Joy Bauer's Healthy Brownies and Rice Crispy Treats

Joy Bauer is a nutritionist who formally worked with New York City Ballet dancers and then became a TV personality. Two of her many keeper recipes are lighter, healthy versions of Brownie Bits and Rice Crispy Treats. Normally I pass on both sweets since usually they are made with a ton of butter and sugar. But Joy replaces these high and empty calories with healthy ingredients. In her recipes, she substitutes ingredients to boost the amounts of protein, vitamins, or fiber. Here are 2 of her sweet treats:

Brownie Bits - Go here for the recipe on Joy's website.

Ingredients:

¾ cup whole wheat flour, or all-purpose
½ cup cocoa powder
½ teaspoon instant coffee powder, optional
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
¾ cup maple syrup
1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350°F. Liberally mist your mini-muffin tin(s) with nonstick oil spray and set aside. In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee, salt and baking powder, and whisk until well combined.

2) Add the eggs, maple syrup and applesauce to the dry ingredients. Stir to form a creamy batter, being thoughtful to not overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.

3) Fill each muffin compartment with batter; you’ll have enough for approximately 35. Be sure to mix the batter as you go to distribute the chocolate chips—otherwise, the chips may settle at the bottom and the last bunch will have a ton.

4) Garnish with a sprinkling of preferred toppings; you can mix and match various combos such as strawberries and coconut, granola, and seeds.

5) Bake in the oven on the middle rack for about 14 minutes, until the tops are firmed

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Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats - Go here for the recipe on Joy's website.

Ingredients:

¾ cup peanut butter
 ⅓ cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups crispy rice cereal

Directions:

Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.

1) In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the peanut butter. Microwave for about 50 seconds to soften it, making it easier to mix.

2) Add the honey and vanilla extract to the softened peanut butter, and mix until well blended. Add the crispy rice cereal to the bowl. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to crush the cereal.

3) Transfer the mixture into the parchment-lined pan. Use a spatula or your hands to flatten it out evenly among the bottom perimeter.

4) Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or freeze) to firm up. Remove
from the fridge, slice into 16 pieces (4 rows across and 4 rows down), and enjoy!

I want to make it clear again that these are nutritionist Joy Bauer's recipes, not mine. I'm posting them here for our convenience, as well as, linking them to their original source. 

Joy seems like an amazing cook and baker. I wish I could be her taster-tester and next-door neighbor, so she'd invite me to her house for delicious and healthy eating!

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Farmer's Defense Sun Protection

One of the best anti-aging practices for your skin is to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Although I have never been a sun worshipper and try to walk on the shady side of the street, I've only recently started wearing visors while out and about in New York City ... and honestly, I should bump it up to hats! 

I won't lie to you readers, I want to avoid looking ridiculous like an alarmist beekeeper running errands in Manhattan. Still, we all know how harmful the cumulative effects of exposing our skin to the sun are so I'm adapting and getting over my reticence. It helps when sun protective gear is also attractive!

Farmers Defense makes hats and protective sleeves for gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts that provide style, comfort, and superior sun protection for your skin. They cover what my visors do not -- every part of your head that needs protection -- the scalp, face, ears, and neck, plus your arms. 

The Farmers Defense Protective hats and sleeves offer a UPF 50+ rating, blocking 98% of anti-aging UVA rays and 99% of cancer-causing UVB rays. Made with sturdy REPREVE® polyester, they have sweat-wicking and cooling properties. The hats have a 4-inch brim that is perfect for working or playing in the blazing sun.

So cute that I don't mind wearing them while pounding Manhattan's pavements, and if you garden or are active outdoors in the suburbs, they are anti-cancer and anti-aging essentials. Very affordably too!

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Liquid Bandage For Lacerations

Up and Up is Target's house brand and it's a full one ounce.

Aren't the cuts you get on your fingertips the worst? Even a tiny paper cut is painful because you use your hands and fingers to touch everything getting necessary tasks done. Cutting up and seasoning your food in cooking reminds you of your wound. Peeling an orange or squeezing a lemon hurts. A finger cut takes all the joy out of eating salty potato chips. And, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer... ouch!

So for our medicine cabinet, I purchase the solution liquid bandage to brush on small wounds, especially for what we'll call busy high-traffic body parts like fingertips.

The active ingredients in liquid bandage are benzethonium, chloride, a first aid antiseptic and dyclonine hydrochloride, a topical analgesic. It causes a slight burning when brushed on the cut, but it seals the wound and there is less of a chance for infection since the laceration is sealed shut.

Liquid bandage is a waterproof adhesive so your injured fingers are not as sensitive when you wash your hands or your raw vegetables for dinner.

The seal is reported to last for 5 to 10 days even with handwashing and showering, but I haven't found this to be true on fingers. I have to reapply the liquid adhesive until the gash heals. I do think sealing the injury helps it to heal.

According to MedlinePlus, using liquid bandage may also reduce the size of scars. It is safe to apply it on small cuts to stop bleeding too. Of course, large cuts need prompt medical attention and perhaps stitches.

A worthy and inexpensive product to have in a medicine cabinet.

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Brownies From Scratch For My Friend's Birthday

Brownies are a friend's favorite treat. Since I'm not a brownie fan, I've never made them until I wanted to surprise her with a thoughtful gesture on her birthday. I've always disliked brownies because they're usually too gooey and sweet. However, if I do say so myself, my brownies came out perfect, so, of course, I'm going to share the recipe here with you, my awesome readers, and if I ever make brownies again they'd be as delicious:

Dark Chocolate Brownies From Scratch

Ingredients:

5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)

1 1/4 cup of regular white sugar

3 eggs (work best at room temperature)

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 teaspoon of instant coffee

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (or almost any vegetable oil you have)

3/4 cup of cacao powder (or substitute Hersey's dark cocoa powder)

3/4 cup all-purpose flour (I buy unbleached.)

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt [If you use salted butter leave the salt out.]

1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips (I used Trader Joe's brand.)

Directions:

1) With an electric mixer combine the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time mixing them in. With this recipe be careful not to overbeat, just mix enough to combine the ingredients.

2) I added the ingredients in the order listed, so next toss in the vanilla and instant coffee. Instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor of the brownies.

3) Mix the rest of the ingredients into the batter, except for the chocolate chips. Those fold in with a spatula.

4) I lined a 9" by 9" pan with aluminum foil and sprayed the foil with cooking spray. If you only have an 8" by 8" pan, it works too, but a bigger pan than 9" you'd need to double the recipe and possibly increase the baking time.

5) Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Tap the pan on a table and use your specula to even out the batter.

6) Bake in a preheated oven at 325 degrees F for 30 minutes and then turn off the oven. You don't want to overbake the brownies.

7) While the oven was still hot I put a few squares from a huge Trader Joe's Belgium dark chocolate bar on top of the batch of brownies and let it melt, then spread it evenly over the top.

8) Let cool completely before you cut the brownies into squares. I didn't cut my brownies so I could pick up the aluminum foil and pack it into a box to surprise my friend. When we cut it to eat, the squares cut clean.

The brownies were just the right amount of sweet, reminding me of European confections. A lot of flavor, not overly sweet.

The brownies came out exactly as I had hoped, moist with a nice crumb, yet not gooey and very flavorful. My friend loved them. She used the word gourmet to describe them, and I like them also. Bullseye, a mission accomplished!🎯🤎

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Plastic Food Containers To Repurpose

I have a set of Rubbermaid and a European brand of food storage containers, but the plastic containers I grab most often to store leftover food in the refrigerator or freezer I get for free when buying food. Who knew? Also with the free containers, I don't worry about losing them if I take food to a cookout. 

 

 I bought Healthy Choice frozen entrees for my mother and discovered the plastic bowls they come in are non-stick and perfect for microwaving 2-egg omelets. The eggs cook well and slide right out with less cleanup because you can eat the omelet out of the same bowl. If you wish to wash and reuse the bowl, it's easy too because cooked eggs and cheese don't stick!

Gosh, I bought a silicone microwave omelet dish that doesn't work as well. Without greasing, everything sticks to it. 

By the way, Healthy Choice dinners are as close to homemade-tasting meals as you can get readymade at a reasonable price. For seniors who tend to eat less, they are the perfect portion. Not a bad lunch size for hungrier people either. Sometimes I add more meat or vegetables to them, which is also an option.

Another container I repurpose is what you get when buying peanut butter from a Health Food store or Chinese Food. If needed, you can also buy them from Amazon. Bar none, they are my favorite storage containers. Good to store half a cut onion or tomato, cheese, leftover soup or beef stew, etc. They are durable and can be washed to use time and again. The 16 oz size is perfect! Stackable in the freezer also.

The Rubbermaid containers don't get half the use. In a do-over, I would make do with repurposing the free containers which is also good for the planet.

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Sterling Silver In Fine Jewelry

Photo: Voogme 925 Silver and Moissanite

Frankly, this jewelry lover is happy she bought a few pieces of fine jewelry years before our pandemic hit since the price of gold and jewelry has increased like other consumer goods after our COVID crisis. Plus jewelry, which should not be considered an investment, has always had a hefty profit margin above the wholesale value of the pieces. Jewelry is as much of a luxury buy as designer clothes, shoes, and handbags, which are also marked up to whatever customers are willing to pay.

Photo: Shop LC

That said, there's a limit to what ordinary people can spend to own luxury goods including jewelry. Sadly considering today's elevated costs, I recommend bypassing 18k or 14k gold and diamonds. Retailers are charging astronomical prices without giving us enough value in return. Frequently their jewelry is flimsy with a sky-high price tag attached. Fuhgeddaboudit!

I also suggest skipping overpriced costume jewelry. It has depreciation or zero value.

Pure silver unmixed with other metals

Instead, turn to 925 sterling silver fine jewelry. Don't overpay or overconsume, yet buy a capsule of pieces you love and will wear over and over again with all your outfits from blue jeans to a little black dress. Unlike purses or shoes at least with fine jewelry, you don't end up with depreciation value simply by wearing it! 

Sterling 925 Silver is the jewelry quality standard in most of the world. It is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% another metal, usually copper, sometimes nickel. (Pure gold or) pure silver is too soft to be worn as jewelry. The alloy (whether gold) or silver + other added metals increases the hardness of a necklace, bracelet, or ring giving them strength so they won't blend or dent as easily by wearing them.

Like pure gold, pure silver is a precious metal listed as an element on the Periodic Table. With sterling silver, you are buying fine jewelry! But be aware that sterling silver is softer than gold, so more durable for earrings, necklaces, or signature rings than for everyday rings you might mindlessly bang around as you go about your usual activities. However, if you take care of sterling silver jewelry, it will last a lifetime and for generations.

The current price of 925 sterling silver is $31.24 t.oz. A gram is the smallest unit to measure silver. 925 silver value is between $0.69 and $0.80 per gram.

Usually, there is a quality mark -- 925 -- on pieces of sterling silver. Sterling silver jewelry is required to carry this stamp if there is surface area to put it. The marking can be seen with a magnifier. Sterling silver jewelry is sometimes dipped in rose or yellow gold or another metal to offer yellow-or-rose gold-like jewelry.

Photo: Italo Jewelry

Sterling silver jewelry that isn't worn frequently will tarnish yet is easily and safely cleaned with retail tarnish remover and a silver cleaning cloth. A tissue can scratch the silver.

Leslie Villarreal

Non-tarnish silver alloys also exist on the market. Argentiun Silver is one such brand that sells silver jewelry that doesn't tarnish. The non-tarnish alloys in jewelry are 92.5% silver (or higher), copper, and the addition of the element germanium. Germanium makes the alloy harder and resistant to tarnish. Under extreme conditions, it still tarnishes but requires less maintenance than sterling. The non-tarnishing alloy is also significantly more expensive than sterling silver.

Without a good deal, I'd stick with 925 sterling silver for its more affordable price. If too costly, you might as well save up for gold. It's a trade-off really ... with today's jewelry prices, we're having to spend too much. Yet, life is a series of tradeoffs, and it's a shame splurging on gold jewelry has gotten so stupidly expensive!😠

Photo: Macy's Sterling Silver Set. Mystic Topez

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What Are Brisling Sardines?

Summer Eats continued: What are brisling sardines? They are an impulse buy on a trip to the health food store a while ago. Ten cans, I must have been out of my mind that day! I know they are packed with protein and omega 3, 6, and 9 oils. They have a mild flavor and, in fact, are less fishy tasting than tuna. So why do I and others have such an aversion to eating them?

Just to get them down my throat I've been mixing a can of brisling sardines with a can of solid white tuna to make a salad. It's the easiest way of not having to look at them. Nutritionally, it's an excellent idea. Here's why ...

Brisling sardines are caught in the clear, clean, cool waters of Northern Europe. Europeans call the tiny silver fish sprats. They are under 4" long, half the size of other sardines. They have a mild taste and a tender delicate texture with no notable scales. Often packed in extra virgin olive oil, foodies claim they have a buttery texture.

Brislings are not only delicious but they’re also packed with a ton of nutrients including the omega-3 fatty acids, I mentioned. A serving also has 17% of our recommended calcium requirement and a whopping 17 grams of protein. These nutrients are best derived from natural sources rather than supplements. As a small fish, you need not worry about consuming mercury. Tuna has a moderate amount of mercury because it's a bigger fish, but sardines are one of the healthiest fish to eat!

Due to its mercury content, you should eat tuna not more than twice a week, but if mixed with sardines, you're cutting the mercury contained in tuna by half.

Frankly, I've never had a problem with the taste of sardines, it's the idea of eating sardines. So I disguise them as a tuna-sardines salad on 2 slices of multigrain toast. I'll post the ingredients for the salad below, plus you can make the salad into a grilled melt if you wish:

Tuna Sardines Melt

Ingredients:

1 can of brisling sardines in extra virgin olive oil

1 can of solid white tuna (I buy tuna in water.)

1/4 of an onion, finely chopped

1 stalk celery (I use the leaves too), finely chopped

2 baby carrots, finely chopped

2 - 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise

1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard

Salt, pepper, garlic, parsley to taste

Optional: Add 2 hard boiled eggs to make a creamier salad.

Directions:

1) Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

2) To make a sandwich toast 2 slices of bread.

3) If making a melt, spread a little of the mayonnaise on one slice of bread. Layer with some of the tuna-sardines salad, and top with cheese. Lay a 2nd slice of bread on your baking sheet if you desire a topper.

4) Broil in the oven at 450 degrees F to melt the cheese. Remove from the oven. If you wish you top it with your 2nd slice of toast.

Since I eat tuna, salmon, catfish, cod, and sushi without flinching, I can't explain why I, as well as, many others have an issue with eating sardines, a tiny fish, as opposed to a big one! It makes no sense. Do you know?

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Box Shorts Are Tendy This Summer

Photo: Shein

Boxer shorts are trendy this summer, and they're super stylish! Comfortable and flattering for many body types. Certainly, they look more like shorts than underwear. Their vibe reminds me of culottes, which is a cross between shorts and a skirt, some call culottes a split skirt.

Photo: J Crew

Tight shorts are seldom complimentary and neither are bloomers. Boxer shorts show just the right amount of skin, and the flair-out of the legs is not only fashionable but also cool in boiling temperatures.

The boxer shorts' band flatters the waist, and they look preppy paired with a sweater. I love the buttons on the image above on the left, but this detail will date the shorts by making them look the most like their underwear inspiration.

Like other apparel, you can find boxer shorts at different price points, fabrics, colors, and patterns. Go inexpensive to get in on the fad. Cotton is popular! So are vertical stripes. Yet, I'd avoid box-short sets. Generally, short sets are popular for children (I wore them up until age 12). For adults, it's too matchy-matchy.

Photos: J Crew (left) and Amazon (right)

Crisp, clean, and shapely, this summer trend looks classic and has the potential to last beyond 2024. 

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High Protein Granola Bars -- To Bake Or Not To Bake

Granola bar images istock

Since my senior mom has become a picky eater I spend more money on protein drinks and bars than I do on meat. One of my rules is she must eat real food -- unprocessed meat, carbohydrates, and either fruit or vegetables for dinner. At times, it's a struggle. So I buy 30-gram protein drinks and strive for 20-gram protein bars that are low in sugar. They are more costly than real food and not as tasty, but what am I to do?

I found 2 recipes for High Protein Granola Bars. Both are 20 grams of protein per bar, count as real food, and are easy to make. Since the recipes are on multiple websites without credit, I have no idea who created them. 

Nearly the same, the 1st recipe requires 5 ingredients and no baking. Add eggs and bake recipe #2:

I. No Bake 5 Ingredient High Protein Granola Bars

Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup vanilla protein powder

1 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions

1) In a large mixing bowl combine the dry ingredients, oats, and protein powder.

2) In a 2nd mixing bowl, microwave the peanut butter and honey for a few seconds to soften them.

3) Combine the wet with the dry ingredients. You can add a few spoons of water to the mixture if it's too dry.

4) Press the mixture into an 8" by 8" pan lined with parchment paper.

5) Evenly distribute the chocolate chips and press them into the batter.

6) Refrigerate until the bars are firm before cutting with a knife dipped in water (to avoid sticking) into 16 bars.

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II. Baked 6 Ingredient High Protein Granola Bars

Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup vanilla protein powder

1 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup honey

2 eggs

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions

1) Mix the dry ingredients, oats and protein powder.

2) Mix in the eggs.

3) Microwave the peanut butter and honey for a few seconds to soften them and combine them into the mixture.

4) Pour into an 8" by 8" pan sprayed with cooking spray and lined with parchment paper.

5) Distribute and press the chocolate chips into the dough.

6) Bake in a preheated 350-degree F oven for 10 - 15 minutes. Check and remove when the outside edges start to turn slightly brown.

7) Cool, and cut while still warm into 16 bars.

To bake or not to bake, that is the question. My answer: First try the unbaked granola bars and if you like them go no further. If curious, make the baked granola bar recipe and decide which texture you prefer. Also if you want add-ins like whole almonds, or sunflower seeds, or white chocolate chips, or coconut flakes, or raisins it's up to you. Feel free to dip your baked granola bars into melted dark chocolate with baker's wax if you desire. 

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Walmart's Cheap Thrill Dresses

I no longer buy high-end summer dresses. The pricey ones hang in my closet while I grab a swing dress from (1) Lands' End, (2) Uniqlo, or (3) Old Navy to go to the theater, ballet, or a restaurant. I call them my Cheap Thrill Dresses. No dry cleaning is needed!

A Cheap Thrill Dress is a dress that's cute, cozy, decent quality, and won't break the bank. Paired with ballet flats and some bling, the garment looks polished and suitable for a night out on the town. You can wear a Cheap Thrill Dress without fuss. If you sit on a park bench; in the open air on the fountain at Lincoln Center; or decide to ride the subway, you won't have to fret about ruining your dress. Cheap thrill dresses can be machine-washed and dried all summer long!

Let me introduce you to a 4th retailer carrying Cheap Thrill Dresses worth considering. Walmart has a reasonably good brand, PPYOUNG, which is getting tons of 5-star reviews from happy customers. The dresses feel as comfortable as wearing T-shirts, yet are much more stylish.

The knit fabric of 95% rayon with 5% spandex is a winning combination for a hot steamy summer to keep you cool and wrinkle-free. The adorable swing style is universally flattering on nearly every body type.

What a versatile dress ... going from a night out on the town, to a Saturday running errands frock, or an all-day beach coverup, to an easy-to-pack in-a-suitcase vacation dress.

If ordering clothing from Walmart (or Target known to collaborate with upscale designers), I recommend reading all the reviews. Customers usually mention when a dress runs large, true-to-size, or small, plus check the manufacturers' size chart. 

The PPYOUNG dresses from Walmart come in several styles, colors, and patterns, and the price points are a steal making owning a few a no-brainer! 

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Summer Eats

Fresh summer tomatoes are the best! Photo: HuffPost 

I post more recipes in summer on THE SAVVY SHOPPER than at other times of the year. Why? I have more time to cook and play. In summer, real food -- not junk food -- that doesn't take hours to prepare or cook also catches my eye. I slap it up here if I wish to share or find it again myself.

Fresh food I don't have to cook is one of the many things I love about summer. Last night I cut up an avocado, tomato, and onion, tossed them into a bowl, and seasoned them with cider vinegar (a friend gave me cider vinegar with a "mother" in it), salt, pepper, garlic and parsley. Mmm!

If you mash the ingredients, you'll have guacamole, more traditionally made with lime, but I prefer good vinegar.

In summer I love a late-night dinner of red wine and extra-sharp cheddar cheese on grainy rye bread. It's umami tasty! I could eat it as a supper 7 days a week, but I don't let myself! Only one day a week is my rule. I add cruditès of raw vegetables and fruit to balance out the meal. Another summer love is it stays daylight until 9 PM!

When you don't cook a meal what is your favorite at-home summer dinner? If reading this blog, you're looking at mine.

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