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Why You Need More Protein as a Mom and How to Get It

February 21, 2025

Balanced nutrition, especially in the area of protein, is the most underrated support we can offer our bodies. If you put junk in, you get junk out. Our bodies can only fuel us with as much quality as we fuel our bodies. Today, we’re going to be discussing the specific nutrient of protein and how important it is for everyone, but with a focus on us moms especially.

the importance of protein in motherhood and how to get more protein in your diet

As moms, we’re usually the last to get taken care of. This is a beautiful thing. It is not the detriment that society would like us to believe it is. We get the opportunity to live out a Christ-like love to our children and family each day. That is a privilege. To serve others before ourselves brings unspeakable joy. Sometimes, though, we get so wrapped up in caring for our babies that we forget to give our body what it needs to care for them the best we can.

Sourcing Quality Protein

Protein is just one essential nutrient that our bodies need, but we would argue it’s probably the most important one. What is protein? Protein in its most natural state is found among the food groups provided to us through animals- dairy products like cheese and milk, beef, chicken, seafood. Certain kinds of nuts, lentils, and legumes are also naturally high in protein.

However, not just any protein will do. It greatly matters the sources of your protein. In a perfect world, you want to consume organic, grass fed, grass finished beef, pasture raised pork, and organic free-range chicken. This isn’t always possible, and we understand that. Just read your labels and do the best with the resources you have. Be careful of processed sugars, fillers, and other not ideal ingredients they might try to slap a “high protein” label on as well.

Synthetic or sugar filled protein products are running rampant on the grocery shelves these days. That is why I trust Thrive Market to source natural, plant and animal based protein bars, snacks, and drinks! Thrive offers thousands of non-GMO, organic, natural ingredient products from trusted, clean label brands. They ship right to your door and offer affordable pricing with great deals! Shop natural cleaning supplies, organic pantry staples at half the price, and so much more over on Thrive. Get a FREE GIFT up to $60 when you sign up using my link below!
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Getting Enough Protein in Pregnancy is Essential

What even is “enough” protein? Most healthcare providers, especially in the natural world, would all agree we as Americans do not get enough protein. This includes pregnant and nursing mothers. The daily recommended minimum of protein for a pregnant woman is 60 grams per day. Most providers and those who study nutritional science would say you need 80-100 grams of protein as a pregnant or nursing mother to operate at optimal health.

We are not saying that eating adequate protein is a cure-all or guarantee for a healthy pregnancy. However, I do think we highly undervalue the simplicity of nutritional benefits and the science behind a well-balanced diet during pregnancy.

Benefits of Protein in Pregnancy

one of the best and easiest ways to help the developing baby while also providing nutrients to mom
helps balance fluids and could prevent preeclampsia
healthy blood volume and blood quality
may help nausea and morning sickness related issues
increases energy naturally
may help improve mood and lower risks of depression in pregnancy and postpartum

“Proteins are quite literally the building blocks of human life. Every cell in your body contains protein and you require the amino acids in protein to build new cells. As you can imagine, there are a lot of new cells being created during pregnancy, making protein an absolute necessity to supply your growing baby (and your growing uterus and other tissues) with the raw materials to carry out the job effectively.”
-Lily Nichols “Real Food for Pregnancy”

The Importance of Protein During Postpartum and for Breastfeeding Moms

As stated before, one benefit of eating adequate protein during pregnancy is a healthier postpartum. Science shows that eating enough protein along with a balanced diet may prevent depression and decrease mood swings during the postpartum season. This is because our hormones are best balanced when we are getting what we need nutritionally.

Adequate protein helps your body heal from the inside out. The dinner plate sized wound inside your body from your placenta, blood loss from delivery, if you had any tearing, etc. are all best supported with adequate protein. Getting enough protein also supports a healthy milk supply to help provide your baby with the nutrients they need to grow.

Positive Effects from Personal Experience

Personally I (Tori) have experienced the benefits of added protein to my diet as a pregnant mom of two under two. When I try to keep my protein within that recommended 80-100 grams I find that I just feel better in general. My mood is better and I am less snappy. I can focus best and have steady energy, even when I’m not sleeping the best.

One benefit during pregnancy well worth mentioning is the lack of nausea I experience when my protein count is high for the day versus when I have not had enough. I struggled for the first time with intense morning sickness throughout my whole first trimester with my third pregnancy. However, I did notice a major difference on days when I was intentional about my protein intake. Beginning my day with protein, even if I did not feel like it seemed to help the nausea to be more manageable. This also aided in me getting more protein and nutrients throughout the day. (When you start your day puking or feeling very nauseous it is harder to regain that traction!)

Tips for Getting Enough Protein

During the first few months of pregnancy, when morning (sometimes all day) sickness is at its peak, just the thought of protein can make you want to vomit. I encourage you to find a protein routine that works for you and stick with it. If you can get your protein intake ahead of your sickness, you will feel better.

Find a high-quality protein shake or bar that tastes good to you. Find a high protein snack that you can enjoy. Try and keep trying until you find a protein routine that can get you through that first trimester. For example, here is what worked for me. A spoon full of peanut butter in the morning. Now I know this isn’t exactly the best thing, but I found that if I had the combination of protein and fats first, then had a protein shake a little later, I could keep it down. Middle of the day was another protein drink. I used the Chobani yogurt protein drinks. Mid afternoon was a protein bar from Perfect Bar, and in the evening I tried to eat an actual meal and make it as nutrient dense as possible. A protein and nutrient dense chili, a chicken soup with veggies and bone broth, whatever I thought I could enjoy and keep down. This isn’t a philosophy for your whole pregnancy but it might can help your survive the first trimester.

Meal and snack prep.
Honestly, I’m terrible at this, but if I can keep ready-made protein snacks, I always have a good choice to make and don’t end up eating something that contributes nothing to my body nutritionally.

Resources to Check Out

A resource for the best evidence based science on nutrition, in my opinion, would be the book “Real Food for Pregnancy” by Lily Nichols. It will change the way you view food. It also will take away the fear based recommendations we as pregnant women are often given. If you’re looking to gain knowledge on how to fuel your body in pregnancy and beyond, I cannot recommend this book enough.

Thanks for being here! Let us know in the comments how you get your protein in as a busy mom. We love hearing from you! Don’t forget to sign up for our email list for more real food recipes, pregnancy, and mom blogs!

* Cowritten with Anna Bourdess. This post contains affiliate links from brands we love!

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Easy Sourdough Garlic Knots with Garlic and Herb Butter

February 18, 2025

These sourdough garlic knots are so soft and buttery- easy to make with fresh starter or sourdough discard! Make them quick in thirty minutes or long ferment for extra benefits. Learn all about how to make them in this post!

Long Fermentation Benefits vs Quick Knots

The benefits of long fermentation are certainly worth taking a look at. However, if you need these garlic knots in a flash for a quick dinner side kick they taste just as delicious! For those with gluten sensitivity, or dietary restrictions the benefits of long fermenting any sourdough recipe are definitely key.

In short, the process of fermenting the dough before baking (allowing it to sit for several hours) breaks down the gluten so the body does not have to. This process also multiplies the good bacteria already found in a sourdough starter. If you are not using sourdough for dietary reasons the benefit of this recipe is that it can be made quickly!

To long ferment your garlic knots mix the ingredients together as described in the recipe then cover with a wet dish towel and allow the dough to ferment in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours or on the counter for up to 8 hours. No stretch and folds are required for this recipe. If the dough feels too sticky after fermentation it may require a bit of kneading before working with it to shape the knots.

Ingredients for Sourdough Garlic Knots

Sourdough garlic knots are extremely easy to make with simple, hassle free ingredients!

1 cup sourdough starter active or discard
1 cup warm water
1 tbsp honey or sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 cups all-purpose flour

Garlic and Herb Butter Ingredients

2-4 cloves garlic
3 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp fresh or dried parsley
garlic salt, optional
parmesan cheese, optional (to sprinkle on top)

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How to Make Sourdough Garlic Knots

Making these delicious sourdough garlic knots is so fun and easy! If you want an even simpler version of this recipe check out our recipe for sourdough discard breadsticks here. Learn all about how to make and shape your knots….

Combine starter, water, honey, baking powder, salt, and 2 cups of flour in a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer.
Add in flour 1/4 cup at a time until you have a thick, pliable dough. (Should take no more than 3 cups of flour.)
Roll dough out on a well floured surface and cut into two inch strips.
Knot the dough loosely and secure the loose ends around the edges of the knots, making them a round shape.
Place on a greased pan and bake at 350 F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Brush with garlic and herb butter fresh out of the oven.

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Buttery sourdough brioche bread recipe. super easy sourdough recipe for beginners.

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Sourdough Garlic Knots with Garlic and Herb Butter

Easy, quick, and buttery soft sourdough garlic knots glazed with from scratch garlic butter!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Appetizer, bread, Pizza, Side Dish

Servings 8 knots

Ingredients

1 cup sourdough starter active or discard
1 cup warm water
1 tbsp honey
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2½-3 cups all-purpose flour

Garlic and Herb Butter

2-4 cloves fresh garlic
3 tbsp butter melted
1 tsp fresh or dried parsley
1 tsp garlic salt optional
1/4 cup parmesan optional

Instructions

Combine starter and water in a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer.
Add honey, baking powder, salt, and 2 cups flour. Add flour in ¼ cup at a time until the dough holds shape and is elastic.
For fermentation, cover the bowl with a damp dish towel and store in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours or overnight.
For quick knots (unfermented), roll dough out on a well floured surface in a rectangular shape about ¼ inch thickness.
Cut the dough into 1½-2 inch strips. You should have about 8 strips. Gently knot the dough and secure the loose ends underneath the knot giving you a nice, round knotted shape.
Place on a greased or parchment lined sheet pan. Bake at 350℉ for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through the center and golden brown on top.
Brush with garlic and herb butter fresh out of the oven while the knots are still warm. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for extra flavor if desired.

Keyword buttery garlic knots, discard recipe, easy sourdough recipe, garlic and herb butter, garlic butter, garlic knots, sourdough discard recipe, sourdough garlic knots

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High Protein Sausage Balls Made With Cream Cheese

February 15, 2025

*This post contains affiliate links.

These delicious, never dry sausage balls are packed with flavor and protein for a healthy snack! They are perfect for make ahead protein all week long. Get the recipe here!

high protein sausage balls snack made with cream cheese

Not Your Regular Sausage Balls

I use to hate sausage balls until I discovered this version of the recipe! Sausage balls I remembered were dry- I just remember having to choke down every bite. Some were completely flavorless and I personally would rather choke on something that at least has enjoyable taste! So what makes these different?

Never dry. I have made these sausage balls several times now and one thing I will say is it’s nearly impossible to make a batch that is too dry! The cream cheese helps lock in so much moisture that even if you accidentally add too much flour you ate still in good shape.
Flavor packed! These sausage balls are packed with flavor and if you don’t like my seasoning recommendations it can easily be customized to your own taste!
Protein. Because of the added cream cheese these sausage balls are packed with extra protein for steady energy. We’ll dive more into this…

A Protein Packed Snack

If you are pregnant, nursing, diabetic, or just trying to get extra protein for whatever reason this is the perfect snack for you! Americans in general tend to fall way under the recommended amount of daily protein needed in a healthy diet. This number fluctuates depending on who you ask so I will not go into how much everyone should be getting. That number will look different for different individuals.

I will say, as a pregnant mom of little people I strive to get 80-100g of protein per day. There are several reasons for this including- helps morning sickness, steady energy, improves mood, as well as many more. For that reason I am always looking for easy ways to get that required amount I need for my body.

These sausage balls have been a game changer because they are easy to make, I can eat them quickly, and make them ahead for a week of easy snacking!

Ingredients for Sausage Balls

The ingredients for this recipe are super simple (as always!)….

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1lb of hot or mild breakfast pork sausage (depending on preference)
8oz cream cheese
12-16 oz cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne (optional; for extra heat)

Sausage Balls Ingredient Substitutions

Pork Sausage. I personally like the flavor of pork sausage best however you can make these with equal amounts turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer.

Cheddar cheese. These sausage balls can be made with any kind of cheese. Cheddar gives you the classic flavor but some variations you might try are pepper jack, Mexican blend, mozzarella, etc. I personally use whatever I have on hand.

Seasoning. You can definitely customize the seasoning of this recipe for whatever suits you best!

Want to learn how to make delicious sourdough goods but not sure where to start? Go grab a copy of my mini e-book that walks you through how to make and maintain your very own starter- the SIMPLE way! Get easy to follow instructions on everything you need to know to begin.
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How to Make Sausage Balls

Making this recipe is so easy and requires very little time, making it a busy mom favorite!!

Combine softened cream cheese, sausage, flour, baking powder, and seasonings by hand or with a stand mixer.
Add in shredded cheese. Stir.
Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll into individual balls using your hands.
Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350 F for 15-20 minutes or until the center has fully cooked.

Storage

As we have already discussed, these sausage balls are a great make ahead option for a quick snack or even on-the-go breakfast throughout the week! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days (use within five days for best freshness).

You can also freeze these sausage balls and store in the freezer for up to six months. To defrost simply remove from the refrigerator and allow to thaw completely before eating.

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High Protein Sausage Balls

Never dry, high protein sausage balls made with cream cheese!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack

Servings 3 dozen

Ingredients

1 lb mild or hot pork sausage
8 oz cream cheese softened
16 oz cheddar cheese
1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt

Instructions

Combine sausage, softened cream cheese, flour, salt, and baking powder by hand in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl.
Add shredded cheese.
Roll into balls using a heaping tablespoon of the sausage ball dough. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350℉ for 12-15 minutes or until the balls are completely cooked in the center.

Keyword cream cheese recipe, cream cheese sausage balls, easy sausage ball recipe, high protein sausage balls, high protein snack, moist sausage balls, sausage balls, sausage recipe

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How to Make Your Own Breadcrumbs From Scratch

February 11, 2025

*This post contains affiliate links.

Simple instructions on how to make your own breadcrumbs from scratch. These breadcrumbs can be made using bread ends, stale bread, or even fresh bread. This recipe is my go to zero waste kitchen hack! Get all the info you need in this post…

breadcrumbs from scratch with bread ends for zero waste kitchen recipe

My Favorite Zero Waste Kitchen Recipe

I would love to say I have a “zero waste” kitchen, that is the goal! However, I rarely achieve this goal to perfection. This recipe is one of my favorite ways to use up all of our stale, from scratch bread. I make all of our bread from scratch. If you know the world of sourdough you know this bread can take a while to make, sometimes up to twelve hours. While we usually eat all the bread with no problems, occasionally we will end up with the last bit of a loaf going stale or on the verge of molding.

That is when this recipe for breadcrumbs really comes in handy. The process of making the breadcrumbs masks all taste of staleness. You can also use this recipe with any kind of bread like hamburger buns, whole wheat bread, etc.

What Bread is Safe to Use?

While this is a great way to use up all that bread, there is a time when you have to trash the bread instead of using it. For instance, you should not use bread that has the visible appearance of mold. Bread that looks, or even smells moldy should be trashed instead of turned into breadcrumbs.

Any bread that has no visible mold or rancid smell can be used safely to make breadcrumbs.

Making Your Own Bread From Scratch

You can definitely make this recipe with store-bought bread. However, if you are interested in learning to make your own bread from scratch that is what we are all about around here! Making your own bread is an easy way to start incorporating more from scratch recipes in your kitchen.

All you need to start making your own sourdough bread is some flour, water, a jar, and about a week! You can learn all about how to make your own starter here. We also love sharing our dehydrated starter with you! You can get that over in our Etsy shop (here!).

Making Breadcrumbs

Making breadcrumbs is very simple. They take just around 15-20 minutes to make from start to finish. Here are some basic steps to follow…..

Collect all the bread you would like to turn into breadcrumbs- sandwich bread, buns, biscuits, etc.
Crumble the bread on a parchment lined sheet pan. (The breadcrumbs cook much more evenly if you crumble them up before baking. You can do this by hand or using a food processor.)
Pour butter and seasoning mixture over the crumbs. Mix well by hand.
Bake at 250 F for about 10 minutes then stir. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the crumbs are golden brown and completely crispy.

Storing Your Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are best stored in a glass jar with a lid in a cool, dry place free from moisture. They can be stored this way for six months to one year. Use within four months for best freshness.

Note: I am constantly adding/using breadcrumbs that I keep in the same jar. If you are using the breadcrumbs on a semi-regular basis this is totally fine and you should not have to worry about dating the jar or using a separate jar for different batches.

Making your own breadcrumbs with quality ingredients has never been easier! Thrive Market is my one stop grocery store for all things snacks, pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and more! Thrive partners with 1,000s of all-natural, clean label products from hundreds of trusted companies. Click my link below and get a free gift up to $60 when you sign up!
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Using Your Breadcrumbs

What good is a zero waste recipe if it just sits on your shelf? That is why you need some recipes in your regular routine that use them up. You can make some really delicious dishes with these breadcrumbs! Here are a few I would recommend….

Meatloaf. We have personally used these from scratch breadcrumbs in meatloaf and they are absolutely delicious. They add great flavor!
Fried Chicken
Burgers
Topping for casseroles (broccoli, chicken, etc.)
Salad topping (used in place of croutons)

Have more ideas to use these breadcrumbs in? Share them in the comments!

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How to Make Breadcrumbs From Scratch

A simple recipe for breadcrumbs from scratch for a go to zero waste kitchen hack!

Prep Time 3

Cook Time 18

Total Time 21

Course bread, dinner, Salad

Servings 1 jar

Ingredients

Leftover, bread ends, or stale bread
1-2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil depends on how many breadcrumbs
2 tsp seasoning of choice salt, pepper, Italian, garlic, etc.

Instructions

Crumble bread up by hand and spread on a parchment lined sheet pan.
Pour melted butter or olive oil, and seasoning over breadcrumbs then mix in well by hand.
Bake at 250 ℉ for 10 minutes then remove from oven and stir. Place pan back in the oven and bake an additional 5-10 minutes or until golden brown and completely crispy.
Allow to cool completely and store in a glass mason jar, Tupperware container, or a ziplock bag.

Keyword breadcrumbs, easy bread recipe, from scratch recipe, how to make breadcrumbs, no waste, salad topping, stale bread recipe, zero waste recipe

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Gut Health and Its Effects on the Whole Body

February 7, 2025

*written by Anna Bourdess

We’ve been talking a lot about immune health on the blog lately. We all want to boost our immune health but what most people don’t understand is that our immune health is a direct reflection of our gut health. Today we’re going to talk about how our gut health affects not just our immune system but our whole body health.

blog post about how your gut health effects your body

Gut Health and the Immune System

Our gut health is tied to multiple functions in our bodies. You probably won’t believe them all, actually. To get us started, let’s rapid fire some gut health facts at you to blow your mind.

•Up to 80% of your immune system lives in your gut.

•Your gut plays a huge role in regulating your metabolism. Stubborn weight? Might want to look into gut health. Proper gut health balances hormones. Hormones that control things like energy, blood sugar, and fat storage. This directly affects the metabolism.

•Allergies can be a direct result of our gut health. Again, because the gut contains most of the immune system, if gut health is poor it can create an attack response where there shouldn’t be one. Which are autoimmune issues, such as allergies.

•Joint pain/inflammation can be linked to our gut health. Poor gut health sends out inflammation throughout the body causing aches and pains we may not have otherwise.

•Skin issue like acne, eczema, etc. can all be linked to gut health. A few reasons are an unhealthy gut isn’t absorbing nutrients properly. Things like vitamins A, E, and C that support skin health. Another potential cause is the weakening of the immune system doesn’t allow it to fight problem causing bacteria for the skin.

•Fatigue, feeling sluggish, or brain fog? Because of the gut- brain axis (how your gut communicates to your brain) your gut health plays a vital role in your cognitive function.

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•If you’re pregnant, and worried about testing GBS positive, your gut health can play a huge role in the results. (Ladies, get on a good probiotic, especially while pregnant.)

•If you have trouble sleeping it may be because of your gut health. The majority of your body’s serotonin, which affects mood and sleep, is produced in the gut.

•Autoimmune issues like thyroid problems and rheumatoid arthritis can be triggered by poor gut health. If your gut health is poor, your gut could be leaking. This causes particles in that weren’t meant to be anywhere but your gut. This can trigger an attack response from the body causing autoimmune issues. This is just one potential cause relating to gut health.

•Migraines have been linked to poor gut health. Caused by the gut-brain axis, an imbalance in our gut bacteria can trigger an inflammatory response causing migraines.

I could literally go on forever. Did you know your gut controlled all of that, and much more? So you see just some of the many systems gut health is a direct reflection of but, how do we support our gut health? What makes up this powerful balance in the gut is something called the microbiome or gut flora.

The Microbiome

Here is a great definition of the microbiome:

“The gut microbiota, also known as gut flora or gut microbiome, is the community of microorganisms that live in the human digestive tract. It’s made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, averaging over 100 trillion microorganisms in a 150lb person. The gut microbiota functions almost like an organ in itself, weighing around 7 ounces, and containing 150–200 times more genes than all human cells combined.”

We can disrupt this balance many different ways but the main ones would be our food and medications. When we consume processed foods and/or excessive sugar we are destroying our microbiome and feeding the bad bacteria, allowing it to thrive. Our bodies give us back what we put into them and if we’re putting in junk, we’re going to get junk. If you’re struggling with any of the issues mentioned above (or many others), it’s probably time to start working on your gut.

Antibiotics and the Microbiome

Did you know that one round of antibiotics can completely wipe out the microbiome. Depending upon factors such as which one, length of dose, and age it can take anywhere from a few weeks, up to a few years to repair the microbiome. Potentially making you more susceptible to disease in the long run, rather than helping.

Don’t misunderstand, I am not advocating against antibiotics. We should just understand how they affect the systems in our bodies and weigh the benefits vs risks for ourselves and our situation. There are certainly times when they are needed and I am so thankful we have access to them. It just seems we overuse them for things that could have a more supportive solution for our bodies. We may consider other methods if we were presented with all of the facts.

Supporting Your Gut Health

Now, how do we support our gut health? The same way we can destroy it.

Food. Nutrition has such a vital role in our health. Specifically our gut health. Consuming whole, nutrient dense foods is the best way to support your gut. Limiting sugar, cutting out processed foods, and adding in nutrient dense, whole foods will help your microbiome thrive. Another beneficial way to support your gut health through what you consume are foods rich in probiotics. Foods such as kefir grains, sourdough (this is controversial since it is cooked so do your own research), sauerkraut, and yogurt. These are considered living foods and support a healthy microbiome when prepared properly.

Supplementation. Our bodies are designed to get our nutrients from our food. This will always be the best way. However, due to modern farming practices many of our foods grow in soils depleted of nutrients. So even if you’re eating well, there can still be gaps in our nutrition. We personally also enjoy take out on occasion, which we all know is most likely not the most nutrient dense option. I’m not going to feel guilty about that, but I do understand that because of the times I make those choices, and environmental factors like the soil, pesticide exposure and even things in our environment beyond my control, I need to fill in some of the nutrition gaps to support my body.

I do this by taking a prebiotic, a probiotic, and a gentle gut cleanse daily. These have impacted my gut health greatly. I’ve seen drastic changes in my own health since putting more of a focus on my gut health. If you only take one supplement for your gut, I highly recommend a probiotic. You want to make sure your probiotic contains the right bacteria and is prepared correctly to actually survive digestion and make it to your gut. Otherwise you’re wasting your money.

So you see, supporting your gut is even more than just supporting your immune system. It can be the key to unlocking your best health yet.

If you would like more information on some of the suggestions mentioned above like sourdough, kefir grains, or the gut health regime we use you can reach out to littlewifeinthewoods right here on the blog or find us on Instagram and Facebook.

We hope we helped give you a glimpse into the powerful key to health that is your gut microbiome and hopefully caused some curiosity for you to do even more research for yourselves.

Thank you for your response. ✨

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How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

February 3, 2025

These delicious white chocolate cranberry bars are topped with a from scratch cream cheese frosting and drizzled with decadent dark chocolate! Get the full recipe here…

What You Need to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Bars

These bars are easy and made with simple ingredients! The only cookware you need is a 9×13 sheet pan. If serving to a crowd or party you may want some parchment paper for easy, clean removal of your bars.

When it comes to sourcing the best ingredients and healthier options I use Thrive Market! They are the most affordable place to source organic, zero chemical ingredients. They have thousands of products to choose from and hundreds of trustworthy, clean label brands.

I especially love Thrive’s dried cranberries for this recipe! They are some of the best I have tried and I can have piece of mind that no chemicals or toxic preservatives went into the processing. I also source my organic cane sugar and vanilla extract from Thrive.

Click here to join Thrive Market and get a up to $60 in FREE groceries!

Ingredients

• 2 sticks salted butter (add 1/2 tsp salt if using unsalted)

• 1 cup cane sugar (regular sugar is fine but cane is more natural and gives a much better flavor!)

• 1 egg

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional- for drizzle on top)

*See “How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting” for ingredients for that.

Variations and Substitutions

Here are a few ingredient substitutions for your cranberry bars…

Butter. This recipe is best made with salted butter. However, if you do not have salted you can use unsalted and add 1/2 tsp salt. If you prefer to not use butter you can substitute two sticks of butter for 1 cup of melted coconut oil.

Cane Sugar. Cane sugar can be substituted for equal parts white granulated sugar. You can also make them healthier using equal parts of honey or maple syrup.

White Chocolate Chips. You do not have to add white chocolate chips if you do not wish or if you do not have white chocolate chips you can substitute them for dark or milk chocolate chips.

Dried Cranberries. The cranberries can be substituted for any kind of dried berry or raisin you have on hand.

Dark Chocolate Drizzle. The dark chocolate drizzle is completely optional but delicious!

A few variations of this recipe would be to make them without the cream cheese frosting or without the chocolate drizzle on top. Both of those are completely optional and the base tastes very good on its own! You can also make them as drop cookies instead of sheet pan form. Sheet pan is definitely easier and will give you “bars” but if you are just wanting a few cookies you can drop a heaping tablespoon onto a sheet pan and bake at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

My cream cheese frosting recipe is pretty basic and customizable to your taste. Here is what you need….

4 oz cream cheese
1 1/2-2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all these ingredients together using your Kitchen Aid or a hand mixer. If you prefer sweeter frosting you will want about 2 cups + of powdered sugar (go slowly after 2 cups and add with your heart!). If you prefer your frosting more tangy/cream cheese flavored use less sugar (around 1 1/2 cups or less).

How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Bars

Making white chocolate cranberry bars is so easy. It is even easier with a Kitchen Aid stand mixer and dough hook attachment. Regardless if you have a stand mixer you can definitely mix this cookie dough up by hand in a flash!

Combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups flour and baking powder then add 1/4 cup flour at a time until the dough is thick and pliable. Stir in 1/2 cup dried cranberries (the rest are used for topping) and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips.
Place the dough on a 9×13 sheet pan and gently press until the pan is filled with the dough.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes. (The texture may seem a bit doughy but it will be perfect for the bars once they have cooled. You do not want to overtake these or they will be crumbly.)
Allow the bars to cool completely (about 20-30 minutes).
Apply cream cheese frosting if desired. Sprinkle with leftover cranberries. Make chocolate drizzle by melting 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips. Place in a piping bag (or ziplock with tip cut off!) and drizzle lightly over the bars. I like to do it at a slight angle for looks!

Storing and Freezing

Your white chocolate cranberry bars can be stored in a Tupperware or glass dish with a lid for up to 3 days on the countertop or 5 days in the refrigerator. These bars can be frozen after baking by cutting them and freezing individually on a sheet pan then storing in a freezer safe Tupperware with a lid. I prefer to layer them with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. The dough for these bars can also be pre-made and frozen. Frozen bars and dough will keep fresh up to three months in the refrigerator.

Other Sweet Treats to Try

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White Chocolate Cranberry Bars

Soft and delicious bars filled with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with from scratch cream cheese frosting, and decadent dark chocolate drizzle!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 12

Total Time 17

Course Dessert, Snack

Servings 16 bars

Equipment

1 9×13 sheet pan

Ingredients

Bar Base Ingredients

1 cup salted butter softened
1 cup cane sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup white chocolate chips

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese
1½-2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping (optional)

¼ cup dried cranberries
½ cup dark chocolate chips melted

Instructions

Bars

Combine butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl. Mix then add 2 cups flour and baking powder. Add flour ¼ cup at a time until the dough is thick and pliable.
Gently press into a greased 9×13 sheet pan (line pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean up if desired).
Bake at 350℉ for 10-12 minutes.
Allow bars to cool for 20-30 minutes.

Frosting

Using stand mixer or electric hand mixer, blend softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a medium sized bowl. Spread on top of cooled bars.

Topping

Sprinkle remaining cranberries on top then apply melted dark chocolate using a piping bag or a ziplock bag (fill with chocolate then cut a tip off the end) drizzle over top of the bars.

Keyword cranberry bars, cream cheese frosting recipe, easy dessert recipe, from scratch dessert, sheet pan cookie recipe, white chocolate cranberry bars

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7 Easy From Scratch Dinner Ideas in Under an Hour

February 1, 2025

These seven easy from scratch dinner ideas are perfect for your weekly meal plan! As a busy mom of two littles I love prioritizing our health through nourishing, delicious meals. However, I rarely have hours to devote to this one task! That is why I am all about simple meals I can make from scratch in under an hour. Get a week’s worth of simple from scratch dinners in this post!

My Meal Planning Strategy

Let’s just say- it is not a strategy at all. I honestly hate meal planning. I always end up wanting something besides the meal I planned for the day! When it comes to meal planning I would much rather wing it. However, I do notice that when I go about it without some sort of plan I end up over-spending on the grocery budget. I had to figure out a way to get the best of both worlds so we could eat well while also being kind to the budget!

Necessity is the mother of invention! So I came up with a “strategy” that provides us a very loose plan and I build my grocery list off of that. Here is how it works.

I plan what meals sound good for the week choosing about ten that sound best. Taking the meals I chose I will then build a grocery list off my ideas. Sometimes it is easy to come up with ten, other times I just come up with as many as I can (seven minimum) then add things to my grocery list for easy, generic things like chicken breast, ground beef, pasta, etc.

Another great way to come up with the ten meals is to shop your refrigerator or pantry. What do you have? What meals could you build off what is available? Think of it as one of those cooking game shows where you are given several random ingredients to use and you have to come up with a meal from it. This also limits food waste!

Cooking Dinner From Scratch Every Week

We currently eat most of our meals at home (minus a few times eating out for lunch or dinner per month). This means a lot of cooking from scratch! If you are not used to this it may seem like a lot of work but the benefits are well worth it! First, it is much more affordable to cook meals from scratch than to eat at restaurants throughout the week. More importantly the health benefits far outweigh all the work it takes to put a meal together.

As a homemaker and mama it is so fulfilling to provide my family with nourishing food throughout the week. It is even more rewarding to make from scratch meals with quality ingredients. You can do this affordable over at Thrive Market! My friends at Thrive Market have been stocking my pantry with the best quality products for my family. They offer thousands of products from only clean brands giving you options for healthy food, snacks, non toxic cleaning supplies, and so much more! Thrive is offering you a free $60 gift when you sign up using my link. Check out Thrive Market here!

10 Easy From Scratch Dinner Ideas You Can Make in Under an Hour

1. 30 Minute Stromboli Pizza

This delicious stromboli pizza is a great way to do a simple, from scratch pizza night! You can make a simple dough using sourdough starter or yeast (our post has instructions for both methods!). Use any combination of mix ins you prefer- pepperonis, cheese, turkey, sausage, and veggies then add a bit of pizza sauce for dipping. This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish and makes two strombolis that feed eight people. Get our recipe here!

2. One Pot Chicken Vegetable and Rice Soup

This simple, quick recipe for chicken vegetable and rice soup is a one pot (busy mom) favorite! Nourishing chicken broth, whatever vegetables your family prefers, and rice all cook in one pot in under 45 minutes. Add in your favorite seasonings and herbs for a truly delicious customized meal for your family. Get the recipe here!

3. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

A classic spin off the of a classic chicken pot pie but easier! This recipe uses biscuits on top instead of the traditional pie crust. You can make the biscuits from scratch with our easy recipe or make it even easier with store-bought dough. This recipe takes just under an hour (even with making your own biscuits). Get the full, completely from scratch recipe here in this post!

4. Our Favorite From Scratch (ish) Pasta

For a quick, easy and delicious pasta I use boxed noodles and canned sauce. Does that make this a truly from scratch meal? Probably not but you can make this with good quality ingredients from Thrive Market! We get all our organic, gluten free pasta noodles from Thrive and we love them. They make sure this easy meal also gives my peace of mind knowing that the ingredients I am feeding my family are the best quality.

Here’s how we make this quick and easy pasta…

1lb ground beef or chicken breast
1 box Jovial brown rice penne rigatoni pasta
1 can pasta sauce
1 can alfredo sauce
8oz mozzarella cheese

Cook the meat and pasta fully. Add pasta, meat, pasta sauces and alfredo to a 9×13 casserole dish. Top with shredded mozzarella. bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese has melted. We love serving with easy sourdough discard breadsticks when I have the time.

5. Creamy Spinach Chicken

This thirty minute recipe is so flavorful and packed with nutrients! Chicken cooked in a homemade creamy sauce and fresh spinach served over rice or with other vegetables. Use whatever herbs and seasonings you prefer to add all the from scratch flavor. Get the recipe here!

6. Taco Night Featuring From Scratch Tortillas

We weekly have some form of taco night whether it is chicken or beef tacos, burritos, quesadillas, etc. Regardless of what we make I love adding fresh made tortillas to the menu using this recipe! These tortillas can be made with a tortilla press or rolled out thinly to make in a skillet. They are easy to make and require no rise time! Make eight tortillas in just 12 minutes!

7. Hamburgers with From Scratch Honey Hamburger Buns

Who doesn’t love a good hamburger? Serve them with a from scratch hamburger buns and they become irresistible! Our recipe uses sourdough starter for a delicious, soft honey hamburger bun. However, the recipe can be adapted for yeast users as well using 2 tsp active yeast and one cup of warm water instead of sourdough starter.

Want to start making your own sourdough goods but don’t know where to begin? Try our dehydrated sourdough starter! Or get access to our mini e-guide on how to make and maintain your own sourdough start. Our motto when it comes to sourdough is simplicity. No complicated instructions or stressful information- just sourdough done simply! Go check out our shop for more resources and products!
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Stick around for more of my from scratch meal inspiration posts! I enjoy sharing all about natural wellness, homemaking, and real food recipes with you. Make sure you join the email list so you never miss a post!

Thank you for your response. ✨

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The Best Natural Vitamin Brands We Love in 2025

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These natural vitamin brands and products we are loving in 2025! Natural supplements and affordable products are hard to find but we are here with all of our favorite that we have been using and trusting for years. We love these brands and we know you will too!

The Problem With Natural Vitamin Marketing in 2025

The world is using natural product marketing as a way to make millions in the last several years. Natural food, ingredients, and supplements are the trendy thing now and thankfully so! However this up tick in the natural world provides a marketing scheme that many companies are taking advantage of. Many of these “natural” supplement companies are marketing to us based off of a couple ingredients. Here is what to look for and avoid when it comes to natural supplements…

Can you pronounce and recognize ALL the ingredients? In a truly natural supplement you should be able to easily recognize all or nearly all of the ingredients. Anything that you do not recognize or that feels suspicious should be researched.
Sugar content and dyes. In kids vitamins especially big vitamin companies are marketing to us as “natural” when they are actually full of sugar and some of them have dyes in the ingredient list.
Avoid gummies. The process of making gummy vitamin (even ones with natural ingredients) make them less effective, not to mention many are filled with sugar.
Are the ingredients derived naturally or artificially? This information can be found in the ingredient list. If your natural supplements are derived from synthetic ingredients are they actually natural? The vitamin or supplement should be made from the direct source- the herb or the mineral itself.

Getting Nutrients from Our Food

The truth is that most of our food should be where the majority of our nutrients are coming from. However, with the quality of foods today it can be hard to get all these nutrients through diet alone. While this should not keep us from trying to feed our families well I am glad we have options in the form of daily supplements to ensure we are getting what we need.

Trying to eat better quality food can help our bodies get what they need overall. Eating a well balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein, etc. will help keep your body functioning best!

Sourcing Natural Vitamins from Brands You Can Trust

So where can you source natural vitamins you can trust for your family? There are two main places we currently get our vitamins. Both places provide only natural, herbal brands so you can be sure that what you are getting is the best quality without having to weed through the junk!

Earthley Wellness. Earthley is my top favorite for sourcing vitamins and 100% natural supplements for the whole family! They provide herbal, only clean ingredient products like vitamins, hormone support, and natural remedies. You can trust that when you purchase products from Earthley that they have zero chemicals, preservatives, or toxic ingredients- just herbs and natures medicine! Save 10% off your first order when you use my code LITTLEWIFE10 at checkout.

Thrive Market. Another favorite place to get natural brands without all the junk is Thrive Market. They are a market place with thousands of clean label products to choose from. Every brand and product they sell has been vetted to make sure you are getting the best quality! I source brands like Mary Ruth and Ancient Nutrition.

Thrive provides more than just supplements. They are a one stop grocery store where you can get all organic, clean ingredient pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and more! Click my link and get up to $60 in FREE products to save on vitamins, supplements, and other organic products!

Our Basic Daily Vitamins and Supplements

Prenatal. As a young mom with kids back to back I have discovered that having a great prenatal onboard is key! Most midwives and OBs recommend taking a prenatal consistently throughout the child-bearing years. I found Pure Synergy’s Prenatal vitamin through my midwife and I have been taking it for over a year now. The difference I notice in my over-all nutrition and energy is huge compared to the mainstream drugstore vitamins I used in my first pregnancy!

Kids Multivitamin. Finding a kids multivitamin that is not filled with sugar, dyes, and chemicals is tricky! Even the brands that market as more “natural” alternatives are not truly the best option. That’s why we trust Mary Ruth Organics to source our kids multivitamins, immune support, and more! We find the best deals on Mary Ruth’s over at Thrive Market- my one stop grocery store for all things clean ingredients from snacks to cleaning products. Use my link above to subscribe to Thrive Market!

Adult Multivitamin. A great vitamin for adult men and non-pregnant/nursing women is Nourish Me Naturally from Earthley Wellness. Nourish Me Naturally is a multivitamin for adults that is completely plant based with zero preservatives or chemicals.

Daily Supplements for Pregnancy

Here is everything I take daily for a naturally healthy pregnancy!

Herbal Iron. I take herbal iron and B vitamins from Earthley’s Energy Plus tincture. I found that liquid iron in herbal form is much easier for my body to handle versus the mainstream iron most OBs and midwives recommend. I have been using this iron throughout my pregnancy and the contrast between how my body processes the other iron supplements is way different! The proof is in my numbers- my past two pregnancies have indicated lower iron levels even while taking an iron supplement. After taking this herbal iron tincture my levels have remained consistent throughout his entire pregnancy!

Magnesium. Taking magnesium during pregnancy helps with sleep, headaches, and pregnancy aches. I get my magnesium from Thrive Market (link above).

Daily Probiotics

Another great thing to add to your daily nutrition needs is a good quality probiotic! When searching for a probiotic you need to look for one that is proven to make it to the colon. A lot of mainstream probiotics are absorbed in the upper intestinal tract, this means they are not actually making it to the gut- therefore making it ineffective. The majority of the body’s immune system lives in the gut making it super important to keep the good bacteria flourishing.

Supplements for Hormone Balance

If you feel constantly drained, sluggish, have trouble sleeping, dietary issues, moodiness, excessive weight gain or weight loss, or other symptoms of hormone imbalance you may need a basic supplement to help keep your hormone levels where they need to be. I personally have been diagnosed with a thyroid condition that causes my body to need a little help with supplementation at times. I use Earthley’s (yes, them again!) Oyster Mineral Capsules to help keep my hormones regulated.

Oysters are high in selenium and zinc that are required to keep the thyroid (the main hormone producing gland) working properly. Earthley’s Oyster Mineral powder also contains herbs that help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and more! Oyster Mineral Capsules are also safe to take while pregnant or nursing making them a great supplement to add to your prenatal and postpartum care.

Speaking of postpartum, another great Earthly product for hormone balance is their Postpartum Balance tincture. This can help blanche those whacky after-birth hormones and keep your body functioning at the right levels to reduce risk of postpartum depression and even general symptoms like moodiness!

Natural Supplements for Immune Support

Whether you need immune support throughout the winter months or a steady, natural support for an auto-immune condition I highly recommend sourcing things like vitamin C, elderberry, and zinc through companies like Earthley Wellness and Thrive Market! They both offer some really great natural options for whatever immune support you might be needing.

Mary Ruth Organics (I purchase from Thrive Market!) has some great immune support supplements for babies and toddlers that I always give my children throughout the winter months. You can also find Mary Ruth on Amazon for fast delivery! Read our post about How to Support Your Little One’s Immune System here.

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