Gluten Free, Dairy Free ICE CREAM Cake

Yes, you saw the caption correctly!  I'm attempting a gluten free, soy free, nut free, and dairy free ice cream cake!  Some of you may be thinking, "What's the point?" or "Won't that taste disgusting?" but there are SO many good alternatives to regular cake mixes and dairy ice cream.  My favorite dairy free ice cream is Lactaid Vanilla Ice Cream but you could use the So Delicious brand {they use cashew milk, coconut milk, or almond milk in their flavors}, Ben and Jerry's dairy free, Dryer's dairy free, etc. etc.  So many brands now have dairy free ice cream and it's amazing!


For the cake mix, I used a Betty Crocker Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix.  You could use ANY Gluten Free brand and any cake flavor!  Because I was using vanilla ice cream I wanted to go with chocolate for the cake, but it is all up to your preference.


Once you have all the supplies and have double checked you are using allergy free ingredients, then you're ready to start!

Ingredients:

1.  Cake Mix {and necessary ingredients to bake the mix}
2.  Dairy free ice cream {3-4 quarts}
3.  Plastic Wrap
4.  Cool Whip, Chocolate Chips, Sprinkles for the topping

Directions:

Cake

Make the cake according to the directions on the box.  I used 1 round cake pan to make this cake.  You could do multiple layers with multiple flavors.  I was going for simplicity for my first ice cream cake.  When the cake is finished, allow it to cool a few minutes, run a knife around the edge and pop it onto a cooling rack.  Allow it to cool fully.  Once it has cooled completely, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap.  Place it in the freeze for 2-3 hours. 

Ice Cream

As your cake is baking, you can start on the ice cream layer!  In the same shape pan as your cake mix {I used two round cake pans, same size, same shape} place two layers of plastic wrap overlapping on the bottom so the ice cream won't stick to the pan.  Allow your ice cream to soften for a few minutes and then start scooping it into the cake pan.  Take your time on spreading out your ice cream as you want it to fill up the entire pan.  I shook the pan and kept tapping it on the counter to make sure it was reaching all the way to the edges of the pan.  I used a mini spatula at first, but found a large metal spoon was the easiest to smooth out the ice cream.  Bottom line: use whatever is easiest for you!  Once you are happy with the thickness of the ice cream, place one layer of plastic wrap on top and place it in the freezer to re-harden.  This should take about 3 hours.

Putting it Together

About an hour or two before you are ready to serve your cake you should start to put it all together.  Once your cake and the ice cream layer are hardened, take them both out of the freezer. Unwrap the cake and place it on a plate large enough.  It needs to go back in the freezer so if you are using a cake stand, make sure it fits in your freezer!  Place the chocolate layer on the bottom on the plate.  Next, take off the top layer of plastic wrap off of your ice cream cake.  Pull the plastic wrap from underneath your layer of ice cream and it should pop right out.  Place it on top of your chocolate cake!  Allow it to melt a little {as you are working on it, don't worry, it will hold it's shape once you put it back in the freezer} and you can use the cool whip as a frosting and decorate with sprinkles, icing, allergy free chocolate chips, etc!  Have fun with it! 

Finished picture of the cake is coming soon!  Let me know if you try this and how delicious it is!  This is my second time making it, so I know it works and it is oh, so good.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Lemon Bars

With summer right around the corner, it's time for some fruity, refreshing desserts!  These gluten free and dairy free lemon bars will be the perfect treat on a hot night.  Enjoy with some vanilla ice cream (like Lactaid Dairy Free Vanilla Ice Cream) or some sparkling flavored water (like my favorite: Lime LaCroix).

Here are the details to make these delicious treats!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

-2 Cups Gluten Free Baking Mix (I use Aldi's G-Free Baking Mix.  The only other one I would recommend is Bob's Red Mill GF Baking Mix)

-1/3 Cup of Granulated Sugar

-1 cup melted Dairy Free Butter (may need more, I melted a tiny bit more to mix thoroughly).

-1 TSP Baking Powder

For the Lemon Filling:

-1 1/2 Cups of Sugar

-1/2 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice (I used store bought lemon juice but want to try it again with fresh squeezed lemon juice)

-4 Large Eggs, Beaten

-1/4 Cup Gluten Free Baking Mix 

*Powdered sugar will be used as a topping after it is done baking*

Directions

1.  First, line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.  It works without the paper, but not as well.  The first time I made these, I used olive oil spread around with a paper towel.

2.  Preheat the oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit.

3.  For the crust: Use a mixer (I have a handheld mixer) to cream butter and sugar together.  Slowly add in gluten free baking mix and baking powder.  May need to add more melted butter until all of the baking mix and baking powder is mixed in.

4.  Press your dough into the parchment lined baking dish.  Spread this out as evenly as possible using a spatula, spoon, or back of your hand.

5.  Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees or until lightly brown.

6.  While it is cooking, mix all of the ingredients for the lemon filling together.  Make sure there are no lumps by using a mixer.

7.  Once the crust has finished baking, pour the lemon mixture on top and return to the oven for another 30 minutes, or until the center is set.

8.  Leave out or chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours.  Dust with powdered sugar once they are fully cool. 

Gluten Free Pita Bread

I've been slightly MIA trying to stay afloat during the beginning of the school year.  But, I have been trying new recipes, working out (I had a perfect workout week and am going to keep it going!), making sure I have plenty of "me" time, and of course making time for the things I love.

Recently, my husband has been reacting even worse to gluten and craving more carb/gluten products.  The obvious food {group} he is missing is all kinds of bread and a normal sandwich.  While this isn't real bread, pita is sooo delicious as a sandwich, with hummus, and even as a desert crepe.  My sister found this recipe and we both made sure it worked before passing it along!

What you'll need:
1 cup coconut milk (make sure it has at least 9g of fat, it will help with the thickness of the pita)
1/2 cup tapioca flour*
1/2 cup almond flour*

*For both the tapioca flour and almond flour I ordered "Bob's Red Mill" brand off of Amazon.  I found the almond flour at Walmart but couldn't seem to find tapioca flour anywhere (Whole Foods, Tom Thumb, Central Market, etc. etc.)

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl making sure the almond flour and tapioca flour are completely mixed in.  Use any size skillet over medium heat.  I sprayed olive oil on to keep the pitas from sticking.  Once the skillet is warm pour a small amount.  It works best if you make smaller pitas so they can cook all the way through.  After the pita puffs up and is nearly cooked on one side, flip to the other side.  This process should take a while, they won't burn, but they will need time to cook all the way through.  If your pita is a little gummy on the inside, make a smaller pita.

Once they are done eat with hummus, chocolate drizzle, veggies, use as a sandwich, and more!

Pita Mix

Halfway done!

Pita + Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Hummus Topped Chicken

This recipe is pretty much exactly how it sounds.  I made this almost a year ago, and completely forgot about it.  I have no idea how I could have forgotten about it, because it is amazing!  I love chicken dishes but need some variety and this provides the taste and variety I am looking for!

The Hummus Topped Chicken tastes amazing with zucchini and squash {the veggies in the recipe} although you can choose whatever vegetables you would like as well as pasta, rice, quinoa, or on a bed of greens!  The possibilities and varieties are endless with this dish.

You can also mix it up by changing the type of hummus you top the chicken with.  I have not attempted this myself, but you can make your own hummus, use garlic hummus, roasted red pepper, original, etc. etc. etc.  So. Many. Options.

I'm planning on making this dish later this week so you will see some pictures added later, but here are the details for this recipe if you want to try and make this right now!

Ingredients:
1 package {or 1 cup} of hummus, your choice.
3-4 chicken breasts
1 lemon
2 zucchini
2 squash
salt
pepper
olive oil

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Start by cutting the vegetables and placing them in a glass baking dish.  You can use one dish for both the veggies and chicken, or two {one for veggies, one for chicken...your choice}.  Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper over the veggies.  Set aside.

To prepare the chicken, pat the 3-4 chicken breasts dry.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Spread on 1 cup of hummus on the top of the chicken.  It should be a generous amount, not too thin, not too thick.  If using one baking dish, place chicken on top of veggies.  If two, drizzle a small amount of olive oil in the glass baking dish, then place the chicken in the dish.

Squeeze the lemon over the veggies and the chicken.

Place the dish{es} into the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes.  If frozen, cook for 60 minutes.

Enjoy the amazing taste of Hummus Topped Chicken!

The BEST Gluten Free Scones You Will Ever Taste

Now, I realize the title is a pretty tall order, OR it could just be an opinion!  I happen to believe this recipe for gluten free scones is simply the best one you will find out there.  I found it online and yes, I tweaked it to make it even better!  I've made these countless times and have been meaning to post the recipe to share it with you all so you can make these immediately.  While this recipe is gluten free and potentially dairy free if you use almond milk {which I do} and dairy free butter {which I don't} I have also toyed with the idea of making it paleo friendly too, so keep your eyes open for a follow up post!

I'll make this short and sweet so I can go back to eating these delicious scones, here is my fabulous recipe!

Gluten Free Scones:

-1 3/4 cups Gluten Free Baking Mix {I swear by Aldi and all things thrifty, so I use the "liveGfree" mix by Aldi.  Make sure it is a baking mix so it already includes xanthan gum and other ingredients.  If it is just gluten free flour, these won't turn out right!}
-1/3 cups white sugar
-2 teaspoons baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/2 cup (1 stick) butter {usually scones call for cold butter, but I melt mine in the microwave for 45 seconds.  Most of it will be melted with a little bit of the stick left.}
-2 large eggs
-1/3 cup cold almond milk, unsweetened
-1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract {I don't usually measure this and just shake the bottle into the mix...the more vanilla the better!}
-3/4 cups {I just throw a handful, or two or three in there} of chocolate chips/blueberries/almond pieces/whatever you would like {my go to is chocolate chip scones though, delish!  I've also made plain scones and they taste amazing with butter and honey!}

Now you're ready to mix it all together!  Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, make sure you have a couple of baking trays ready.  To prepare the baking trays lightly spray with olive oil.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cook for 15-20 minutes.  Drop a spoonful of the batter in rows onto the baking trays.  This recipe will yield anywhere from 12-18 scones depending on size.  If you want/need more, just double the recipe!  I just made 12 medium/large size scones.  Enjoy with a glass of almond milk, some tea, or have them plain!

Go Fund Me!

So, I just set up my very first Go Fund Me account!  It was incredibly easy, fast, and while this may sound cheesy, I felt empowered by the upcoming changes in my life by creating one of these accounts!

Yesterday I found out I was moving grade levels at my school, which happens all the time in education.  It is, in the scheme of things, not a big deal.  It means moving classrooms, new lesson plans, new age level of kids, etc.  This year was an especially trying year at work, though, so ending it this way is both good and bad.  I am feeling more stress about moving my classroom and getting a new one set up, but I am happy about leaving this year behind me and starting fresh.  The phrase "out with the old, in with the new" really applies here!

I am so sad to be split up from my partner teacher, she has been an incredible mentor as she has taught for 28 years!  I love seeing teachers in the profession that long, even though I swear that isn't for me.  It's what education needs, though.  Real professionals who know the ins and outs of education.  Teachers now feel that if they have been teaching for 1 or 2 years they are masters at their job, myself included, but it is so important to remember we don't become experts at this overnight!

I wanted to blog about my experience with Go Fund Me, but once I started writing I realized there wasn't much to blog about!  It was that easy.  I googled "Go Fund Me", clicked on the website, and followed the step by step set up.  The only thing I was worried about was having it post directly to my Facebook without me knowing, but as long as you check the box it shouldn't post without your permission!

I added a picture of my current classroom, wrote about what the money would be used for, and posted on Facebook so hopefully people will see!  Any donation at this point will help as teachers use so much of their own money.  My husband and I are trying to save for a house and a few (cheap!) vacations, but it all adds up!

Here is the link to my page, feel free to visit it, donate, or just see what a Go Fund Me page looks like so you can start one of your own!  I'm not sure if it stays up once the donations are closed, so I will have to check back and update afterwards.

Thanks for reading!
Thrifty Wife

gofundme.com/26suc2k

Why Do I Need A Pair of Tieks?

...You may wonder this question considering these shoes don't look much different than any other ballet flats you see at a department store or even target.  I have a few pairs that look similar and even have a cute decoration or beads on them.

I heard about Tieks a few years ago and thought the concept was cool; shoes that can be tucked away anywhere, apparently ultra-comfortable, and come in cute colors and, now, in patterns and different textures.  But, I never saw the true appeal of ordering from this particular brand.  I even got a pair of knock off Tieks for my birthday from a friend {I'm pretty sure they were from Gap and they were fun, light, could be stashed away easily, etc.} yet I still didn't see any reason to get Tieks.

I should rewind and start by saying that I am a teacher. A first grade teacher who is up and active just like the six and seven year olds in my classroom.  And even when I do find myself sitting down I've calculated it out that I am standing, walking, or lightly jogging {hah, teacher friends, am I right?} for roughly, on average, 5-6 hours of the day, if not more!  That is a heck of a lot of time and killer for my feet, ankles, legs, hips, and back!  Ouch!

Just writing that kind of made me cringe.  I know that when I do get a chance to sit down during the school day my posture is not that great because it is an exhausted, FINALLY! feeling of relief and I slump into a chair or hunch to type an email quickly.

The dress code is absolutely ridiculous for teachers in that we actually are not allowed to wear tennis shoes!  I can't believe it.  We are allowed to on Fridays, which is nice, but like today {a Friday} it is too hot so I've opted out of the casual jeans day for a skirt and sandals to save myself from the 30 minute dismissal time in the heat.  It really is kind of appalling that teachers are expected to be on their feet, down on the ground, squatting next to children at their desks, etc. but still dress like business men and women working in an office.  As my rant is coming to an end, I've discovered an amazing product that I will be getting SO much use out of next school year and for the remaining eight days of this school year {cue tears of joy: 8 days until summer/freedom}!

I have been researching/oogling over the Tieks website for a could of weeks now and finally, last week decided to purchase a pair.  The $175 price tag definitely made me hesitate a little, however, knowing nice brands {such as for purses, I go for quality over quantity...Kate Spade, Coach, Dooney & Bourke} I figured they would last, be of the highest quality, and have a good money back guarantee or some type of customer satisfaction guarantee.  I was definitely correct!  These are quite possibly the nicest pair of shoes I have ever owned.

My first impressions upon opening the package {might I add that my husband got to the package first, opened it, and told me he had to unwrap absolutely everything to even figure out what I had ordered.  Luckily he wrapped up everything so nicely I couldn't even tell he had gotten into my package first!} was that every little detail had been taken care of and clearly Tieks has amazing customer service/satisfaction.  I opened the priority first class box {free two day shipping} and found a turquoise blue box waiting for me adorned with a lilac flower wrapping.  I almost didn't want to open it, it was that cute!  Quickly getting over that fact, I opened the Tieks box and found tissues paper, a black carry case, and a turquoise reusable Tieks bag.  And finally, my Tieks!  I ordered my first pair of Tieks in "Taupe" because I am a huge fan of the classics and neutrals for shoes so I can wear them with everything.  Surprisingly, I am not really a shoe fan, although after stepping into one of my Tieks, I am pretty sure I uttered the phrase "I'm getting them in every color!".

 How cute?!  Personalized card, beautiful wrapping, and sturdy Tieks box.

I was extremely happy with my color choice.  I don't think taupe will show as much dirt as the lighter "cream" color would and it adds a little extra color but can be worn with gray, black, and brown shades.  I was a little nervous to order a shoe online {other than picking a color I couldn't see in person} because I have some shoes that are a size 7, most that are a 6 1/2, and a lot of 6's.  I just couldn't decide if I should size up or down because truly, I think I'm a 6 1/2.  The website says you can comfortably size up or down, but that most people size down.  I originally thought to size up to a 7, but after looking at my current shoe collection I saw it mainly comprised of 6 and 6 1/2 sizes.  That, to me, made the decision for me to size down to a 6.  I am SO glad I made that decision because the size 6 Tieks fit perfectly.  Even if they didn't, they have a great free returns/exchanges policy  {again, free shipping...or I like to think it's at least built into the cost of the shoe}. 

After I tried them on, I wanted to make sure the fit wasn't only working while I was standing still so I wore them around the house for a while.  The free returns/exchanges policy does have a caveat stating that they need to be "like new", so I didn't exactly want to go on a walk outside with them or even to the store just yet.  After walking around I could almost instantly understand why people, mainly teachers, fall in love with these shoes!  The signature turquoise rubber soles add so much padding and comfort, I could picture myself teaching for hours straight not even feeling any pain in my feet.

 

After knowing the fit was perfect I ventured outside to take this semi-artsy picture.

I love that Tieks have one signature look with many different patterns, colors, and now textures.  They are SO comfortable, built to last, and their customer service, packaging, and prompt delivery will have me saving up for more pairs!  Safe to say I'm done wasting my money on $40 pairs of shoes from DSW that hurt my feet no matter how cushiony they seem.  It's purchases like this that make me feel like I'm not being thrifty, BUT these shoes will last forever, relieve pain {or help the pain subside, fewer doctor's appointments potentially, fewer medications to take}, and I won't be stocking up on 10 pairs of cheaper shoes, instead investing in one {for now} more expensive shoe for teaching.  It helps to outweigh pros and cons before making a big purchase like this, but sometimes spending extra money upfront can actually help you be thrifty later one {i.e., the whole mindset behind Costco shopping}.  I did make sure this purchase fit into my budget, so I didn't go crazy this month!  If you need budgeting help, consult Pinterest, or better yet one of my previous blog posts: The Dreaded Budget!  Now, go get some Tieks for yourself!   


Thanks for reading!

Love,
Thrifty Wife