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Introduction

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)


Old Amsterdam Classic and Goat Gouda Cheeses… These are Extraordinary!

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Old Amsterdam Classic and Goat Gouda Cheeses

Old Amsterdam Gouda Cheeses are Extraordinary

This card-carrying cheese fanatic has a couple of cheeses she needs to tell you about today – and they’re both from one of the absolute LEADERS in cheese: Old Amsterdam.

Whenever someone asks me, “What’s your favorite cheese?,” I always say, “Whichever one happens to be within reach at the time.” Then I give them my top favorites… when I get to around 8 or 9, I tell them I have a bit of an addiction – which they probably figured out around number 6.

One cheese that always makes the list (very high, actually) is Gouda cheese. I love it in potatoes, grits, mashed cauliflower, and (of course) on cheese trays. It also pairs beautifully with smoked turkey and ham for sandwiches.

When I was asked if I’d like to sample two of Old Amsterdam’s gouda cheeses, I jumped at the chance and started, mentally, gathering recipes.

(Continued below….)

Old Amsterdam Goat Gouda Cheese

Old Amsterdam Goat Gouda Cheese

I tried the Goat Gouda Cheese first because I have never had goat gouda cheese before and was wildly curious. Holy cats (or maybe I should say holy goats in this case) it was phenomenal. So creamy tasting and mild. Milder than traditional gouda and yet, distinctively from the gouda family. This one is ideal for sandwiches, wraps, and potato dishes. I have to admit, though, I had trouble keeping myself from eating it right from the package. It’s outstanding.

The Goat Gouda Cheese would be the IDEAL cheese to include on a cheese tray alongside grapes and almonds – it would lend itself beautifully for a party appetizer and would be excellent served with crackers. I seriously cannot say enough good things about this particular cheese – it simply blew me and my husband both completely away.

(Continued below….)

Old Amsterdam Classic Gouda Cheese

Old Amsterdam Classic Gouda Cheese

I fell so completely under the goat gouda’s spell that I actually put off tasting the classic gouda for a few days because I wanted to meet him on his own terms… not in his brother’s shadow! I really needn’t have bothered because the classic gouda is every bit as good. A bit milder than smoked gouda, this one is also ideal for cheese trays and appetizers.

I kept myself from nibbling on the classic gouda long enough to shred some in my grits and a little more (at another meal) on top of mashed potatoes. It gives so much flavor and creaminess – I’m simply in love with it.

I will be buying and using these cheeses more in the coming days (and weeks, months, and years) and I will return to this post to provide you with more photos and recipes. I was simply very anxious to tell you about these extraordinary cheeses so you can order them now in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Trust me, ya’ll, you’ll want several of each.

See Old Amsterdam for more information! You can also find Old Amsterdam Cheeses on Amazon (Amazon link).

Thanks so much for reading! ~ Joi (“Joy”)


Delicious Gluten-Free Snacks (Perfect for After School!) Using Parma! Vegan Parmesan

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Parma Vegan Parmesan

Parma! Vegan Parmesan Chips

A while back I wrote a review for the delicious line of Parma! Vegan Parmesan (link to the review). Often, when I really love a product, I will revisit the review, adding new ways I’ve enjoyed the product. This one was so tasty I HAD to give it its own post.

I’ve found that sprinkling this deliciousness on plain potato chips, then storing them in a covered container creates a tasty chip you simply won’t find on any store’s shelves. It’s a knock out on popcorn, too, but there’s something extra special about the magic it creates with potato chips.

You can find the different varieties of Parma! Vegan Parmesan on Amazon. They are absolutely delicious – I LITERALLY eat the parmesan right from the container. I wish to goodness they made slices of cheese that tasted just like this.


Gorgeous Rachael Ray Measuring Cups (How do I Not Already Have These?!?)

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I may have mentioned once or a thousand times how obsessed I am with Rachael Ray products, shows, and recipes. Heck when she had the Food Network series where she ate out on $40 a day, I never missed an episode even though I would never try such a thing. Truth be told, I very seldom eat out, but if I did, I wouldn’t do so more than once and there’s NO way I’d be able to keep it at $40.

So why watch such a show? Two words: Rachael Ray. Love her – always have.

I collect her cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, pans, bowls, utensils, etc. Even though I am such a big fan of her cooking shows, the reason I collect everything with her name on it isn’t due to that… it’s simply because her line of products is the best, period. Apparently she has a very high standard for anything with her name and lovely face attached – smart.

I also love vibrant colors and her products are always so fun, happy, cheerful, and colorful.

I was on Amazon earlier, ordering a new set of deep purple moppines and I saw the gorgeous Rachael Ray Cucina Kitchen Measuring Cups, pictured here. I, literally, asked my cat Guennie, “How do I not already have these?!”

She had no answer.

From Amazon:

  • MEASURING CUP SET INCLUDES: 1/4-Cup Brown Measuring Cup, 1/3-Cup Orange Measuring Cup, 1/2-Cup Lavender Measuring Cup, 1-Cup Red Measuring Cup, 2-Cup Blue Measuring Cup
  • HIGH QUALITY, SAFE CONSTRUCTION: Measuring cup set is made from sturdy BPA-free melamine; cup capacities are marked on inside rim
  • STACKABLE MEASURING CUPS: Cups stack inside each other from small to large for compact, convenient storage
  • EASY CLEANING COLOR: Each measuring cup sports a unique color for easy identification; top-rack dishwasher safe
  • MAKES A GREAT GIFT: The perfect complement to other clever, colorful Cucina kitchenware from Rachael Ray
  • Quality Assurance Guarantee

Take a closer look at these beauties Rachael Ray Cucina Kitchen Measuring Cups. You may bump into me and Guennie on Amazon… looking for what else we may have missed!

Update… You’ll want to see this!


Fall Decorating Ideas You Can Use in Your Kitchen and Dining Room

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With a thousand and one apologies to “summer lovers,” this is MY TIME OF YEAR! Autumn and Winter have always been extra special to me (even when it meant back-to-school… I forgave these magical seasons for that injustice). Naturally, I love to make our home come alive with each season, but when it comes to Autumn and Winter… well, let’s just say the seasons are embraced in every single room.

The colors, the smells, and the comfy vibes of Autumn? You just can’t beat it, can you?

The infographic, below, includes some wonderful ideas for embracing the season in every room of your house. Since we’re a food blog, we’ll pay special attention to decorating the kitchen and dining room for Fall.

(Continued Below the gorgeous infographic…)

Fall Decorating Ideas Infographic

 

Infographic Credit: Fall Decorating Ideas

A couple of personal tips and ideas:

  • When decorating tabletops or wreaths, please use fake acorns as opposed to taking those you find on the ground. Animals are counting on this type of food source to make it through the winter. If everyone were to start rounding these up, that’s going to take a lot of food out of innocent animals mouths.
  • If you need more space for seasonal decorations, securely and safely box up the decorations that are currently in their way! I have pigs and other farm animals all over my kitchen (decorations, not real ones – my cats wouldn’t approve). These guys always “sleep” through fall and winter in a comfy box in a closet as they make way for ghosts, bears dressed for trick or treating, pumpkins, snowmen, reindeer, Santas, etc. Just be sure to remember where the regulars are napping!
  • Autumn tablecloths, runners, and napkins are especially gorgeous – especially in the dining room, where your table can remain “set” throughout the season.
  • Strings of lights make the top of hutches, flower centerpieces, or cabinets uncommonly festive and beautiful. There is an ingenious strand of lights on Amazon that is dimmable and can be controlled by a remote control. Click here to check it out. There are many colors available – each season is represented. Be still, my heart.
  • While candles are gloriously associated with fall and winter, many people can’t use them (either they or a beloved pet may have a lung disease or there may be young children or pets around – candles are very dangerous with little ones around, whether they have fur or skin!). If this is the case for you, the above-mentioned strands of lights may be just the thing to add festive light. There are also lots of flameless candles, too, of course.
  • I add a few autumn dishes to my collection each year. Using autumn plates, bowls, mugs, etc. during the months of fall just makes the season even sweeter. Of course, we do the same with other seasons, as well.
  • Here’s a tip for any time of year: If there is a season you aren’t that crazy about, for whatever reason(s), try embracing it. Decorate your home, inside and outside, and you’ll soon see the beauty of that particular season. Go all out! Bring the colors, scents, and energies of each season into your world – it’s all part of living out loud… which is, of course, the only way to live.


Review: Snyder’s of Hanover Gluten-Free Pretzel Sticks

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Snyder's of Hanover Gluten Free Pretzel Sticks
Some people are snackers and some aren’t. Some love to pass through the kitchen and grab a handful of something crunchy and salty (or soft and sweet) before heading to the den for some quality time with the TV.

Personally, I can’t imagine not being a snacker. Seriously… don’t the non-snackers know what they’re missing?!

I’m not just a snacker, I’m a snacker’s snacker. Top in the business. I could go pro.  Funny thing is, I don’t eat a lot at one sitting or swipe a lot in one passing…. but I enjoy the heck out of what I do nibble on.

I came across something exciting in Target last week – come to think of it, I always come across something exciting in Target…. like in every aisle, to be precise. This time, I happened to be in the potato chip and popcorn aisle (of course I was). A bag of Snyder’s of Hanover Gluten-Free Pretzel Sticks caught my eye. If you have to eat gluten-free, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say the magic words, gluten-free, jump out from a mile away.

It’s like the verbal equivalent of Popeye’s spinach or Cookie Monster’s cookies.

Naturally, a bag went straight into my cart – right between a gorgeous new set of bright kitchen towels (personal obsession) and cat food (another obsession… cats, not the food).

I may or may not have sampled them before I even got out of the parking lot. The first thing I noticed was how similar they look and feel (and smell… Heavenly!) to regular pretzel sticks.

Anyone who doesn’t have to eat gluten-free may not realize this, but finding legitimate substitutions for the “real deal” is tough, tough, tough. Snyder's of Hanover Gluten Free Pretzel Sticks

I’ve had other gluten-free pretzels and pretzel sticks that, while tasty, looked more like cookies and tasted more like hard bread.  Snyder’s of Hanover has hit the nail on the head with these gluten-free pretzels. They’re excellent.

While I’m excited to have these beauties for snacking, I’m even more excited to have them for other reasons. Each holiday (and often on birthdays), I make chocolate-covered pretzels and pretzel sticks. The gluten-free varieties have never played quite as well as the regular pretzels I remember from my salty past. Since these look, feel, and taste like the real McCoy, I can’t wait to take them for a dip in chocolate and white chocolate.

I also look forward to using them in Chex Mix for the holidays, I’m also over the moon excited about an old favorite, Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Again, other gluten-free pretzels on the market just don’t lend themselves to this type of dish. Snyder’s of Hanover’s Gluten-Free Pretzel Sticks will be perfect and I CANNOT wait to make this favorite from the past a favorite of the present again.

Check your favorite store for a bag – you’re going to love them as much as I do. They’re also available on Amazon (Amazon link) – easiest way to shop known to man or womankind!


Surpahs 10-Inch Stackable Cake Stands Made of Bamboo Fiber are Gorgeous

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Surpahs Stackable Cake Stand
 

One of my favorite things about having a food blog (or any of my blogs, for that matter) is the opportunity I have to review great cookbooks, food, kitchen gadgets, pots, pans, or brilliant beauties like the colorful Surpahs 10-Inch Stackable Cake Stand (Amazon link) pictured here.

When I was contacted about receiving one of these stands in exchange for telling you about it, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.  I mean, it was obviously beautiful in the pictures sent to me. I’m full-on wild about colorful, out of the ordinary, and whimsical things, and I could tell (from the pictures alone) that this colorful cake stand was something I’d love.

However, I had no idea that it would be as gorgeous as it is in person. There’s an exceptionally, unmistakably “high quality” to these pieces that pictures, alone can’t possibly pick up.

Surpahs Stackable Cake Stand
Speaking of pictures – this cake stand was a particular challenge for me! I LOVE taking pictures of things I’m sent to review and take great pains to “set up” the right atmosphere, lighting, etc – everything I think will showcase it to its fullest.

With this cake stand, I found myself kind of flustered because there’s just no way to show you how beautiful it is!  Trust me, I tried every angle, but it’s “in person” beauty far surpasses its “in photograph” beauty. The quality you see in person simply can’t be completely appreciated in pictures.

Kind of like a sunset, a sailboat on a lake, or a deer eating leaves from a tree. The camera can only do so much.

Surpahs Stackable Cake Stand
This six piece set can be stacked together to create a beautiful display for cupcakes, cookies, slices of cake, dipped strawberries… just about anything you can think of.  You could also use it as three separate colorful serving platters.  They’re perfect for hamburger or taco bars or for “extras” when serving salads… you know, those components that some members of the family like, while others look at you like, “You can’t possibly think I’m going to eat that…” In our family, these foods include olives, cilantro, bacon bits, and onions.

The thing that makes this set so uncommonly beautiful is the new material, Bamboo Fiber.  In addition to looking fantastic, the bamboo fiber is also biodegradable, eco-friendly, and dishwasher safe.

Two words that are always music to my ears – dishwasher safe.

Edamame on a Surpahs Stackable Layer
Most stands pre-determine which plate goes on top because they’re various sizes (and the smallest gets top billing), but, since these are all the same size, you decide which color you want on top – orange, green, or pink. Naturally, this can change each time you use them.

Ahhh, the freedom of expression!

Surpahs Stackable Cake Stand
I am crazy about these stands (I say stands because I tend to think of this set as five different stands – three individuals, a 3-tier and a 2-tier, when one takes the night off). Not only are they gorgeous on your table when in use, they’re gorgeous sitting on a shelf or hutch when not in use.

See Surpahs 10-Inch Stackable Cake Stand (Amazon link) for more information. Their price on Amazon is unbelievably low – meaning you can scarf one for yourself AND one or two for gift-giving. These are phenomenal.

Surpahs Stackable Bamboo Cake Stand

A Beginner’s Guide to Knife Techniques (Infographic)

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A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO KITCHEN KNIFE TECHNIQUES

The infographic above (Courtesy of Kitchen Knives) has some great tips for easily, professionally, and – most importantly! – safely using knives. How can using knives more professionally make the entire process safer? Because learning to use a knife as it was intended will give you the skills to keep your fingers out of the way!

Great tips, beautiful infographic.