Preheat oven to 350° and line 2 standard 12-cup muffin tins with liners. In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer (or in the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment) on medium-high speed, beat granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Add half of dry ingredients to butter mixture and beat until just combined. Add milk and beat until incorporated. Add remaining dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined.
Step 3Fill 18 liners three-quarters full with batter. Bake cupcakes until slightly golden on top and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan and let cool completely.
BUTTERCREAM & ASSEMBLY
In a large bowl, using handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat powdered sugar and butter until smooth. Add cream and vanilla and beat until incorporated.
Pour sanding sugar into a shallow dish. Frost tops of cooled cupcakes with buttercream and smooth to a flat top. Dip into sanding sugar to coat top.
Place 2 chocolate chips into cupcakes, flat side up, to create eyes.
Transfer a little buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe a small white dot onto each chocolate chip.
Add about half of remaining buttercream to another piping bag fitted with a small leaf tip. Pipe a zigzag line on each side of cupcakes to create wings. Sprinkle with more sanding sugar.
Add orange food coloring to remaining buttercream and stir until desired color is reached. Transfer to another piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe a small upside-down triangle under chocolate chips to create a beak. Pipe short lines to create feet at bottom of cupcake.
Step 1In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 2 cups cheddar, Worcestershire, hot sauce, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Beat with a hand mixer until evenly mixed and fluffy.
Step 2Transfer cream cheese mixture to a serving platter and form cream cheese mixture into a carrot shape. Press the remaining cup of cheddar on the top and sides of cheese ball. If the mixture is too loose, refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it keeps it shape. Stick bunch of parsley on the top of the carrot so it looks like its stems.
5 cups frozen chicken nuggets cooked according to the package directions
1 cup orange marmalade
1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
In a medium microwave-safe mixing bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Heat in the microwave on high heat for 45 seconds, then whisk the sauce until smooth (there will be small chunks from the orange rind in the orange marmalade).
Pour the sauce over the fully cooked chicken nuggets (be sure the nuggets are freshly cooked and hot) and toss to coat.
Take imitation crab meat out of package and break apart with a fork.
In a medium bowl add the cream cheese and mix together with the mayonnaise, scallion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the imitation crab.
Place about 1 teaspoon of the imitation crab filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Bring the two flat sides of the wrapper together to form four points. Try to seal the wrapper around the filling – if a little bit of the filling comes up in the center of the wonton, that is okay.
If your air fryer requires preheating, set it now to 375 degrees F.
Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. Place as many wontons as you can into the basket without touching. Spray the wontons generously with cooking spray.
Air fry for 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serve with sweet chili sauce and enjoy!
Notes
If you like an extra creamy filling and a more subtle crab flavor, use half of the crab for the filling. (However, it will make fewer wontons overall.)
1tspfennel seeds(for sweetness and a subtle licorice flavor)
FOR SERVING optional
Honey, maple syrup, agave, or stevia to taste
Sliced lemon or orange
Instructions
Add the chopped ginger and water to a small saucepan, along with any of the optional add-ins.
Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover, reduce heat to medium, and allow boiling for 7-12 minutes (7 minutes for a more mild ginger flavor or 12 minutes for a stronger brew — keeping in mind the flavor will continue to develop off the heat). Strain through a fine mesh strainer into mugs. Optionally, sweeten to taste with your favorite sweetener (we prefer honey) and/or serve with sliced lemon or orange.
Leftover tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or cooled and transferred to an ice cube tray for adding to cocktails, lemonade, iced tea, or water. Note: The ginger flavor will intensify as the tea sits. The ginger and spices can be reused again with fresh water, but the second batch of tea will not be as strong.
Bananas are generally easy to find and known to be helpful for period cramps. They are rich in fiber and will help you have easy bowel movements. As a result, you may feel less bloated and experience less pain overall. Bananas also contain a lot of magnesium, which is known to reduce the severity of period cramps.
Bananas are also rich in natural sugars, so it’s best to eat them in moderation.
2. Lemons
Lemons are rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C. vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from your food into your bloodstream and tissues. Because you may be losing more red blood cells than your body can keep up with during your period, it may be helpful to have some extra vitamin C to boost iron absorption. Lemons also contain a lot of fiber, which makes them a good food for preventing muscle spasms.
3. Oranges
Oranges are known as a top food for period cramps. Oranges contain more vitamin C than lemons, and they also contain magnesium, potassium, and vitamin D. In fact, oranges have almost as much of these nutrients as milk. A couple of oranges every day may help relieve period cramps and menstrual pain.
4. Watermelon
Watermelon is light and sweet. You can easily pop it into a blender and create a delicious smoothie. In addition to that, it is mainly water. Watermelon will quickly hydrate your body and add small amounts of natural sugars into your bloodstream, which might help with cramping.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the top foods that help with menstrual cramps. The fiber and iron in broccoli help fight period cramps. These nutrients might help with all menstrual pain, particularly in your lower abdomen.
6. Kale
Among the other healthy foods that relieve cramps, kale is also a great option. Kale is a good food for period cramps for the same reason as broccoli and other greens: it is rich in calcium and magnesium. Having a calcium deficiency can increase muscle spasms and contractions.
You can sauté kale or add it to a smoothie. Either way, this vegetable might help boost your immune system and ease cramping pains.
What makes food so powerful in helping relieve period cramps? Nutrients in certain foods directly affect your hormones, nerves, and muscles. They can have a relaxing effect, which can result in both a better mood and less pain.
Drinks that help with cramps
1. Water
The number one drink that might help you ease period cramps is water. You lose some of the water in your body when you bleed, and your pain can become worse when your body becomes dehydrated. Drinking enough water might help your muscles relax and help you avoid bloating and gas.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile tea is a great beverage for menstrual cramps. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which further reduce cramping pains. Chamomile tea may also help with your mood, as it has a soothing impact on the nervous system.
3. Ginger tea
In addition to easing cramping pains, ginger tea can also help with nausea and bloating. Ginger is also known to be a good coffee replacement, as it can energize you and help you feel more awake.
4. Raspberry leaf tea
Raspberry leaf tea is not only tasty, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that might help reduce period cramps.
5. Smoothies
Apple and spinach smoothies contain plenty of iron and magnesium, which are both responsible for nourishing the body quickly and relieving cramps and fatigue. During your period, you can experience fatigue, and it’s good to have as many foods as possible that are rich in iron and fiber, like leafy greens.
Magnesium found in bananas and some leafy greens can help relax your muscles, including your uterus. Mixing your favorite period-friendly fruits and veggies into a nourishing smoothie should definitely be on your to-do list.
Foods that can make cramps worse
1. Canned foods
Canned foods can be high in salt, which causes more bloating and cramping. In addition, they may have fewer nutrients. Refined products can also contain high amounts of unhealthy chemicals used to preserve the foods. So when you’re on your period, stick to healthy, fresh options.
2. Beans
Normally healthy and rich in fiber and vitamins, beans can upset your stomach during your period. It’s better to avoid eating beans or peas during your period and opt for lighter foods instead.
3. Candy
Candy usually doesn’t contain any healthy nutrients, and it’s also packed with sugar. Artificial sugar doesn’t help at all with period cramps. In fact, it can make them worse.
4. Fried foods
It’s better to avoid anything that will upset your stomach because your cramping pains may worsen at the same time. Fried foods are known to upset the stomach and interfere with healthy digestion. During your period, stick to lightly boiled, steamed, or grilled foods.
5. Milk and other dairy products
Milk and other dairy products can generally be healthy options. However, during your period, your body is particularly susceptible to inflammation. The saturated fats in dairy products can trigger inflammation, which can worsen your menstrual pain.
Nevertheless, the calcium in dairy products can help cramps by controlling your muscles’ nerve activity. Calcium deficiencies can increase muscle spasms. Depending on your needs, it might be a good idea to consume dairy products in moderation.
6. Fatty foods
Foods like bacon contain lots of saturated fats, while some substances found in fatty dark meat increase prostaglandins in your body, which constrict blood vessels and make muscles contract. This only induces cramping pains, so it’s better to stick to lean meats instead.
7. Caffeine
Caffeine can worsen pelvic pain before or during your period. It can also stimulate stress and irritability.
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, and add the ginger and rice. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
Add the rice vinegar and salt to the rice, and mix well.
Lay out your seaweed sheets.
Moisten your hands with water and divide the rice evenly between the 2 seaweed sheets, flatten the rice. Leave about a half inch of space not covered with rice at the top of the sheets. This will make the sushi roll easier to close.
About an inch from the bottom, arrange the crab, cucumber, and cream cheese in a straight line, from one side to the other (left to right).
Gently but firmly, roll the sushi as tight as possible (from bottom to top), being careful not to rip the seaweed sheets.
Wet a very sharp knife and cut the rolls into individual pieces of sushi.
2 cans Crabmeats (~6 oz each) Well drained or 2 packages {8 oz each} of flake-style imitation crab.
4 Green Onions Finely Chopped
2 Garlic Cloves Pressed
1 teaspoon Worchestershire Sauce
¼-1/4 teaspoon Sesame Oil
Salt
Pepper
Assembly
Pizza Crust(s) of your choice
Thinly Sliced Green Onions
Grated Cheese We like a mix of Mozzarella, Provolone, and Parmesan for this
Sweet Chili Sauce
Instructions
1. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in crab meat, green onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and sesame oil, stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, set aside.
2. Following the baking directions for your pizza crust, assemble the pizza. (Some crusts/crust recipes want you to bake it for a bit before putting toppings on, some don’t. Do whatever is supposed to work for the crust you’re using.)
3. Spread crust(s) with sauce.– Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions, and top with grated cheese.
4. Bake as directed. Remove from oven, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and serve immediately.
Rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, greek yogurt is a healthy and nutritious way to satisfy snack cravings. Many brands of greek yogurt also contain enzymes that aid in digestion. Greek yogurt is also low in fat and comes in a variety of flavors. Try to choose brands that are low in added sugar.
2. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, compounds shown to improve brain function and mood. You can bake dark chocolate into whole grain brownies, oatmeal cookies, or add dark chocolate chips to cereal or yogurt. If you buy dark chocolate at the store, look for at least 60 percent cacao content.
3. Trail Mix
Trail mixes provide a variety of nutrients and healthy fats. Most contain nutrient-rich nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, as well as dried fruits and whole grain chips or pretzels.
4. Sweet Peppers
Colorful and nutritious, sweet peppers contain high amounts of antioxidant vitamins A and C. They can be grilled, stir-fried, or simply snacked on raw. You can find sweet peppers in the produce section of your local grocery store.
5. Spring Mix Salad
What better time to enjoy a refreshing salad than at the peak of spring. Make a salad from leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, and arugula. Add fresh or dried fruit, nuts, and goat cheese for a tasty take-it-with-you snack.
6. Frozen Yogurt Bites with Fresh Fruit
This sweet snack is a healthy alternative to your favorite ice cream and is super easy to make. Take your favorite yogurt cup, scoop it into a container or ice cube tray and put it into the freezer. You could also add your favorite fruit or even granola into the yogurt mix. Freeze it and then enjoy.
7. Frozen Banana Treat with PB and J
It’s time to enjoy your favorite PB and J in a new, trendy way. Cut up a banana into eight individual slices. Pair up each slice, making four pairs of banana slices.
Take one slice and put a little bit of peanut butter on it. Then, take the other and put a little bit of jelly on it. Once this is complete, put the two slices together and repeat with the other pairs. Stick them in the freezer for a bit, and then you have some delicious peanut butter and jelly snacks!
Editor’s note: For anyone who is allergic to peanut butter, sun butter, made from sunflower seeds, is a healthy, protein-filled alternative.
8. Watermelon and Feta Salad
Watermelon is definitely a fan-favorite fruit that is often connected with summer days. But why not try it this spring? A great and healthy way to spice up your favorite fruit is to make a watermelon and feta salad. First, cut up watermelon slices to whichever size and shape you may prefer. Put the cut-up watermelon into a bowl and crumble bits of feta cheese over the top. Next, create a dressing of your choice to add flavor to the salad. Mixing lime juice and olive oil together can make a great dressing for this dish! Finally, chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, then take it out and enjoy!
9. Apples and Sun Butter on the Go
With all the time they spend stressing over school work, students barely have time to even think about getting sick. Keep your immune system strong with this next snack option that is super simple to make. For this treat, you will need sun butter or peanut butter, whichever you prefer, and an apple.
First, cut up an apple and store these slices in a ziplock bag in the fridge. Next, take a couple of spoonfuls of peanut or sun butter and put it into a container. You could use this as a dip for your apple slices and take this classic snack combo with you to class or to your next library study session.
10. Salted Lime Popcorn
There is nothing like a delicious bag of popcorn, but the microwave popcorn we buy from supermarkets is often filled with chemicals and preservatives. So why not make your own! Buy some popcorn kernels and a lime from your local grocery store, and you’re on your way to discovering a healthy new snack. First, put a half cup of kernels, one tablespoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of salt, and the juice of one lime into a brown paper bag. Roll the bag, so the kernels don’t spill out as they’re popping. Place the bag on its side in the microwave and run it until you cannot hear any more pops, which may take between two and three minutes, depending on your microwave. Finally, carefully take the paper bag out and enjoy your healthy popcorn!
Whether it’s the stretching of your muscles or the relaxing effect of the poses, a regular yoga practice can indeed help your cramps.
2. Curl Up With a Heating Pad to Ease Period Cramps
The uterus is a muscle, so anything that helps relax muscles, like applying heat, can be beneficial.
3. Pop a Safe Painkiller to Cut the Inflammation
Moderate use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) is one of the best ways to curb period pain, Thielen says. This is because NSAIDs reduce the amount of prostaglandins in the body. For this reason, taking a pill just before you get your period can keep the level of pain-causing prostaglandins from rising, she says.
As with any medicine, you should first check with your doctor to be sure NSAIDs are a good choice for you, especially if you have a history of bleeding or stomach or kidney issues.
4. Acupuncture May Help by Relaxing the Nervous System
Acupuncture can help relieve cramps.
5. Some Herbal Tea Varieties Can Calm Cramping
Certain teas may help relieve menstrual cramps.
Research on herbal teas for menstrual pain relief is scarce, but teas have been used by menstruating women in numerous cultures for centuries.
Chamomile and peppermint teas are often recommended for menstrual pain because they are calming to the body. Other teas associated with dysmenorrhea are those made from cramp bark, ginger, or fennel.
6. Up the Magnesium in Your Diet
Dietary magnesium seems to help ease the pain of cramps.
7. Massage With Essential Oils for Pain Relief
Women in both groups reported less pain, but the essential oils group did better. Based on the women’s reports, researchers found that the duration of pain was reduced by almost a half a day after self-massaging with the essential oils.
Some oils thought to be helpful include lavender essential oil, clary sage essential oil, and marjoram essential oil.
Just be sure you’re using essential oils safely. Buy high-quality oils that are tested for purity. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy suggests diluting pure essential oils in an unscented cream, lotion, or carrier oil before placing it on your skin to avoid irritation.
8. Boost Those Feel-Good Endorphins With Exercise (or Orgasm)
The body’s natural endorphins are known to boost your mood. But they also have a pain-relieving effect. A well-known way to boost endorphins is aerobic exercise. Having an orgasm is another.
9. Improving Your Diet May Alleviate Period Cramps
Start by swapping out less healthy fats like the saturated fats found in animal products for healthier ones like unsaturated fats found in olive oil, suggests the American Heart Association. Overall, try to make the fats you eat better quality, such as those found in fish or nuts, the organization suggests.
10. Birth Control Pills May Lessen Painful Cramping, Too
While not exactly a home remedy, birth control pills and hormonal intrauterine devices are potential tools in your anticramping arsenal and should not be overlooked, Thielen says.
Consider cramp relief a benefit to some types of contraception. Many women find relief from painful cramps when they start the pill
The Frugal Millennial 