Beating Holiday Stress, Get Your UK on Apple Bread Pudding, and a Delicious Ready-To-Go Organic Snack for Kids

With winter holidays and gift-giving right around the corner the pressure of all that we moms have to do might be starting to weigh you down right about now. But (in Bobby McFerrin’s words) don’t worry, be happy!

Being stressed is a completely natural way to feel, but the truth is it won’t help get anything done, in fact it’s more likely to waste your valuable time, than anything else. Having the time to get the perfect gifts for everyone in your life is virtually impossible, so don’t even try. Instead, consider easing your gift load by getting gift certificates, giving donations as gifts, or giving the same gift to a number of people (e.g. chocolate from your favorite chocolate maker). For smaller gift giving, consider making or buying a food gift, since it will more likely be enjoyed than tucked away. Cookies and jams are biggies to give, but feel free to stray from the norm: infused oils, soup mixes, or my fav—homemade caramels!


Recipe:

Apple Bread Pudding

Mix up your dessert favorites with this healthy and delicious apple bread pudding. Your kids will love it. It is not overly sweet and is a wonderful comfort food for winter.

serves 6-8

Ingredients
4 cups soft whole wheat or multigrain bread cubes
2 cups organic apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 3/4 cups milk of choice
1/4 cup butter or Earth Balance
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, beaten

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 6" x 10" (1 1/2 quart) or similar baking dish.

2. In a large bowl combine bread, apples and raisins. In small saucepan, combine brown sugar, milk and butter. Cook over medium heat until butter is melted. Pour over bread mixture in bowl. Let stand 10 minutes.

3. Stir in cinnamon, vanilla, and eggs. Pour into prepared baking dish. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until center is set and apples are tender.


Product:

Revolution Foods Jammy Sammy

This snack bar has so many great qualities I had to shout it out. First of all, it is organic. Second, it doesn’t have all the bready corners and edges that most cereal bars have (although it’s not really a cereal bar). Third, it’s got a substantial peanut butter and jelly middle, which makes it a substantial snack. Lastly, there is no plastic or bulky wasteful packaging involved.

They aren’t the easiest snacks to find, but you can usually get them at Whole Foods Markets.



"Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths." - Etty Hillesum