January Favorites + a Recipe for a Tex-Mex Veggie Burger

Happy Monday!  If you’re here for the Tex-Mex Veggie Burger recipe, that’s bonus content for paid subscribers.  Scroll to the bottom!

Welcome to this month’s roundup of discoveries, musings, and tidbits that have made an impression on me recently. Some are practical, some thought-provoking, and some just plain fun—but all worth sharing. Let’s dive in!

360 Cookware Stainless Steel Baking Dish

I’ve been experimenting with this multi-functional stainless steel baking dish which a friend gifted to me for the holidays, and it’s a total workhorse in the kitchen. It’s perfect for casseroles, roasting veggies, and even baking brownies. Pros: Durable, non-toxic, and cooks evenly. Cons: It’s on the heavier side, so keep that in mind if you like lighter cookware, and it’s not cheap.

Trying Algae Cooking Club Algae Oil

Seed oils have been controversial for years, with ongoing debates about their health impacts and processing. Enter algae oil, an alternative that’s high in monounsaturated fats and has a high smoke point—perfect for cooking. It’s neutral in flavor, but I’ll be honest, it’s pricey compared to olive oil. Going to give it a test run this week.

I love this quote from Inspired Everyday Living

Air Purifiers

We have had air purifiers in our home for many years.  This winter, air purifiers have been on people’s radar because of the LA wildfires. But I think air purifiers are useful for anyone with allergies or concerns about indoor air quality.  When selecting an air purifier, consider factors such as filtration efficiency, room coverage, noise levels, and maintenance requirements to find the best fit for your needs. These are the only brands I have tried and can vouch for.

AirDoctor

AirDoctor utilizes a three-stage filtration process, including a Pre-Filter, Carbon/VOC filter, and an UltraHEPA® filter capable of capturing particles as small as 0.003 microns. Laboratory tests have shown that the AirDoctor can remove 99.99% of bacteria and viruses, including H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2, from the air in a test chamber. 

Alen BreatheSmart 75i

The Alen BreatheSmart 75i features True HEPA filtration, capturing 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns. It's designed for large spaces and operates quietly, making it suitable for bedrooms and living areas. We appreciate its modern design and customizable front panels. 

Wellis Air

Wellis Air offers a filter-less purification system that uses hydroxyl radicals to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and odors. Some users have noted that while it may effectively reduce certain contaminants, it doesn't significantly impact dust and dander levels. Additionally, the device emits noticeable light and sound, which could be a consideration for placement in bedrooms. 

DIY Air Purifier Using a Box Fan and HVAC Filter  (I have not done this.)

This cost-effective approach involves attaching a high-efficiency HVAC filter to a standard box fan. The fan draws air through the filter, capturing airborne particles and improving air quality. This method is both affordable and straightforward to assemble.

Reading: The Women by Kristin Hannah

This book has captured my attention with its layered, thought-provoking exploration of women’s lives and roles through history. I can’t put it down!

Watching: Season 2 of The Night Agent

The Night Agent is a fast-paced political thriller series that follows an FBI agent who works in the basement of the White House, manning a phone that rarely rings—until one night it does. The call sets off a high-stakes conspiracy involving corruption at the highest levels of government. If you’re a fan of espionage dramas, you’ll probably like it.

I Have a Warming Drawer! Who knew???

Okay, this one made me LOL. Have you ever discovered something in your house after living there for many years? It turns out I’ve been underutilizing this handy appliance, and I’m now on a mission to maximize its potential. Great for proofing bread, warming up plates and platters or keeping dinner warm without drying it out.  Stay tuned for more!

Food Huggers Silicone Avocado Covers

A game-changer for avocado lovers - no more plastic wrap! BUT, did you know the flexible silicone piece can be pressed into the hollow left by the pit? I just learned this and I’ve had Food Huggers for at least 10 years!!  It creates an airtight seal, keeping your avocado fresh for longer. Pros: Sustainable, easy to clean. Cons: They’re designed specifically for avocados, so they take up space if you don’t use them often.

Tried the Viral Butter-Stuffed Dates Trend

Everyone’s raving about this combination, but I just don’t get it. Butter-stuffed dates feel...odd? I love dates, and I love butter, but together they don’t do it for me. If you’ve tried it and disagree, let me know! Maybe I’m missing something, but I’ll stick with dates stuffed with nut butter.

FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3

Big news: the FDA has officially banned red dye No. 3 in foods, drinks, and ingested medicines. This has been a long time coming, considering the potential health risks associated with synthetic dyes. Unfortunately, manufacturers who use FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until January 15, 2027 or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products. Seriously.

Why Aren’t You Eating Tinned Mackerel?

Hear me out—tinned mackerel is underrated. It’s affordable, nutrient-dense, and sustainable. It’s packed with omega-3s and works beautifully in salads, pasta, or on toast. If you’re already a fan of tinned tuna, this is a no-brainer next step!

Freezing Shredded Cheese

This is my latest habit for reducing food waste! I shred extra cheese (usually leftover blocks) and freeze it in small portions. It’s so convenient for quick toppings on soups, pastas, or pizzas—and no more moldy cheese in the fridge! Pro Tip: Freeze it flat in zip-top bags (I use Zwilling Fresh & Save reusable bags) to make it easier to grab just what you need. I even had success freezing extra fresh mozzarella after a pizza night. I left it right in the container with the water.

On Empathy and What We Say to People in Hard Times

I saw @melissau share advice on supporting people after a fire or natural disaster, but her words apply universally. My dad always told me, “It’s such a terrible thing to say to someone, ‘It could always be worse.’” It diminishes their experience and invalidates the difficulty of what they’re going through. Sometimes, the best thing you can say is simply, “I’m here for you.”

Even More Musings is an extension of my weekly newsletter, Monday Musings. My newsletter is a sponsor-free zone and is fully supported by readers like you. Consider becoming a paid subscriber to get Even More Musings! Each week, I share my tips and tricks along with a new recipe. For only $5/month or $50/year (less than $1 a newsletter), you'll also gain access to the entire archive, featuring favorites like My New Hyper-fixation High-Protein Fluffy Breakfast Bowl  and the Hillstone Copycat Emerald Kale Salad.  This week I am sharing a recipe for an amazing Tex-Mex Veggie Burger!