Crabby Housewife, Author at Crabby Housewife

Gluten Free Dessert Roundup

March 25, 2016 July 30, 2015 By Crabby Housewife Leave a Comment

If you’re trying to follow a gluten free diet, one of the things you’re probably missing is your desserts. Not to worry, though. There are many delicious gluten-free dessert recipes online. Here is a roundup of some of my favorites.

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

living locurto — No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Poppers

These no-bake desserts are perfect to take to a party or for an afternoon snack. They are also very simple to put together. Sub gluten-free graham cookies or leave the cookies out altogether. Amy Locurto has some additional suggestions for toppings for this fun and simple dessert.

Gluten Free Donut Holes

Nicole Hunn over at Gluten Free on a Shoestring has come up with a brilliant gluten free recipe that mimicks Dunkin Donuts’ glazed donut holes. Although a bit involved, you’ll love how this recipe turns out so similar to what you can buy in the store – only gluten free.

No Bake Triple Peanut Butter Bars

Arman, over at The Big Man’s World has some really amazing recipes that just make you drool. This particular dessert recipe is both gluten free and vegan. It is just oozing with peanut butter gooeyness. Think peanut butter fudge on steroids. And, they are very easy to whip up for a party or just to gobble down.

Funfetti Celebration Cake

Need a cake for a special celebration? Kayley over at the Kitchen McCabe has a collection of amazingly delicious recipes. You will spend a little more time on these, but it’s a special occasion, so why not? This cake is just as delicious as any other cake out there. I promise you’ll adore the way it tastes and the way it looks.

Gluten Free Iced Soft Sugar Cookies

flippin delicious — Gluten Free Soft Sugar Cookies with Icing

You know those soft sugar cookies that are iced and come in the clamshell container at grocery stores via their bakery department? You’re drooling, aren’t you? Brianna, over at Flippin’ Delicious, has worked hard to recreate this treat in a gluten free version. Okay, now I am hungry. Must go make cookies. Hope you enjoyed this recipe roundup.

$50 Grocery List for Dollar Tree

August 13, 2017 July 29, 2015 By Crabby Housewife Leave a Comment

Okay, so I promised you I was going to take a look at some items you can get a Dollar Tree and a menu you can make with them. I was able to come up with a halfway decent menu based on items from the Dollar Tree. I set a budget of $50 for this list. You’ll find a list of items to buy and meal plans.

Note that this isn’t gourmet food and it is lacking fresh produce. This time of year, you may have some produce from your garden. If not, take at least $5 or $10 additional and head to your local farmer’s market for some deals. You can simply add in cut up fruit and veggies as a side. Make sure to buy a head of lettuce for salads in the meal plans.

This menu feeds at least two people, but if you are a family of three or you have young children you can likely stretch it to feed more.

Grossner Foods premium 2% milk (1 quart)
Cereal (selections vary)
Block of cheese (types of cheese may vary – this is a small block, too)
Box of saltines
Hormel pepperoni
Hunts pasta sauce
Pizza sauce if available, if not second can of pasta sauce
Golden Home thin pizza crust – 12″
Quick oats
Peanut butter
Jelly
Bread (If not available, stop by Aldi for a loaf of bread)
Tuna
Mayo
Pickles
Potato chips
Eggs (again, this is something where availability can vary – you may also want to watch the size of packages and compare costs)
Double up on eggs (you want at least a dozen)
Canned soup
Canned soup
Chicken broth
Ribeye steak from freezer section
Second ribeye steak
Can of fruit
Second can of fruit
Box of mac and cheese
Nuts (you’ll find a few different sizes and types)
Garlic bread from freezer section. If your store doesn’t carry, you can find packaged bread mixes in the baking section that will work as a substitute.
Pasta of choice (spaghetti, etc.)
Beans
Rice
Tortillas
Shredded cheese (will be using in quiche)
Pancake mix
Syrup
Butter or margarine (if you already have some on hand or they don’t have at your store, you can sub a treat for this item. Think candy night.
Small container of ice cream*
Candy*
Popcorn*
Trail mix*
Fruit juice*
Soda*
Item of choice
Item of choice
Item of choice
Item of choice
Item of choice
Item of choice
Item of choice
Item of choice

In total, there are 8 items you can choose to fill in your shopping list. I highly recommend that you choose canned or frozen fruits, vegetables and frozen meats if available to up the nutrient factor of this plan.

Meals

Day # 1

Breakfast: Cereal & Milk
Lunch: Cheese & crackers with fresh fruit on side
Dinner: Pizzas

Day # 2

Breakfast: Oatmeal
Lunch: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, sliced up veggies
Dinner: Tuna fish sandwiches and chips

Day # 3

Breakfast: Eggs and toast (use no more than four eggs)
Lunch: Soup and salad (you’ll find a variety of soups)
Dinner: Ribeye steak slices, canned fruit

Day # 4

Breakfast: French toast (use up remaining bread and a couple of eggs)
Lunch: Mac ‘n’ cheese and fresh fruit
Dinner: Use up any remaining produce to create a large salad. Slice up leftover steak and add to salad.

Day # 5

Breakfast: Oatmeal with canned fruit
Lunch: Leftovers (every once in a while, you should just pull everything out of your fridge that is left over and create a little buffet of treats. You can always round it out with nuts and additional canned items)
Dinner: Pasta with garlic bread

Day # 6

Breakfast: Cereal and milk
Lunch: Peanut butter and jelly with remaining chips
Dinner: Use remaining eggs and make a quiche with ingredients on hand. If you have a few pepperonis left, make a pepperoni and cheese quiche. Have steak? Maybe you have some fresh veggies left.

Day # 7

Breakfast: Sausage and pancakes
Lunch: Canned meat, olives and any remaining veggies or fruit (don’t let it go bad, but use it up)
Dinner: Rice and bean burritos. If by some small chance you have some meat left over, go ahead and add it to your burrito for a protein boost.

Snacks

There are so many different types of snacks you can get at the Dollar Tree. I’ve chosen a few for you in the list, but they are marked with asterisks. You can sub these for whatever you most enjoy.

I’ve also left some options open so you can fill it in with foods you and your children enjoy.

Drawbacks of Dollar Tree Shopping

As I put this list together, it became really clear that it is pretty difficult to shop healthy here. Either you are buying canned fruits and vegetables with a lot of sodium, or you are eating a high carb, high gluten diet. If you’re trying to go low carb or gluten-free, steer away from this list.

If you want to get your shopping done quickly and save a little money for a week or two, you can do well at this store and it’s a fast in and out shopping trip. If you are lucky enough to have a freezer and refrigerated section at your dollar store, you’ll have more options for frozen fruits, vegetables and meats.

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Photo Credit: JeepersMedia via Compfight cc

Lazy Woman’s Guide to Making Cheddar Bay Biscuits

February 16, 2018 July 28, 2015 By Crabby Housewife Leave a Comment

The warm, moist flakiness of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay biscuits is one of those things that makes people love eating at the restaurant chain. There are few things better than when you’re really hungry and the waitress sets a steaming basket of those biscuits in the center of the table.

I have been experimenting with their boxed recipe here at home, my own cheddar cheesy biscuit recipe and I have come up with the perfect solution for people who are a bit lazy and want the ease of a boxed mix, but also don’t want to pay a fortune for biscuits.

Lazy Woman’s Guide to Making Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Servings: 10 medium size biscuits

Author: Crabby Housewife

Ingredients

2 cups Bisquick
8 tablespoons of butter it should be cold
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded pepper jack or Monterey jack
2/3 cup milk or so
1 clove garlic
1/4 teaspoon old bay seasoning

Instructions

Add Bisquick to large bowl.
Cut 5 tablespoons of the butter into small cubes.
Use a pastry mixer or use your hands and mix cold butter into the mix until it resembles corn meal. It's okay to leave some little buttery pockets. These will melt as the biscuit cooks and create delicious little air pockets of flavor. Mmm!
Add milk and gently stir until you have a dough and all flour is mixed in.
Now, fold in the cheese. Don't overmix. Just throw it in and fold it over. Obviously you want the cheese throughout.
Use a tablespoon to place globs of dough onto a parchment paper lined cooking sheet (easy cleanup and the bottoms crisp up).
I prefer to cook at about 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. Cook until biscuits are a golden brown.
Now, take the remaining butter (about 3 tablespoons) and nuke in a microwave safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Heat an additional 10 seconds at a time until butter is melted.
Use a garlic press or dice the clove of fresh garlic and add to the butter. You an also use about a 1/4 teaspoon of powder instead (make sure it is garlic powder and not garlic salt).
Add the old bay seasoning.
Mix thoroughly and brush on top of biscuits while they are still warm. Be liberal with the butter.
Serve immediately for best taste, but you can also store in the fridge.

Recipe Notes

Reheat these biscuits by wrapping in a paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.

These biscuits go great with fish, pasta and even steak. Try them out. Your family will love them and you’ll be impressed with how easy they are to make. It will taste like you spent hours rolling out dough.

Hair Styles: Types of Hair Braids

March 25, 2016 July 27, 2015 By Crabby Housewife Leave a Comment

When you’re looking for hair styles, there are many different types of hair braids that can work well for multiple occasions. Braided hair serves many different functions and is an ancient art that goes back to B.C. Braids can serve to keep hair out of your face or even be used for a more formal look. There are many different types of hair styles in braids, including French, English, Dutch and Fishtail braids. There are many different variations on the typical braids, and ribbons and beads can add variety and flair. Find out about the history of braids and the most common braids worn today.

Hair braiding goes back to ancient Africa. It has been dated as far back as 3500 B.C. African tribes handed the braiding techniques down from generation to generation. Tribes offered different types of braids for different occasions and ceremonies. The more intricate braids could take an entire day to create.

Today, braiding can be done by the layperson or professional beautician (usually for a special occasion, such as prom or wedding). Common braids are less complex than those done in some African tribes. Braiding is done with and without ribbons and beads.

French Braids

French braids are one of the most popular types of braids and are created from three small sections of hair, which then pull in the rest of the hair, piece by piece. French braids are often used for weddings, special occasions and everyday looks. The beauty of a French braid is that it can be made dressier or more casual with just a few minor variations. To make a French braid look more formal, add ribbons to the ends of the braids or turn the braid on its side and braid around the head in a semi-circle. Other ideas for a more formal look include tucking the ends of the braids under and securing with bobby pins or adding ribbons throughout the braiding process. To create a more casual look, try creating two French braids, leaving the ends loose or adding one large ribbon at the end of the braid.

Fishtail Braids

Fishtail braids are time consuming, but fairly easy to create. This type of braid is parted in two with tiny sections crossed over all the way down. Fishtail braids create a tight braid that will stay up for 2 or more days and creates a neat, clean look. Imagine the look of a fish’s bones, particularly the tail bones, and you can quickly imagine the look this braid offers. Braid hair while it is wet or dry. By braiding hair wet, you can achieve a tighter braid. Fishtail braids can be done in a single braid down the back or in two or more ponytail sections. Add beads or ribbon during the braiding process for a more formal or zanier look.

English Braids

English braids are created by sectioning all of the hair into three sections and criss-crossing those sections one over the other until the end of the tail is reached. This is the most common type of braid and is like the braids worn by Laura on the “Little House on the Prairie” series. Alternately, the hair can be divided into any number of sections desired, which are then divided into three and braided. Traditional braids can be worn casually, or ribbons and beading can be added. The braids can be tight or loose. The ends can be tucked under, looped around or left loose to change the look.

Dutch Braids

Dutch braids are very similar to French braids but the hair is woven under in an inverted style, so the hair sits on top of the braid instead of underneath. Dutch braids make a nice change from the other styles and can add another element to your hair repertoire. Dutch braids resemble a rope.

Waterfall Braids

One style that is cute for an evening on the town or a special event is the waterfall braid. This is when a small portion of hair is woven into a braid in sections around the top of the scalp. The rest of the hair falls down loose. This looks great with straight hair or curls.

Get Elsa from Frozen’s Hair

What little girl doesn’t love the Disney movie Frozen? When Elsa sings “Let it Go” and changes her appearance, her hair falls into a soft braid to one side and over the front of her shoulder. The video below details how to repeat Elsa’s braid.

Hair Extensions or Not

Many of the videos on YouTube use hair extensions to create the long braided looks that are so popular today. To get the best results, purchase only real hair extensions and always go a shade lighter as it is easier to add a darker color to extensions but very difficult to lighten them (we know this from experience using them for my daughter when she cheered).

You certainly don’t have to invest in extensions to braid your hair in any of these styles, but it will enhance the look if you’re going for a specific effect, such as looking like Elsa.

Light Lemon Cake Puff Cookies

February 16, 2018 July 24, 2015 By Crabby Housewife Leave a Comment

One of my favorite cookie recipes includes anything with lemons, so imagine my delight when I adapted a Weight Watchers recipe, lightened it up as much as possible and turned it into cookies. They turned out light, puffy and utterly delicious.

Even though I love lemon, this was originally adapted from a spice cake and can of pumpkin recipe. I just started experimenting with different combinations. You should try your own combo based on what you love. Perhaps strawberry cake and light cream cheese with Cool Whip? Maybe you’d prefer the pumpkin and spice cake combo. Applesauce is also a great substitute that is Vegan and keeps the cookies moist.

Light Lemon Cake Puff Cookies

Author: Crabby Housewife

Ingredients

1 box lemon cake mix can substitute any flavor
1 tub Sugar Free Cool Whip you can also use Fat Free if you aren't worried about carbs
1 egg for Vegan, sub in 1/3 can lemon lime soda, this will lighten up the cookies
Optional: Powdered sugar and fresh lemons to make a lemon glaze

Instructions

In a mixer combine cake mix, softened Cool Whip and egg or soda.
Mix until the consistency of cookie dough.
Spoon cookie mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and roll up into a log. Make sure the wrap completely covers the dough and is airtight.
Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Pull out of the fridge and unwrap.
Slice into 1" width sections.
Roll each section into a small ball and place onto parchment paper.
Cook in preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for ten minutes. Cookies will not brown up but dough should spring back when touched lightly with fingers. If the edges get brown, then you are overcooking the cookies and should pull them out immediately. Otherwise, they will be hard and not moist and light.
Allow to cool.
If desired, add lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar, squeezed juice from fresh lemons and water until you have a glaze the consistency of school glue. You can then drizzle over the cookies and allow to set up. If you want a yellow look, add a drop or two of food coloring.

Have you experimented with this recipe? Share your creations with us.