Raspberry Cake With A Raspberry Filling

Photo: Bon Appetit 

Although inspired by a delicate raspberry chiffon cake from Bon Appetit, my recipe is tweaked into a different Raspberry Cake. Here's why: First of all, I never buy cake flour (I'm not against it, but I already buy all-purpose, whole wheat, and sometimes bread flour -- enough already😁); 2nd, I think the small amount of flour in the original recipe will produce a puny 2-layer cake; 3rd, whipped cream is delicious, but what a hassle to chill the ingredients twice as you make it. Plus, I've reduced the sugar and salt in the original recipe, and I bet you won't miss them! Enter raspberry oil and/or freeze-dried raspberries (that you grind into a powder). Either enhances the flavor of the cake, and a squeeze of lemon in the batter and frosting balances the sweetness. What I love about European pastries are their nuanced flavors in lieu of ultra-sweetness. Here's my recipe:

Raspberry Cake With a Raspberry Filling

Batter Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 eggs, room temperature, and separated

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (to keep the egg whites stiff and foamy)

1 cup buttermilk (+ a little more if needed)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon raspberry oil (or 3/4 cup freeze-dried raspberries, ground)

a squeeze of lemon

Batter Directions:

1) In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground freeze-dried raspberries if using, and salt.

2) In a 2nd bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff.

3) Next pour the wet ingredients into the dry and beat with the mixer: vegetable oil, egg yolks, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and raspberry oil if using.

4) Fold in the egg whites -- don't overbeat them. Fold them in.

5) Pour even portions of the batter into 2 - 9 inch buttered and floured baking pans.

6) Bake in a pre-heated 350-degree F oven for 30 minutes or until done in the center. After 5 -10 minutes of cooling, remove the cakes from the pans and let cool completely.

Filling Ingredients:

3 oz cream cheese

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

6 oz seedless raspberry jam or preserves

6 oz fresh raspberries, smashed

Directions for the Filling:

6) Mix the ingredients together and spread in the middle between the 2 - 9 inch cakes. You could carefully slice each 9-inch cake in half to get not one center, but 3 cake centers - spreading the raspberry filling on each center layer. It takes a daring and talented baker to not let the cakes break up into a crumbly mess! A single center layer works fine too and is safer.

Ingredients for the Frosting

5 ounces of cream cheese (+ condensed milk if needed, a little at a time for the right not too thick or thin consistency)

3/4 cup freeze-dried raspberries, ground, (or 1 teaspoon of raspberry oil)

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

2 cups of confectionary sugar (Add more if needed.)

Save a few whole raspberries for garnish.

Directions for the Frosting

7) Using a mixer incorporate all the ingredients, adding in order.

8) Frost the top and sides of the 2-layer cake.

I like the idea in the original recipe of crushing some of the freeze-dried raspberries to garnish the top of the cake. Also, toss a few fresh raspberries on top. It's pretty!🎂

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I Want to Love Matcha

Photo: New York Times Magazine

I drink a fair amount of coffee (about 24 ounces) in the morning, but then try to switch to water and other beverages throughout the day.

Yes, I like the cherry, raspberry, watermelon, or peach flavored carbonated drinks, however, stocking them isn't as convenient or cost-effective as I'd like. Drinking 2 cans of these carbonated drinks per day really adds up! In the summer I find stevia-sweetened black iced tea super refreshing as well as inexpensive; and in the fall and winter I'll sip hot teas (black, oolong, white, or tisane) with or without milk, but frankly, I don't relish tea as much as coffee.

I also bought a lot of Matcha tea right before the pandemic as it gets plenty of press for its health benefits.

I think of Matcha as the expresso of green tea -- but green tea is my least favorite tea to drink. Frankly both green and Matcha tea taste like downing dried ground-up grass to my palette.

Despite my dislike of Matcha tea, it has several known health benefits, such as containing polyphenol antioxidants. It has L-theanine which reduces anxiety, and it boosts energy without the crash of coffee.

So there are many good reasons to drink Matcha ... if only the tea was as delicious as coffee.

I continue to try to develop a taste for the expresso of green tea. I wonder if it is possible without adding a ton of unhealthy ingredients to it? Here's a recipe for a Matcha Latte, without an overload of bad ingredients, but I bet it isn't nearly as tasty as a Mocha Latte.😁

Hmm, once my supply of Matcha powder is depleted, will I rebuy it? Life is too short and there are plenty of other tasty beverages to drink. I suppose I'll just stick to my tried and true summer beverage of choice ... iced (black) tea.

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Old Navy For Lingerie

Customers agree: Victoria's Secret lost its way. Once upon a time, I bought work and casual clothing, as well as, all my lingerie from Vctoria's Secret. They were cut for a woman's body. Personally, I like to keep lingerie basic. Smooth, cotton, medium-rise bikini undies and a smooth bra with a front closure were my choices ... before it all went downhill at V.S. Their clothes were discontinued and the undergarments went from simple and well-made ... to overly sexy ... and finally to awkward and sleazy, not to mention the quality, too, went south. The borders of the bikini underwear fell apart soon after purchase. Without a doubt, Victoria's Secret lowered its bar (to cheap and tacky) and changed its style (from cute and feminine) which formally made it successful. What a disaster!

Comfortable, basic underwear is hard to find, but nearly everybody wears undergarments, so let's discuss: It's tough to find a style somewhere in between grandma's bloomers and butt floss. Plus in a fabric that's not heavy, nor slight.

If you liked Victoria's Secret's old craftsmanship and bikini style, give Old Navy a try. Their underpants are 95% cotton with 5% spandex, smooth and thin, but substantial in weight (that will hold up). They are super soft and comfortable. Also, it's great they come in high-rise and mid-rise providing full coverage without resembling grandma's bloomers.

Additionally, they come in alternate styles including thongs, briefs, and hipsters with cheerful colors and patterns to suit everybody's taste. What a steal for quality! Who knew Old Navy has fabulous underwear?!?

👚👗👠Furthermore H&M and Forever 21 have similar-looking underwear and price points which I haven't bought. Readers who have, can you review them under comments?

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4U By Tia Is Created For Curly Hair

Although all hair textures are biologically the same, made mostly of protein, namely keratin, curly hair forms deep in the scalp from a curved bulb and takes its spiral shape from irregularly distributed keratin.

Curls are naturally drier and more porous than straight hair. They are more fragile plus tend to take more abuse from daily styling; and finally due to their shape, conditioners have a tougher time migrating from the root to the end of curly hair.

4U by Tia is a brand founded by actress Tia Mowry offering a line of natural hair care products based on science for curly hair. 

Although not dirt cheap, it is created with good clean ingredients and sold at Walmart and Target so regular people on a budget can afford high-performance haircare to "elevate their curls." 

4U By Tia has lavish products to clean and condition your naturally curly hair; nourish and treat it; or tame and style it.

Because products designed for curly-and-people-of-color are made to be mild for hair that tends to be drier and more delicate, I think nearly every head can use it. 

Surprised? Here's why: Clean, natural ingredients made to stop stripping your scalp of its natural oils can benefit every hair type. I've had no issues using gentle formulas on my straight Caucasian hair.

Wishing a Happy Juneteenth to my fellow Americans and a few other countries who observe it!

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Mott And Bow Jeans

Mott and Bow Jeans began as an online retailer for men, but the retailer now also makes shirts and jeans for women. 

Founder Alejandro Chahin is from a Honduran family of denim manufacturers, from whom he learned the business, and as an adult, he started Mott and Bow with the aim of making premium jeans at a fair price. 

According to its website, the company uses the finest denim from the best mills around the world. It sticks to simplicity and controls the entire manufacturing process to reduce waste and control costs.

Priced at $99 - $129, Mott and Bow's jeans are popular and have many glowing customer reviews. Most of the styles are 98% cotton with 2% elastane for stretch. 

The jeans come in several fits including straight, slim, and skinny. They are stretchy and breathable for comfort. They also come in multiple washes. The website walks you through the process of finding your perfect style, fit, and size, plus if you fail to get your fit right, there are instructions in your package on how to exchange your jeans (with free returns).

What caught my eye were the many positive reviews written by journalist reviewers, as well as, satisfied customers often mentioning the comfort of the jeans at a reasonable price point.

Explain: Why do men's clothing and shoes tend to be sturdier and better made than women's? Not to mention the sizes are more precise. Do we all not need quality, affordability, and a good fit?

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Lands' End Offers 50% Off On Swimsuits

 

I don't often write blogs to announce sales, but since I recently featured Land's End as the place this season to pick up a stylish swimsuit -- a suit that looks fabulous on and off the beach, I have a chance to feature 5 more suits and to tell you that the sales are on at the retailer!

Lands End offers you more than just style, it designs what it calls swim solutions. You'll find the coverage and support to flatter your body type including tummy control, bra support, adjustable suits for sporting events, or to slenderize your silhouette.

If you miss this sale, there'll be other promotions, so keep checking. By the 4th of July, you'll have your suit!

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Quince Offers Inexpensive Expensive Things

Quince is an apparel, fine jewelry, home goods, and kitchenware company that believes quality goods shouldn't be a luxury. Sid Gupta is its co-founder and CEO. The retailer embraces using premium materials, timeless design, and sustainability, along with ethical practices in manufacturing and affordability. Its goods equal the caliber of Ralph Lauren, Eileen Fisher, and Boden -- only customers pay 45% - 72% less, which is not an accident, but its mission.

With a declaration that everyone should have nice things, the company reduces costs by utilizing a factory-direct model that cuts out the middleman from the supply chain.

Additionally, Quince only partners with other businesses that pay their employees fair wages and ensure safe and humane working conditions.

The merchant also values transparency. Quince aims to be open and honest about every aspect of its business including what materials go into the products, how items are manufactured, and how they are priced.

There is a wide range of beautiful products and clothing. The apparel collections include cotton, washable silk, linen, and cashmere. The categories of inventory are top-notch quality. With elegance and timelessness, they are made to last.

Quince offers expensive things which ordinary people will not find too expensive. 

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Lands' End Summer And Beach Wear

Lands' End's summer collection is adorable and what a wide selection of styles. There's so much to like about this year's array of articles. They are 100% cotton, linen, or spandex blended fabrics. There is a variety of bright colors and patterns, plus body-flattering cuts, and the wardrobe is easy-to-machine wash and dry.

Moreover, the pieces are cute and substantial enough to buy for the beach or wear off the beach. Unlike fast-fashion houses, Lands' End makes well-made clothes to be durable and last beyond one season. 

Although I'm featuring mostly women's clothing, you can dress your entire family at Lands'End. 

The prices start off high, and yet not sky-high, then the retailer offers customer rewards, special promotion days, and end-of-season sales to bring those higher costs down to affordable, and to boot its good value for the money.

The fashion is smart, dignified, casual, fun, cool, and easy-to-care-for clothing. Your perfect summer wardrobe has landed!

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Cheesy Bean Tomato Bake

How to start and how to finish.

This recipe originated from The New York Times, but as you can see I tweaked it so much it's a very different recipe. What motivated me to discover it was the need to use unopened mozzarella that was on the verge of getting too old to eat. Mozzarella is one of a few cheeses whose texture changes if you don't consume it fresh. This bake is a delicious alternative to barbequed franks and beans:

Cheesy Bean Tomato Bake

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, diced

1 stalk celery, diced

4 turkey (or chicken or beef) franks, sliced

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 cup grape tomatoes

1 15 oz - 16 oz canned pinto beans

salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon of garlic

1/2 teaspoon of dried ground bay leaf

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Optional: 1/2 cup of frozen or fresh spinach or cooked kale

Directions: 

1) With a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil sautè the onions, celery, and sliced franks in a cast iron skillet until the franks and vegetables are grilled.

2) Toss in the grape tomatoes (which I cut into thirds) and cook for another 1 - 2 minutes. Also if using, throw in the spinach or kale. 

3) Next add the beans, seasonings, and cider vinegar. Simmer for another minute or two on low-medium heat.

4) Finally top with the mozzarella cheese. Don't mix the cheese in, but let it lay on top of the bake.

5) Put the cast iron pan mixture into a preheated 350-degree F oven to bake for about 20 minutes or for as long as it takes to melt and grill the top layer of mozzarella cheese. I used my oven's broiler setting.

 

The New York Times suggests dipping crackers or grainy bread into the Cheesy Bean Tomato Bake, but I turned the dish into a hearty one-pan-meal which you certainly can eat with a slice of fresh crusty bread and a glass of wine. I asked my friend, Carolyn, to taste it. She loved it enough to eat it as a side for dinner with Salisbury steak and smashed potatoes. Bon Appetitè!

 

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5 Appealing But Useless Household Products

Do you ever let your emotions rule your logic when shopping? Living in a small Manhattan apartment helps me resist impulse buys ... and yet like you, I'm not immune to temptations especially when articles are cheap or appealing. Despite my better judgment, I want to think too good to believe claims are true! We're only human after all! 

Just for fun, I'll share 5 items that are always tugging on me to buy ... before my rational side wins the tug-of-war:

1) Portable and Foldable Mini Washing Machine with Dryer - First of all it's cute, as well as, practical to wash small laundry pieces like a few t-shirts or perhaps socks or undergarments when you don't have a full load. The mini washer/dryer folds to have a small footprint. But logic tells us, "Don't buy cute!" It's easy to hand wash a couple of t-shirts in a sink. The "dryer" is a spinner -- but that's what tempts me. I dislike wringing water out of clothes by hand. Then you hang dry your damp items. I resist buying the mini washer/dryer because as much as I wish otherwise, I know it's not powerful enough or big enough to effectively wash enough clothes ... but oh, how I want it to be! What's more, I keep reminding myself that using the laundry room downstairs isn't inconvenient. Logically buying extra t-shirts, socks, and undergarments is a better investment, so why am I sooo tempted by this thing?

2) Portable Turbo Washing Machine and Dishwasher - Even smaller and cheaper! My heart is fluttering just thinking about using it. Moreover, it attaches to a kitchen sink to wash a few dishes!! If only it were powerful enough to really work. Logic tells us it simply won't do a good job, and it would likely not stay attached to the sink with its motor running. I bet the cord is too short also. The heart loves it, but the head foresees frustration and disappointment with this purchase.

3) Spice Racks - Perhaps there's one out in retail land I haven't come across but so far, the spice racks I've tried take up room in my cupboard without providing more ease, organization, or consolidating space. I wish it wasn't so! Moreover, I buy big sizes of common spices like dried garlic, onion powder, dried celery, tarragon, and Herbs de Provence, etc., and I don't want to create the job of refilling small containers.

4) Pots and Pans Organizers - I love organizing everything, but this organizer would work if I only used frying pans and didn't need different sizes of pots for soups and stews. In my cupboard, the organizer would create, not solve storage problems by limiting the pot sizes I can stack in the cupboard. It sucks up valuable vertical space.

5) I experience the same disappointment with Under-the-Sink Racks - What seems like a brilliant idea, takes up vertical space to limit what I can put under my sink. Forget about a periodic gallon of paint (which is seldom but, hey, once in a while it's necessary), or gallon sizes of bleach, ammonia, white vinegar, or laundry detergents for cleaning.  Like for a spice rack,  you're forced to buy small quantities of supplies for an under-the-sink rack to work. Under the sink is also where I keep a few household tools like a hammer and screwdrivers. Do you see anywhere in the image where you can store tools?

What appealing but useless household products do you covet? Admit it, you want the mini washer/dryer too, don't you.😉

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