Two Mini Sweet Potato Pies

Photo: Etsy

A few days ago I had one can of sweet potatoes I didn't know what to do with because ... well we don't eat canned sweet potatoes. So I used it to make two 4" mini sweet potato pies for Thanksgiving. The small pies are enough for 4 servings. The trouble is on Sunday night my mother and I took one of the pies out of the refrigerator and ate it! Why? Because they were made too far in advance of Thanksgiving.:) The pie was delicious and not too sweet, so I'm posting my recipe below.

Full-sized pie with fresh microwaved sweet potato

To make a full-sized pie, simply double all the ingredients, beginning with the crust. For example, use 28 oz - 29 oz (2 cans or 2 full cups fresh, cooked, and mashed) sweet potatoes: 

So let's begin with the crust ... 

No Fail Flaky Vinegar Pie Crust (Double this recipe for a 9-inch pie.)

Ingredient:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of cold butter, sliced and diced quickly to keep it cold

A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cider vinegar (the flaky crust’s secret ingredient. Vinegar slightly retards gluten to keep the crust from toughening.)
3 tablespoons ice-cold water

Directions:

1) Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and form into a ball. (Since I made 2 small pies, I divided my dough into 2 small balls.) Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes or more.

2) With a rolling pin, roll the dough flat on a floured surface and fit it onto your buttered pie pan(s). 

3) Using a fork, poke holes all over the dough to release air during baking so it doesn't bubble.

Source: Taste of Home

Sweet Potato Pie Filling (Remember to double the filling for a 9" pie)

1 14-ounce can of sweet potatoes (or about 1 1/2  cups of cooked, softened, and mashed fresh sweet potato)

1 egg

1/4 tablespoon dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon of cottage cheese

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg

A light sprinkle of Allspice

A pinch of salt

Optional: 1 tablespoon of butter (for additional creaminess and flavor. I left it out to save calories. You decide for yourself.:)

Directions:

1) Using an electric mixer combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl for about 2 minutes or until smooth. I didn't miss the butter but you can put it in for extra creaminess and flavor.

2) Pour into your waiting prepared pie dough-lined pan(s).

3) Bake in a preheated 400-degree F oven for 50 - 60 minutes. (Mini pies take about as much baking time as full-sized pies.)

Photo: LSU AgCenter

Some recipes call for more sugar and butter in the filling, but my first homemade mini 4" sweet potato pies turned out so delicious, I'll lighten up my recipe again! We had no trouble eating the lesser caloric pies. Now what will we do if we have to share our 2nd mini pie with an unexpected guest who drops by? I suppose we'll offer it to our guest? Baking in advance of a holiday doesn't always pay off.😛

🍁Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

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Macy's Button Pearls Are A Steal

Compare Macy's 8 mm pink button pearls (left) next to my ivory round 7 mm and 10 mm pearls.

In the 1990s, advances in the pearl industry made pearls, the only gemstone created by a living organism, affordable to ordinary people. In earlier eras, only royalty could afford a string of pearls, but today we no longer have to go deep diving, a dangerous endeavor, to find the Queen of Gems and the Gem of Queens in mollusk shells in the ocean. Now pearl farmers grow cultured pearls on freshwater and saltwater pearl farms bringing the production of pearls way up and the costs way down. 

A comparable occurrence is now happening in the diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire industries with lab-grown gemstones, and this Lover of Gemstones can't wait for the prices of lab-created diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires to hit rock bottom!!! With future industry improvements, we'll be able to buy bigger, cleaner, vivid-colored gemstones for far less moola! It's thrilling, count me in!💎

Meanwhile, there are still bargains to find! Every year Macy's offers its 8 mm - 9 mm button pearl earrings with sterling silver posts for $6. Since round earrings are the most popular pearl shape, buying button pearls (dome-shaped) is nearly always cheaper. Yet in your ears, you get the same effect as round ... classic and cute. Expect to buy bigger button pearls for less money. This annual Black Friday offering is especially good, so on Monday, I bought my Mamma a pair of pink button pearl earrings. They are also available in ivory, grey, and black. Many customers order all 4 hues during Macy's Black Friday sales since the price is so low. BTW: These are the 4 pearl colors found in nature. The color of a pearl in nature is determined by the lip of the mollusk.

A criticism I have about these earrings is my universal complaint. Jewelers are skimping on hardware. Nowadays the backs of earrings are so slight wearers are afraid of losing their earrings. The back closures could be more substantial. It takes nimble fingers to put them in your ears. Although slim backs are less than ideal, for sure $6 for real pearl earrings is a steal!

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The Best Kabuki Brushes

In life, we spend on some things and save on others. When quality and performance matter, we spend even if we have to save up to buy an item. At other times when good enough works, we can save.

Discontinued 😞

Good makeup brushes make a huge difference in applying makeup evenly so usually, we spend on quality brushes, moving up from the good enough ones we settled for when we were younger.

I did so one makeup brush at a time, but before I could buy my last planned brush, in the It Velvet Luxe Collection For Ulta, the line was discontinued! So my coveted Kabuki brush (at $54 without a deal) got away! I looked a long time for it on eBay to no avail and so I had to move on. 

Today I'm featuring 3 Kabuki brushes that are top-notch in the qualities I love in makeup brushes: They're (1) plush/dense, (2) soft, and (3) do not shed for a smooth application of liquid or powdered makeup. I use a Kabuki brush to apply face powder as a final step to blend and set the makeup on my face. (Some people use it for liquid foundation, which I skip.)

I've uploaded the 3 brushes in today's blog in the order of most to least expense. They are: 

1) Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Face 2.0 Teardrop Kabuki (See the top image.👆) 

2) Isle of Paradise Foundation Brush (See the purple case.👆)

3) Petal-Shaped Kabuki Brush - This option is sold all over the internet. I bought one from Walmart. It also sells on Chinese retailer websites like Temu and Shein. Surprisingly, it is a great quality brush at a low cost! The brush has tons of 5-star reviews from happy customers!

Although I found a good Kabuki brush for less, I still regret losing out on the pricey Kabuki brush that got away! All I can do now is show and write about it.😢

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5 Tips For Graceful Aging

Photos 1 and 2 Shutterstock, Photo 3 Dreamtime

Every so often I read a magazine called "Natural Awakenings," free at health food stores. The November 2024 issue has a good advice article I'll paraphrase ... 

5 Tips for Graceful Aging (By Dr. Jillian Finker - Finker Wellness) are:

1) Stay Active - Find an exercise you enjoy and do it regularly. Keeping active reduces the risk of needing a nursing home later in life.

2) Prioritize Nutrition - A balanced diet and proper hydration prevent strokes and overall aging. Eat real unprocessed food: whole grains and a variety of vegetables and lean meats and fish.

3) Take Supplements - Consult your doctor. Supplementing with vitamins, herbs, and minerals can help with deficiencies as we age. My note: My mother takes 5,000 iu daily of Vitamin D and my doctor said I should take 2,000 iu daily of Vitamin D. With our doctors' knowledge we also began taking a One A Day multi-vitamin again. Doesn't hurt, no proof we need it either. That's why we prefer an inexpensive over-the-counter multivitamin. No need to overdose or overspend.

4)  Get Outside And Connect - Social interaction extends life expectancy. "Soak up the sun" and spend time with family and friends.

5) Release Your Fears - Make peace with your mortality and seek guidance from therapists and pastors to ease end-of-life fears.

My two cents:

It's inevitable that as we age, our lives get smaller, but it doesn't have to mean meaningless. Many people must slow down after the age of 85. It's a perfect time for hobbies to replace work and to be grateful for family and friends. 

Tree of Life - Carla Bank

My German immigrant mom was always a businesswoman, and daily I see how much more difficult her life is without hobbies. What's more, she no longer has the dexterity in her fingers to resume skills she learned as a girl like knitting, sewing, and crocheting. Once I'm her age, I hope my intellectual curiosity and a healthy pair of eyes keep me stimulated to save me from hours of boredom. Life can indeed throw us a cure. Worsening eyesight makes reading more difficult for some seniors. 

Still, let's commit to doing as much as we can for as long as we can!

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What Are the 11 Herbs and Spices In Kentucky Fried Chicken?

Photo: KFC and YUM

Today the famed 11 herbs and spices at KFC are a closely guarded secret by YUM, the corporation that owns the copywriter to KFC's chicken, but it wasn't always so. According to Colonel Sanders' nephew, the recipe created back in the day by the Colonel was posted in the entryway of the diner he opened. Several years ago the Chicago Tribute published a photograph of what the newspaper called the leaked recipe written in the Colonel's handwriting. In business, if the food is delicious people will come even if they can make it at home IMHO. Because. People do both.

It's more than likely the following is the recipe for Original Kentucky Fried Chicken:

Ingredients:

Photo: The Chicago Tribute

One chicken (or 8 pieces)

1 cup of buttermilk

2 eggs

2/3 tablespoon salt

1/2 tablespoon thyme
1/2 tablespoon basil
1/3 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon celery salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried mustard
4 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons garlic salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
3 tablespoons white pepper

Directions:

1) Mix the buttermilk and eggs in one mixing bowl then soak the chicken pieces in the mixture for 30 minutes or more. Return the chicken to the refrigerator while soaking.

2) In a 2nd bowl stir the 11 herbs, spices, and flour together and coat the chicken pieces by dipping and turning.

3) Instead of frying the coated chicken (which you are free to do in very hot vegetable oil) why not brush oil on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and bake the spread-out chicken pieces in a 400-degree F oven for about 25 minutes. Test the chicken at 20 minutes to see if it's done and add baking time as needed.

If the above ingredients aren't Colonel Sanders' original recipe, they are close enough. Making the chicken at home lets you adjust the salt to your tastes and needs. Plus you can bake instead of frying it if you wish. When you don't feel like cooking you can still buy a bucket of chicken at KFC.

In college near the end of the school year, one of our professors decided to teach our class outdoors on campus. During the class, I saw a limo pull up and out walked an elderly Colonel Sanders in his signature white suit. He entered our administration building a few yards away. Here's to the memory of the Colonel, who must have given money to our school.🐔

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Macy's Holiday Lane Is The Best

When I first moved to Manhattan I found my Christmas ornaments and stockings mainly at Saks Fifth Avenue with a couple of radiant ornaments at Bloomingdale's. There was no need to leave my neighborhood to go down to Herald Square for anything. 

Nowadays Macy's is the only retailer I'd consider because for sure, of the 3 stores, it has the most extensive assortment of holiday decor and accessories, including Nativity Scenes which Bloomingdale's and Saks have sadly dropped from their inventory, a decision that makes little sense!

Certainly, I understand people not buying a Nativity Scene who don't celebrate Christmas, but when retailers won't sell the religious artifacts that Christmas epitomizes it's a silly attempt to be politically correct! My Jewish friends love Christmas chorals and celebrating my holiday with me, and they don't feel less Jewish for it. Likewise, I'm honored to be invited to the celebrations of other religions. I never feel disloyal or like it's an attempt to convert me. Hell, we live in a global world and melting-pot country. Everyone should be free to take pride in their ethnicities, cultures, and faith traditions, and we shouldn't be afraid to take a glimpse of the wider world by stepping outside of our rituals.

What's more, Saks and Bloomingdale's don't carry enough of a holiday selection anymore, restricting their holiday offerings to one small area of a floor. Macy's still makes its offerings look like Santa Claus's workshop, which is located on its 9th floor. All of the glitter and gold as you walk the floor helps you understand the magic of Christmas, commercial though it is. You remember the awe you felt as a child when your parents took you out to see Christmas displays where you shopped.

In addition to a wide array of stock to choose from, Macy's offers the best prices and sales on its merchandise so you'll return home happier and less broke.:) Even if you have everything you need from your Christmases past, it's worth a trip to Macy's just to see Holiday Lane. I know from my friends of diverse backgrounds that people of all faiths enjoy it! All are welcome. Who isn't uplifted for a window of time by the sparkle and festiveness!🌍🌎🌏

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Refrigerator Liners Rock

Call me a Johnny Come Lately (or would it be Janey Come Lately?) when it comes to Refrigerator Liners. Never having used them before, I just learned about them from a neighbor. Now I think they're the greatest thing created since sliced bread! (I may be able to use every cliché in the English language for this blog.:) 

Refrigerator liners are not exactly a hot item. (Financial journalists sometimes use the phrase not sexy as in not a sexy stock.) But my enthusiasm is real! Here's why: They keep your refrigerator cleaner by absorbing moisture and reducing the need for cleanup. Hacks for cleaning less are my jam! The liners are quick-drying, reversible, and machine washable. They also keep your fruits and vegetables from bruising and molding for several days longer by absorbing moisture. The liners can be cut to fit any size shelf.

I bought refrigerator shelf liners that are 60% viscose and 40% polyester for their absorbency (over plastic liners).

Inside a crisper drawer (left) and under ice trays in the freezer (right - the small piece my neighbor gave me so I could order my own)

My liners are sold in an assortment of patterns and colors. I mean why not, you look at them every day and can select a style and color you like. Aqua Dahlia! does it for me. You can buy them at home goods stores, and I'll link you to what I bought on Amazon - here. You might also check with a well-stocked dollar store to explore the best value.

I'm trying to decide how far to go. Before buying the liners, I put condiments inside open snack plastic bags to avoid messes, a practice I may continue instead of cutting liners.

Although the liners are suitable for cupboards and cabinets, I don't think using them outside of refrigerators is very cost-effective. Plastic liners are cheaper than fabric refrigerator liners and paying more for absorbency in dry cabinets is unnecessary. But for refrigerators, it's worth splurging on the fabric machine washable liners. I bought 2 - 6 packs (12"x 24"). I use them mostly as is. So far I've only cut 2 sheets in half to line inside and under the crisper drawers, and these flat boys rock.

Extra tips: I'm using 5 quart-size plastic boxes for keeping fruit, bread, frozen vegetables, and snacks together, as well as, the already mentioned snack-size plastic baggies for the bottoms of condiment bottles. So far, so good!

Cleaning a refrigerator isn't a fun job. Do you have a hack to keep it cleaner longer?

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Christmas Fruitcake

November is the perfect time to prepare for Christmas.🎄 This week, I've ordered nuts and dark chocolate chips to have on hand to bake cookies. Buying a few items at a time is the way to do it. Planning and making lists equal calm.

The following recipe is a David Parke share. David Parke is a Facebook friend of mine from the United Kingdom, who retired after years of serving on Queen Elizabeth II's staff. I have no idea what position he held and haven't had the pleasure of meeting him in person, but he uploads very tempting recipes. My classmate, a romance author, makes the best fruitcake ever found here, but it requires lots of Kentucky bourbon and weeks of time. My in-person friend has so many requests for her fruitcakes, she began selling them.

If you don't order or make hers, try this one uploaded on Facebook by David Park:

Christmas Fruitcake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, apricots, and cranberries)

1/2 cup candied orange peel

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1/2 cup dark rum (or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp allspice

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

Optional Glaze:

1/4 cup apricot or peach jam, warmed

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1-2 tsp milk (adjust as needed for consistency)

David's directions as quoted verbatim ...

"Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruit Mixture --

In a bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, candied orange peel, and nuts. Pour the rum (or orange juice) over the mixture, cover, and let it soak for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan --

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan or round cake pan with parchment paper.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients --

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a medium bowl. Set aside.

4. Make the Batter --

• In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Stir until just combined.
• Fold in the soaked fruit and nuts and any remaining liquid.

5. Bake the Cake --

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Optional Glaze:

For a festive glaze, mix the powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Brush the warm jam over the cake, then drizzle with the powdered sugar glaze.

Details:

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus soaking time)

Bake Time: 60-75 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours (including soaking)

Servings: 8-10 slices

Tips:

a) Storage: Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in an airtight container. This cake tastes even better after a few days!

b) Flavor Boost: Brush the cake with additional rum or fruit juice every few days for extra moisture and depth of flavor.

This Christmas Fruitcake Delight will bring a taste of the holiday spirit to your table. Each slice is packed with festive flavors and warm holiday memories—perfect for a cozy winter celebration!"

I aim to make this fruitcake (for Thanksgiving?). It looks sensational! Hmm, I must grab some dried fruit while shopping for my weekly groceries. Nowadays for Christmas, I prefer confections that aren't super sweet yet have other flavors and textures creating a party in your mouth! Like European cakes and pastries, call them adult sophisticated sweets if you will!

Thanks, David Park, for the share!

Update, December 1: I substituted Marker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon for dark rum because my rum wasn't dark rum. I used pitted frozen cherries instead of dried cherries (much cheaper!), a tablespoon of grated orange rind with a squeeze of orange juice instead of candied orange rinds. To make up for the skipped 1/2 cup of candied rinds, I added 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries and 1/4 cup of dried pineapple, which I cut into small pieces. Walmarts and pecans went in (about 1 1/4 cups together). I also soaked the nuts and fruit for hours in the bourbon before making the cake. Tweaking the recipe works as long as you keep the ratio of the dry-to-liquid ingredients. I added 5 more tablespoons of all-purpose flour since my cherries and blueberries were wet, not dried.

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