Little Hoot Dinnerware

Rachael Ray Little Hoot Dinnerware:

  • 16-piece set: service for 4 includes 4 of each 10-1/2-inch dinner and 8-inch salad plates, 5-1/2-inch/18-ounce cereal bowls and 11-ounce mugs
  • Durable porcelain dinnerware in a fun, contemporary design for casual entertaining, everyday use or special occasions
  • Rich fall-inspired colors in a leaf pattern featuring ?little hoot? – a whimsical owl character you?ll love
  • Microwave safe for easy heating and reheating leftovers
  • Dishwasher safe to fit your fast paced life, without compromising style