Homemade Dale’s Marinade

This week I’m doing back to back food blogs. Two homemade marinades I’ll use this year for beef follow. One is a homemade version of Dale’s Marinade, a recipe that is floating uncredited around the internet. Another combines Homemade Dale’s Marinade Sauce with Montreal Seasoning to tenderize beef or pork. Dale’s marinade sold in stores is inexpensive to buy, however many cooks already have all the ingredients at home to simply make it. 

Homemade Dale’s Marinade

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp ground ginger

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1/4 teaspoon sugar or golden syrup
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup water

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in the Vitamix container. Blend on medium for 30 seconds until fully combined. (I didn’t use a blender. Easy to whisk the mixture with a fork.)
Use immediately as a marinade or sauce, or store in the fridge for 1-2 months.

The 2nd Marinade Sauce uses Montreal Seasoning so here’s a recipe for that --

Homemade Montreal Seasoning

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons coarse black pepper

2 tablespoons paprika or smoked paprika

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

2 tablespoons whole coriander seeds

2 tablespoons dried dill

2 tablespoons red pepper flakes

Combine all dry ingredients and store in an airtight contrainer.

Now let’s combine the two. (It's what I used to make a 2 pound London Broil steak. Btw: Top Round London Broil steak, one of my favorites, is a cheaper cut of beef. Why? Beause it’s lean wih no fat (or marbling like more tender cuts). But with braising, the meat becomes so tender and tasty, and I love how I never have to trim fat or grisle off the steak.) --

 Dale’s Marinade with Montreal Seasoning

Ingedients:

1/4 cup Dale’s Marinade

1/4 cup of Worcestershire Sauce

2 tablespoons of vinegar

1/2 cup of olive or vegetable oil

1 tablespoon Montreal seasoning

Directions:

Marinade your meat for 24 hours to tenderize, and you’ll be able to cut it with a fork.

It looks like I’ll start marinading this year. How about you?

Candidly, beef with pototoes and vegetables is a favorite meal. Still, my family eats less meat and more vegetarian meals than once upon a time, and yet it’s hard for us to totally cut beef, chicken and pork out of our diets. We consider the environment, aging, and the health recommendations of doctors, then make sensible adjustments in efforts to live balanced, healthy and responsible lives. If you can’t eliminate, cutting back is beneficial. Enjoy!

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2 Mediterranean Diet Recipes From Facebook

Photos and recipes by Emily Smith here and below

When I happened upon these two recipes on Facebook, they made my mouth water! I’m sharing them for several reasons: I plan to make them. My blog is my recipe keeper! They’re quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients, and most of all they’re healthy and filling. I also appreciate that the FB page I’m pulling them from is transparent, not making it difficult to find the recipes. I dislike having to provide my email or click off the page to get recipes. This page seems to just want to share recipes, so check it out for healthy meal ideas!

🍕🌮🍕🌮🍕🌮🍕🍕🌮🍕🌮🍕🌮🍕🍕🌮🍕🌮🍕🌮🍕

Says page administrator Emily Smith: "Craving pizza but sticking to keto? Try these cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas for a deliciously guilt-free treat!”

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Quesadilla (Made it. Like✅)

*What you need*

- 2 large low‑carb tortillas (or regular flour tortillas)

- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (or a blend of mozzarella & cheddar)

- 10‑12 pepperoni slices

- 2 Tbsp pizza sauce (sugar‑free) – optional

- A pinch of Italian seasoning – optional

*How to make it*

1. Heat a non‑stick skillet over medium heat.

2. Lay one tortilla flat, spread the sauce (if using), then sprinkle the cheese, pepperoni, and a dash of Italian seasoning.

3. Top with the second tortilla.

4. Cook 2‑3 min per side, pressing gently, until the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden‑brown.

5. Slice into wedges and serve with extra sauce for dipping.

Enjoy that melty, pizza‑and‑quesadilla mash‑up in under 10 minutes! Let me know if you want a low‑carb twist.

Recipe #2 --

3 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza

*What you need*

-1 cup of cottage cheese (full fat, small curd)

- 1 large egg

- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (or your favorite cheese)

*How to make it*

1. Pre‑heat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. Mix cottage cheese and egg until smooth. Spread into a thin circle (about 8‑inch).

3. Top with mozzarella (and any other low-carb toppings you love).

4. Bake 15‑18 min, until the crust is golden and cheese melts.

''Enjoy a protein-packed, low-carb pizza! Let me know if you want topping ideas.’’

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For questions or topping ideas, go to Emily Smith's FB page, which is linked. I topped the Pepperoni Pizza Quesadilla with chopped onions, green peppers, mushrooms and red pepper flakes. Oooh, how delish!

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A Burberry Trench Coach Is A True Investment Piece

When it comes to buying investment wardrobe pieces we can’t go wrong with a trench coat, the most iconic perhaps is British luxury brand, Burberry. As it turns out, they go on sale this time of the year, so now is the time to browse the department stores which carry them.

The company was founded by Thomas Burberry in 1856. Originally Burberry designed his iconic trench coats for military officers and outdoor exploration. 

Even today a Blurberry Trench Coat is known for its intricate stitcking and functional details. A nova check pattern is the tradmark of the coat, as well as, its scarves and apparel. As we would expect, the trench coat doubles as a raincoat: Thomas Burberry invented garbardine fabric in 1879, a tightly woven, breathable, and waterproof cotton. 

While steep in British heritage, the trench coat has become globally iconic as functional and practical luxury outerwear. What makes it an investment piece is an owner would likely wear it all the decades of his or her adult life.

To be transparent, although I’ve long admired and have tried on Burberry Trench Coats at Borgdoff Goodman, I don’t own one. But if I were to pay the piper, IMHO, this coat would be the luxury item well worth the cost especially if you need it for work or travel. Had I bought one in my early 20s, I’d still be wearing it. Nowadays my life is casual smart in style. I own a London Fog trench coat and a Uniqlo water-resistant coat, also stylish and functional pieces for less than luxury brand Burberry. It’s fine for Savvy Shoppers to use Burberry, the Holy Grail of quality, as our inspiration to find a good enough trench coat to fit our lifestyles. 

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Pretty LeVian Couture Emeralds

LeVian is a jeweler known for its chocolate diamonds and use of bold, vibrant, slightly-off-the-beaten-path colored gemstones like blueberry sapphires and passion rubies. The family run retailer since the 15th century has also maintained its Persian orgins in some of its designs. Personally, I don’t own any of its commercial-grade jewelry sold at Macy’s, Saks or Belk department stores.

Still 2 pieces from LaVain’s High Jewelry Platinum Collection really caught my eye! I (not my bank account😛) can envision wearing them as they are classic and gorgeous!

The Dora is a pair of earrings featuring 9.22 carats of pear-shaped Costa Smeralda Emeralds™ interlaced with 2.65 carats of marquise, pear, and round Vanilla Diamonds™ crafted in 18k Vanilla Gold™.

The Aelia is a 13.53 carat Costa Smeralda Emerald™ in 18k Vanilla Gold™ framed by .86 carat of Vanilla Diamonds™ in a floral pattern.

You may wonder what exactly are Costa Smeralda Emeralds™, Vanilla Gold™ and Vanilla Diamonds™? I had to look it up:

"Le Vian uses Vanilla Gold to describe its unique 14k or 18k white gold alloy, which is designed to be very white and often eliminates the need for rhodium plating. Vanilla Diamonds are Le Vian's branded, specially selected, high-quality white or near-colorless diamonds chosen to sparkle against their colorful, food-named gold and gemstone collections.” 

"Costa Smeralda Emeralds are high-quality, natural, and untreated emeralds ethically sourced from Zambia and Brazil, exclusively marketed by Le Vian.” The hue of the emeralds are a deep forest green.

I think of the terms as more of a marketing tool but once you know their meaning you do understand what you’re getting.

It’s unlikely and impractical for us average wage earners to buy high jewelry, and yet it’s great fun to see! For one, the stones are rare as they are usually big with fewer flaws. Super ogle-worthy!!

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My mother’s nephew paid our family a visit last Friday, January 2nd, and we enjoyed hosting him. Since we knew he was coming for dinner on January 2nd we waited for him before opening our New Year’s Eve bottle of champaign. Although I’d rather eat than drink, I have to admit when I do have a glass of wine or champaign with a meal, it has to be a delicious glass, and for sure, this hit the spot!

I can’t claim to have discovered it. That honor goes to someone I know who has excellent taste in everything from food and drink to dry goods.

I learned Nicholas Figueroa is the number 1 selling brand of champaign in France, the beverage’s country of origin. It isn't sweet, but the taste is middle dry and fruity, crisp and refreshing. It has medium bubbles and acidity.

According to a write up about the champaign by Lisa’s Liquor Barn, "it’s bursting with red summer fruit flavors. A delicious cavalcade of red currant, blueberry and raspberry notes, combined with a hint of strawberry. From within its refined and vibrant structure, its clean flavors are extremely delicate and nuanced.” Scores 92 points. Frankly, I couldn’t have said it better, myself ... no, seriously and honestly, I literally could not speak the lingo, so thank you, employees of Lisa’s Liquor Barn!

Suffice it to say, we, the January 2nd taste testers of the bottle, recommend it also! It’s worth the splurge when an occasion calls for good champaign! As French natives know, there’s no need to spend $100+ for fermented grape juice!

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Axe Body Spray Cherry Spritz

Sometimes my local CVS drugstore has free samples for the taking, which introduces me to unfamiliar products I wouldn’t normally pick up like Axe Body Spray Cherry Spritz. The spray is marketed as a man’s “fine fragrance,” yet is widely considered unisex. 

The scent is cherry-amber with hints of red apple and eucalyptus. Many women like the sweet, non-traditionally masculine fragrance, and I am one of them! It has a clean, fresh -- minus a strong, or artificial perfumey scent.

Photo: Madisondecinq

Like the new deodorants on the market, the Cherry Spitz can be safely sprayed all over the body, but I wonder if some people are going overboard fearing they have body odors that they really don’t. A daily shower should stop most of us from stinking. 

Still we enjoy smelling extra good, and this pleasing, clean scent is a winner. 

It’s also considerably cheaper than many fine fragrances and lasts a reasonable length of time. Costing around $7 for a 4 ounce can, it’s a worthy expenditure to smell delightful!

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It’s The New Year 2026

New Year's Eve is a holiday I like very much. As a younger adult I went out to celebrate sometimes, but always to places which were easy to return home from and with good friends. In fact, my favorite way to celebrate New Year’s Eve is with family and/or friends at home, or nearby in the neighborhood. Without fail, we do stay up past midnight to ring in the New Year while munching on a few tasty treats. One way we never spend the night is traveling a distance from home that requires a long drive back on a highway. 

I suppose a reason I like New Year’s Eve is it closes out the Christmas season. It’s the cherry on top of our high spirits. Christmas and Easter are two major holidays, each stretching out over a week, with Easter the more solemn one. The yin and the yang of Western cultural holidays. I love the sparkle, glitter and gaiety of Christmas completed by New Year’s Eve, and the anticipation of Spring and the renewal of Easter. I’m also happy Easter hasn’t become commercial like Christmas.

I prefer eating to drinking, however this year I intend to open a bottle of Champagne. 

Allow me to thank all my readers and fellow bloggers for your support. On THE SAVVY SHOPPER, we are one global, multi-cultural community, and my life is richer because of you! It's meaningful to share and exchange ideas. I enjoy learning right along with you. Dear friends, much appreciation for your time and contributions! Let’s make next year even better!🌍🌎🌏

🍾🥳Happy New Year 2026!🥂🎉

New Year’s Eve Party Dresses I Like

As we sit home with 4 inches of snow on the ground today, I’m browsing online at Macy’s party dresses pretending I'm selecting one to wear to a fancy New Year’s Eve party.

I like the silver sequin bowes against a velvet black fabric on this top image, but after looking for it online, the dress seems to be this liquid shimmering one, which is too long for my liking and not as classic in appearance as it would be against a black velvet fabric. So initially catching my eye, it didn’t make my list.

Below are 5 dresses that did --

Why did I select these 5 styles over other choices? Because I would wish to move and have fun at the gathering, not fuss with dress length (yards of material I could trip over) or cleavage (nothing too low, revealing or unstable). Also nothing too short so I wouldn’t need to worry about where and how I sat. Classy with a bit of comfort and freedom to move around the party room spearheaded my selections!

With the 1st 4 dresses I wouldn’t have to carry a shaw either, but likely would just in case the room was not warm enough. 

Finally forget about open toe shoes in the winter months. I’ve never liked the look in winter, nor the possibility of having cold toes. I’d pair my party dress with pretty block heels for comfort.

Adorn the green dress with a tennis necklace and bracelet. Hey, we’re still dreaming aren’t we?

What are your thoughts and do you have a favorite style to wear to a dressy (though short of a gala) New Year’s Eve gathering?

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Merry Christmas In New York City 2025

All around Manhattan the Christmas trees are up, and the brownstones are decorated. Below is a festive one on the Upper East Side.

In my kitchen, the cookies are baked. This year, I made Springerle (I do not have the molds!), Czechoslovakian cookies, Scottish Shortbread and Gingerbread cookies. We are ready to have Christmas teas with visitors!

Many of my friends are off to midnight Mass, but my senior Mother and I will watch the 1st American Pope say Mass on tv. Over the years, Mom and I have spent Christmases both together and apart.

By phone, I've had lovely catch-up chats with 4 friends today.

I hear many poor people are suffering with the flu. Mom and I got our flu, RSV, and the latest Covid vaccines in October, 2025. Thank heaven for shots! Get your up-to-date vaccines, dear readers, from your doctors or local pharmacies! No need to be sick unnecessarily.

Adoration of the Shepherds by Jacob van Oost (1603–1671), a Flemish Baroque painter

We wish everyone near and far a Merry Christmas!🐑🐪

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Don’t Buy Pricey Shrinking Snacks

My weakness isn’t sweets but savory snacks, namely salty, spicy, greasy snacks. If I choose wisely like French fries, occasionally I can eat them for dinner. On the other hand, potato chips are so light and airy, many of us can consume pounds of them without thinking. SunChips, Nacho Corn Chips and Spicy or Nacho Tortilla Chips are other favorites. 

Nowadays I rarely buy chips because the quantity in a bag shrunk to a point it’s not worth hauling them home anymore. We’re lucky if a $6 bag contains 7 ounces. I mean, it’s enough for me, but what will the rest of my family eat?😛 What we get in a bag for the increased price makes buying chips no longer worth it. Personally, I feel ripped off!

When I was a toddler around 2 - 3 years old I remember my father buying potato chips that came as huge twin bags in a box. You got a lot of crispy potato chips that a family could share. I googled the cost. Over the length of 2 decades (around 1955 - 1975) they sold for 25 cents - 99 cents at A&P. A one-serving bag sold for 5 cents - 25 cents over the years. As I write this blog, I realize it was my Dad who got me hooked on salty snacks at a very tender age, but, I digress!

I want to thank all the major chip manufacturers for helping me kick my habit! The prices at grocers and Target for very small quantities of chips means they are no longer in my cupboards torturing me like a bag of crack would a cocaine addict.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price for a 16-ounce bag of chips in 2014 was $4.27. By the end of 2024, it was $6.32. The price hikes are partially, due to inflation. The researchers must have rounded the quantity up because I never see 16-ounce bags of chips at a supermarket!

When quantities shrunk while prices rise, at some point we, consumers, must say no to stop the insanity! Nowadays we can buy 5 pounds of Russet or Idaho potatoes for the cost of a personal bag of chips!

Instead of chips, I’m bringing home pizza plus am baking french fries brushed with olive oil, or making baked potatoes loaded with extra sharp cheddar cheese, chopped onions, lettuce, beans, and salsa.

Whoever thought that eating bags of chips would one day break the bank! It’s disappointing to say the least!!

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Lady Gaga’s High Performance Makeup

Haus Labs is a vegan and cruelty-free cosmetic line started by Lady Gaga in 2019, focusing on high-performance, clean, and sustainably packaged products. The beauty company’s makeup consists of skincare-infused ingredients like fermented arnica (reduces redness), squalane (nourishes), hyaluronic acid & hydraberry (hydrates), vitamins C & E (antioxidants), prickly pear (nourishes with vitamin C, magnesium & copper) and proprietary complexes like BioFerment 7 Complex for anti-aging. It’s on the pricey but not obscene side as it contains rarer (as opposed to common) ingredients. I'm featuring it because beauty editors love every product in the brand from the makeup brushes to the foundation and concealer.

Consumers benefit from introductions to quality brands. One day if they land at discount retailers, or a major department store runs a bonanza beauty sale, you know about the cosmetic line.

It doesn’t surprise me that Lady Gaga would develop high quality makeup. We’ve never met, however, she impresses me as an artist who would never attach her name to junk, or subpar quality. Authenticity and excellence seems to motivate her over money and profits. She appears to be a hard-worker who is passionate about what she does and cares deeply about her fans.

Rarely would I spend this price point for makeup but if I did, I'd get the 3 makeup brush set. Good makeup brushes are a must-have and are never cheap. You need them for an even application of makeup, and the brushes will not shed.

You can find brushes for less, however repeatedly picking brush hairs off you face while applying makeup makes you open your wallet to stop the annoyance! 

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