The Kentucky Derby 2020

Photo: AP

The one and only time I attended the Kentucky Derby was when I was 16 years old. My high school friend, also a Debbie, had an adventurous mom who was brave enough to take 4 teenagers to Churchhill Downs with 1000s of other people. We had fun, and our chaperon did too. Hours before the race we watched a young man climb up a tall metal light pole and take off all his clothes, tossing them to the ground and then watched the police wait for him to climb down to take him away. Poor naked lad, he missed the race! All in all a mellow crowd, the excitement saved for the race itself. Near the start of the race, my namesake and I separated from our group of 5 to find a spot pressed against the fence in the infield to watch the horses run by, and we succeeded, as the spot we randomly selected turned out to be the starting gate that becomes the finish line! The rest of our party decided to watch the race on big television screens set up under a roof area. This was a time before cell phones, yet we knew exactly where to find each other after the race ... the cashiers' widows to cash in our winning tickets!💰💸🤑

Every year I long to go back to the Kentucky Derby but must watch it on television. This year I'm not alone. Nobody gets to go to the Derby, and we will all have to watch the 2-minute race at home.

So to celebrate the 146th running of the historic race, I'm going to hook you up with 2 traditional Derby cheese dips to eat in the comfort of your living room: 1st up is Benedictine Cheese dip. You can leave it as cheese dip. It is also popular to make Benedictine Tea sandwiches:

Benedictine Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

Bluegrass Bites here

1-8 oz package cream cheese, softened
1 peeled, seeded, drained, and finely chopped cucumber
1/2 cup minced onion (or green onions)
1/4 cup finely chopped dill
1 tablespoon low-fat mayonnaise (regular is fine, but do not substitute flavorless non-fat mayonnaise ... never buy it!)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
A shake (or to taste) of hot sauce (I use Louisana hot sauce, but Tobasco is used too, or to tone down the heat, you can use black pepper to taste ... but why would you?)
Optional: a couple drops of green food coloring

Fresh slices of bread if you make sandwiches, or vegetable sticks and crackers for a dip.

Directions:

Teatime magazine here.

Chop everything as finely as possible and using a potato masher, mix it up in a bowl. (Yes, you can use a food processor if you wish.) 

This simple cheese dip makes delicious sandwiches, but I do not know why as you would not think so!

For the 2nd authentic Derby cheese dip: Kentucky Beer Cheese, I must turn you over to Chef John. His video is so much fun to watch, it is not to be missed. Sooo tasty too!

Below are links to some of the other traditional Kentucky Derby eats I prepare (at times someone brings) whenever I invite friends over to watch the race ... normally held on the 1st Saturday in May. This year our COVID pandemic postponed the Derby, which will run on Saturday, September 5th without any spectators at Churchhill Downs. The loading of the horses into the starting gates happens at 6PM. The race begins around 6:30PM. Check local listings for all the Derby coverage if you wish to see features about the horses, jockeys and owners.🌹

So this year like no other, we are all equal and in it together watching from the comfort of a couch!🙂


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Flower Launches 4 Petal Play Shadow Quads

1. Berry-more: Inspired by the company founder, the Berry-more quad features universally flattering berry tones in a range of finishes. 

Back in 2016 THE SAVVY SHOPPER featured the beauty line Flower by Drew Barrymore. Its quality is as good as the behind-the-counter luxury brands yet costs much less! The more Flower products I try, the more I love them. 

2. Gilded Lily:  Classic nudes, and rich browns for a stunning, failproof everyday look. 

For my birthday I got 2 new Flower lipsticks whose formulas and colors rival ultra-expensive Charlotte Tisbury! Yet I paid less than 1/4 of the price without sacrifice. I have Naked Petal, Cinnamon Crush and Autumn Rose -- and could have kept going with several more.

3. In Bloom: Light-reflecting, celestial colors to illuminate and flatter all eye colors. 

Now Flower has launched 4 new Petal Play Shadow Quads. Luxe formulas that are crease-free and long-lasting, each quad is curated with rich pigmented colors that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of chic looks.

4. Black Iris: Easy-to-use taupes and purples to create your go-to smoky eye with ease.

Gorgeous shades to flatter on all skin tones ... for $11 bucks a quad, you can't go wrong! I like them all, but if I must pick one, it would have to be two -- #2 and #4. Nudes and smoky eye hues are no brainers.

How about you?


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Champorado, or Chocolate Rice Pudding

Photo: Food Network

Whenever possible -- sometimes it's not -- I try to lighten up desserts, making them a tad healthier. It turns out there's a Pilipino chocolate pudding called, Champorado, usually containing butter and cream that you can make creamy and tasty by using condensed milk. More protein with less fat is an ideal substitution. I got the idea to make pudding with condensed milk from Goodcook ... this is a tweaked version of their pudding. You could even use regular milk, however, a can of condensed milk makes a richer pudding.

Many recipes suggest using sticky sushi rice, but I use regular supermarket (or Target) white rice -- that is to say, whatever is easy to get, and it's still delicious. I have no trouble eating it!🙂

Here is the recipe:

Champorado (=Chocolate Rice Pudding)

Ingredients:

3/4 white rice
1 1/4 cups of water 
12 ounce can evaporated milk
3 tablespoons cacao powder, or dark cocoa powder
3 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup dark chocolate pieces (I use a Lindt candy bar.)
1/4 teaspoon salt (or a pinch)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
My optional ingredient: 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee (brings out the chocolate flavor) 

Directions:

1) In a saucepan, toss in the rice, water, evaporated milk, cacao (or cocoa) powder and sugar.

2) Heat to a low simmer and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes to tenderize the rice. The mixture should still have liquid so there is sauce for pudding.

3) After the rice is tender, turn off the heat and add the rest of the flavors: dark chocolate pieces, salt and vanilla extract. Toss in the optional instant coffee here if you wish. 

4) Pour into dessert dishes. I say 2 portions, but you could get 3 to 4 still ample servings if you wish. Top with chocolate shavings, or whipped cream.

Eat warm (if it's nippy outside), or chilled (if not). Now you can expand your culinary horizons by switching back and forth from traditional rice pudding to chocolate rice pudding. Enjoy!


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Bite The Bullet For Vionic Shoes

Vionic Desiree Quilted Ballet Flat - meet my new fall shoe!

If you have high arches, there is nooo way around buying shoes with solid arch support if you ever want to wear ballet flats or sandals, including flip flops. I do wear Old Navy rubber flip flops around the house and my neighborhood, but never, ever if I plan to walk more than a few blocks on city concrete.

Memory foam never works for me for more than a day. With wear rather than forming to the shape of my foot, the form decompresses flat as a pancake. Naturalizers, always stylish and moderately priced, are made of leather too soft to hold my feet in place as I walk, and without steadiness, my feet feel tired at the end of the day.

So far the most supportive shoes I've come across with excellent arch support are made by Vionic. Unfortunately, they are expensive, although "cheap" compared to many overpriced designer shoes, as well as, foot surgery and pain!

Also consider this truth: We're ALL falling apart every year of our lives, wearing out various body parts day-by-day!😅🦶🦷 As we age, we lose the fat layers under our feet; and our muscles and tendons lose elasticity which can lead to foot pain. Good supportive shoes prevent futher damage and pain. Paying the piper for a proven benefit is a must. For happy feet, do it!

They have a Chanel look if you think about it.

Have you noticed how many brands of shoes are no longer made of leather uppers? I'm open to fake leather for jackets or purses, but shoes are the one item I really need to stick with real leather over man-made materials if they're going to be problem-free. Leather shoes mold to my feet and let my tootsies breathe. Often man-made materials have no give, and they buster. The shoes are stiff and hot, not so with genuine leather.

Luckily I got the last pair of Vionic ballet flats in my size with 30% off of the full price of $119. Let's say like me, you wear a US size 8 - 8 1/2 depending on the shoe brand: Vionic recommends going up 1/2 size (order 8 1/2) for their closed-toe shoes, and go down 1/2 size (order an 8) in their sandals. With choice galore, I wouldn't have bought a quilted look, however, I think the style will grow on me. What I love is the upper Nappa leather with the dressy patent leather toe and what Vionic calls a "biomechanically designed" footbed to hug my arches. It's some sort of orthotic comfort arch support -- and that is why customers bite the bullet for Vionic shoes.

Vionic Tide Aloe Toe Post Sandal - Bite the bullet if you can't find a sale. 

I just ordered Vionic's thug sandal based on how good the ballet flat feels. They are podiatrist approved (per my research over the years) "if you must wear thongs." The foot doctors say don't wear them exclusively, switch off. Ideally, you want shoes to stabilize your heels, yet most sandals with heel straps aren't much better than these strapless thongs. With the end of summer sales + an extra 10% off promo, I paid $30. A steal! Normally they are as expensive as the shoes. Know that I was flexible on the style of both pairs of Vionic shoes to find discounts in my size. Both shoes had to be leather as discussed. The sandal had to have one additional characteristic -- a dark interior footbed and sole so the sandals never look dirty. (I was open to black, navy, or pewter colors.)

So these are my shoe tips for feet with high arches + how to score a good price. Vionics are the bomb in comfort!!!🧨 And perhaps one expensive pair with good arch support (per season) is always the way to go. A lesson we often forget when tempted by cuteness, right?


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Featuring Eye Beauty

Ulta has new eye makeup! Since we put on face masks in April to flatten the curve of COVID, I haven't worn any makeup although I see other women wearing it. Shhh, I think nobody is the wiser. Makeup would get all over my mask and look ugly!

And what's more, I'm a false eyelash virgin😂 as I have never glued a pair on. Would they feel like spiders on my eyelashes? I'm up for finding out!

I like Ulta's selections. The top image is makeup to create a subtle eye for a daytime look, the bottom image is for a dramatic night time look. 

Here are the products, for the top image click here:

1) Automatic Eyeliner - Available in 18 colors.

2) Ardell Naked Lash #422

3) MAC Powder Kiss Eyeshadow - A selection of 10 colors.

For the dramatic eyes featured in the 2nd image click here. They are:

1) Dose of Colors Smokey Soiree Eyeshadow Palette

2) Dose of Colors Cutting Edge Eyeshadow  Palate

3) Lilly Lashes Faux Mink False Lashes Miami 

4) Benefit Cosmetics BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara - in 2 colors.

In all probability, we will be wearing our face masks for another year. Without a doubt, the beauty industry is suffering. Sales have dropped since people are staying home and/or aren't making any money. Isn't it tempting to at least play with some eye makeup at home ... perhaps for a Zoom call?

Have you been wearing makeup during our pandemic?

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5 Things I Hate Doing

THE SAVVY SHOPPER is more about things I love not hate, and this post is only the 2nd blog I've written about things I dislike or hate. Although the sentiments are true, it's written in fun about minor activities, not serious worldly problems. No deep discussions today. Different strokes for different folks: No judgments, only personal non-preferences follow -- 

Here are 5 Activities I Hate, Hate, Hate!:

1) Changing purses/bags - It seems like such a waste of time! I hate having to transfer ALL my practical, portable possessions out of one purse and organizing them into the slots of another handbag ... so much so I rarely do it. I wear one bag until it literally wears out, and the strap breaks off my shoulder, falling off into the middle of the street. No exaggeration! It happens. Then I grab a new crossover bag.

Photo: The Steamboat Grand

2) Spa massages - One of my woman friends always receives a spa day as a Christmas present from her husband, a gift she cherishes. I've gotten spa treatments as birthday gifts also, but I don't care for the massage. They don't hurt. The touching doesn't embarrass me. They simply take away an hour of time where I have to lie still doing nothing! I'd rather read; sit in a garden; take a leisurely walk; or have a great chat with a friend!! I don't like being oiled up either. I come in clean and after I'm all greased up, I pray I don't get it on the street clothes I leave in, or I have to take a 2nd shower in a single day to remove what feels like grimy-slimy yuck! Moreover I don't feel the worries of the world being massaged away; and I don't feel pampered!

3) Manicures/pedicures - Certainly I like them better than spa massages; and the manicurists do an excellent job of making my

nails look fabulous. But!! After having the experience of getting a few manis/pedis over the years, I think they are a big time-suck. Takes half a day to make the appointment, travel to and from, plus the time spent at the nail salon having the work done. What a rigmarole! I suppose I'm more of a do it yourself groomer and I like my nails cut short (with or without polish), which I can do while watching television or listening to music in a tenth of the time it takes to have others do it for me.

4) Debone or Cut Up a Raw Chicken - Buying a whole chicken last week gave me the idea for this blog. I have never deboned or cut up a chicken carcass in my entire life. I don't know how and I don't want to learn, therefore I always roast a whole chicken, serving it with vegetables, salad, and gravy. Good enough, no? You'll eat a whole chicken no other way in my home unless you cook it.

5) Major DIY Home Improvements - I will do tiny/minor repairs like painting a window sill or replacing one tile on a floor, but for big jobs, forget about it! I hire experts. I don't have the patience to study YouTube videos and learn by making errors. IMHO it's another time suck! I just want it done right the first time out without frustrations, hurdles, or beginners' mistakes. Hiring an experienced professional for big house improvements (from painting to installing a new floor) is worth every damn penny!

Are there activities other people do that you so dislike you won't do them? Please share! 

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Swim Solutions Are Cute Swimsuits

Swimsuit brand: Swim Solutions

Swimsuits are now on sale. I bought the one above. It fosters the illusion I'm as thin as I once was, and I'm ok with that. Nowadays I favor the flattering ole one-piece skirt swimsuit. It hides fatter thighs and any and all cellulite from the world. Trust me, it's a good thing. Some sights should remain unseen by the public! Once seen, you can't unsee!!

I also like how you don't need a coverup to leave the beach. Some of the citizen patrols along the Jersey shore are ridiculously unfriendly if one HAPPENS to step a foot over the "line" of an adjacent strip of private beach to buy frozen yogurt, and then the unwitting beach visitors are ordered off the little, tiny portion of sand which is indistinguishable from the little tiny portion of sand next to it and sooo must walk BAREfoot in the boiling hot street alongside vehicles back to their "own" beach and blanket ... which they were unaware they had left! #WhenAuthorityGoesToTheHead

Oh well, I digress. Back to the topic of picking up a swimsuit during the summer sales.

I nearly bought the suit on the left for its colors, but I prefer the way the bust is designed of the one I selected at the top of the blog. Here it is on the right in another color and pattern. Which bust design do you like best?

Have you been to a beach lately? I can't get over how some bathers wear a piece of butt floss as a bikini bottom, a/k/a, thongs. If I know ahead of time I will have to leave the beach, walking on hot tar and concrete to return to a blanket, I wear thongs on my feet ... and only on my feet! Evidently some folks don't care if strangers see their naked derrières in public. But here in the USA (where the fashion is not as customary), total strangers are the very people I don't want glancing (or gawking) at mine. The butt cheek reveal is too much information! And for what purpose??? Butt flossing ... butt flashing? Not as pretty as a beholder sometimes thinks! But I digress again.

                

Swim Solutions is a stylish discovery! Sold on Amazon and in major department stores (Macy's is one), these swimsuits also have bust and tummy control. Minus the butt floss options, customers have a wide choice of colors, patterns and types of swimsuits for every type of body, butts and thighs.😊 Available during the summer sales at a steal of a price!

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Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

Photo: Seattle Times of the Nordstrom flagship store on West 57th Steet in Manhattan

Every year Nordstrom holds it's big blowout anniversary sale offering deep discounts throughout the store. This year mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 19 - Sunday, August 30, 2020. You can preview the merchandise, which includes apparel, shoes and accessories, beauty exclusives, home goods and children's essentials here. The savings are substantial! Think Black Friday sales in the summer. 

Year after year the following 4 items are popular with beauty mavens and fashionistas who will try to score them again:

1) Diptyque Set of 5 Travel Size Candles - Each year the set sales out lickety-split fast. Containing 5 of the brand's most popular scents, they are not full-sized, yet bigger than sample size and $25 off of the usual price. Online the Diptyque candles will sell out within minutes, so you have to be sitting at your computer ready to click at midnight on August 19th. 

2) Designer and/or popular brands of clothing and shoes - Be sure to make a list of any articles of clothing or shoes you'll need for the fall or next summer, then check the preview link to see if your favorite brands are included in the promotion as they likely are. These classic, adorable Marc Fisher slingback pumps come in a few colors and textures and will be marked down at 41% off while supplies last. Tory Birch, Tahari, Ted Baker London, Theory (designers); as well as Madewell, Topshop, Maggy London, Vince Camuto (popular) are 8 brands to watch for discounts.

3) Activewear, underwear and spandex - This is the sale to stock up on names you desire without having to pay full-price. Noteworthy discounts on coveted lines include: Zella, Patagonia, Natori, SPANX® and Sweaty Betty.

4) NARS, Dior, Bobby Brown or Charlotte Tibury - It's also the time to consider splurging on any of the overpriced makeup brands (and skincare) that you love and hanker to try. They won't be cheap, but you can score on exclusive beauty offers or special sets created especially for Nordstrom. So you'll get more for your money if you buy them during the anniversary sale.

THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S friend, Angie Smith, said I must write a blog on Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale. Is there anything else to know ... tips or goods to add to the list of great deals, Ang?💋💄🤫👗 

Readers, what do you hope to find for less at Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale?


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Stove Top Roast Chicken With Gravy

The next step was to thicken the water and pan dripping into a gravy.

So. Have you ever decided it was too hot outside to turn on your oven? Me too! The problem is last week I decided this after impulsively buying a whole raw chicken at the supermarket. Among the things in life I have never learned how to do is cut up a chicken carcass. Don't know how and have no desire to learn, to be honest! That's why if you ever eat a chicken dinner in my home which I've cooked, it's always oven-roasted chicken. 

Can you roast a chicken on the stovetop? I was about to find out! As it turns out ... absolutely! Here's how:

Ingredients:     
                                                 
1 raw chicken (Mine was nearly 4 pounds)

2 stalks celery, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cups water
2 - 3 large carrots
2 - 3 medium potatoes
1 large chicken bouillon cube
Spices to taste: I used garlic, Zatarian's Creole Seasoning, rosemary, bay leaf, Herbes de Provence
1 tablespoon flour per cup of water to make the gravy.

Directions:

1) Take out a large stockpot. I use an all-purpose nonstick steel Wok pan. Toss in the bird (add a pad of butter, or a little olive oil if your stockpot is not nonstick). On medium-low heat, brown the chicken on both sides. It takes about 5 minutes.

2) Next toss in the diced celery and onions for a few minutes to grill them. 

3) Add the water, carrots and potatoes, as well as, bouillon and seasonings to taste.

4) Put a lid on the pot and simmer the chicken on medium-low heat for 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

5) After 20 minutes, the carrots and potatoes should be tender, so remove them from the pot and let the chicken continue to cook. You should be able to smell and see when the chicken is done. When it is, gently (so it doesn't fall apart) remove it also.

6) I let the pan drippings (water, cooked celery, onions, and seasonings) cool a bit before whisking 2 tablespoons of flour dissolved into some water into them. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or so to thicken into gravy.

Presto, dinner is ready. One-pan summer meals rock!

In the fall and winter, you can use the recipe to roast a chicken INSIDE your oven ... and can eliminate browning the bird first. In the oven, remove the top off of your roasting pan to brown the chicken as the final step.  On a stovetop, brown the chicken first.

How it all began:




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Laura Bush's Texas Cowboy Cookies

Photo: New New Times

These cookies, brought to the public's attention by First Lady Laura Bush in 2000, are delicious! Brown sugar gives them a caramel taste. Here are the steps to get the texture right, crispy on the edges and soft in the middle without being underbaked and doughy.

Get out two mixing bowls and portion the following ingredients into each one:

Ingredients

Dry --
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Stir together in the 1st bowl.

Photo: stayathomechef

Wet --
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
12 tablespoons melted and cooled butter
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (Toss the 2nd egg white into tomorrow's omelet.)
Whisk together in the 2nd bowl. 

More dry ingredients --
1 1/4 cups of Old Fashioned (or Quick) rolled Oats
1 cup chopped and toasted pecans
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1) Combine the dry ingredients (bowl #1) into the wet ingredients (bowl #2) until just incorporated.

2) Next add the rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut and chocolate chips to the batter.

3) Texans use a 1/4 cup scooper to portion out the batter to make huge cookies (because "everything grows big in Texas,") but you can make smaller cookies unless you long to be huge yourself.😊 I use a tablespoon. Drop the batter for each cookie onto a buttered, or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Leave spaces in between the batter for the cookies to spread regardless of the size you make.

Photo: TX Governor's Mansion

4) Bake the cookies for 17 minutes -- rotating the cookie sheet midway (after about 8 minutes). The cookies will brown on the edges, yet remain soft and seemingly not done in the centers.

5) Pull the tray out of the oven and let the cookies rest on the hot-hot-hot cookie sheet for another 5 minutes to set. After 5 minutes you can take them off the cookie sheet to cool completely.

In the presidential campaign of 2000, Laura Bush's Texas Cowboy Cookies beat Tipper Gore's Ginger Snap Cookies in the annual cookie recipe contest for Family Circle magazine. And now everyone make them.

Enjoy your cookie baking/eating weekend! See you on the other side.🍪

Post Script 9-30-20: Readers, are you wondering what happened to recipe.com? Lately googling the longtime website ends up in an error message. It has gone AWOL! Rachel Cook, editor of Slateberry.com/StayAtHomeChef sent me an article explaining its disappearance. Read it here.


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