Happy Friday, Bethany,

I wanted to share a different kind of recipe with you as we move through the holiday season. This one isn’t to make a meal but to create a stovetop potpourri that will make your home smell as warm & cozy as any candle you purchase.

Why do I recommend this over burning a candle? Well, because candles are full of fragrance (obviously, that’s what gives them their scent). But did you know that “fragrance” is a blanket term that covers over 3,000 different, unregulated, chemicals? Companies aren’t required to disclose the chemicals used because they’re considered a “trade secret.”

Unfortunately for us as consumers, exposure to these chemicals puts us at significant risk for skin, respiratory, hormonal, and even neurological problems. Not to mention it places an unnecessary burden on our GI system and its ability to naturally detox. These chemicals have an even more profound effect on children, whose bodily systems are rapidly developing.

There are lots of recipes out there for homemade potpourri (which actually make really lovely teachers’ gifts, hostess gifts, etc.!), but I keep it pretty simple at home and in a small pot of water, simmer:

• Any citrus peels (grapefruit, orange, and clementine are my favorite, but lemon would work, too)

• 1-2 cinnamon sticks

• 4-6 whole cloves, optional

Stay well,
Bethany

BETHANY’S PICKS

We are currently trying a dairy-free diet for my son (more information to come at some point), and have been experimenting with different vegan cheeses. A lot of dairy-free options contain inflammatory oils, which by now you know is a big no-no for me. I just found this vegan mozzarella at Trader Joe’s which is cashew-based and melts really well. We’ve used it for homemade pizza and so far so good!

Note: I generally don’t recommend eliminating whole food groups without a very specific reason, especially for children. Please don’t cut out a food group without speaking with a professional first.