Spray Gourmet Liquid Seasonings Review

Spray Gourmet Liquid Seasonings are so good! 

I got Ginger.

They also have: 

• Black Pepper
• Chili Pepper
• Cinnamon
• Cumin

I can think of uses, for all the above, so much of me wants to buy their other flavors.

My first thought was, wow that Cinnamon Spray would make Cinnamon Toast, so easy to make! 

Travis and I typically like our food to have more kick than the boys like it. That's where the Chili Pepper Spray would come in handy.

What flavor would you like to try, and what would you try it on?

Why I Picked Ginger:

I've been trying to include ginger in my diet on a regular basis. It's anti inflammatory, which is wonderful when it comes to my asthma. Have breathing problems? Eat or drink ginger and turmeric. Both are helpful.

What I've Used it On:

• Peach and Mango Smoothie
• Rice Bowl

Where to Get Spray Gourmet Liquid Seasonings:

Each spray is around $6 to $7 dollars on Amazon. It is not on Prime, so there is a $2 shipping fee. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q5PWFM6

Disclaimer: I got this product, for free in exchange for an honest review. I was not told what to write. All opinions are my own. 

WW: Oreos or Blacktop? {Linky}

Whenever I see a crushed up blacktop think it looks like crushed up Oreos. I'm like, "Dang I'm hungry! Not so much that I want to go to the store just for Oreos, in this pandemic though." Does a crushed up blacktop look like crushed up Oreos to you?

They need to be a little more crushed up, but you get the point.

WW: Summer Challenge #recipe

Our kids had a summer challenge. It was to plan and cook a meal. The boys picked rather expensive dishes. Isaak made Szechuan Shrimp, and Mica picked to make Gyros.

I've had this written for a long time, but never posted it. I'm not sure why. I assure you, he made this during the heat of the summer.

There's a few things Mica learned in the process I hope:

1. Read all he ingredients before getting the ingredients. He read it, but we had to go back to the store twice to get extra things. One of the things was that he had a cucumber, but the recipe needed a few for the Tzatziki Sauce. He also didn't account for how much lemon juice he'd need.

2. Plan for more than just the main dish. It was a difficult day because he kept saying that he only wanted to make Gyros. That's all he had in his plan, and he was sticking to it. I told him that he needed a side of veggies at least! He wasn't having it, so we had to talk.

That's part of the learning process. A big reason why we made the summer challenge was to learn. 

Division of Labor

For the Most Part Mica was in Charge. I did help him with things. I made him read the instructions, and had him tell me what to do. 

Veggies:

We started with the washing, and chopping the veggies, for a side dish. Mica wasn't at all excited about this process. He kept reminding me that he only planned to make Gyros. He's a fantastic kid, but we bump heads at times. I pretty much washed, chopped, and made him spray the pan, and use a butter along with lemon pepper seasoning. 

Mica was excited to make Baklava, that is until he started it:

One of the stores we went to were out of the pastry typically used for Baklava. We got a thicker pastry. I said, "It will taste similar. It just won't be in as many layers." I did roll the dough out more.

1. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions (this is best done overnight in the fridge, then place it on the counter for 1 hour before starting your recipe to bring it to room temp). We used Puff Pastry Sheets because it's what the store had.

2. Trim phyllo dough, or roll out more to fit your 9x13 baking pan.

3. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 non-stick baking pan.

Start with your honey sauce (which will need time to cool as your baklava bakes):

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup honey, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, and 3/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over med/high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then reduce heat to med/low and boil an additional 4 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and let syrup cool while preparing baklava.

How to Assemble Baklava:

Preheat Oven to 325˚F.

1. Pulse walnuts about 10 times in a food processor until coarsely ground/ finely chopped. In a medium bowl, stir together: 4 cups finely chopped walnuts and 1 tsp cinnamon.

2. Place 10 phyllo sheets into baking pan one at a time, brushing each sheet with butter once it’s in the pan before adding the next (i.e. place phyllo sheet into pan, brush the top with butter, place next phyllo sheet in pan, butter the top, etc. etc.).

Keep remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel at all times. Spread about 1/5 of nut mixture (about 3/4 cup) over phyllo dough.

3. Add 5 buttered sheets of phyllo, then another layer of nuts. In our case, since there wasn't a lot of dough, we repeated this x2, but with traditional phyllo you Repeat x 4. It's much like a lasagna, you just keep layering things.

4. Bake at 325˚F for one hour.

5. Remove from oven and immediately spoon the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava (you’ll hear it sizzle). This will ensure that it stays crisp rather than soggy. Let baklava cool completely, uncovered and at room temperature. Start to pour the honey mixture over it evenly. 

I helped Mica put together the Tzatziki Sauce:

1. 2 cups grated cucumber (from about 1 medium 10-ounce cucumber, no need to peel or seed the cucumber first, grate on the large holes of your box grater)

2. 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt

3. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint and/or dill

5. 1 tablespoon lemon juice

6. 1 medium clove garlic, pressed or minced

7. ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

I didn't take a whole lot of pictures for the Tzatziki Sauce. We love this sauce for a lot of things at home! Here are the cucumbers I chopped up for it:

At that point I took at nap! Mica claimed he didn't want any supervision with the Gyros. We did buy the meat already prepared, so it was easier for him. 

 

It could have have been filled a little more with lamb meat, but he carefully planned it out, to have just enough for lunches the next day. Really we should have bought more. Ha!

I thought he did an excellent job making this by himself.

We had the potatoes and carrots, for a side. Then had the Baklava for dessert.

If you were to make a special dinner, what would you prepare?

Disclaimer: This was not a paid post, nor a review of a product. All words, and opinions are my own. 

Silverware Set Review

I got this Silverware Set to review. I was excited to review it because our silverware is looking kind of old. I don't know that I love the design of our old set.

The new design is really pretty cool! I like the thin handles. It just looks different. 

What it Comes With:

1 steak knife
1 spoon,
1 pasta fork
1 coffee spoon

I’d love it if there was just 2 spoons or 2 forks, and not a coffee spoon. It’s so small. I don’t know if we’ll use it. Travis handed Isaak the coffee spoon to eat his Potato Salad. That's not really what it's meant for, but he said, "What is this a baby spoon?" LOL!

When I first read the review I saw that it is a 4-piece set. I read that as it having 4 knives, 4 spoons, and 4 forks. You can imagine how I was surprised that it had only 4 things in the set. I'd have it be a little more money, and add more duplicated to the set.

Cost:

$11.74 on Amazon Prime http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GZJ479X

Care:

It's made out of stainless steel. It washes safe in the dishwasher. I did notice that you have to put it in upside down to prevent the handles falling through the mesh dishwasher cubby. Black tableware surface mirror polished, no dirt, easy to oxidize, easy to clean. Every detail of the head is carefully treated and the smooth edges won't hurt your mouth. The forked cut is specially polished.

Food:

I made brats, potato salad, cut up radishes and peaches.

Are you happy with your silverware? 

The Anchor Fish and Chips @the_anchor_mpls #food #minneapolis #travel

I do like good food, but I'm fairly open to where we go. My only request for Travis when he asked me, "Where do you want to go to eat?" was, "Somewhere Omaha doesn't have."

An art district was close to Walker Art Center. Travis knew someone that went to school there, so he asked him where a good place to eat was. His response was, "The Anchor Fish and Chips".

It was Father's Day, the only meal we were going out for that day, something other than fast food and a great choice.

The Anchor Fish and Chips was so good!

Hours:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 4-10
Friday: 4-11
Saturday: 10-11
Sunday: 10-10

Because they are closed on Monday, I thought I should in fact bring up their hours. Thank goodness it was a Sunday. I think I would have cried if it was a day they were only open 4-11. I get HANGRY when I'm hungry.

Menu:

All menu items included tax. They were super environmental friendly. A little girl wanted a straw, so they brought her a metal reusable straw. They have organic and cage-free chickens that they get their eggs from.

Lunch and Dinner Menu:

Fish & Chips | $13.50

The Real Deal. A Beautiful Filet of Wild Alaskan Cod Served Over Hand-Cut Chips...Fish | $10.50...Tartar Sauce $.50

Shepherd's Pie | $13 Peterson Farms Wisconsin Beef & Veggies Topped with Mashed Potatoes

Meat Pastie & Chips | $11.25

A Blend of Fischer Farms Ground Pork, Potatoes, & Veggies Battered & Deep Fried...Meat Pastie $8.25

Veggie Pastie & Chips | $10.25

A Blend of Potatoes & Veggies Battered & Deep Fried...Veggie Pastie | $7.25

Battered Sausage & Chips | $9.50

Hand-Battered Banger Sausage. Custom Made for us by Fischer Farms...Sausage $6.50

Burger & Chips | $12
Grass-Fed Beef form Peterson Farms Wisconsin...Add Irish Cheddar $2

The Helicopter Burger & Chips | $15.50
Our Burger Topped with Irish Cheddar, Fischer Farms Ham, & a Fried Egg*

Veggie Burger & Chips | $10.50
Made Locally by The Mill Northeast...Add Irish Cheddar $2

Toasty & Chips | $13.50
Grilled Sandwich with Irish Cheddar, Fischer Farms Ham, Tomato & Onion

Poitín Poutine | $8.50

Our Gravy infused with Bent Anchor Poitín from Bent Brewstillery with Caves of Faribault Cheese Curds over a bed of our hand-cut chips

Curry or Gravy Chips | $6.50

Our Hand-Cut Chips Smothered in our Curry Sauce or Brown Gravy

What We Ordered:

The boys ordered burgers. How predictable.

Travis ordered their Fish and Chips.

I had no idea what to order, but decided to try something I've never heard of: Poitín Poutine.

Best tasting curds and gravy I've ever had! It was so tasty! I'm glad we decided to go there. It wouldn't be a place I'd even think to go to. What would you have ordered?

Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. I got no compensation, for writing this post. All opinions are my own. 

Drying Oregano and Making #Oregano Oil

This is a 2 part post: How to Dry Oregano and How to Make Infused Olive Oregano Oil. 

You need to know how to dry the oregano in order to make oregano oil. 

Things You Need:

Grow Oregano in an area that is alone. It loves to spread, and invade other plants. We planted ours off to the side of our house.

Kitchen Sheers or Scissors to cut the Oregano.

Running Water to wash the Oregano.

A few Towels to dry the Oregano.

A Food Processor to grind the Oregano.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil to make Oregano Oil.

A Mason Jar to mix the Oregano Oil.

A Sunny Window to heat the Oregano Oil.

A Wire Mesh to strain out the Oregano Oil.

Let's Get Started:

First off there is nothing wrong with just letting Oregano grow. Bees love it when it flowers. There's been years where I just let it go.

I find it easiest to cut a bunch at once. I use kitchen sheers to cut it.

You will find some Oregano is one single steam. Those are the easiest to remove the leaves. Others have branches. I pull the branches away, and set them aside. The yellow or withered leaves towards the bottom get put in the compost pile.

Wash Them!

Take the Leaves Off! 

Work against the grain of the plant. Hold the stem right under the clump of leaves towards the top. I do this because that part of the stem is the weakest, thinnest part. It tends to break. Use your other fingers to slide along the stem. The leaves come right off!

Take the top leaves off if they haven't flowered yet.

Soon enough you'll have a bunch of stems and Oregano leaves. 

Towel Time!

Fold a body towel in 1/2, put it on the floor, or up on a table. Spread the Oregano Leaves out on it to dry. It takes about 3 to 4 days. 

Grind Time!

You can feel when they are dried. Get out a food processor, or coffee grinder to grind them down.

Mason Jar Time!

Fill whatever size mason jar you want 1/2 full of dried Oregano leaves. It will look dusty with green.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Time!

Fill the jar up with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Close the lid, and let it sit in a sunny window for 2 weeks. It helps to shake it once in awhile.  

Strain Time!

Get a fine wire mesh. Let the Oregano Oil run through. Discard the leaves. You can use Oregano Oil for salad dressings, Italian dishes and more.  

Health Properties of Oregano Oil:

You can read more about the health benefits here. We're all different, so what works for one person may not work for another.

1. It's a natural antibiotic

2. May help lower bad cholesterol

3. Powerful Antioxidant

4. Could help treat yeast infections

5. May improve gut health

6. May have anti inflammatory properties

7. Could relieve pain

8. May have cancer fighting properties

9. May help you loose weight

Have you made Oregano Oil before? What would you use the oil for? 

Disclaimer: I did not get anything to write this post. I just wanted to share.

Chicken and Dumpling Soup {Recipe}

I love Chicken and Dumplings. Usually I make the a traditional recipe, and the dumplings are made from scratch.

One night a few months ago I had a dream I made Chicken and Dumpling Soup. It was go good!

Nom Nom Chicken and Dumpling Soup!

I didn't even look up recipes. I knew I saw potato dumplings somewhere, and thought they'd be perfect for this soup. The homemade ones I typically make would get soggy, and wouldn't work. The question is: Where did I see potato dumplings? I looked at two grocery stores I usually go to, and they weren't there. Finally I found the potato dumplings at Big Lots. I made sure to pick up a few packages if this recipe was as good as it was in my dream.

I have to say, it's a good thing I picked up 2 packages of dumplings! Chicken and Dumpling Soup is amazing! My family must of agreed...they gobbled it up!

I just used some of the ingredients I've used in my regular Chicken and Dumpling recipe. I added more vegetables. One thing I used to do, that I don't do anymore is shave off the carrot skin. I leave it on.

It took about a half hour to 45 minutes to make. I paired it up with homemade blueberry muffins and a side of green beans. One can never have too many veggies.

Ingredients:

• Olive Oil (To Cover the Pan) or 2 Tablespoons of Butter
• 1 Big Onion
• 1 Garlic Clove
• 3 Carrots
• 3 Celery Stalks
• 1/2 a Container of Mushrooms
• A Handful of Spinach Leaves
• 2 Italian Sausage Links
• 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 2 Cups Chicken Broth
• 4 Cups of Water
• Salt & Pepper to Taste
• 1 Teaspoon Marjoram
• 1 Package of Potato Dumpling

Chicken and Dumpling Soup by on Scribd

Directions:

Drizzle the non stick pan with olive oil, or heat up the butter.

Start Chopping:

I chopped one veggie at a time, and added it in in this order: Onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms.

Stir often, cook until the veggies are tender. Add in a handful of spinach leaves. At this point I put the lid on to make the spinach wilt faster.

I put the veggies into one of our soup bowls. I'm all about using as little dishes as possible.

Cook the Italian Sausage, and break it up as it cooks. Set aside in a different soup bowl.

Cook the diced chicken until it's no longer pink.

Add the veggies and Italian Sausage back into the pot.

Pour in the water and chicken broth. Add the salt, pepper, and Marjoram. Heat back up, and add in the potato dumplings.

Heat back up, and serve.

It was perfect! Have you ever cooked or baked in a dream?

Hexed Colorful Knife Set Review

I'm happy to introduce you to Hexed - Colorful Knife Set. 

Shipping:

It shipped fast, and was in 2 boxes to ensure that it got to my in great condition.

Different Knifes:

1. 8” Chef
2. 8” Slicing
3. 8” Bread
4. 8”Fork
5. 5” Utility 
6. 3.5” Paring

Each Knife and Fork Comes With a Cover:

Everything in this set is ultra sharp! The covers help protect. My sons often grab knifes carelessly. I like that these have covers!

Stainless Steel:

They have a coating that helps resist corrosion, and discoloration.

Storage:

These knifes can be stored in a drawer to prevent clutter space, or on a magnetic mounting display.

Colors:

I like that I can tell the kids to get me the blue knife. Then they know what I'm talking about. They have an array of colors, which is fun!

Snack Time:

I felt like it cut up the apple for our snack really well!

Where to Get it:

You can get this knife set for $16.89. You can get it on Amazon Prime http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F26CC63.

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discount to assist with this review. All the writing in this review are my own. The company did not tell me what to say. I only review things I think my family can use.

Sila Silicone Storage Bags Review

I'm so addicted to getting things that I can reuse! I have had cloth bags for years. They are good for many things, such as daily lunches. Recently I've been getting and using silicone bags. 

Each bag comes with a different colored top! I can say, "Mica get me the bag out the freezer that has the red top." He'll come up with the right bag! Yay! The tops are hard for kids to slip on and off. They are even hard for adults to slip on and off the first few times.

Sila Silicone Bags are Wonderful for: 

• Soups
• Produce
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Dried Beans

and much more! 

I don't know if I'll use them for soups. For us glass containers that you can just throw in the microwave are easy peasy for soups. I will use these for berry picking, tomatoes that we've processed, but haven't canned yet. I also make a wellness drink that's packed with anti inflammatory goodness! Usually when I make that I put 1/2 of it in the freezer. These bags are wonderful for storing that in! It's so wonderful that they can go in the freezer! 

I like the bags for produce because they keep the moisture of the fruits and veggies locked in. Net bags don't do that. I'm often left with rubbery tasting veggies. Net bags do work for bananas. We take them out anyhow. 

An Apple 🍎 a day for an Apel a Day. 

Airtight and Leakproof!

Sila Silicone Storage Bags are both. The silicone is food grade! They wash up easily.

Where to Get Them:

Get the 4 set on Amazon Prime for $15.99. https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DAZ2BIF8I4TNVQ&field-keywords=reusable+snack+bags

What type of bags do you use in the kitchen?

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discounted price in exchange for an honest review. I only review products my readers, and/or family will find helpful.