Little Wife in the Woods

The Best Quick and Easy Sourdough Stromboli Recipe

This sourdough stromboli recipe is a great quick and easy dinner. Fluffy, buttery sourdough stuffed with meat, cheese, veggies- whatever you are feeling or have on hand! Get all the details about this 30 minute meal in this blog post.

quick and easy sourdough stromboli

Sourdough Stromboli

This recipe is so versatile in every way possible! You can make it with sourdough discard or active starter. You can even convert it to an active yeast recipe quite easily. Here’s what you need to know!

Sourdough Discard. Using sourdough discard or less active starter to make this recipe is super easy! The dough does not require much rise at all so you do not need that extra yeast the active starter brings. If you want to make it a little softer/fluffier you can add about 1/2 tsp of baking powder.

Active Starter. If you happen to have active starter on hand that works best for this recipe and does not require any extra leavening agents like baking powder.

Dry Yeast. If you do not have a sourdough starter you can still make this recipe with a little more time added. Replace the sourdough starter with 1 tsp dry yeast and 3/4 cup of warm water. Follow the instructions exactly the same (you may need to adjust flour measurements; start with one cup and add in slowly until the dough comes together).

Stuffing Your Stromboli

This recipe is also super versatile in what flavors and ingredients you choose to add! Choosing your own adventure has never been easier. I personally prefer making this recipe when I have several meats, cheeses or vegetables that are soon to expire because it is such an easy way to waste less food. If I notice that I have several ingredients to use up for this recipe I will even prep things ahead of time like cutting vegetables, cooking meat, etc.

Here are a few ideas for stuffing your Stromboli…

  • sausage, cream cheese, and onion
  • buffalo chicken
  • three cheese
  • bacon chicken ranch
  • veggie (peppers, onions, and spinach)

Fermentation

This recipe does not require any fermentation but this step can be easily added. I would definitely add this step if you have a gluten sensitivity, intolerance, or you eat sourdough for health reasons. Fermenting the dough maximizes the benefits of sourdough. To ferment the dough for this recipe you can make the dough and allow to ferment in the refrigerator about eight hours ahead of time (or overnight). The dough can ferment in the refrigerator up to eighteen hours ahead of baking. If you want to speed up the process you can let the dough ferment in a warm place for four to six hours.

Ingredients You Need for Stromboli Dough

As already discussed, the ingredients for the stromboli filling are very diverse and dependent on what you have on hand. Here is everything you need for the dough….

  • 1 cup sourdough starter
  • 1 cup warm water
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 2 tsp honey or sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder optional if using active starter 
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2¼-3 cups all-purpose flour

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quick and easy sourdough stromboli

Sourdough Stromboli

No rise, quick, and easy 30 minute sourdough stromboli recipe!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, dinner, Pizza
Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup sourdough starter
  • 1 cup warm water
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 2 tsp honey or sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder optional if using active starter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2¼-3 cups all-purpose flour

Egg Wash (optional)

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tsp water

Filling

  • 8 oz pepperoni
  • ½ lb mild sausage cooked
  • ½ lb deli meat turkey, ham, salami
  • 1 sautéed onion
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup marinera sauce

Instructions
 

  • Add sourdough starter and water to a large mixing bowl. Stir.
  • Add melted butter, honey, salt, baking powder, and 1 cup flour. Mix with a whisk or on low speed in a stand mixer.
  • Add flour ¼ cup at a time until the dough is firm and pliable.
  • Place dough on a floured surface and shape into a ball. Divide the dough in half.
  • Roll the dough out into a rectangle with about ¼ inch thickness. (Roll out on parchment paper for easy transition to pan.)
  • Stuff the dough with meat, veggies, and cheese placing the ingredients in the center of the rolled out stromboli dough.
  • To fold the stromboli, begin by folding the ends (the short side of your rectangle). Fold one end of the long side of the dough over the filling ingredients. Fold the remaining end over the dough. Cut a few slits in the top of the stromboli.
  • OPTIONAL EGG WASH: The egg wash gives the dough a slightly crispy top. Mix egg yolk and water then brush on top before baking.
  • Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until top turns golden brown.
Keyword 30 minute dinner, beginner sourdough recipe, easy sourdough recipe, easy stromboli, from scratch dinner, from scratch recipe, no rise sourdough recipe, no rise stromboli, quick and easy dinner, quick dinner, sourdough stromboli, stromboli
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How to Make Gut Healing Bone Broth From Scratch

*This post contains affiliate links.

This gut healing bone broth is rich in vitamins and minerals that help promote a healthy microbiome for optimum health! Whether you have serious health issues, just need a little extra boost for your gut, or simply want a new super healthy soup recipe you have come to the right place. Continue reading this post for more information on how this bone broth will benefit you or skip on down to the recipe!

gut healing bone broth from scratch

Bone Broth and Gut Health

Let’s talk real quick about just how this bone broth works when I say that it is “gut healing”.

  • Magnesium. Magnesium is a key ingredient in bone broth. It has a very important role in digestive health such as helping move food through the digestive system, controls inflammation of the gut, helps relieve constipation, and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
  • Potassium. Potassium is also found in bone broth. It helps signal the brain to move the muscles in the digestive tract to help food move through efficiently.
  • Collagen. The super ingredient that makes bone broth gut healing is collagen. Collagen comes in many forms today but among the most healthy is directly sourced collagen found in the bones of beef and chicken. Beef collagen contains high levels of amino acids that strengthen and aid in rebuilding of the colon. It also assists in water absorption, balances stomach acid levels, and heals ulcers in the digestive tract.
  • Gelatin. Bone broth also contains gelatin which helps to heal AND prevent inflammation in the gut lining making this bone broth great for keeping issues away as well as healing already present problems.

Who should use bone broth?

Bone broth is especially good for those who have health issues concerning the gut. IBS, UC, Chron’s and other digestive diseases/disorders may greatly benefit from using bone broth, along with a well balanced diet. Individuals with food intolerances to things like gluten, dairy, etc. may find that bone broth can help after being exposed to foods that harm them.

Because of the preventative nature of bone broth I highly recommend adding bone broth as a staple in your family’s diet! I like to up our intake around stressful seasons or sick seasons to boost our gut health. Your gut greatly effects the health of every other part of your body- the immune system being one of them. Bone broth, along with other good sources of probiotics in sourdough (learn how to make your own sourdough starter here!), fermented veggies, and supplements is always a great idea during seasons when you may need some extra support.

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Sourcing Good Ingredients for Bone Broth

Why make bone broth from scratch?

You may be thinking- “Why can’t I just go buy the $2 bone broth from the grocery store and call it good?”. If you have been around long you know that I am huge advocate of all things “from-scratch”. Not because it is trendy or because everyone says it the best but because I have a conviction that it truly is what is best for us!

Maybe this idea is new to you. Maybe it intimidates you! Perhaps you really do not care and that is completely your call

That being said, here are a few reasons to think twice about grabbing bone broth from off the shelf instead of making it from scratch…

  • Removal of the natural structure. The process of mass production of bone broth greatly tampers with the natural structure of the broth. In other words, the gut healing properties mentioned above (magnesium, collagen, etc.) are no longer the same in quality or quantity- if they remain at all.
  • Adding of preservatives. Along with removing a lot of the good stuff the mass production companies add things like preservatives, chemicals, and toxins to keep the broth shelf stable for months and years.
  • It tastes better. Now maybe it’s just my semi-crunchy brain playing tricks on me but I truly do think that homemade broth tastes much better compared to the mass made brands. Knowing where it came from, how it was made, and every step from bone to broth- the peace of mind tastes amazing!

Sourcing Bones

The very best way to source organic, quality bones is to raise your own cow or meat chickens.

But let’s be honest- most of us cannot do that.

So the second best option is to buy a cow, or half a cow, from your local farmer. Ask what the cow is being fed, and make sure they use a small town (not large production) butcher. A lot of the labels in grocery stores these days have gotten extremely tricky. Words like- “organic”, “grass-fed”, and “pasture raised” have become so commercialized. The best way to make sure you are getting quality meat is to support your local farmer or homesteader.

That being said, this can be a big expensive up-front. Maybe you just do not have the means to be able to afford the best option. Between the best and the worst there is always a “better” option! Maybe you can not afford the half cow, go ask your grocery store butcher for bones! Many local grocery stores with in house butchers are more than happy to sell you the bones. True, they might not have been fed 100% organic grains but it is still FAR BETTER than purchasing the processed broth.

If you have tried to source all the other options and you just are not having any luck, there are brands that provide broth that is non GMO certified, organic, and have much cleaner ingredients. My friends over at Thrive Market are dedicated to providing customers with affordable, clean ingredient products for your family! When I can not find an affordable option locally I can always count on Thrive to have just what I need shipped directly to my door. Click here to use my code and get $60 in FREE groceries!!

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Using Bone Broth to Heal Your Gut

Using bone broth as an ingredient or for preventative maintenance versus to heal your gut looks a bit different. There are a few steps/procedures you need to know about using broth to optimize gut healing.

Cleansing Remgiment

My husband suffers from ulcerative colitis. That is partly what lead me into my study and knowledge of bone broth in the use of gut healing. After researching the side effects of a medication my husband was taking for his UC we decided that the long term effects were not worth the short term benefits. (DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and am in no way suggesting you come off your medication. Everyone must do their own research, communicate with their healthcare professionals, and do what is best for themselves.)

As part of this decision came the responsibility to treat the disease with diet and to handle flare ups naturally. He has been off all medication for almost two years now and we have gotten through many flares by following this regiment…

  1. Find the source and eliminate triggers. The first thing to do is to find the source of the flare. Gut health can be greatly affected by stress, sleep, and diet. Some of these you may not be able to control but do your best to find the cause anyways. (My husband’s greatest triggers are any form of unnatural sugar, processed foods/fast food, caffeine, and stress.) Do your best to eliminate the cause.
  2. Cleanse the gut. The next step is to “de-stress” your gut. You do this by offering food that is easy for the digestive system to handle. Give it a break. During a flare things like smoothies, bone broth, and lots of water are the main go tos. (Smoothies and bone broth often replace 2/3 of my husband’s meals- he will often do this cleansing step for 4-7 days.)
  3. Rebuild the gut lining. After eating mostly broth/smoothies for several days the next step is to re-introduce foods that promote a healthy gut. High protein/low carb, broth, and fermented foods are a great place to start. These support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and helps to gut lining to be restored to optimum health. Continue to avoid triggers! It can be tough but worth all the benefits.

Herbs that Optimize the Healing Process

Along with the natural things found in bone broth that help aid the healing of the digestive tract herbs are another great way to help symptoms of poor gut health. We like to add herbs such as yarrow, turmeric, garlic, ginger, cayenne, and oregano are all great to add to the broth. Here is a quick guide to herbs that are great for gut repair…

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  • Yarrow. You do not hear about yarrow much but I came upon it in my studies as a way to stop the bleeding from my husband’s UC. Yarrow is also an antiseptic which is great if you are dealing with ulcers because it can quickly stop bleeding and keep the tissue from becoming infected/inflamed further. Yarrow is also extremely easy to grow indoors throughout the winter and thrives well in most outdoor climates during the summer.
  • Cayenne. Along with yarrow we always add cayenne to our gut healing bone broth. It fights infections, heals ulcers, and eliminates unhealthy bacteria in the gut lining.
  • Garlic. Garlic greatly aids the production of good bacteria in the gut making it a great way to add healing, as well as flavor to your broth.
  • Ginger. Ginger helps to aid in digestion and ease the pain associated with digestive issues.
  • Turmeric. This spice contains an anti-inflammatory agent known as curcumin. It provided healing on a cellular level.
  • Oregano. Oregano is another herb that helps reduce inflammation in the gut. It also provided amazing flavor to bone broth.

Any combination of these herbs are a great way to “boost” your bone broth!

Gut Healing Bone Broth

A start to finish guide on how to make your own gut healing bone broth from scratch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 large stockpot
  • 1 mesh strainer

Ingredients
  

  • Beef or chicken bones SEE NOTE ONE
  • Water SEE NOTE ONE
  • Veggies on hand or scraps OPTIONAL
  • Desired seasonings SEE NOTE TWO

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large stockpot with bones, veggies, and water. Water should come about six inches above the contents of the post. This would be true if you are making a small batch as well. I prefer to season the broth after the straining process but you can add some salt now.
  • Bring water to a heavy boil, then lower heat to a simmer.
  • Allow to simmer for 8-10 hours with the lid on, adding about a cup of water every hour or two. (This will help keep up with the water that is being evaporated.)
  • Allow broth to cool for about two hours.
  • Using a mesh strainer, strain the liquid off the bones and veggies. (If beef is used dogs can eat the remaining bones. Chickens love the veggies!) I like to strain it into a large pot, it makes the next step easier.
  • Reheat the strained broth in a large pot. Add in desired seasonings. Bring to a boil and simmer 15-20 minutes.
  • Pour hot broth into quart mason jars and tightly screw on lid. SEE NOTE THREE.
    Or allow to cool and place in freezer safe ziplock bags. SEE NOTE THREE.

Notes

NOTE ONE: This recipe is designed to give you the tools and information you need to be able to make bone broth from scratch. It does not give exact measurements to bones/water or an exact amount of broth because results may vary depending on how many bones you have available. That being said, you can make this recipe by using left over chicken bones from your whole chicken or t-bone scraps or in mass quantity from butcher beef bones. I am simply giving you the tools to use how your situation requires. 
NOTE TWO: See the section on gut healing herbs for herbs to add to your broth to optimize healing broth!
NOTE THREE: Pouring the hot broth into the mason jars creates a seal around the jar for longer short term storage. Meaning- you can store this in the refrigerator for up to six months. For long term (up to three years), shelf storage you will need to pressure can the broth after jarring it. Follow the instructions found in your pressure canner manual. You can also freeze the broth for use up to twelve months. 
Keyword beef broth, bone broth, broth, chicken broth

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The Best Recipe for Classic Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Soft and buttery sourdough rolls swirling with brown sugar and topped with cream cheese frosting- these sourdough rolls are new favorite! This is a completely foolproof and easy recipe, even for beginners. Learn how to make them in this post!

sourdough cinnamon rolls un-iced
sourdough cinnamon rolls

Sourdough: the “Secret” Ingredient

Adding sourdough starter to a classic cinnamon roll recipe takes these rolls to a whole new level! Who knew stepping up the cinnamon roll game could be this easy! Here’s why you should consider replacing the traditional yeast with starter…

  • Eliminates the yeast taste. You know how even the best homemade cinnamon rolls usually have a slight yeasty taste? Well these do not! The sourdough element completely takes away that yeasty aftertaste and creates a smooth, buttery flavor.
  • The sourdough flavor can be easily controlled. Some people may prefer a strong sourdough taste while others might like it less or not at all. You can completely control the “sourness” by adding to the sweetness, fermenting longer, etc.
  • Health benefits. While this certainly cannot be considered a healthy recipe by any means there are some health benefits of sourdough versus traditional yeast. One being that many people with gluten sensitivities and even intolerance can eat sourdough goods because of the fermentation process.

If you do not have a sourdough starter you can learn how to make one here in this post! A am a firm believer that sourdough does not have to be complicated- ANYONE can learn to do this sourdough thing! Get my Beginner’s Guide to Simple Sourdough here.

Making This Recipe Without Sourdough

If you want to make this recipe asap you can do it with traditional yeast instead of sourdough (although they definitely will not taste as good!). You can make this recipe with traditional yeast by following all the same instructions/ingredients but swapping out the sourdough starter with 2 1/2 tsp active yeast and 1 cup of warm water. Allow the yeast to fully dissolve before adding the other ingredients. Make sure to allow the dough to fully rise (usually about 2-4 hours). This will help cut down that yeasty flavor we talked about in the last section of the post.

While it is definitely doable I highly recommend making yourself a sourdough starter, even if only for this recipe!

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Jumbo Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Another key to making this the “best” cinnamon roll is the jumbo aspect. This recipe makes eight jumbo rolls or around sixteen standard sized rolls. If possible, I highly recommend making the jumbo version because they turn out to be the perfect texture of soft roll on the outside with a gooey, buttery center. And let’s be honest- you probably would eat two of the regular sized rolls anyways!

The only problem with a good jumbo roll can be getting the roll to cooperate in the rolling process. It took me a lot of trial and error before I found a good technique that works. Because of the stickiness of the roll (which you want!), even on a well floured surface the rolls can begin to stick a bit.

As you try to roll them up they may begin sticking and/or falling apart. Using a flat, metal spatula or a bench scraper you can use a flipping technique to roll up the dough (almost like rolling a ball of snow for a snowman). This technique also works really well of keeping the roll together in the transition from countertop to bakeware. Simply scoop up the rolled cinnamon roll with the spatula.

Cast Iron Baking

My favorite way to make any version of these rolls is in a large cast iron skillet! I have used all kinds of bakeware to make cinnamon rolls but nothing seems to bake them as well as cast iron. The flavor, texture, and cook time are all effected in positive ways.

  • Flavor. The cast iron flavor mixed with the sourdough element of these rolls is absolute perfection! A well-seasoned skillet possesses a subtile buttery, salty flavor that bakes into the rolls. Mixed with the sweetness of the rolls and filling it creates a unique and delicious flavor!
  • Texture. The biggest benefit of baking these rolls in cast iron is the texture they give the rolls. Because of the limited space the rolls all merge together in the rising and baking process creating a very gooey center with crunchy edges. The heat from the cast iron makes them extremely fluffy!
  • Cook Time. The cook time is also less in the cast iron because of the heat factor.

Don’t have a cast iron skillet? Get my cast iron skillet from Lodge here!

sourdough cinnamon rolls

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Fluffy, buttery rolls made with sourdough with a gooey center and topped with delicious cream cheese frosting!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Fermenting Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Course bread, Dessert, Snack
Servings 8 jumbo rolls

Ingredients
  

Roll Dough

  • ½ cup sourdough starter
  • ½ cup warm water
  • ¼ cup butter (½ stick)
  • ¼ cup honey or cane sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2-2½ cups all-purpose flour

Roll Filling

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup butter (½ stick)
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Make the roll dough by combining sourdough starter and warm water in a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer. Allow to dissolve then add melted butter, sugar, and one egg. Mix well.
  • Mix flour, baking powder, and salt then add 1 cup of the mixture to the roll dough. Add ½ cup of flour at a time until the dough is firm and slightly sticky. Cover the dough with a damp tea or kitchen towel and allow to ferment in the refrigerator for about 8 hours (or overnight).
  • Make filling by combining softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a mixing bowl.
  • After the dough has fermented, roll out on a well floured surface in the shape of a rectangle with dough at about ¼ inch thickness.
  • Rub filling all over the surface of the dough using hands to make sure it covers the surface completely.
  • Cut the dough into eight 1½ inch strips (see note for) using a pizza cutter.
  • Roll using a flat, metal spatula or bench scraper then flip onto the spatula to move easily to a 12" cast iron skillet or 9×13 casserole dish.
  • Cover and allow to rise until doubled (about 2 hours).
  • Bake at 350℉ for about 15 minutes.
  • Allow to cool completely then ice liberally with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl and mix with a hand mixer until the frosting is smooth. Allow to sit in the refrigerator while the rolls cool for best results.

Notes

This recipe calls for 8 jumbo rolls or 16 standard rolls. For jumbo, follow instructions as stated. For standard rolls, cut the rectangle of dough into half before cutting the 8 strips. 
Keyword cinnamon roll, easy sourdough recipe, fluffy cinnamon rolls, gooey cinnamon rolls, no yeast cinnamon rolls, sourdough cinnamon roll, sourdough cinnamon roll recipe, sourdough dessert recipe
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How to Support Your Little One’s Immune System This Winter

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The winter months of sickness after sickness can be stressful with babies and toddlers! While sickness is apart of life it is important to learn how to support your little’s immune system. Learn all about how in this blog post!

how to support your littles immune system

*First off, we are not medical professionals. We’re moms of littles, just like you! We care deeply about the health and wellness of our families and believe that natural medicine is the best way to do this while also taking advantage of modern medicine when necessary. If this is your view come join us for more natural wellness tips here on the blog when you subscribe to our email list or on Instagram @littlewifeinthewoods!

Sickness and Littles During the Winter Months

Sickness and babies during any season is no fun but it seems like the last few winters have brought a lot of illness to homes with littles. (Or is it just me?) A lot of things probably contributes to this such as sugar poisoning from the holidays and lack of vitamin D which we will get into in a bit. As a young mom this is a hard thing to go through watching your baby, or toddler, fight sickness for an entire season.

Though there are plenty of things we can do to try to prevent sickness and boost up their little immune systems I think it is also very important to realize that sickness is apart of life. We cannot evade every germ and illness, though as mothers we hate seeing them sick! Germ exposure and even occasional sickness are a natural, normal part of life and even help build the immune system of our children. Of course it is hard to see them sick or under the weather but it is important to realize that we cannot fight every germ. Every sickness we walk through with them also helps to build our toolbox.

If you are going through a season of sickness with your little (maybe you are even pretty unhealthy yourself this season) I hope you find encouragement here that you are not doing anything wrong. You can even be doing all the extra preventative things and still have sick babies. This does not mean you are failing. It’s winter. Babies are germ magnets. It’s completely normal to have extra sickness this time of year with littles. You’re doing an awesome job!

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Reasons for Extra Sickness During the Winter Season

There are plenty of reasons why we tend to see more sickness in our children this time of the year. We will not deal with all of them but we will give you three reasons and what you can do about it!

Sugar Poisoning from the Holidays

This is a big one for toddlers, especially those two year olds who have not had as much sugar up to this point in their lives. Children consume up to five times more sugar during the holiday season. Many children consume around the equivalent of three whole cups of sugar around Halloween alone. Add in Thanksgiving and Christmas and it’s no wonder children are so sick by January. Even those of us who try to limit sugar intake for our children will find it difficult around the holidays and though they may not be consuming as much as other children they are still getting way more than their bodies are accustomed to.

So what can we do about it?

If you are reading this at the time of posting you know that the holidays have already past. We cannot go back and fix our mistakes from the holidays but we can try our best next year! Another thing we can do is stop the damage where it’s at. Your kids probably still have leftover candy filled with sugar, dyes, etc. Start by eliminating this asap. You may find that you have a cranky toddler for a few weeks from all the sugar withdrawals but it is well worth it. You may even notice some behavior changes after a week or two as their little minds begin to clear up from the sugar fog they’ve been in since October.

Lack of Nourishing Foods

Along with eliminating a lot of sweets and candy we need to be replacing the sugar with nourishing foods. Think about it. You’ve been busy, running around, trying to do life during the holidays. Anyone else eat way more takeout and fast food the past two months? Convenience meals? I feel you girl!

Adding those nutritional meals back into the daily routine is a major step in they right direction. Protein, fruits, vegetables. And don’t be surprised if your once “not picky” eater of a toddler now is only eating two or three bites at meal time. This is another symptom of the sugar high they have been on. It may take some work but over the next couple weeks (with lots of consistency and persuasion) you will start to see that appetite for actual food pick back up.

Learn more about How to Start Cooking From Scratch here!

Lack of Vitamin D

Lack of vitamin D is another big reason we see our kiddos getting so sick this time of year. We tend to keep them indoors more because hey it’s cold out there! (Guilty!!) Even when we do go out we tend to bundle them up in so many layers that the vitamin D does not have a chance to absorb well.

So what can we do?

Five to ten minutes. 5-10 minutes a day outside in the sun with minimal layers will do wonders!! (I know this is not possible everywhere. Use your own discretion.) Try taking your little outside to sit in the sun for just five minutes every day with loose clothing. This is enough time to absorb more than they’re getting indoors!

Warmest day. This is my personal favorite. Choose the warmest day of the week (even if it’s still only 30!) and make plans for outside time. Even bundled up- any time outside is better than no time outside.

Blinds up. Curtains open. Let as much light in as possible. If you have a newborn or young baby let them sleep in the sunlight by a window! Get them exposed to sunlight often.

Supplement/Diet. Eating lots of foods high in vitamin D during the winter time helps to supplement that lack. If you feel like you or your littles are suffering from lack of vitamin D you may even want to start supplementing until you can get outside more often.

Does your coffee support your values? Seven Weeks coffee is saving lives by donating 10% of every purchase to pro-life causes that give women access to ultrasounds, prenatal care, and mental health support- ultimately saving lives of precious babies! Not only does it support pro-life values, but the coffee is tastes amazing, is direct trade from trusted farmers, and is mold/toxin free. If you are looking for an active way to support the right to life try out Seven Weeks! Use my link below and the code TORI10 at checkout to save 10% on your first order.

Click Here to Shop!

Supporting a Newborn’s Immune System

Anna and I have both had the “privilege” of spending the newborn season during the winter months of all of our children (three total). This can be scary, especially as a first time mom! Here are a few quick tips for you…

  • Breastfeed!! We know everyone isn’t able or does not feel led to breastfeed their baby. It is definitely a lot of work but so worth it!! There are many reasons why but a main one being that baby is getting TONS of immune support via breastmilk. The science behind this is amazing and I highly encourage you to research this if you are on the fence about giving it a try.
  • Donor milk. Sounds weird but hear me out. If you can’t breastfeed, don’t want to breastfeed, or for whatever reason choose not to breastfeed why not find a donor mama? At least during the newborn season.
  • Try pumping. Breastfeeding not working out/not your thing? Maybe at least try pumping for those extra vitamins your newborn needs. Even one or two bottles of your breastmilk a day could make a huge difference!
  • Baby wearing. This is a great way to stop germs from every reaching your baby. If you are wearing him/her constantly it cuts down the amount of people touching all over them.
  • No touch/no kissing rule. Get serious about your boundaries. A “cold”, “allergies”, or “tickle in the throat” can be serious for a newborn. You would think people would have enough common sense to know this but they don’t. No one had to hold your baby. You do not have to let anyone touch your baby. A respectful “No.” is a complete sentence.

Extra Ways to Boost Your Littles Immune System During the Winter

Even though you will likely experience a sickness or two regardless of your efforts they are still well worth it! I personally (Tori) have noticed a big difference from last year to this year and my efforts paying off. Trying this list of things may help you totally avoid those germs or at least make the sickness a little easier on your family than others…

  • Gut health. About 70% of the immune system lives in the gut. That’s a great reason to get your whole family on a quality probiotic during the winter months. (Whatever brand you choose make sure it is not absorbed in the upper intestine or it will not do you any good.)
  • Elderberry. The immune benefits of elderberry are just about unmatched in the world of natural immune boosters! Plus it tastes great so the kiddos love to take their medicine. Elderberry tincture from Earthley has been amazing for us this year and the girls love taking it! (It’s safe for 6 months plus, pregnant, and nursing mamas!)
  • Zinc and Vitamin C. Other supplements to add to the list this winter are zinc and vitamin C. You can also find a toddler multivitamin that supplies kiddos with what they need!

Happy winter, mamas!! We hope these tips keep you and your littles surviving and thriving the next few months. Don’t forget to subscribe to the email list so you don’t miss out on more tips for moms of little from moms of littles!

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New Year Goal Inspiration for Homemakers

main post pic

Happy New Year! This is one of my favorite times of the year. A time to review, set aside all the past, and look forward to the future. It gives me a new vigor and zest for life!

Although nothing truly changes except the calendar year, I love setting new goals. Even if the goals are never reached it gives me such inspiration knowing what direction I’m headed. Having goals keeps me on track and going in that direction.

As a homemaker and stay at home mom of two (soon to be three) under three goals essential to my calling. Without goals, projects, and plans I could easily fall into the negative mentality that women “loose themselves” in motherhood and that staying home with your children is far from aspirational. This is false!

Keeping myself creative and learning new skills, reaching for goals, and achieving new heights as a homemaker and mama is far from boring.

This list of past and present goals I hope will help you find some inspiration for a few homemaker goals of your own this year. Let’s fill the comments with even more! What are your goals this year as a homemaker?

1. Saving Money; being more resourceful.

I think this is every good homemaker’s goal, whether they are being intentional with it or not. As stay at home moms and wives we know that we do not add much monetary value in what we earn but in what we save! The cost of childcare, cleaning, etc., all add up to make us worth more than we would be monetarily in the workforce. However, are we intentional with our daily decisions to save and be resourceful? If not, this might be a good goal for you to try to achieve this year!

2. Wasting less; being more frugal.

Along with saving money you, like me, might find “wasting less” on your goal list this year. I used to be really good at this but two young children later, I often find myself more likely to throw those leftovers away or just buy a new “one” (whatever it may be). As part of my goal to waste less I will be sharing lots of zero waste recipes and tips this year that you will not want to miss so make sure you are on our email list!

3. Cooking From Scratch More.

This also could fit in the “saving money” category as well as a great health goal! As a homemaker you probably already find yourself cooking from scratch quite often, if not the majority of the time. Perhaps you have found yourself in a slump with it all- making the same meals, being bored or uninterested in cooking, or using more boxed, processed foods. We all get there! Let the New Year rekindle your desire to find new inspiration in your kitchen again. Be sure to stick around here on the blog for more from scratch recipes and be on the lookout for our new printable meal plans coming this year!

4. Bread Making.

This is your year! If you have had your eye on sourdough for the past couple years but have not had courage to try let this be your year. This goal is great if you are looking to save your family money this year with from scratch bread, plus it ads a new skill to your homemaker toolbox. You do not need much to start- just a jar, unbleached flour, and water. (Get my recipe for a from scratch sourdough starter with simple, day-by-day instructions here!)

If you are looking to learn this skill go grab a copy of my mini e-book, The Beginner’s Guide to Simple Sourdough, to learn all about how to make and maintain a starter without all the hassle and stress. My method was designed for busy homemakers and mamas who want to learn the art but do not have time or energy to do it! This guide cuts through all the nitty gritty, sciency information and gets you started simply.

5. Reading more.

If I am being honest this has landed on my New Year goal list for probably five years in a row, and I am not getting any closer to achieving the goal! I often find myself so busy, caught up in the daily grind that I do not make the time to read like I should. Reading my Bible daily is about the extent of my achievement (if that somedays!). I have found the past couple years that if I set a very reachable goal in this area I’m far more likely to achieve it. It may sound laughable but my goal this year is one book a quarter. That will be four more books than I probably would have read without having this goal!

Great Reads for Homemakers to Add to Your List This Year!

6. Growing your own food.

This is a great goal no matter where you live or what season of life you are in. You don’t need acres of property and hours of time to go a tomato plant on your back patio. You can even grow an amazing herb garden from your apartment balcony! Whatever your capacity in this season try growing something. This also aligns with the goals of cooking from scratch more and saving money!

You can learn how to preserve your harvest in this post!

7. Enjoy the Sunshine.

As homemakers it is easy for us to get so busy inside that we forget to take time outside. Time in nature and vitamin D from the sun are proven to boost our immune systems, moods, and provide nutrients to our bodies. We need that time outside as homemakers for refresh our energy and keep us healthy!

One of my favorite goals for enjoying the sun and getting outside is the 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge. There are a lot of different ways to break it down but the basic idea is to spend 1,000 hours outdoors in a year. This averages to around 2.5-3 hours daily. Since I have very young children who LOVE to be outside and outside (as long as the weather isn’t cold!) is my most happy place this is a very achievable goal! I would say in the summer months we probably average around 4–5 hours outside per day.

Maybe this sounds like a lot for you in your current season. You may want to just try spending 30 minutes or one hour outside daily this year. Whatever the goal I highly encourage you to set aside some time to enjoy the fresh air! It is a true game changer!

8. Prioritize your health.

A sick, low energy you means a messy house, less food from scratch, and wasting a lot more. It took me a while to realize this but being a better homemaker is not about spinning my wheels trying to get all the things done while my health goes down the drain. The old saying, “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” is very true especially in the area of homemaking and motherhood. That is why taking care of my body, getting my rest, and eating well are some of the top priorities when it comes to personal goals. Having low energy levels is not just a symptom of motherhood. Being cranky 24/7 is not a homemaker right of passage. These and other things are indicators of health issues, rest issues, and/or dietary issues. A few great ways to do this…

  • Prioritize your gut health! Did you know that the majority of your immune system lives in the gut? By making a few simple changes such as adding a quality probiotic you can be sick less and have more energy to complete your goals this year!
  • Eliminate toxins and hormone disruptors. This may sound complicated but it really is as simple as swapping out bad products with good ones. Start simple with the things you use every day- hairspray, deodorant, toothpaste, etc. and make better choices. You do not have to break the bank by doing it all at once. Just pick a few things and as you start to need them buy the best version you can afford!
  • Move your body every day! It does not have to be hard, involved exercises, daily trips to the gym, or hours of workout programs. Just make it your goal to do something and start somewhere!

This year make your health a priority. If not for you do it for your family! They’ll thank you later!

earthly wellness ad

Want to make better choices in the New Year but don’t know where to start? Try my friends over at Earthley Wellness! They have everything you need to ditch toxic products and switch to natural, affordable ones. They have products for the whole family- toiletry items, cold and fever remedies, baby care, products for hormone balance, and more!

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9. Support Small Business More

This is a big homemaker downfall of mine. When I need something I often find the quickest, cheapest way to get the thing before I forget and then move on with my day. Often this looks like a quick trip on my phone to amazon or Walmart and we call it done. This has its place in the homemaking world for sure but I am also looking to be more intentional with my spending this year. This includes shopping from small businesses whenever possible.

Well there you have it! These are a few of my homemaking goals this year and years past. I hope you found some inspiration for your own home and life! Let us know in the comments what your homemaker goals are!

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Easy Sourdough Christmas Tree Bread with Pesto and Parmesan

This sourdough Christmas tree bread recipe is festive and delicious! Swirls of pesto and parmesan cheese, soft and chewy sourdough bread, and marinara to dip it in. Get all the details and the printable recipe in this post!

sourdough Christmas tree bread

Sourdough Christmas Tree Bread

This is the cutest idea for a Christmas party or a family Christmas snack to munch on. I decided to do the pesto and Parmesan cheese because it gave it a more realistic vibe- the green and then the cheese made it look like sprigs from branches. However you could stuff this with anything. Cinnamon roll style, cranberry and herb, get creative! Tag us on Instagram @littlewifeinthewoods so we can see what you come up with!

Sourdough Style

Sure, you could probably make this bread with regular yeast. I haven’t tried personally but I’d say if you substitute around 2 tsp active yeast, 1 cup warm water, and use a bit less flour you will achieve a similar result- although lacking in the flavor department because you can’t beat sourdough!

dehydrated sourdough starter

That’s why I’m here to tell you about my dehydrated sourdough starter! If you don’t do sourdough now is the time! You can purchase a packet of my dehydrated sourdough starter over on Etsy and be making a loaf of bread in just three days after you get it in the mail.

Or learn to make your own sourdough starter from scratch here in this blog post and grab my Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough with all the information you need to get started!

Getting the Perfect Shape for Sourdough Christmas Tree Bread

Shaping your sourdough Christmas tree bread is easier than it looks! You are simply twisting and turning your dough into a tree. Here are some step by step directions for you!

1. Roll the dough into an oval, or almost egg shape on a heavily floured surface.

2. Using a bench scraper or a pizza cutter cut up at a slight angle. You should have around five or six sections and one odd triangle shape at the bottom. Red lines are indicators for step 3.

3. The top two sections are your topper or “star”. The rest are your limbs. You will cut each section into halves after you apply the pesto and parmesan cheese. See picture above; red lines are where you should cut in half.

The halves will be twisted into one single limb giving you around four to five limbs total.

4. The bottom, triangular section is your tree stump. Simply fold into thirds after stuffing.

Shaping the Topper of Your Tree

This is where I would personally like to get fancier and I may try this Christmas! My star turned out to be more of a blob but I think with the proper shaping you could get a more realistically shaped one.

Some ideas I have had are to twist the top two sections into more of a circle. Perhaps rolling the top sections out more would allow you enough dough to make an actual star shape! If the topper sounds too complex you could absolutely just make them into limbs following the same steps above. Whatever you do make sure you stuff the topper with lots of pesto and parm!

Making This Sourdough Christmas Tree Bread Recipe Beyond the Holiday Season

The flavors of this recipe can be enjoyed all year long without the festive flare. Pesto Parmesan sourdough bread began in the form of this artisan style recipe and it never disappoints! All the same delicious taste and texture. You can get the recipe here in this blog post to try after Christmas and into the New Year. And don’t forget! The New Year is the perfect time to start your own sourdough journey or to be more intentional about cooking from scratch. Make sure to subscribe to the email list for more from scratch recipes every week!

pesto parm bread
pesto parm sourdough christmas tree bread

Pesto Parmesan Sourdough Christmas Tree Bread

A delicious bread in the festive shape of a Christmas tree with swirling limbs stuffed with pesto and parmesan cheese!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 8 minutes
Fermentation Time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, bread, Pizza, Side Dish, Snack
Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup sourdough starter active and bubbly
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 3-3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp herbs rosemary, basil, or Italian blend
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 4 oz shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Combine sourdough starter and warm water in a large mixing bowl (or bowl of stand mixer). Allow to dissolve about five minutes. Stir.
  • Add honey, salt, baking powder, and 2 cups flour. Add flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough is nice and firm, pulling away from the sides of the bowl. (Mine took about 3 ¼ cups.)
  • Allow dough to rise for about one hour then ferment in the refrigerator overnight or on the countertop for about 8 hours.
  • After fermentation place dough on a well floured surface. Roll out in a egg shape by rolling folding the dough into thirds and shaping into a oval loaf. Then roll flat, rolling the bottom thinner than the top to make it an egg shape surface. See Picture.
    bread dough
  • Cut five strips at an upwards angle using a pizza cutter or bench scraper. Giving you four "branches", a topper, and a triangular shape at the bottom.
    sourdough bread dough
  • Apply pesto and parmesan cheese everywhere then cut the branches in halves (red lines in the previous picture indicate where you should cut into halves).
  • Shape the topper. Twist the two pieces you divided to form one individual branch. Fold the triangle at he bottom into thirds to form a stem. SEE NOTE.
    christmas tree bread
  • Allow to rise 30 minutes.
  • Bake at 350℉ for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce for best results.

Notes

For more detailed info on shaping your tree go check out the blog post section about shaping. 
Keyword christmas bread, christmas recipe, christmas tree bread, easy sourdough recipe, pesto parmesan bread, sourdough bread recipe, sourdough recipe
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The Best Sugar Cookie Dough Recipe for Kids

This is the perfect edible sugar cookie dough recipe for kids! A great consistency for playing and shaping as well as a tasty treat for the whole family after they bake. Enjoy this completely safe, from scratch sugar cookie recipe with your little this season!

sugar cookie

A Kid Friendly Sugar Cookie Dough

Over the years I have tried several sugar cookie recipes that are deemed “kid friendly” however some just lacked in the right consistency for playing or they were so firm that when you baked them they lacked in the taste department. My goal was to make a great cookie dough for kids to play with that also tasted great when baked! Here’s what I discovered….

Cream cheese. Cream cheese is the “secret sauce” of this recipe! It binds the dough together and thickens it without compromising on a moist and chewy cookie!

Less sugar. It is also somewhat important to me to limit the sugar where possible when it comes to the kids, the holidays, and winter sickness. I’m not a troll about it but I do care. So this recipe has less sugar than most but not to the point of tastelessness- it’s definitely sweet!

No eggs. It’s debatable…raw eggs in cookie dough and the safe consumption rules. When it comes to our kids we can never be too careful so this recipe is eggless.

Flour. The flour is the one ingredient standing between a crunchy, stiff cookie and a soft, chewy one. Too much flour will absolutely ruin a good sugar cookie. Too little will leave the dough too sticky for the kids. It took a bit of playing with things to get this recipe ratio just right.

child making sugar cookies

Making it Fun for the Whole Family

My kiddo is a nice, fresh two years old. I wanted to make fun Christmas cookies, but I also dreaded the mess. That is why I decided to keep it super simple. No fun, crazy sprinkles or icing (maybe next year!) just the simple, fun play of shaping the cookies and sneaking a bite of dough every now and then! This made it more fun for both of us.

I also taped down some parchment paper for her to play with the dough on. I would not have minded her just using the table surface but there is a crack and I didn’t feel like scrubbing cookie dough out of it for a week! Make sure you have a stress-free (for you!), safe environment for them to enjoy making their cookies on.

If you have bigger kids it might be fun to get more festive with things like icing, candy, sprinkles to decorate your sugar cookies. They can even help clean up when they’re done!

For babies and the one year old they will LOVE squishing the dough around in their hands! Or just eating it all like my youngest did. Either way, this is a completely enjoyable recipe for the whole family!

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If you have kids the holiday season equals sick season! That’s why I am so excited to share my friends Earthley Wellness with you! My family has been using them for a while now and we love their 100% natural products for things like immune boost, cold symptoms, fevers, headaches, and so much more. If you are looking for a natural remedy they probably have it! My favorite to keep on hand is their Feel Better Fast tincture for fever, cold, headaches, plus immune support. Use my link and the code LITTLEWIFE10 to get 10% off your first order!

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Baking Your Sugar Cookies

Baking these sugar cookies is super simple. Your main objective will be to not over-bake them. Depending on how thin/thick your kids roll them out you might need to adjust the bake time a bit. Ours only took about five minutes. You want to pull them out slightly doughy in the center for that nice, soft sugar cookie texture. If you like a crunchier cookie you can always bake them a bit longer.

Click here to get our recipe for Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies!

*Note: Since little kids will roll them out differently every time you may find it best to bake some of the thicker cookies on a separate sheet or roll the dough out for them.

sugar cookies

Sugar Cookie Dough Recipe for Kids

The funnest edible "play dough" for kids that also tastes great baked! This eggless play dough recipe is perfect for toddlers who want to grow their baking skills. Then enjoy soft, chewy sugar cookies made by your little ones!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 12 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp butter softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ⅓ cup cane sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2½-3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Combine butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add baking soda, salt, and 2 cups all-purpose flour. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time until the dough is firm and thick. (Do not exceed 3 cups.)
  • Roll dough out on a floured surface and allow children to eat and make fun shapes with the dough.
  • When the kids are done playing bake the cookies at 350℉ approximately 5 minutes. (Time will depend on thickness of the dough and could vary if you let the children roll the dough out- see post for more details.)
  • Optional: Sprinkle warm cookies with cane sugar or allow to cool 20-30 minutes and decorate with icing and sprinkles.
Keyword cookies, easy sugar cookies, edible cookie dough, edible cookie dough for kids, edible playdough, eggless cookie dough, eggless sugar cookies, sugar cookie recipe, sugar cookies
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Holiday Activities With Littles: How to Navigate Socially With Toddlers

I never knew until I became a mom just how tricky learning to navigate the holiday season can be. To be honest, it can suck the life and joy out of this wonderful season if you let it. Here are some helpful tips for navigating all the parties, family gatherings, and social events….

Capacity and Boundaries During the Holiday Season

We are not all created equal. AND THAT IS OKAY! Just because you see a mom out there with four kids and she’s doing all the things this season does not make you a bad or inadequate mom because you can’t handle that. We’re all different. Some of us thrive off the energy of the hustle and bustle- and we can do it all with that baby strapped to our hip! Others of us find it exhausting to go to that family gathering or social event all while trying to keep children happy and behaved.

Or maybe it’s certain social events that have you stressed out. An awkward family event you are just not sure you want your children to be exposed to. A Christmas party you know is going to be more exhausting than the fun is worth. That social gathering where you know entering is going to be begging to hold your newborn and upset when you say a polite, “no”.

seven weeks coffee company

Give the gift of life this season! 
My friends over at Seven Weeks Coffee Co. are saving lives with every purchase we make with them. They support and donate 10% of every order to pro life causes such as birth centers, prenatal care, and ultrasounds for those in need! If you are pro-life and a coffee drinker why not be both all at the same time? Plus, their coffee is directly sourced from farmers and completely toxin free! Use my link below and code TORI10 to get 10% off your first order!

Click here to Shop!

That is where boundaries come in. Acknowledge them. Express them. And don’t budge on them. Here’s what we mean…

If you have restrictions for your children regarding food, certain family members having access to them, naps, others holding the baby, whatever your nonnegotiables are, have a conversation with your spouse before the event. Make sure you’re both on the same page so that they can support you in them or sometimes even offer a different perspective. Then you won’t feel alone while trying to wrangle your children because each of you knows what’s expected of the other. Frustration with your spouse is usually rooted in assuming the other knew something that was never communicated to them. This goes both ways.

Don’t budge on your boundaries with people or situations you are uncomfortable with.

Realize your “no” is enough. You can say “No.” You don’t have to go to every holiday event. You don’t have to let everyone hold your baby. You don’t have to be pulled into the consumerism obsessed society. You don’t have to be so busy that you can’t enjoy your family. You can say no. It’s ok to say, “I’m sorry, I’m not in a season where I can do that right now.” And that’s it, that’s enough. No further explanation is needed. So, just in case you needed permission to say no, there it is.

Learn Where You Can Be Flexible

Learning what things are nonnegotiable for your family and what things it’s ok to relax on will help you enjoy the Christmas season so much more. Maybe nobody will die if we don’t make it home by 8p.m. for bedtime, or maybe they will? Maybe we can skip a nap, or maybe that’s not an option for your child because they really need it (maybe you really need it.). Maybe they can have some sugar this time, or maybe they’ll be really sick if they do? Only you know what things are ok to let slide. Figure out what works for your family. If you try to keep up with it all, you’ll go crazy and miss any joy you could’ve had.

Prioritizing who is most important in your social circles will help you in deciding when and where to be flexible. My (Tori’s) husband’s family lives in Africa as missionaries so when they are in town for the holidays we will be as flexible as we can be to accommodate them and the fact that they don’t get every Christmas with us. On the opposite side of the scale some social events will be put on the back burner because we’re just too busy.

Keeping Your Littles Well This Holiday Season

This is sick season. Mainly because of the lack of sunlight frombeing stuck inside, and all of the sugar that comes with this time of year.

You’re gonna want to support your littles bodies extra. Some ways you can do this are by giving them elderberry syrup, a good probiotic, a quality vitamin C, and nutritious food. Adding these things daily can help keep your little one’s immune system strong to help fight off all the germs they’ll be exposed to this season.

earthly wellness ad

Speaking of health…have you heard of my friends over at Earthley Wellness? They have everything you need to keep yourself and your littles healthy this season! Check out their multiple products for immune support for everyone from newborns to breastfeeding mamas! Plus, their Vitamin C tincture is 25% off the entire month of December- the perfect immune booster for the whole family.

Click here to Shop

Newborn and Baby Tips

I’m not gonna lie, this is a hard season to navigate. We both have had newborn babies for the holidays and this can be so fun! It can also be exhausting.

My biggest tip is to get your rest. If your baby is a newborn that means you’re still in your postpartum era. Your body needs to heal and social events are not your priority right now.

Baby wearing. If you want your newborn or baby close to you without a big fight on your hands, baby wearing is the way to go!! Chances are they fall asleep in there and you are able to enjoy the time with family without having to explain this very common sense boundary.

Make sure your boundaries are VERY clear. Sometimes all you have to do is let people around you know what the boundaries are. I truly believe most people are not just trying to be belligerent, they probably just do not know what the boundaries are. If you don’t want people to touch simply say, “There are a lot of germs going around right now. Please don’t touch her hands or face.”

Breastfeeding. This can be tricky to navigate if you are breastfeeding your baby. Some social situations are completely fine with you nursing publicly while covered. Other places you will find it very awkward and uncomfortable for yourself or others. I find that the car is my safe place in all social situations where there is not a designated place I feel comfortable in. I keep a nursing cover out there at all times. You may find that nursing is the perfect excuse to get away and chill for a minute!

Toddler Tips

Toddlers, while in different ways, can be just as tricky in social situations! They want to touch everything, maybe you have a picky eater, or one that needs that nap. Here’s a few helpful tips I’ve learned…

Bring what you know they need. Whether it’s a snack you know they will eat, a sound machine for naps, or a few toys to keep them busy being prepared for what you can be is so helpful.

Leave early. There is nothing wrong with cutting out early if your toddler is starting to go downhill quickly!

Touching things. I work on this constantly so that when we’re at sometime else’s home I can say a simple “no touch” and get quick obedience. However, new environments often test the skills we train for in new ways. In these situations I like to distract them with something they can touch (a toy we brought, things the host has placed out for them to play with, etc.). This usually works great!

We hope these tips help you this holiday season! If you still find yourself feeling stressed just remember to relax- it will all be over before you know it. Remember the true reason for this Season is not about us but the Prince of Peace Who can give you all the peace you need this season- even in the most stressful situations.

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The Best Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

This delicious and easy to make cranberry chocolate chip cookies are filled with the sweet fruity taste of dried cranberries and decadent chunks of dark chocolate. Perfect for parties, large batch baking, or filling up the freezer for a quick and easy dessert! Guaranteed to be the recipe you can’t go wrong with!

cranberry chocolate chip cookies
cranberry chocolate chip cookies
christmas cookie ingredients

The Key to the Best Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

There are TONS of cookie recipes all over the internet these days! Everyone claims to have the “best” or the “softest” and many other words to describe why their cookie is number one. I have to say in most cases, the best cookie is the one I’m eating- they’re all delicious!

This tip is specifically for this recipe and that is chilling the dough. Sounds super simple! However, for this recipe it is the key. I will be honest, I skip over this step on pretty much all cookie recipes I find online. You can with this one but I have found that the best results happen with adding this very inconvenient and somewhat annoying step.

So the key to getting the best cranberry chocolate chip cookies is chilling the dough overnight in the refrigerator. If you are short on time you can chill the dough in the freezer for about an hour instead. The reason for this step and its necessity is that it helps all the butter to incorporate with the other ingredients. If you choose not to chill the dough you will have a GREAT tasting cookie but it will be a bit less fluffy and very flat. This is great if you prefer a crunchier taste.

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Making Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies Healthier

I realize this is a cookie recipe and more than likely if you are here you probably are not looking for a healthy version! However, I always like to offer options in my recipes for a bit of a healthier option. I will not say that using this method will make these cookies “healthy”, it may just make them better for those with dietary issues. Here are some tips for making cranberry chocolate chip cookies healthier…

  • These cookies do call for lots of sugar. I personally prefer using organic cane sugar. It is still sugar but it is a bit less processed and a more natural option. The recipe also calls for a good bit of brown sugar. If you want a healthier option you could use the same amount of brown coconut sugar instead or make your own brown sugar using maple syrup and cane sugar.
  • Using organic cranberries sourced from a place you can trust is another way to make a more healthy, natural version of this recipe. I use Thrive Market- my one stop grocery store for all things quality, non-toxic ingredients! They have everything from snacks to pantry staples and beyond. Get $60 in FREE groceries when you use my link!
  • Zero added sugar (or lower sugar count) dark chocolate is another great way to help these cookies be a bit friendlier to the body. There is plenty of sugar in the cookie itself that when you add a low sugar or zero sugar chocolate it actually creates a beautifully balanced taste.

Ingredient List for Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

As always I like to provide a little grocery list in addition to the ingredient list found in the recipe card. To make it simple you can copy and paste the list below to your notes app or screenshot this section of the post.

  • white sugar (or organic cane sugar)
  • brown sugar (or brown coconut sugar)
  • eggs- 2 large
  • butter- 2 sticks or 1 cup
  • vanilla extract
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • all-purpose flour
  • 1 bar dark chocolate
  • cranberries- about 1/2-3/4 cup depending on preference
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Freezing Cookie Dough

The most efficient method for freezing cookie dough is to freeze them in individual, pre-shaped cookies that are ready to pop on a pan and into the oven. This method is perfect for individual or small family snacking. Larger families may find it easier to bulk freeze the dough since you will need more cookies at a time.

To individually freeze pre-shaped cookies, line a baking sheet with parchment, shape balls or rounds of cookie dough, place them on the baking sheet and allow to freeze overnight or until solid. Remove the cookies from the baking sheet after freezing and place them in an airtight container or ziplock freezer back for storage. To bake simply place cookie dough pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

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cranberry chocolate chip cookies

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cookies

Cranberry and Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Decadent dark chocolate chunks and delicious dried cranberries in a soft, chewy cookie that will melt in your mouth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time (optional) 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 24 -30 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup white or cane sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar or brown coconut sugar
  • 2 sticks salted butter softened
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • 3-3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 bar dark chocolate hand chopped into chunks
  • ½-¾ cup organic dried cranberries

Instructions
 

  • Cream together softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add eggs one at a time.
  • Add salt, baking powder, baking soda, and 2 cups of flour. Continue adding ½ cup of flour at a time until the dough is thick and holds shape well.
  • Add hand chopped chocolate bar (chunks) and ½-¾ cup of cranberries to the dough. You may need to hand mix them into the batter because of the thickness.
  • OPTIONAL (for best results): Allow the dough to chill in the refrigerator overnight or in the freezer for one-two hours.
  • Arrange the dough on a greased baking sheet and bake for 325℉ for 8-10 minutes or until the tops start to turn golden brown.
Keyword chocolate chunk cookie, christmas cookie recipe, christmas cookies, cookie, cookie recipe, cranberry cookies, cranberry dessert, dark chocolate cookie, dried cranberry, easy cookies, festive cookies, holiday baking recipes, quick cookie recipe
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Finding Joy in a Simple Christmas Mindset

In a world of consumerism and a culture that says Christmas is all about things we are here to tell you there is joy in a simple Christmas. The simple, minimal pleasures of Christmases past remind us that the size of the gifts does not matter. It’s the laughter we share, the memories we make, and the Reason for the season that makes all the difference!

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The Biggest Question: What am I Teaching My Children About Christmas?

As we now have families of our own, it’s caused us to question everything we do. Knowing it is our example they are following. The Christmas season is no exception to these considerations. Of course, we’ll tell them Christmas is about Jesus, but in what ways will we show them? If we say Christmas is about Jesus, but it feels like it’s all about the presents, have I really portrayed a Christ-centered Christmas? That is where our desire for a more minimal Christmas began. Taking a step back from the consumer mindset and finding value in the things that really matter. We’re not saying if you’re an extravagant Christmas doer, you’re wrong. This is just how we feel The Lord nudging our hearts.

A Minimal Mindset Teaches Sacrificial Giving

Are my children understanding that it is better to give than to receive? A way you can implement this is to allot some of your Christmas budget for your little kids to pick a gift out for their siblings. As they are older and can earn money, you can have them pay for the gift themselves or at least a part of it. Even better than purchasing a gift would be to have them make something. They can bake them cookies, draw them a picture, or build them something. The heart in these projects is much greater than the expense of a store bought gift. These gifts cost time. The most valuable resource.

A way to teach this is to have your children pick out a toy that they enjoy (not just one that sits in the closet) and donate it to your local church for families in need. To demonstrate how The Lord honors sacrificial giving, you can replace or upgrade that gift with their “something you want” gift category. The goal is to teach your babies that The Lord will always honor doing what is right. Until they get to the age they can understand to do right just for the sake of doing right, knowing that He sees all.

Keeping the “Big Man” out of it.

We’re sure this will ruffle some feathers, but we don’t do Santa. In fact, we think Santa is very wrong. If for no other reason than it’s lying to your children. We all know how The Lord feels about lying, so I don’t think we really need to go further right now. If you’re looking to lean into a more minimalistic Christmas, that’ll be difficult if your children are looking at their presents as a measure of their goodness and what they’re entitled to.

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A Simple Christmas Does Not Have to Mean Boring

We have “amped” Christmas up so much with our consumer culture that often when we think of scaling things down we equate it with boredom. However, maybe what is minimal in today’s world is actually just what “normal” is. The small gifts that spark so much joy, the time spent together, the food we share. These things are only boring when we have allowed ourselves to embrace the stuff, the chaos, and the money pit that is the Christmas of our culture.

Practical Ways to Incorporate a Minimal Mindset into your Simple Christmas this Season

We would be lying if we weren’t thrilled to give our little Christmas gifts. This post is not at all encouraging you not to give gifts or even to be stingy and grinchy in your giving. After all, Christmas is all about giving!

If we have not made it clear so far our motive behind a more minimal and simple mindset when it comes to Christmas is to teach our children it is not about all the toys, the big expensive presents, or the things the world says we all need at this time of year.

Here are some fun ways to give amazing gifts while still having a balanced approach…

The Five Gift Rule

The five gift rule is where you give a gift out of each of these categories:

  • Something to do
  • Something to wear
  • Something to read
  • Something you want
  • Something you need

Some gift givers also like to add another category called “something special.” Which involves giving a gift of more sentimental value or importance.

My favorite of these is something to do. I enjoy experience gifts. Some ideas for this might be a family day trip somewhere local, an outside toy for the kids to share as a combined gift, or even tickets to a family attraction. It’s the gift of making memories.

There are a few ideas behind this gifting strategy. One is being more intentional. Having a set amount of gifts to give causes one to put more thought into what the receiver might enjoy the most. Another idea is that it takes the stress out of Christmas shopping. Since you’re giving out of each category, it narrows down the options and makes it a little easier.

Simple Decor

If you’re on a tight budget or just want to be less of a consumer and more of a reuser, check thrift stores for Christmas decor. Often, you can find some adorable vintage decor for cheap. You’ll probably have to search through a lot of ugly things to find it, but it’s in there. Keep digging.

Homemade Gifts

Can we please bring this back as a tradition! I adore homemade gifts, specifically the edible kind. Home grown and canned goods, from scratch breads and butter. All hand packaged with curled ribbons. It screams Christmas to me. I love it! Aren’t a baker? How about something sewn or crocheted? Something carved or crafted? The possibilities go on, but the point is the thought and heart that go into it.

Pictures

I used to think it seemed selfish to gift someone a picture of yourself or your family. As I’ve gotten older, I understand that family, grandparents especially, treasure nothing more than their loved ones and value those pictures greatly. You can even add to the minimal mindset and thrift the frames or have your children personalize them.

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Our Approach on Limiting Others

While we have chosen the more minimalistic approach for our home, I never limit the grandparents or other family in the items they gift. The only limits we place there are the standards and convictions we have set for our home. Things like our views on magic or electronics, and any characters we wouldn’t support. There are plenty of things we choose to set ourselves apart from out of a biblical stance, so the things that are optional I try not to limit. Spoiling grandchildren is a right of passage.

How Will You Continue to Keep Christmas Simple in the Future?

If every year you are trying to “wow” your children with all the gifts and gadgets you are eventually going to run out of stuff. I saw a Facebook post of a mom with teens who was desperately searching for ideas among friends on what to buy for her children this year. They have everything- the video games, the cell phones, ATVs, name brand clothing. There seems like there is nothing left to really knock their socks off this year.

Sadly, this is what our culture has become.

This approach to Christmas eventually leaves the giver and the receiver with less and less joy over giving during the holidays. It just does not spark our excitement like it used to. A minimal mindset is just the opposite. It realizes that the season is more about the simple than the extravagant. It does not mean you are giving your children less- you are giving them more than stuff!

Maybe you have been on this consumer Christmas track for a while now. You have a fine year old or maybe even a pre-teen. It’s never too late to take a step back! We challenge you to give yourself this Christmas. Give your time, give your presence- not just presents.

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