Wednesday, February 24, 2021

English Toffee Pudding

Photo: Omaha Steaks

All the reading and documentaries I'm absorbing on English history is influencing my baking. Why else would I think of making English Toffee Pudding for the first time ever? It turns out this very English dessert may have originated in Canada.

And let's address the English usage of the word, "pudding."  In America, pudding is a cold eggless custard eaten with a spoon. In England pudding is a delicious cake with or without sticky sauce. Think figgy pudding or Christmas pudding, both cut with a knife and eaten with a fork.

My recipe is traditional, but if you want to substitute figs for dates, feel free. In America, dried figs are sometimes cheaper or easier to find than dried, meaty dates. Usually figs are inexpensive, plump and sold as a pound, whereas dates can be puny in size and quantity, as well as, expensive! Why!? Are dates harder to produce, or more perishable than figs? I do not know! In an effort to keep baking simple and not break the bank, use either dates (traditional) or figs (also tasty).

English Sticky Toffee Pudding

Ingredients for the cake:

1 cup chopped dried dates (or substitute figs)
2/3 cup hot boiled water
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1/2 cup dark brown sugar (The Brits use Muscovado sugar - it is less refined with caramel and toffee notes.)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour

Optional - If you have golden syrup (or make it) you can add a tablespoon of it for flavor; or molasses; but the recipe is delicious with brown sugar only. Some bakers like to add cinnamon and nutmeg. Chef Jamie Oliver seeps 2 teabags along with the dates into his hot boiled water for extra taste.

Directions

1) Toss the chopped dates (or figs) and boiled water in a blender or food processor and blend. Set aside.

2) In a separate bowl using an electric mixer, beat together the butter, dark brown sugar, salt, and baking powder until combined. Mix in the egg.

3) To avoid a dense texture fold in the flour and vanilla.

4) Spoon the baking soda into the set aside date (or fig) purée which will bubble up, then pour into the batter. Mix until fluffy.

5) Pour the mixture into a buttered square or fluted cake pan. 

6) Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 40 - 45 minutes or until done. The cake will spring back to the touch. 

Ingredients for the Sticky Toffee Sauce:

1 cup dark brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter
Pinch of salt
1 cup of heavy cream (I use condensed milk.)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1) Toss the butter, dark brown sugar, salt and cream into a sauce pan over medium heat and stir just enough to dissolve the brown sugar, then leave it alone until it starts to turn brown, or else you risk a grainy texture. (If compelled, lift the pan off the flame to give it a gentle swirl instead of stirring.)

2) As the liquid turns a dark amber, try to resist stirring. You can dip a spoon in to see if it coats it. Turn off the heat and add the vanilla.
I dislike making the sauce! Melted sugar gets very hot. Without precision, there's the possibility of failure. If so, nobody will judge you for going to plan B as a topping ... a scoop of vanilla with swirled caramel ice cream. Who's going to complain? Show a complainer the recipe and lead him to your kitchen while you wait ... for sticky toffee topping and an attitude adjustment.😁 Enjoy!

 
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Thursday, February 18, 2021

Plantagenets, Tudors and Stuarts

Photo: Carae - Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Consort of England, mother of the princes in the tower.

The question of the day is: How are you spending your extra pandemic hours at home? 

I have stepped into the past to watch history documentaries, as well as, historical fiction -- dramas that combine facts with inventions, including The White Queen, The White Princess and The Spanish Princess. As long as I can google known facts to learn what really happened or to flesh out the true characters of kings, queens and power players at court, I will accept the historical fiction story I'm watching as entertainment, and yet often I think the truth doesn't need the invention, as the real history was dramatic and fascinating enough. The old saying applies, life is stranger than fiction.
Photos: Henry VII & Elizabeth of York, the elder sister of the Princes in the tower - their marriage (happy) ended the 30 year Wars of the Roses.
Overall, I notice the 3 historical fiction series listed above get the outlines and major events right, but sometimes mess with the timeline, minor yet important details, or motivations of a character, getting them wrong by making a confident historical person weak or needy, or a righteous person of the past calculating and unrighteous. I understand the need to composite characters into one for reasons of time or storytelling, but I dislike when producers change the nature, or established deeds of a historical person. While watching you must go with it to enjoy the series ... then look the person up later to know what is real and what liberties are taken.

Catherine of Aragon & how she'd look today
In school I took required Western Civilization history courses ... and yes, learned some things ... however, I have never cared to take an extended look at Plantagenet, Tudor or Stuart England thereafter ... until 2020. Mores change in a millennium, so I didn't think I could relate. But you can relate when studying the past, and I am re-examining English history in reverse order:
The 5 eldest children of Charles I by Van Dyck
1638 - Mary, James, Charles, Elizabeth and Anne

1) Stuarts - Mostly like them despite their faults. The Stuart Kings were good fathers and (except for faithful Charles I) philandering husbands, but who protected their wives when needed. History is hard on James II, who had become a Catholic. His chief flaw was his stubbornness. James lacked the charm of his older brother, Charles II. As King, James passed laws showing tolerance of Catholics and Quakers alongside the Church of England, reforms unwanted by segments in the Church of England who had benefited from the previous history of stripping the Catholic Church of its property; and it lead to the loss of his Crown. James II was followed by his 2 Protestant daughters: Mary II and Anne (skipping over his infant Catholic son from his 2nd marriage). Queen Anne's death ended the Stuart line.

2) Tudors - Dislike Henry VII and Henry VIII. What a bloodthirsty, greedy, miserly dynasty.

Like Catherine of Aragon and Mary I, who were both victims of their tyrant husband and father, Henry VIII. Dislike Anne Boleyn (What somebody will do with you, they'll do to you ... and worse ... as she discovered!) Catherine, the wife married to Henry the longest, remained popular with the English people who considered her their true Queen and recognized her worth until the day she died in spite of Henry and Anne's efforts to erase her. Anne lasted 2 short years as Queen and never earned the love of the English people regardless of her Englishness. Have great sympathy for the other wives. Jane's reign was short, dying in the childbirth of Henry's only legitiment living son. Anne of Cleves got a raw deal, then negotiated a lucrative divorce. Poor young Catherine Howard was in over her head and lost it; and Catherine Parr married an overweight, ulcerous King and outlived him. Haven't gotten in-depth into Elizabeth I ... but will likely think she's ok.

Richard III - face
created based his skull.
3) Plantagenets -  I'm now watching every documentary about them. Lots of family infighting and betrayals happening. Tough times. Divided country. Family feuds with money and retainers!! Generally, I understand and like them. I like (English born, German) Empress Matilda who became a claimant to the English throne, and Eleanor of Aquitaine rocked! I like Elizabeth Woodville and Henry IV well enough. Richard III ... did he kill the princes in the tower as has been accepted for 500 years? Well, maybe not, I'm unsure. It could have been directed by Henry Tudor or his wily mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort. We will likely never know who killed those boys. Richard III was the last of the Plantagenets. Defeated by Henry Tudor, the new King (as Henry VII) spent his reign hunting down potential Plantagenet rivals whom he feared had a better claim to the English throne.


My ancestors have the same Norman roots and took the same English paths of migration as the Plantagenets, but after 600 - 1,000 years how would you truly know if you are related? I'm skeptical when people say their gateway ancestor was a long-ago royal. Without a meticulous paper trail that stretches all the way back, you're only guessing. But you know what? I still hate those Tudors! The revisionists of history.😏 What a cutthroat bunch of murderous paranoids ... and nasty to their own family to boot!💂👑


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Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Max Factor A Century Of Stellar Makeup

All Max Factor photos property of Max Factor 

Unfortunately Max Factor is hard to find at your local drugstore nowadays. The company was sold in 2015 to Coty of P & G, the makeup is still being manufactured, and the quality is still amazing. 

Previously featured on THE SAVVY SHOPPER, Max Factor, the cosmetologist was the makeup artist to the stars during Hollywood's heyday while his brand became the cosmetics of makeup artists the world over. Max Factor's Pan Stik is the best cover stick ever made, and I'm never without one for under eye coverage of my dark circles. If applied in the morning, it stays put all day.

If you've never tried the Max Factor Masterpiece Palette in Cappuccino Nudes, you'll love it for its top-notch ingredients, beautiful hues and exceptional lasting power.

Moreover the Max Factor Facefinity Compact Foundation glides on smooth with completely natural, light and full coverage.

Marketed as "Glossfinity," the 26 signature nail colors are vibrant and fun, too, if you polish your nails.
Max Factor, the man, is the founder of modern makeup. Max Factor, the brand, has a century of prominence in the makeup world. More than over-the-counter quality, it's professional quality makeup at drugstore prices. Well-worth hunting down in the aisles of your local drugstore ... if only it's there to find!



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Sunday, February 14, 2021

Sending Valentine Hearts To My Readers


Plato

"Every heart sings a song, incomplete until another heart whispers back."

William Shakespeare

"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind."

Vincent van Gogh

"Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence."



Frank P. Jones

"Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."

Robert Frost

"Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."

🌹♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥🌹

"People come and people go,
In and out of your life and so,
When one shines bright among the rest,
And is there when needed, you’re truly blessed.
That is how I see you, friend of mine,
And why I’m sending this Valentine."
By Karl Fuchs

Happy Valentine's Day Peeps! Spend it well. xoxo

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Friday, February 12, 2021

Valentine's Day Truffles

All photos: Wallpaper unless noted

Mostly I stick to baking and skip candy making. Making candy is tricky ... more precise. You need a candy thermometer to control temperature. It's easy to end up with messy, uneditable goo, or ruined pots and pans due to how blazing hot melted sugar gets. I don't want 1st degree burns either. But featured today is a candy we can make without all the hazards, fuss or failure. 

Luscious Valentine's Day truffles are ultra easy to make, and the ingredients are few! My kind of homemade candy, lets's get stared!:

Ingredients:
Photo: Gina Mork

12 ounces of dark chocolate (semisweet or bittersweet)
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter 
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or half vanilla/half rum, your choice)

Directions:

1) Break up (if needed) chocolate into small pieces and toss into a saucepan along with heavy cream. Add the butter.

2) On low heat, melt and whisk together the chocolate, heavy cream and butter until uniform and creamy. If you have a double boiler, use it; if not, follow my slow, low-heat, in a pan, on a stovetop, with continued whisking method.

Photo: wallpaper
3) Turn off the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. If you want to add some rum or bourbon for flavor, now is the time.

4) If you select the right sauce pan, you can cover and place it directly into your refrigerator without having to transfer the chocolate mixture into another dish that needs to be washed. Hey, it pays to think ahead!🙂

Photo: Gina Mork
5) Refrigerate for 2 hours. If you allow it to get too hard (because you forget the time), let room temperature soften it some so you can scoop and form into balls.

6) Use a tablespoon or small scooper to make 1-inch balls.

7) Roll the truffle balls in (1) rich cocoa powder, (2) crushed nuts, (3) shredded coconut, (4) crushed peppermint, (5) crushed English toffee, or (6) candy sprinkles ... whatever you like. Some of each looks lovely.

8) Plate your truffles and keep cool in the refrigerator until ready to eat!

Hugs and kisses, xoxo.

Happy Valentine's Day, my lovelies!💋



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Wednesday, February 10, 2021

10 Essentials To Have In Your Medicine Cabinet

Readers, LIVE it looks organized and a lot better than it photographs!

A doctor on a morning news talk show said 5 essentials should be in every medicine cabinet. I checked a few more medical sources to create a list of 10 that include hers. 

Above is a photo of my medicine cabinet. Is your medicine cabinet a hot mess of skincare, makeup and grooming tools like mine? Let me cut to the chase, most of THOSE vanity items are not on any of the good doctors' essential lists! 😏🙂

Here are 10 important Items to Stock in Your Medicine Cabinet:

1) Pain relievers - Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve) are over-the-counter medicines. Aspirin and acetaminophen reduce fever, as well as, pain.

2) Antiacids - Treats sour stomach and heartburn.

3) Antiseptic ointment - To prevent infections of everyday cuts and minor wounds, the mishaps of life.

4) Sunscreen - Select a SPF 30 (the latest recommended strength) to wear every day of the year to prevent skin cancer and aging skin.

5) Antihistamine - Allergy medicine for hay fever and sometimes hives. It dries up hives.

6) Bandages - For life's minor missteps and kitchen mistakes involving a sharp rogue cooking knife.

7) Tweezers - To remove splinters, as well as, to stop the formation of a unibrow in its tracks. Nobody wants to see that! It makes a person look wolverine and mean.🐺

8) A digital thermometer - Especially in COVID times, as well as, flu season, to let us know if we are sick before we're sure.

9) Anti-itch cream - Cortizone is a common one for insect bites, hives or other skin rashes.

10) Petroleum jelly - a true multitasker: Serves as lip balm; skin protection against dryness; holds a renegade strain of hair in place. In winter, I sometimes layer petroleum jelly over body lotion.

I have 7 of the 10 items in my medicine cabinet, plus a whole lot of other stuff, as you can see. What is missing are bandages (I keep a box of 100 in a big closet), anti-itch cream (big closet), and anti-acid (which I have as pills in my nightstand by my bed). The skincare and makeup I use every day (the makeup not so much anymore due to my pandemic face mask), so 'tis why they are in my medicine cabinet  ... to grab easily after I shower. Understand: I need a mirror and don't have to walk back and forth if skincare and makeup are stored inside my medicine cabinet.

Do you have the doctors' essentials in your medicine cabinet?


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Monday, February 8, 2021

How To Be A Successful Saver

Photo: SmallBusiness.co.uk

I'm a member of the United States Senate Federal Credit Union because years ago I was a Congressional intern and I thought it wise to keep the account. A credit union is a good place to seek loans for big purchases such as a car or house, etc. Often the rates charged to payback the loan are lower than at a bank. So monthly I receive a newsletter with helpful investment tips from the credit union. I will sum up one of the stories for you, my lovely readers: 

The Habits of A Successful Saver We Can Adopt

Photo: Anthony
1) They pay themselves first - Along with your bills, commit to your future and set a monthly sum aside in a savings account as if it is a bill. Pay yourself first before any discretionary spending.

2) They automate their savings - Make your savings automatic so it comes out of your paycheck before you have spent it.

3) They know the difference between their wants and needs - Figure out what's important to you ... both for now and in the future. Don't live paycheck to paycheck. Match your lifestyle to your future goals.

Photo: K. G.
Well now ... it's what the THE SAVVY SHOPPER preaches, isn't it? As much as I love designer goods and jewelry, I browse far more often than I buy ... and I never buy merchandise overpriced for the name. For these reasons, I'll never own a Birkin or Chanel double flap bag, and I never buy the huge diamonds, sapphires, rubies, or emeralds I covet. That's not to say we can't save up for quality leather handbags or gems of more modest sizes to bring a bit of sparkle into our lives. Material things should always fit our budgets and lifestyles. 

4) They live below their means - To reach your goals, pay attention to what's going on with your money so you keep your priorities in line. With an eye on both your present and future, be practical like THE SAVVY SHOPPER.😉

5) They don't waste money -- ever - Wasteful spending includes paying for convenience like ATM fees; eating packaged sliced and diced fruit; or buying merchandise without comparing prices and/or deals.

6) They find deals everywhere - Cheaper car insurance, low-cost cell phone plans, lower rate credit cards, cheaper prescription drug prices and groceries.

7) They keep track of things - Know how much money is coming in and exactly where it goes out. Track your spending and hold yourself accountable, Sister! Mister!!

Photo: K. G.
8) They know when to say no - Asking yourself one simple question every day can have a huge impact on your money — both now and down the road: Is it worth it? For me personally, on Chanel or Hermès handbags, or a 10+ carat gemstone, the answer is no. But how I love playing with them!

9) They don't care what other people think or do - Live a life that involves the right people, habits and behaviors. Don't worry about the trends that other people spend their money on. 

Let me add the wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt, who once said: "You wouldn't worry so much what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do."🙂

I hope you find my summary of the article worthwhile. It puts us in the right mindset to become better savers and responsible with our money. Simple, understandable, not as dry as the original ... and doable. You're welcome, my lovelies!💋xoxo

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Thursday, February 4, 2021

Simplifying My Daily Skincare Routine

Photo: Good Housekeeping

Every year I re-access to try to do SOMETHING better. Tweak a practice to (1) improve or (2) make life easier. What comes to mind this year is simplifying my daily skincare routine, as well as, finding cheaper, cleaner, yet effective anti-aging potions. Over time the savings can really add up! Not only do I wish to spend less money, but less time in the bathroom!

OMG, look at this YouTuber's daily routine and long list of beauty elixirs! I don't intend to be unkind because if we met, I'd like the Vlogger for her generous spirit in sharing what she does based upon her research. She genuinely means well. I decided not to subscribe to her channel or link her to THE SHAVVY SHOPPER's sidebar because at the end of the day, her routine is excessive according to my own research. It adds up to washing lots of  money and time down the drain. Time one can never get back!

Dermatologists agree: Only two skincare products make a difference: (a) Retin-A (by prescription) or Retinol (its over the counter derivative). Both work well when used consistently; and (b) Vitamin C.

For the care of my face, I've reduced the steps to 3 twice a day: Wash. Treat. Moisturize ... and my products to 3 for the day; and 3 at night. Here is my winter 2021 skincare regime:

I. For My Morning Face Routine, I use: 

1) SheaMoisture Soap - Since the shower water rinses my face so thoroughly I use this moisturizing soap from face to toe. It rinses clean and doesn't dry your skin.

2) Next apply Vitamin C Serum - In addition to ArtNaturals and Tree of Life, I'm also using up The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23%. All 3 brands are effective, so you can switch them, always buying the best priced one.

2-a) Peptide Serum - Right now I'm using up what I already own, alternating between Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum, and The Ordinary Buffet. (I can stop step #2-a once I use up these serums. They add moisture and beneficial anti-oxidants to the skin, however Vitamin C (an antioxidant) and Retinol are the only serums dermatologists say are essential. There are no reasons based on science to layer other peptides with antioxidants over Vitamin C say the skin doctors. It's money washed down the drain. So until future research changes this advice ... you can skip layering additional skin treatments on and go directly to step #3
Reapply SPF 15 more often than SPF 30

3) Olay Complete Moisture with Sunscreen SPF 15/30 - In winter I need a light daytime moisturizer and use sun protection all year round. SPF 15/30 is the anti-aging elixir here! Olay is cheap, lightweight and non-greasy. Choose the sensitive skin formula that uses minerals, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as sunscreen. Avoid the sunscreen chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene or ecamsule. Another good brand is CVS's Moisturizing Facial Lotion with SPF 15/30 so you can buy the cheaper one as they go on sale. But you must read the labels like a hawk as one formula of the 2 brands has the chemicals, while another formula uses the minerals as sun protection. -- yes, it's a pain! 
II. For My Nightime Face Routine, I use:

1) Noxema Cleansing Cream - Discovered at 14 years old, it cleans and moisturizes my face simultaneously.

2) Next apply Retinol Serum - Excellent low cost brands include Tree of Life; ArtNaturals; and The Ordinary, with proven ingredients based on science and costing under $10. 

Great beauty brands, one American, one Korean.

3) Follow with Retinol Night Moisturizing Cream - I like the feel of a moisturizing night cream to prevent dry skin especially in winter, and my non-scientist mother says I must wear one to keep those wrinkles away! (They find us while we sleep, evil things!!) Right now I alternate between Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Cream and Azure Hemp & Retinol Sleep Mask. In fact, you can use the Neutrogena Repid Winkle Repair Night Cream solo without a Retinol serum underneath it. I can't verify how much Retinol the Azure night cream has, so I do use Retinol serum underneath it to be sure. Your skin knows, so if the combo seems too strong ... adjust.


III. My Morning Body Routine is reduced to one item: Cooking oil.

Immediately after my shower I slather coconut oil all over my skin to lock in the water from my shower. For simplicity I only buy one coconut oil that can be used for both cooking and  body oil. But as it turns out, I don't cook with coconut oil often, so I'm thinking of making life even easier by switching to Extra Virgin Olive Oil as my after bath moisturizer, which is equally beneficial. Saves time, space and money!

I keep a refillable container in my bathroom to pour cooking-turned-bath oil into it. Hey if I ever get locked in my bathroom, I'll have sustenance to keep me alive until I'm free. Just slide some eggs and bread under the door, please.😋

IV. Extras I need in winter: Body lotion which I use as hand/skin cream as needed. Petroleum jelly/lip balm.

At 1st glance it may still seem like lots of products, but look again, I reduced skincare to 3 steps: Wash, treat and moisturize - with a single product under each step. Giving you a few brands of equivalent quality and price lets you buy the better deals. 

We love old standbys; bargain beauty; and keeping it simple!


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