- Good food, good company, good advice from Grandma

Holiday Gift Guide: Travel Pillow from Therapedic

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I tried out one of the Therapedic Neck Pillows in the car on a recent trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia. It was wonderful to have that memory foam pillow wrapped around my neck to lean back and relax, and catch a snooze on the way.

The Memordy Touch — The Memory Touch U-Neck Memory Foam Pillow.

Therapedic Memory Touch Neck Pillow retails for $19.99 amd provides pressure relieving support and comfort for your head and neck, due to the sculpted, high-density memory foam. Also features a reusable hot/cold gel pack that relaxes tired, sore muscles during hectic travel. The cold pack was really nice! Available at Bed Bath & Beyond .

Features of the Memory Touch Neck Pillow:

• Luxury velour cover makes it feel wonderful against your skin.
• Cover is 70% cotton/30% polyester.
• Foam pillow is 100% visco elastic.
• Measures 8″ L x 16″ W x 4″ D.
• Cover is machine washable.
• Made in the USA of imported materials.
• 10-year warranty.

Therapedic Supreme Comfort Travel Pillow In Beige retails for $19.99 – A smaller conventional pillow that provides cushion-firm, therapeutic, pressure-relieving comfort and support for long road trips. The Therapedic Supreme Comfort Travel Pillow guarantees comfort while you’re on the go! Available at Bed Bath & Beyond online.

Features of the Supreme Comfort Travel Pillow:

• Made with high quality, luxury circular knit cover around a ventilated memory foam
• Provides cushion-firm, therapeutic, pressure-relieving comfort and support
• Pillow measures 10.5″ L x 14.5″ W
• Polyester/rayon blend
• 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty

Buy It: You can find the Therapedic Mememory Foam Pillows at Bed Bath & Beyond online, not in store.

Win It: One Fabgrandma reader will win two Therapedic Pillows (1 Neck Pillow and 1 Travel Pillow) Use the Giveaway Tools form to enter:

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Gluten Free Brussels Sprouts With Honey Lime Sauce and Bacon

Karen · 5 Comments

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This is such a simple and good recipe that I can not believe I never thought to make my Brussels sprouts like this before. I was looking at recipes online for another project and saw one similar to this, but I did not have the ingredients called for in that other recipe. So, I made this one up using what I did have.

Gluten Free Brussels Sprouts With Honey Lime Sauce and Bacon

1 lb fresh Brussels Sprouts

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup honey

3 T olive oil

Juice of 1/2 lime

1/3 lb bacon

Trim Brussels sprouts and cut in half or thirds. Place in a microwave and oven safe baking dish. Add 1/4 cup water, cover with plastic wrap, and steam in microwave for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, fry bacon until crispy, then crumble it. Mix the honey, olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl and whisk until blended, about 1 minute.

Take the Brussels sprouts out of the microwave. Drizzle with the honey lime sauce, sprinkle with salt. Crumble the bacon over the top. Place in 350° oven and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

gluten free recipe brussels sprouts — Brussels Sprouts With Honey Lime Sauce and Bacon

What is your favorite way to make Brussels Sprouts? If you try this recipe, please come back and let me know what you thought.

[egg id=”8″] Put another egg in your basket here.

Simple Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

Karen · Leave a Comment

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You don’t have to break the bank when it comes to finding the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving meal. Use these simple burlap ribbon ideas for decorations that are not only affordable, but great conversation starters. Each idea needs only a few materials and many of the items can be found in your garden, home, or craft stores such as Hairbow Center or Jo-Ann’s.

Thanksgiving Box

Find an old wooden box by searching through antique stores or asking around at stores that throw away crates. Place burlap ribbon on the inside and fill it with pumpkins, twigs, corn, and other Thanksgiving items. Leave the centerpiece on your dinner table or coffee table as a beautiful and seasonal decoration.

Table Runner

Burlap makes for a natural table runner with its neutral color and endless setting possibilities. Spray some fall items such as pinecones, pumpkins, or twigs with gold metallic paint and set them on top of the burlap for a striking conversation piece. It’s simple, but elegant.

Seasonal Plants

Although many flowers have gone to sleep for the colder seasons, there are still plenty of berry-laden plants to choose from. Use fall leaves, pumpkins, and other items from your yard or garden as accents in a wooden bowl lined with burlap. You can create a neutral-looking piece or a colorful one depending on the plants you find.

Wrap Your Plain Vases

If you have vases lying around waiting for spring, turn them into perfect Thanksgiving centerpieces by wrapping them in burlap ribbon and filling them with fall plants or warm-colored flowers. Acorns are also perfect accent pieces. You can even embellish the burlap by hot-gluing items to it.

Make it Metallic

Using metallic spray paint, you can turn just about anything into the perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece. Use copper or gold metallic paint for a truly authentic fall look. Finish off the table setting with burlap place mats or runners.

Simplistic

To make things really simple, just use burlap as your tablecloth and use a contrasting color of cloth as your table runner. Finish off the place settings by putting decorative gourds on every plate. Make all the gourds the same or mix it up with different types. Although it’s simple to do, it’s sure to leave an impression on your guests.

Thanksgiving centerpieces can be beautiful mood setters for you family meal. You don’t have to stress yourself out about affording an elegant piece or making an overly complicated one. Use these simple burlap ideas to create affordable, striking centerpieces that your friends and family are sure to enjoy.

6 Ways To Stop Wasting Foods

Karen · Leave a Comment

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Thanksgiving, one of the most wasteful times of year, when we all come together with too much of a good thing. I am guilty of it myself, and I have seen it over the years at various Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter celebration meals that I have attended. While cooking a twenty pound turkey may be a tradition in your family, if there are only eight people coming to dinner, you need to think in advance about what you are going to do with all that food that is left over after everyone goes home.

Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, the United States will waste about five million tons of food. In just one year, Americans waste about 34 million tons. That’s a lot of turkey, pie, and dressing going in the trash. Food waste is not just a moral issue, but also an environmental issue. “A tremendous amount of energy and resources go into growing, processing, shipping, cooling and cooking our food. Food waste could represent as much as six percent of the total U.S. energy consumptione ach year.

So, what can you do to prevent wasting so much food? Here are some things that you can do starting today:

Plan your menu. Writing out even a simple meal plan each week can help you save both food and money. Knowing what you plan to cook and eat lets you shop for specific foods and cuts down on impulse buying. Unless you have a freezer, you’ll wind up wasting excess foods bought without a plan for when to use them.
Shop your pantry first. Once you have your menu planned, shop your pantry, freezer and refrigerator first. Go over your meal plan and check off the items you already have on hand. Taking inventory of your refrigerator and pantry to see what you have already before heading out to the store will save money on your grocery bill, and will help you use up the foods before they spoil. We all have cans hiding in the back corner we forgot about. There’s no reason to buy more of what you already have.
“Sell by” and “best by” dates are not necessarily the dates that foods go bad. Some products may still be good long after their expiration date. Trust your senses before that throwing food away just because the “sell by” date is past. Some foods can be good for a couple of weeks before they are no longer usable.
Freeze giblets, stale bread, vegetables for using later. The tops, peels, and roots of many vegetables can be used to make broth or for seasoning in soups and stews. It only takes a couple of minutes to chop and save onions, bell peppers, celery, carrots, and other vegetables. Put them in a large zip lock freezer bag, and take out just what you need when cooking later. Do the same with turkey or chicken giblets, backs, and necks; and ham that is leftover.
Love your leftovers. Look for recipes that use your leftovers creatively. The internet is full of recipes you can use for leftovers. You don’t have to eat turkey sandwiches or turkey salad for days!
Donate to the hungry. If you still need to get rid of excess foods before they go bad, think about donating to your local food bank or a shelter for the homeless.

Oven Ready Turkey From Jennie-O and a Giveaway

Karen · 56 Comments

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This post is sponsored by Jennie-O

Have you ever been that cook who forgot to put the turkey out of the freezer to thaw out at least two days before Thanksgiving? I have, and let’s just say we did not have turkey that year on Thanksgiving Day. Now, though, you are still in luck if you bought a Jennie-O Oven Ready Turkey. Yes, you heard that right. You can take this big girl from the freezer straight to the oven, and it will turn out perfect! No one will ever know you forgot!

Jennie-O is not a newcomer to the turkey business. They started growing turkeys in Minnesota in 1940, and have over 1500 products including whole turkeys, deli meats, and ground turkey. Their mantra is “eating well shouldn’t come at the cost of taste.”

So, how do you cook a frozen turkey? Just watch:

After the Thanksgiving meal is over, you can use your leftover turkey in one of the many recipes on Jennie-O’s website. They have five really easy menu plans for great Thanksgiving meals so if this is your first time hosting, or the thirtieth, you can find inspiration for delicious side dishes and desserts. Just look at the photo from their Gluten Free Menu Plan:

jennie-o gluten free turkey menu — **Can you believe this is all gluten free?**

And here is the nutrition and ingredients list for the Jennie-O Oven Ready Turkey. Gluten Free, y’all!

Buy It: You can find Jennie-O at Wal-Mart, or find a store near you here.

Win It: One lucky reader will win $15 in coupons to buy a Jennie-O Turkey! To enter, use the Giveaway Tools Entry Form:

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Under The Weather

Karen · 1 Comment

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I know I know, I am way way behind with things I need to talk about, but ever since we went on vacation at the beginning of November, I have been sick. And I mean SICK. I woke up on the first day home from Jekyll Island with a scratchy throat, itchy ears, and a cough that would not go away. I took the home remedies we usually take, but they didn’t help, so after about 5 days, I took myself to the doctor.

Now, this trip to the doctor was the first one after my new health insurance policy went into effect, and it was nice to be able to be treated the way the doctor wanted to treat me, without worrying about how much it would cost. I came away from that appointment with a sore behind due to a steroid shot in one butt cheek, and an antibiotic shot in the other one, and a prescription for a ten day round of antibiotic for a sinus infection.

I took my meds as directed, along with an effervescent cold relief medication, and slept for a week. At the end of the ten days of antibiotic, I was still sick, and possibly sick-ER than I was to start with. I took myself back to the doctor, who checked me over and said I now had an ear infection in addition to the sinus infection. I got two more shots, and another, different ten day antibiotic. I have slept more than a newborn baby, and finally yesterday was the first day I have felt almost alive again since November 1.

I have to apologize to several sponsors, because I am way way behind with my Holiday Gift Guide. It was supposed to start on November 1, and I have not done it yet. I will be starting it today, with at least one post that will include a giveaway.

I have also not told you about the progress we have made on our home improvements. It is so amazing how putting just a few dollars into a simple project can make your home feel more cozy, and look gorgeous. We are not finished yet, but we have installed new windows, a new front door and storm door, a new counter top and sink in the kitchen, painted, and installed the Broan Range Hood. I can not tell you how much that exhaust fan has helped the air in our house smell better.

So what’s been up with you while I have been sleeping?

Moving Through Airport Security like a Pro

Karen · Leave a Comment

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Airport security is drastically different than it was just at the turn of the century. Today’s security lines are relatively long, ensuring passengers are safe as they enter the terminal. Instead of being frustrated with the process, it helps to have a game plan before heading out the door. Whether you’re visiting Navy Pier in the city of Chicago or tropical Cancun, your first destination is the security screening.

Study Before You Fly

It seems that every month is met with a new federal regulation regarding carry-on items. Several days before your flight, go online to verify what items are approved or banned. Even that tiny shampoo bottle could be banned just before you board. Being prepared means your trip through the security line will be faster. Holding up the line with banned items only frustrates you and all the passengers behind you. You won’t have to discard a favorite perfume or personal hygiene tool at the airport with proper preparation.

Be the Early Bird

Try to fly in the early morning to catch the shortest security lines. They typically grow in size as the day wears on. Being early also means you catch security personnel when they are fresh. Every security professional is still a human being and they do become tired by the end of their shift. Starting the day with a smile in the security line only makes your boarding process faster as they clear your items and move you through the screening machine with ease.

The Perfect Footwear

Security screening of your footwear is mandatory so wearing easy-to-remove items is crucial. Wear slip-on shoes with socks. After removing the shoes, you can walk across the detector in socks instead of bare feet. You don’t want to have your skin pressed against the floor where germs can easily invade any cuts. Slipping on your shoes after is a snap, giving you a chance to move briskly to the gate. Wearing complicated lace shoes only slows the line down.

Electronics Charged and Ready

Security personnel must know your electronics are viable items so charge everything before you leave home. Laptops, tablets and smartphones must be turned on and tapped to verify their use. If you have an issue with an electronic, step out of line to allow others to pass. Dead electronics are typically checked thoroughly by other personnel beside the standard screening area. Being prepared with powered electronics allows you to pass without question into the terminal.

Calm and Courteous

Lines and delays do occur periodically so remaining calm and courteous is paramount to boarding on-time. Avoid talking about anything controversial, including bombs and terrorist stories. Security personnel are very sensitive about these areas and may pull you aside for further questioning. Don’t give anyone a reason to delay your time in line. Use the provided security boxes for your items and offer to open any bags if necessary. If you are pulled aside for an individual body scan, be courteous and aware of your rights to move on to your desired flight destination.

Regardless of your booking choice, such as CheapOair, everyone eventually ends up at the airport for inspection. Bring some entertainment while you’re in line and give yourself enough time to make it to the gate. Your safety is paramount when it comes to the friendly skies.

Gluten Free Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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gluten free cornbread dressing

I developed this recipe for Gluten Free Cornbread Dressing because I wanted something that tasted like what my mother used to cook for the holidays. I am a southern girl from Georgia, and in the south, we make our dressing using cornbread. I looked over the ingredients of my Mama’s cornbread dressing, and made gluten free substitutions. This gluten free version is almost as good as Mama’s, and is exactly right for the holidays, or for a Sunday family dinner. Enjoy!

For the cornbread:

1 medium onion, chopped
3-4 stalks celery, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (12 oz.)of Pamela’s Gluten Free Cornbread Mix (or your favorite brand of gluten free cornbread mix)
3 eggs
1 cup buttermilk or water

(I have had a lot of questions about the 3 eggs and 1 cup of buttermilk versus following the directions on your favorite brand of gluten free cornbread mix. So, to try to clear this up, let me say that I have only used Pamela’s Gluten Free Cornbread Mix when I make this dressing. I use the mix, 3 eggs and 1 cup of buttermilk, and the rest of the ingredients listed for the cornbread. It works for me. If you have a different brand of gluten free cornbread mix, make it like you always do, adding whatever amount of eggs and milk/buttermilk/water that is shown on the package for that brand. Add in the onion, celery and butter to the mix and bake it like you always do. I promise you that it will turn out ok. And, I like the fluffiness of my cornbread when I use 3 eggs instead of just one. I can not speak for all gluten free cornbread mixes because I have not used them.)

For the dressing:

4-5 slices of gluten free bread (I used 3 Udi’s Gluten Free Hot Dog buns. I like the way they taste but I don’t like hot dogs. You can use your favorite gluten free bread for this recipe)
3-4 cups gluten free chicken broth or stock (I used Swanson’s because it says on the container that it is gluten free)
4 eggs
3-4 tablespoons poultry seasoning (more or less to your taste)
1 tablespoon sage (more or less or none depending on your taste)

Preparing the cornbread:

Saute´ the onions and celery in the butter until onions are translucent.
Meanwhile, prepare the cornbread mix according to the directions on the package, or, if your have your own way to prepare the cornbread, use your method.
When onions and celery are done, mix them into the cornbread batter.
Bake in a 375° oven until browned, about 30 minutes. Let cool completely.
I usually make my cornbread the day before.

Preparing the dressing:

When cornbread is cooled, crumble it up into a large mixing bowl.
Tear or cut up the bread into small pieces, add to the bowl.
Mix in seasoning, eggs, and broth, a little at a time, until mixture is like a thick batter.
You are actually making a savory bread pudding. You don’t want it to be too thin, or too thick. Usually about three cups of broth is enough.
Pour dressing into a greased 9″ X 13″ pan or casserole dish.
Bake at 400° until set and browned, about 30-45 minutes.

This gluten free cornbread dressing is delicious and almost tastes like my Mother’s gluten full version. Served with giblet gravy, it is heavenly! If you make it, please let me know what you think of it. Also, check out this list of my favorite gluten free products.