This was our 9th Disney cruise and it never gets old. We come back every year because it creates the best family memories. I have photos of Jadyn on the ship when she was little, and now getting to see it through Elliott and Poppy eyes… there’s something so special about that. It is one of our favorite traditions we do as a family!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your first loaf of sourdough bread! While you don’t need bread in your diet. But if you’re going to eat it, sourdough is worth learning and sooo delicious!

In recent years, the war on gluten has led a lot of people to cut out wheat entirely. We were one of them for a while! These days, the main gluten I eat is in sou…

Almost years ago, I signed up for a sourdough class because it seemed too overwhelming to try to figure out on my own. I was a bit confused on the starter portion of the whole process. I had been following Ballerina Farm for a while and she was selling sourdough starter kits on her site, so I ordered the set.

It’s a lot of extra processing and ingredients I had to look up what they meant for something that’s supposed to be simple. I’d rather make them at home with only four real ingredients I recognize and know exactly what my kids are eating. The grass-fed beef gelatin also gives them a boost of collagen and amino acids that help support gut health and digestion. Plus, homemade just tastes better.

When we first moved in, our neighbors brought over a gift bag filled with homemade marshmallows, a cozy mug, and their own coffee mix. It was the sweetest welcome and I thought it would be so cute for a thoughtful holiday housewarming idea. She mentioned how easy the marshmallows were to make and that she loved melting one into her morning coffee, which I immediately tried. We’ve been making them ever since.

You can make them any flavor you want depending on the season. Cinnamon or nutmeg for fall, peppermint for winter, or even add little vanilla bean specks if you want to keep it classic. The flavor combinations are up to whatever you want.

I’m leaving this batch out on the counter for a few days at room temperature so they dry slightly before we roast them over the fireplace. Perfect for hot cocoa season! Recipe below:

Ingredients1 cup water, divided3 tbsp grass-fed gelatin (I use this one)1 cup maple syrup2 tsp vanilla extract (or up to 4 depending on preference, I like it with 4) this is the one I use 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (optional)

Instructions

* Add ½ cup water to the bowl of a stand mixer or large mixing bowl.

* Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it sit a few minutes to soak and soften.

* In a small saucepan, add the remaining ½ cup water and maple syrup. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.

* Turn your mixer on low speed and slowly pour the hot syrup mixture into the bowl.

* Add the vanilla extract, then increase the speed to high and whip for 8 to 10 minutes, until it’s thick, glossy, and fluffy. It should barely fall off the whisk.

* Quickly pour the mixture into a parchment-lined dish or baking sheet and smooth the top with a spatula. I like using a 9x13 glass dish with parchment cut to fit the bottom, then sprinkle a little arrowroot powder over the parchment paper before pouring. It makes lifting them out so much easier once they’ve set.

* Let it set in the refrigerator for a few hours to set before cutting into squares.

* If you want, dust with arrowroot powder to keep the pieces from sticking.

NotesKeep them stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 10 days, or in the fridge for a couple of months.If you plan to roast them, leave them out for a day or two first so they dry a little and hold up better over the fire.