Mary Bryant Shrader's Blog, page 6

Thoughtful Holiday Homemade Gifts and Best Board Games for Families

The holiday season is upon us, sweet friends! This is the time to slow down, savor the joy of giving, and gather around the table with loved ones. In today’s video, my husband Ted and I share ideas for stress-free shopping and heartfelt gifting, from easy homemade treats—including a homemade hot chocolate mix—to our favorite family board games. These ideas will help you create a thoughtful and meaningful holiday season, all while keeping things simple and fun!

Thoughtful Holiday Gifts ...

How to Turn Game Night into Gourmet Fun with the Charcuterie Board Game

The other morning, Ted and I were up early and had a little extra time before diving into our day. Instead of heading straight into the hustle and bustle, we decided to enjoy a quiet moment together over a game of Charcuterie. If you’re not familiar with this delightful board game, let me tell you – it’s a gem! In my board game review, I will share how Charcuterie is simple to learn, quick to play, and such a treat for foodies and board game lovers alike.

Affiliates note: As an Amazon Associa...

Fromage: A Charming Board Game for Cheese Lovers and Family Fun

After our Thanksgiving meal, my husband Ted and I enjoyed a little time at home resting and relaxing and then playing a delightful board game we recently discovered called Fromage. It’s a fun and lighthearted game that had us laughing and strategizing. The cozy atmosphere of our kitchen table and a game filled with friendly competition made for the perfect end to a beautiful day.

Affiliates note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My content may contain affiliate lin...

Baking with Ancient Grains in the Traditional Foods Kitchen

Discover the timeless art of baking with ancient grains like Einkorn, Emmer, and Spelt, and transform your favorite recipes into nutrient-rich delights with a rustic, old-world charm. In my latest vodcast for members of the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy, you’ll learn how to adjust your baking techniques for these unique flours and unlock their rich flavors in everything from sourdough bread to flaky pie crusts.

Watch the Baking with Ancient Grains member video

These conversational vod...

How to Make a White Spelt Flour Pie Crust

The three most popular ancient grains to bake with are Einkorn, Emmer, and Spelt, and out of these nutritious selections, Spelt is the easiest to get started baking with. In today’s video, I’ll show you how easy it is to make a delightful white Spelt pie crust using all-purpose Spelt flour. It’s buttery, flaky, and perfect for sweet or savory pies. You’re going to love using this healthier alternative for your holiday baking!

So watch the video tutorial below and make this pie crust the next...

How to Make a Blender Pumpkin Cake with Spelt

If you’re looking for an easy-to-make cake for your Thanksgiving dessert table, try this Blender Pumpkin Cake made with Spelt Flour that comes together in minutes. You’ll delight your guests with a recipe that’s in the holiday spirit but is something different from pumpkin pie.

Watch the video tutorial below and discover why a Blender Pumpkin Cake will be one of the easiest cakes you’ll ever make. You’ll also learn all my best tips for keeping this cake as light as a feather!

Note: if you...

How to Make a Blender Pumpkin Cake

If you’re looking for an easy-to-make cake for your Thanksgiving dessert table, try this Blender Pumpkin Cake that comes together in minutes. You’ll delight your guests with a recipe that’s in the holiday spirit but is something different from pumpkin pie.

Watch the video tutorial below and discover why a Blender Pumpkin Cake will be one of the easiest cakes you’ll ever make. You’ll also learn all my best tips for keeping this cake as light as a feather!

Note: if you’re looking for an eas...

How to Make a Warm and Crumbly Coffee Cake

Embarking on your journey to create a traditional foods kitchen is exciting and rewarding, and this coffee cake recipe is a perfect place to start! You’ll learn how to choose wholesome, natural ingredients over processed ones, enhance the nutritional value of your meals, and revive traditional kitchen skills.

So watch the video tutorial below to learn how to swap modern flour for Spelt—an ancient, healthier grain—and use Sucanat as a more nutritious alternative to white sugar. You’ll also le...

Are We Paying Too Much for Chicken? Explaining Labels and Prices

What’s the best way to begin your traditional foods journey? I always recommend starting with a roast chicken because it’s a tasty and nutritious meal, and you can use the leftover chicken to make multiple recipes, including chicken bone broth and soups. Making a roast chicken gives you the lifelong culinary skills you can use to create your traditional food kitchen.

In today’s video, we’ll talk about the kind of chicken you should choose for roasting and how you can be sure you’re paying a ...

The Feast of Saint Francis: A Joyful Celebration of Faith, Love, and the Annual Pet Blessing!

This Friday, October 4th, was the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi. If you are not familiar with Francis, as some simply refer to him, he is one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic tradition. He’s known for his deep humility, profound love for all of God’s creation, and unwavering commitment to living a life of simplicity.

Affiliates note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My content may contain affiliate links to products and services. If you click through a...