Faith Titus

I don’t know about you, but there is something nostalgic and childlike about marshmallows. Addie gets giddy going over to her friend Mary Alice’s house because she gives her little mini marshmallows as a treat. But I just can’t get behind the refined white sugar and nasty preservatives in standard store-bought versions.

And while there is a bit of a waiting process in making the healthier version yourself, they are SUPER EASY. It’s only four ingredients, honey, water, grass-fed gelatin, and vanilla, which most paleo folks probably already have.

And these marshmallows are easily customizable. I had some sprinkles leftover from a birthday cake I topped 1/3 of them with, some mini chocolate chips on the other 1/3, and I left the rest plain. If I were to make these again, I would try adding cinnamon on the tops of the plain for a spiced version.

Another great thing about these marshmallows – like they need any other reasons to be great- is that they are perfect for your favorite warm winter drink. So whether you’re sipping coffee, hot chocolate, or an alternative tea version like me, these marshmallows will add just the right level of sweetness to your holiday drink.

Print Recipe

Paleo Marshmallows

These paleo marshmallows are a fun go-to, sweet treat sure to please all ages

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time10 mins

Setting Time6 hrs

Equipment

• Stand Mixer
• Cookie Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Saucepan
• Candy thermometer
• Stove

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup raw honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp grass-fed gelatin
• Coconut oil
• arrowroot starch

Instructions

• First, start by adding 1/2 cup of water to your mixing bowl and sprinkle your gelatin over the water, allowing it to absorb all the liquid. Let this sit for approx. 10 minutes
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Use coconut oil to grease the parchment and then dust with arrowroot powder to keep the marshmallow from sticking
• While your gelatin is blooming, add the other 1/2 cup of water to a saucepan, along with your honey and vanilla extract
• Heat your honey mixture until it boils and comes to about 240 degrees
• Once it reaches this temperature, turn your mixer on low and slowly pour your honey in with the gelatin
• Once all of the honey is added, turn your mixer up to medium-high, and mix for approx 10 minutes until your fluff turns white and nearly triples in size
• Quickly spread your marshmallow fluff onto your prepared sheet pan and let sit for approx 6 hours, or you can put in the fridge to shorten the time
• Before cutting, remove the parchment paper and marshmallow from the pan, and dust the top of your marshmallow with arrowroot powder
• Using coconut oil on your knife, carefully cut your desired size marshmallows (I like to make some small and some large)
• After cutting, take a small bowl and add a few tablespoons of powder. Then dust a spatula with powder and use to remove marshmallows from the parchment paper, dropping them directly into the powder mixture to get rid of any stickiness remaining on the sides
• store in an airtight container for up to a week.

I recently saw another influencer (@elysendean) share about her salt dough ornaments she makes with her kiddos each year. It reminded me of the ornaments I used to make with my preschool kiddos back when I taught Pre-K, or my camp kids when I led arts and crafts.

I decided to make my own variation though, by adding cinnamon to the mix, which makes the whole house smell lovely, and the texture of the finished ornaments a bit more rustic.

These cinnamon salt dough ornaments are SUPER easy to create, making it effortless to involve your kiddos. And all the tired mommas said, “YAY!”

In making these ornaments over the years, I have found that rather than using a spoon, it comes together best using your hands to knead it together. If you have a slime or playdoh loving kiddo, they will LOVE helping with this part.

We made these handprint ornaments as gifts for grandparents and Shirley’s therapists & doctors, as well as one of each of the girl’s handprints for us. For the therapists and doctors, I created a little note to go with them that says, “I know I’m in good hands with you!” They have done so much for our family, and to serve Shirley. I want them to know how grateful we are.

I hope you take some time to make these wonderful creations this season! You can also use this recipe as a clay of sorts, to make animals and structures, if you so desire!

Christmas is coming RAPIDLY. With Thanksgiving so late this year, and everything with Shirley I feel like I’m so far behind. But I’m also reminded of what really matters, and that is spending time with family, taking time to appreciate those who have served us, and remembering the birth of our Messiah and the hope He brings. Resting in the Advent of Christ.

A few folks have asked me what I’m getting the girls, or how we handle gifts. We are a fairly minimal household. We want to cultivate spirits of gratitude and contentment so we do not do a lot of presents. But we also see the value in tradition and family rhythms.

In the past, I try to limit toys that don’t have a lot of purposes or are outgrown quickly. I also try to give quality toys that will last. But that said, Shirley has unique developmental needs, so toys I would have avoided in the past, are now toys that she loves and are vital to her development.

So here’s a rundown of what we got for the girls this year. And this is a conclusive list. We won’t get them anything else, because they have plenty as is!

Shirley Rose – 1 yr, special needs

Want:

Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Crib Toy and Sound Machine

This sea dream soother toy is perfect for Shirley who has some mild CVI. The lights and sounds are stimulating for her, but not so flashy that it excites her too much and triggers a seizure. It is good for her eyesight and social engagement.

Read:

Psalms of Praise; a Movement Primer by Baby Believer

I love the Baby Believer series of books. We already had two of their books we got for the girls last Christmas, but this year I wanted to get her this one that focuses on praise. I have been trying to read to Shirley more often to develop her language skills and to also be able to speak Truth. Her hearing is sharp, and while she can’t express herself, I know she is taking in a lot.

See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book by Priddy Books

These books are amazingly thought out to engage the senses. With different textures to touch and feel and see, it is perfect for a young baby, or a child with some developmental needs.

Wear:

Faux-Suede Sock Booties for Baby

 

Shirley won’t be walking any time sooner-likely ever- but that doesn’t mean her feet don’t get cold. These little slip-on booties are perfect for keeping her toes warm this winter and avoid excessive bulk in a sole that she doesn’t need.

 

Read:

Stocking Stuffers –

We focus on consumable stocking stuffers. Things that will be used up, and not just taking up space.

Toothbrush (Walmart)

I love to host parties. It stresses me out insanely, but I love putting everything together, baking, and making things for people I love. Hosting both our families for the girl’s birthdays is always a feat. From food allergies to just specific preferences, I try to have something that everyone can enjoy, without compromising what I believe to be good food.

For Shirley’s party, it was simple. There was no cake smash, or opening of presents(though we don’t push that to be part of our girl’s birthday parties anyway), and no games. It was a simple time for all of us to gather together. To celebrate this little girl who has taught us so much about life and the faithfulness of our God.

I kept the food simple to a charcuterie spread, with lots of options. After the fact, I realized I had forgotten to put out the nuts and dried fruit I had. But no one but me noticed, as there was plenty of food. Aside from what was here, I made a bison vegetable soup using my homemade bone broth. There was barely enough for a bowl left at the end -everyone loved it. I hope to share the recipe soon – though the rich flavor comes from making your bone broth.

My momma made the cupcakes for the party! They were nut-free, dairy-free, paleo toadstools(aside from the fondant covering the coconut oil icing, which most of us took off), and they were incredibly tasty. They were a perfect touch for this woodland theme, in addition to my vegan hedgehog ball, made from soaked cashews and nutritional yeast. He was a big hit! If you’re comparing it to cheese, it won’t be able to hold up, but if you view it as its own thing, it is absolutely delicious!

I added some balloons because Shirley LOVES balloons, as does her big sister. And Addie wanted some of her pumpkins to be on the table too.

Unfortunately, Shirley was pretty out of it for most of her party. We had started a new med earlier in the week to help control her seizures that had been slowly becoming more frequent again. The adjustment period has been rough on her. She slept a portion of the party, and just wanted to be held by momma for the rest.

We have been taking a lot of time to learn how to communicate with this little one. From body language to eye gaze, we are starting to pick up on things that many would miss. There is a lot more going on in her little mind than most people realize. And communication is far more than words.

Towards the end of the party, we all were able to sing happy birthday to Shirley. It was so simple, but it brought tears to my eyes. What a year it has been. She has faced more than most people face in a lifetime. But she is the most resilient and joyful little spirit. I only wish I suffered as well as she does. She is an example to us all.

Shirley’s life is so beautiful. Every breath she takes is a true miracle. Every night I put her to bed, I thank God for the chance to be her momma, and every morning I wake, I pray for strength to face whatever challenges come our way.

She may be behind in many areas, but she has come so far, and she has fought for every inch-stone she achieves. Happy Birthday sweet Shirley Rose. Here’s to praying for many more years celebrating the gift that you are to our family.