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2024 Ultimate Holiday Gift Giving Guide (For Everyone On Your List!)

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As a type A personality, I love planning ahead. I create checklists for holiday planning and I usually try to buy gifts early. This gives me something nice to look forward to, and on a practical level ensures everything gets here on time!

Many companies offer holiday deals earlier than ever to allow for extended shipping times, so I wanted to take advantage of these as well.

While we try to stick to experiences instead of stuff as much as possible (here are some of my favorite ideas from past years), it’s always nice to receive a thoughtful and well chosen gift.

This 2024 holiday gift list has all of our favorite gifts we’ve given and received as a family over the years. As much as possible, all these gifts are eco-friendly and limit plastic whenever possible. They’re also largely natural, organic, or health-promoting.

My 2024 Holiday Gift Giving Guide: Natural + Eco-Friendly!

Before jumping into the ultimate list, here are some other gift guides I’ve put together that might spark just the right idea for someone special:

If you’re looking for the mega master gift list, keep scrolling!

Christmas & Holiday Gift Ideas: Favorites for the Family in 2024

I’ve included my favorite gifts for every member of the family, age group, and interest level, so keep scrolling if you need ideas for a specific family member. They go in rough age order (from Mom and Dad to kids/babies) and then special interest gift ideas are below that (for the chef, the grandparents, white elephant gifts, etc).

I’ll start with some of my top picks!

Top Gift Picks

There are so many options in this ultimate gift guide that I wanted to start by highlighting a few of my favorites. These are brands that I love for a variety of reasons and many will work for various ages and stages of life. Plus many of them offer exclusive discounts for Wellness Mama readers.

Be sure to also check out my Black Friday and Cyber Monday guides after Thanksgiving as you can often find even steeper discounts on my favorite brands.

  1. Jaspr Air Purifier – I’ve used air filters for years and while I still like my old standbys I noticed a big difference in our air quality with the Jaspr. It’s super quiet and I love the sleek design. Use code wellnessmama for a $400 discount.
  2. LeelaQ – You don’t have to understand quantum mechanics to harness the power of it. Leela offers their quantum blocks which harmonize energy and help protect from harmful energies like 5G and other radiation. They offer a variety of quantum energy products for every budget.
  3. SomaLeaf – This roll-on pain relief is great for athletes, arthritis, menstrual pain, headaches, and so much more. It features CBD-enriched hemp oil along with over 20 other natural plant and essential oil extracts. SomaLeaf targets muscle and nerve pain while it increases circulation for faster healing times.
  4. Everbella – Most of us know the health benefits of collagen but we’re not all drinking a quart of bone broth every day. Everbella offers all the benefits of collagen in a delicious “caramel” flavored liquid version.  
  5. Purality Health – Our bodies need vitamin C for collagen production, immune health, and so much more. Purality is an easy way to get enough bioavailable vitamin C.  
  6. Just Thrive – This is one of my go-to supplement brands. While they offer lots of really good vitamins and supplements my favorite is their spore-based probiotics. They also come in a gummy version for kids (or anyone who prefers gummies!). Use code wellnessmama15 for a discount.
  7. Dry Farm Wines – I used to think since wine was natural I was getting health benefits from it. After I learned what was really in wine I switched to Dry Farm Wines. I love giving these as gifts and sipping on the occasional evening glass. Right now you can get an extra bottle for a penny with a new subscription.  
  8. Queen of the Thrones – Castor oil is all the rage right now but this remedy has been in use at least since ancient Egypt. I love it for boosting hair growth and supporting my lymphatic system and liver. Queen of Thrones offers superior quality and they even sell castor oil packs.
  9. Organifi – Sadly our soil and food nutrition aren’t what they used to be. Thankfully supplements like Organifi’s nutrient packed green drink mix can help fill in those gaps. It features superfoods like moringa, turmeric, and ashwagandha for a natural energy boost.
  10. Beam Minerals – Our cells, brain, metabolism, and everything else in the body need minerals to function. It’s virtually impossible to get enough through food alone which is why I like taking Beam Minerals.  
  11. Wizard Sciences – This line of supplements features C60 which acts as an antioxidant and is useful for a wide variety of health concerns. They have different products that target things like memory and improved athletic performance.

Gifts for Her (That She Won’t Just Pretend She Loves)

As kids, we always got my mom new kitchen gear as gifts. I remember feeling a little guilty because my brother and I got toys and fun gifts. I always thought she got the short end of the stick just getting kitchen items that she used for us. Then, I became a mom myself and developed a love for cooking. Now I get just as excited about new kitchen essentials!

This list includes some of the best practical (and some pampering) gifts for moms, wives, sisters, and best friends.

  1. Annmarie Gianni Skincare – Their trial pack is a great stocking stuffer and a great way to try their products. I love their cleanser and the anti-aging serum!
  2. Amazon Prime Gift Card – Let her get (almost) everything she wants with an Amazon gift card.
  3. Real Plans Membership – My biggest time saver – this plans all of my meals and shopping lists and can handle allergies, bulk prep day, and more!
  4. Shiatsu Massage Pillow – Seriously rivals an actual massage for half the price.
  5. Hydro Flask Water Bottle – The water bottle I use that keeps water cool (or hot) for days.
  6. Complete Facial Kit – Amazing facial oil with the highest quality ingredients and no junk.
  7. Purity Coffee – If you’re looking for a perfect cup of joe, look no further. Team this up with a coffee maker and you have a perfect gift for any mom, wife, or best friend!
  8. Dry Farm Wines – If she doesn’t like coffee, maybe wine is the way to her heart. They’re keto and paleo-friendly, sugar-free, lower alcohol, and organic!
  9. Wake-up Light Gentle Alarm Clock – Wake up gently to gradual light and sound
  10. Himalayan Salt Lamp – Soothing warm orange glow at night from these beautiful lamps.
  11. Blue Blocker Glasses – I wear these after dark for better sleep (some studies show avoiding blue light after dark helps melatonin levels). There are some fun colors and patterns to play with.
  12. 10,000 Lux Light – Feel blue in the winter? I use this super-bright light to keep my cortisol levels healthy.
  13. French Press Coffee Maker – Make wonderful coffee with this classic method. (And see above for the perfect coffee to use with this).
  14. Beam Drinks – Gift mom a better night’s sleep with Beam’s healthy hot cocoa. They offer other drink mixes too with nootropics, adaptogens, and other benefits for sleep, brain health, and more.
  15. Instant Pot – Revolutionize dinner! This electric pressure cooker makes roasts in about an hour and turns tough cuts of meat into deliciously tender meals.
  16. Grown-up Coloring Book and Markers – Coloring isn’t for kids anymore and studies show it may reduce stress levels. Try a “grown-up coloring book.”
  17. Music – I love to fill our house with Christmas music this time of the year. Whether it’s on while we decorate or open presents, it’s a must-have for our family. Another functional option is Wholetones therapeutic music to help Mom sleep or relax.
  18. A good book – Just off the top of my head… maybe The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox or The Wellness Mama Cookbook? 🙂 Ok, I’m biased, but it’s a great way to have all of the best recipes and health hacks on the site at your fingertips.
  19. Our Place – I love their Always Pan, an all-in-one pan that makes cooking and cleanup a breeze. They also have a wide variety of healthy cookware, bakeware, and even a non-toxic air fryer! Get up to 40% off the entire collection until December 3rd.
  20. Plant Therapy has some amazing lotions, body butters, and essential oils! They create everything with high-quality essential oils and are one of the most transparent brands I know.
  21. Anything from Wellnesse – My personal care line has everything from shampoo to hand sanitizer to toothpaste!
  22. Sometimes good bedding or a set of sheets can be a great gift to begin a bedroom makeover. I love these from Olive + Crate and even bought some for my girls.
  23. Spring & Mulberry – Not only are these chocolate bars beautiful, but they’re delicious. An automatic discount is applied to your order (or use code wellnessmama). Make anyone on your gift list happy with this one!

Gifts for Him (No Ties or PJs on This List)

I’ve always had the most difficult time finding good gifts for the men in my life. These have been some of their favorite gifts in recent years and they might be perfect for the guys on your list too. (Also, check the lists below for more specific ideas for the guys who travel a lot or who love the outdoors!)

  1. Magnetic Wrist Band – Holds nails and screws for the handyman.
  2. Fire Starter Kit – Useful tool from our favorite outdoor brand to start fires without matches or a lighter.
  3. Leather Toiletry Bag – This spacious buffalo leather bag is a great gift for the guy who loves to travel.
  4. Meat (and anything else!) Spices – Many of you know Laila Ali (daughter of the great Muhammad Ali) has created an amazing line of spice blends. The GOAT seasoning was inspired by the way the legendary boxer preferred his favorite cheeseburger and is a favorite in our kitchen.
  5. Lifestraw or Sawyer Water Filter – Survival water filter that fits in your pocket.
  6. Comfy Slippers – These felted wool slippers keep feet warm while wicking away sweat and neutralizing odor. Plus they’re fair trade and ethically sourced.
  7. Heat Proof BBQ Gloves – For the man who likes to grill, these gloves will protect his hands.
  8. Smart Wool Socks – Warm but not sweaty and they keep feet dry. Great for hiking or everyday use.
  9. Wine Aerator – Pour wine through this to improve flavor.
  10. 60-day Lantern for Camping – A really long-lasting lantern for the outdoorsman who loves to camp.
  11. A new razor – Alitura is one of my favorite brands for skincare and their high-quality razor shaves perfectly and is great for sensitive skin.
  12. Beard Oil– Great option for the bearded man in your life!
  13. YETI Rambler – This stainless steel and vacuum sealed large mug keeps things cold or warm for hours.
  14. Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottle – Insulated water bottle that keeps water cold for days.
  15. Defender Phone Case or Laptop Shield – Protect him from EMFs when using electronics. The Heat Shield is perfect for those who frequently use their laptops on their lap and need a layer of protection.
  16. Tactical Pen – More than just a pen, it works in all conditions and can break a car window if a person is trapped.
  17. ENO Hammock – Portable hammock that fits in a small bag and is great for travel and camping.
  18. Tactical Backpack – For the outdoorsman, this bag holds everything he could need.
  19. NFL Sports Coasters – These stainless steel coasters are a great gift for that sports guy who has everything.
  20. Myobuddy – A percussive heated massager that targets muscle and fascia. A lot of people use this for cellulite, I just use it for relaxation and fascia massage. Use code wellnessmama for a discount.

Gifts for Older Kids & Teens

My older kids have gotten harder to shop for, but these gifts all got their seal of approval!

  1. Buddha Board – A relaxing way to paint with just water (it evaporates and you can paint again).
  2. Archery Set – My kids have loved these GBG archery sets and they’re created for kids by kids. They have some helpful videos on their website as well.
  3. Leather Journal – A beautiful leather journal for sketching or journaling.
  4. Japanese Puzzle Box – These beautiful puzzle boxes are a unique way for older kids to keep valuable items safe and fun to learn.
  5. Rubik’s Cube – The 1980s called, but we told it we are keeping the Rubik’s Cube. Older kids love learning to solve this.
  6. Star Wars Legos – Popular among big kids and teens with dozens to choose from.
  7. Build Your Own Programmable Robot Kit – This was a favorite with my oldest. Build a robot and program it!
  8. Grown-Up Coloring Books – Coloring isn’t just for little kids anymore. These “adult coloring books” are very detailed and studies show coloring is relaxing.
  9. Boogie Board – Reusable board that encourages doodling and drawing.
  10. Amazon Fire – An affordable tablet with a lot of capabilities.
  11. Runaway Alarm Clock – Does your teen have trouble waking up? This alarm clock runs away and keeps making noise until caught!
  12. Natural Makeup Brushes – If your teen is old enough to wear makeup, these natural brushes are great!
  13. Power Cube Wall Adapter – Surge protector that charges multiple devices at once.
  14. Collapsible Duffel Bag – Great bag for short trips that collapses to a tiny size.
  15. Minnetonka Slippers (for teenage girls) – Super comfy wide mocassin slippers!
  16. Cash inside a Money Maze Puzzle Box – Give money so they can get what they like, but make it fun by hiding it inside this puzzle cube.
  17. No Crease Ponytail Holders – These are gentle on hair and don’t leave a crease. Or I hear that Scrunchies and banana clips are back in style!
  18. Travel Hammock – Have an outdoorsy teen? These travel hammocks collapse small and are awesome.
  19. Become a Beekeeper Course: This is an amazing Introduction to Beekeeping Course. This course will teach them everything from buying bees to harvesting honey. Use code WELLNESS2021 for 15% off!

Gift Ideas for Younger Kids

There are certainly more options to choose from when looking for kid’s gifts, but over the years I’ve learned to steer away from 1) lower-quality plastic items that break easily (and aren’t good for us or the environment) and 2) toys/gifts that only facilitate one activity and get old quickly.

These are a few of the gifts I’ve found in recent years that have survived the durability test, encouraged creativity, and my kids have enjoyed the most:

  1. Gym 1 Indoor Doorway Gym – My kids’ favorite Christmas gift of all time. It’s a gym that mounts in a door frame and they use it every day.
  2. Snap Circuits – A really neat kit that lets kids learn about electricity by building different types of basic machines like a fan, a radio, etc.
  3. Art Kit – A favorite among my girls. This kit contains markers, paints, colored pencils, and more.
  4. Flower Press Book Kit – Kids can create their own stationery, cards, and more with the flower/leaf press kit.
  5. Mini Trampoline for Indoor Play – We’ve had a trampoline in our house for years and it’s great for cold or rainy days. Rebounding (bouncing) is also great for adults!
  6. Yoto Player – This screen-free player is designed especially for kids to listen to books, podcast episodes, music, radio, and more by simply inserting a card in. There are over 1,000 options or you can make your own cards. It’s rechargeable and the Bluetooth is optional so you can leave it off.
  7. Wooden Twig Colored Pencils – Wooden colored pencils made from twigs. Good size for younger kids just learning to write and draw.
  8. Wooden People and Craft Supplies – My kids loved making their own little wooden dolls with these.
  9. Plasma Car – My little kids loved this ride-on toy and they’re great for kids of all sizes.
  10. Natural Paints – Made from natural earth pigments.
  11. Microscope Kit – My oldest loved looking at hair, dirt, and all kinds of other things in this microscope.
  12. Bath Tub Crayons – These beeswax bath crayons for toddlers are handmade in New Zealand with New Zealand beeswax and food-grade, non-toxic pigments. The jumbo crayons are perfect for toddlers, kids, and children from 2 years old onwards.
  13. Beeswax Crayons – Triangular crayons made of natural beeswax.
  14. Wooden Doll House – Great for ages 4-8. Fits smaller dolls.
  15. Little Passports – This subscription service tailors to your child’s age and the collection they would most be interested in. (For parents, you can filter by your budget!)
  16. Stainless Steel Play Kitchen Pots and Pans – My daughters used to play kitchen with these for hours.
  17. Beginner Piano Keyboard (and free Hoffman Academy Lessons) – These are a great way to get the kids started with music.
  18. Boogie Board – A reusable writing tablet that encourages creativity.
  19. Sun Art – Fun educational craft idea that kids love.
  20. Kendama Game – Fun interactive game that encourages movement.
  21. Weighted Blanket – Not just for kids, but a soothing gift that helps kids get into a restful state and has demonstrated benefits for sleep.
  22. Sensory Swing – If you’re looking for a sensory swing to help your child relax and de-stress, this is the swing for them. They’ll want to spend hours in it!
  23. Kids Cook Real Food e-Course – Give the gift of quality time and kitchen skills to boot! This course was life-changing for our family.

Gifts for Babies (and Expecting Parents)

There are literally thousands of options for gifts for babies, but many have endocrine-disrupting plastics or never get used. With nearly two decades of parenting and six kids, these are the gifts, toys, and gear that made the cut.

  1. Pregnancy Affirmation Cards – I love these sweet cards that encourage pregnant moms!
  2. Organic Mattress Cover – Protect baby from mold and allergens in mattresses.
  3. Organic Cotton Crib Sheet – Soft organic sheet for the crib.
  4. Naturpedic Mattress – Along with healthy bedding, get your new little one a non-toxic organic mattress from Naturpedic. They also offer options for adults and kids of all ages. Get 20% off sitewide now through December 4th.
  5. Organic Muslin Swaddling Blankets – My favorite blankets that are perfect for swaddling or nursing.
  6. Snot Sucker – Not as gross as it sounds and a lifesaver if baby is sick!
  7. Baby Bouncer – This can be a lifesaver during busy days and it doesn’t even need batteries.
  8. Food Grade Silicone Fruit Teethers – A favorite when my kids were babies.
  9. Hape Wooden Toys – I love these high-quality wooden toys!
  10. Ergo Baby Carrier – A great baby carrier that’s comfortable for mom or dad too.
  11. Organic Newborn Booties – Babies always manage to lose socks, but these stay on and keep toes warm.
  12. Manhattan Toys Rattle and Clutching Toy – Little ones love this engaging wooden toy.
  13. Natural Rubber Orthodontic Pacifier – For babies who will take a pacifier, try this natural rubber option.
  14. Baltic Amber Teething Necklace – May help soothe teething pain.
  15. Natural Rubber Teething Toy – The only toy my baby preferred to my finger when teething got bad.
  16. Organic Cotton Teether – An organic cotton and wood teething toy option.
  17. Hair and Body Foaming Baby Wash – Fabulous smelling baby wash and shampoo without the junk!
  18. Wooden Animal Toys – Adorable and durable wooden animal toys.

Gifts for the Chef or Foodie

Does someone in your life love to cook (or eat)? These gifts make spending time in the kitchen so much fun!

  1. Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator – No plastic, no junk, just awesome coffee that stays warm for hours in this all-stainless percolator.
  2. Blendtec or Vitamix – both are amazing blenders that will last for years!
  3. Stainless Steel Immersion Blender – Great for sauces, smoothies, blending things in a pot or pan and so much more.
  4. Yogurt Maker – Homemade yogurt tastes so much better than store-bought and is simple to make.
  5. Ice Cream Maker – Make any kind of ice cream: dairy-free, sugar-free, etc.
  6. Crock Pot – A great slow cooker
  7. Instant Pot – This electric pressure cooker has almost replaced our slow cooker and I use it at least three times a week.
  8. Crinkle Cutter – So the kids can help cut food for meals.
  9. Stainless Steel Bowls – Great for mixing, serving, and storage.
  10. Spiral Slicer – Make vegetables into noodles with this spiral slicer.
  11. Stainless Steel Straws – Replace disposable straws forever with these steel straws.
  12. Mason Jars + Sprouting Lids – Use mason jars to grow your own sprouts.
  13. Kombucha Brewing Supplies – Homemade kombucha tastes so much better and you can flavor it any way you want.
  14. Dehydrator – Preserve foods with a stainless steel dehydrator.
  15. Xtrema Cookware – My standby scratch-proof ceramic pans that I’ve used for years. I’ve also recently discovered the cookware and bakeware from Our Place and highly recommend them!
  16. Bamboo Utensils – These inexpensive bamboo utensils are great for cooking.
  17. Stainless Steel Large Baking Dish – These have been a lifesaver when cooking for large get-togethers with family and friends.
  18. Glass Electric Tea Kettle – Make tea in seconds with this glass electric tea kettle.
  19. Salt Block for Cooking – I love cooking fish, meat, and even baked goods on a salt block for amazing flavor.
  20. Premium Milk Frother – If you want to spring for an unusual (and more pricey) gift, this milk frother makes coffee shop worthy froth for coffee.
  21. Spice Set – These super high-quality spices were created by Laila Ali (boxer Mohammed Ali’s daughter). They come in ready-made blends to make flavorful cooking easy.
  22. Thrive Market Membership – Know someone who is a connoisseur of great food (with real ingredients)? Gift them a Thrive Market membership so they can have the pantry of their dreams for less, all year.
  23. Four Sigmatic or Purity Coffee – Two of my favorite healthy coffee brands for the discerning coffee drinker.
  24. Pique Tea – With plenty of tea options these are my favorite to have on hand. We’ve had the founder on the podcast and are impressed with the level of purity and testing they have for their teas.
  25. ButcherBox – Give the gift of 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, crate-free pork, and wild-caught seafood. We have a monthly subscription and enjoy their filets and ground beef.
  26. Kasadrinos Olive Oil – I use olive oil a lot between cooking, using on salads, and anywhere in between. Kasadrinos is the only olive oil I trust and anyone with a love of cooking (and eating!) will taste the difference.
  27. Sip Herbals – The robust flavor of coffee without the coffee beans. These herbal coffee alternatives are delicious!

Gift Ideas for the Grandparents

My parents live nearby and are involved in the kids’ lives. I always struggle with what to get them that somehow says “thanks for everything you did for me all of those years and thanks for being just as awesome with my kids!”

We usually give them something handmade from the grandkids, but these are some other ideas that have been a hit. (Some of these are also ideas for this year, so Mom, if you’re reading this… don’t read past here. 😉 )

  1. Amazon Prime Gift Card – The perfect gift for when you’re not sure what to get.
  2. Kindle – My brother got my mom a Kindle a few years ago and she uses it quite a bit.
  3. Terracotta Plant Waterer – Perhaps not the fanciest of gifts, but very practical for anyone with house plants (I just ordered some). It upcycles a glass bottle to water a plant for weeks.
  4. OneSkin – All of their skincare products are backed by clinical studies, safe for sensitive skin, and free from harmful ingredients.
  5. Wine Subscription – If your parents are wine drinkers, they’ll love this wine subscription box of organic biodynamic wines.
  6. Alitura – Anything from Alitura makes a wonderful gift and I’ve been using their products for years. The Santal Black is great for any Dad and their face mask and gold serum make you feel like you just left the spa.
  7. Glass Electric Tea Kettle – For tea drinkers, this electric glass tea kettle makes tea available almost on demand.
  8. Instant Pot – The grandparents love it for all the reasons we love it- faster and more nutritious meals!
  9. The Grandparent Book Journal – A sweet way to encourage kids and grandparents to spend time together and a beautiful keepsake of family history.
  10. Pique Tea – My Dad is a big tea drinker and I like to make sure he’s stocked up for the winter.
  11. Mixbooks – I always make a photo book for each of my kids, but I also try to make one for my parents as well.
  12. Weighted Blanket – My mom sometimes has difficulty sleeping and a weighted blanket helps improve sleep at any age.
  13. Along the same lines as above, a new sheet set can be a great practical gift! I like the sets at Olive + Crate and have been really happy with the sheets that we have from them!
  14. Or anything on the lists above that they’ll love!

“Just in Case” or Hostess Gifts

These inexpensive gifts are great to have on hand for when someone drops by with a gift or to take to party hosts. I keep several of these wrapped to give when someone brings a gift by unexpectedly:

  1. Electric Wine Bottle Opener – A fun way to open up a bottle of wine.
  2. Wellnesse – Give a personal touch and bundle up some natural shampoo and conditioner or even hand sanitizer from my line of products. They won’t be disappointed!
  3. Bottle of Wine – We have a subscription to these delicious biodynamic wines, so I always have an extra bottle on hand. Add a beautiful set of wine glasses and you’re all set!
  4. Bag of Organic Coffee – Who doesn’t love coffee, especially when it’s organic and delivered fresh? Pair this with a hand warmer pottery mug – I love mine!
  5. Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Iced Coffee Pot/Maker – I’m a big fan of cold brew coffee and this is a great way to make it.
  6. Plant Therapy Essential Oils – Check out their seasonal oils and kits.
  7. Mason Jar Solar Light – Add some beautiful ambiance to any room with these solar lights.
  8. Organic Bamboo Cheese Board – This is a great gift for anyone who regularly hosts and/or for that cheese and wine lover!
  9. Pique Tea – I love carrying these teas in my purse. They dissolve in cold or hot water and are great for gut health. Sure to please almost anyone!
  10. EcoScentials Candles – Made with 100% recycled and sustainable materials, natural essential oil fragrance, and a clean-burning coconut/soy wax blend. The hand-blown glass container is beautiful and easy to repurpose in decor around the house.
  11. Fontana Candles – Another favorite healthy candle around here are these. They’re made only with coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils for a gentle fragrance.

Gifts for an Active Outdoor Lifestyle

One thing we all need for Christmas… less time inside and more time in nature! Here are some gifts that are sure to spur adventure:

  1. Biostrap – For those who are active and love to track everything, the Biostrap is very useful in tracking your sleep, recovery, heart rate, HRV and also has the option to track your workouts. Use code wellnessmama for 10% off.
  2. Gasper 4 Knife – A high-quality multi-use knife. It’s made in the U.S.A. and also backed by a Lifetime Warranty!
  3. Beekeeping Course – This is the one I secretly want this year… This course teaches everything from buying bees to harvesting honey. The gift package also comes with a beekeeping workbook, completion certificate, and gift, all by mail.
  4. Camping Tent – I’ve searched for a long time for the perfect family tent, and in my opinion, this is it. The hinged door saves many arguments over who left the door open and let all the mosquitos in. The attached screen room also gives kids a bug-free hangout (and a place to store smelly shoes!).
  5. Kids’ Hydration Pack – This lightweight pack designed for kids is so much easier than a water bottle (and it has pockets so they can carry their own “treasures”). You could also fill the pack with some fun and practical camping gear (or a coupon for a day hike or camping overnight).
  6. Flight Log Book – Know someone who’s always dreamed about flying an airplane? Slip a gift certificate for a flying lesson into their very own flight log.
  7. Scratch-Off Travel/Adventure World Map – My favorite travel map to record our family trips, simply because it’s so nice to look at. Bonus, one less wall I have to worry about decorating!
  8. LMNT – This salty electrolyte drink is a must-have for any outdoorsman, runner, hiker, Crossfitter, etc. My favorite? The citrus salt or raspberry! For an added gift, pair this with a Hydro Flask.
  9. Surefire Flashlight – High quality and super bright pocket flashlight.
  10. Gardening Book – The most practical, easy to follow garden book I’ve ever seen. Simple enough for beginners with plenty for experienced gardeners too. Add some non-gmo, organic seeds.
  11. Paleovalley – Our favorite grass-fed beef sticks. They come in a variety of flavors perfect for camping or hiking (or a day at the beach). You can also get superfood bars and bone broth protein here.
  12. For the active person in your life, Myobuddy offers self-massages that help with recovery and deep relaxation.

Funny Gifts for Dirty Santa and Funny Gift Exchanges

These are some of my favorite funny gift ideas for Dirty Santa or white elephant gift exchanges. Sure to get lots of laughs!

  1. Toilet Light – For those nighttime bathroom trips.
  2. Nap Sack Prank Box – Take a nap anywhere with this hood.
  3. Prank Pack Crib Dribbler – A fun prank for someone with a baby.
  4. Prank Box – Package your gift in one of these hilarious prank gift boxes.
  5. You Parked Like An Idiot” Cards – I know a few people who would actually use these!
  6. Bathroom humor – This Bathroom Guest Book (don’t forget the pen!) is sure to make your guest’s bathroom visit more fun.
  7. Bob Ross Chia Pet – Bring back the 90s with this Bob Ross chia pet.
  8. The Obsessive Chef Cutting Board – For the OCD chef.
  9. Animal Paw Socks – These socks were a hit last year! Which animal would you choose?
  10. Pooping Pooch Calendar – Yep, it’s exactly what you picture… perfect (or awful?!) for the dog lover in your family!
  11. Banana Slicer – If you’re going to eat bananas, why not slice them correctly?
  12. Cards Against Humanity – These are incredibly irreverent but will have you on the floor laughing for hours.
  13. Maybe Swearing Will Help Coloring Book and Markers – For the potty mouth (or clean mouth?) in your life 🙂

Family Gifts

If you’re like us and often choose family gifts that the whole family can enjoy (or enjoy better health because of), you might love these options. This list also includes outdoor activity gifts we use and love.

  1. Sauna – This is one gift that will have long-lasting health benefits. It isn’t an inexpensive gift, but one that the family can enjoy all year. If space is limited, using a sauna blanket is a great alternative!
  2. Sunlighten – Another sauna brand I love (did I mention I have several saunas??). Mention Wellness Mama for a discount.
  3. Joovv Light – Like the sauna, this gift also brings health boosting benefits. Red light therapy is well-studied for its skin and mitochondria benefits. It’s one of my favorite parts of my daily routine.
  4. Rapid Release – Like a chiropractor and a massage therapist built into one. This device is designed to release muscle tension and it works. I love this thing.
  5. Organic and Natural Mattresses – This was my gift to myself one year and I love my mattress. We have ones from My Green Mattress, Organix Bed from IntelliBed, and Naturpedic.
  6. Natural Cookware – I got some of this cookware for Christmas years ago and have been using it since then.
  7. Matching Organic Jammies –  Switching to organic PJs is one way to reduce chemical exposure from clothing by half. These organic jammies are our favorites.
  8. Backyard Bags (aka Cornhole) – This is always a fun game for the backyard. Whether you have guests over or it’s just the two of you, this has been a family favorite in our house.
  9. Trampoline – Not just for kids when you consider the lymphatic benefits of jumping!
  10. Swing – Our kids love this backyard swing and they can all fit on it.
  11. Slackline – Like a balance beam and trampoline in one. It encourages balance and coordination and is hours of fun.
  12. Ninjaline – Like monkey bars but tougher. A lot of people use these for Ninja Warrior training, but my kids just think it’s fun!
  13. Radiant Life Water Filter – We use their whole house water filter in our home. It’s an investment, but worth it for toxin-free water. Now through December 8 save $200 off their Whole House Water System or 14-Stage Purifier with code WM200.

Natural Beauty, Health and Home Gifts

I love making my own DIY Christmas gifts, but there isn’t always time! Thankfully there are so many great companies now making safe and natural personal care products (for example this excellent company… ahem!).

  1. Wellnesse – This is my personal care brand and we have toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, hand sanitizer, and more. It makes a perfect stocking stuffer….. or snag some for yourself!
  2. Lotion Bars – Similar to my lotion bar recipes. Made One is a small, family-owned company that makes all kinds of natural products up to my standards. Use code WELLNESSMAMA for a 15% discount.
  3. Purity Woods – Their organic Dream Cream feels divine on skin and is great for all skin types.
  4. Alitura Skincare – Alitura uses organic botanicals and superfood ingredients to nourish the skin. This is serious skincare with the works: clay masks, intensive moisturizers, derma rollers, and more. Use code WELLNESSMAMA for 20% off.
  5. Toups Organics – They have an incredible line of clean cosmetics, lotions, and even a baking-soda-free deodorant for sensitive types.
  6. Crunchy Betty Facial Serum & Natural Deodorant: Mentioned before, but I can’t say enough about them.
  7. Branch Basics Cleaners – I know I’d be happy to find some all-natural cleaning products (I don’t have to make) under the Christmas tree.
  8. Vibrant Blue Oils – Wildcrafted and organic essential oil blends made to support specific health conditions. And you can get their Parasympathetic Oil blend for over 38% off (just $15) here.
  9. Magnesium Oil – Spray on for relaxation, detox support, and even deodorant. I also love this magnesium lotion (two birds with one stone!).
  10. Beekeeper’s Naturals – My absolute favorite bee products! Their Propolis Spray comes in handy when I have a scratchy throat or when I’m traveling and need an extra immune boost. But I also love their cough syrup and B.Powered products.
  11. Kid-Safe Essential Oils – For sleep, headaches, cold relief, and more, without having to worry about negative side effects.
  12. SolOrganics Bedsheets – My favorite organic sheet set (and I’ve tested a lot of them!) to pamper a special someone in your life. We gave this to the grandparents one year and it was a huge hit! If you’re looking for a comfortable pillow to add, I love my Wakewell pillow.

Gifts for the Book Lover

If you’ve listened to my Wellness Mama Podcast interviews, one of my favorite questions to ask our guests is if they have a book that they would recommend. I’m an avid reader and I’ve enjoyed receiving new book recommendations from guests that inspire me. Below are my favorites – some inspirational, some fiction, and some educational.

  1. Chef Junior – An amazing cookbook written by kids, for kids! And yes, I may have some Mom bias, but this is a great gift for kids who either want to learn how to cook or just want some fun and easy recipes to create.
  2. The Four Agreements – One of the most popular recommendations and one that I highly recommend for everyone to read.
  3. The Obstacle is the Way – Ryan Holiday’s books never disappoint. Here he takes some of the most important aspects of wisdom and success and how to apply them in our lives.
  4. Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? – Bestselling author Dr. Mark Hyman understands how confusing it can be to know what we should eat. He shares all the science and nutritional insights to set the record straight.
  5. Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans by Michelle Tam. This is not your average cookbook! It’s hugely entertaining with lots of narration by comic characters, and best of all, my kids have loved every recipe.
  6. Make It Easy: A Healthy Meal Prep and Menu Planning Guide by Danielle Walker. Easy, grain-free recipes to get healthy meals on the table fast (without those all-day cooking marathons). See my podcast with Danielle here.
  7. 30-Day Guide to Paleo Cooking by Hayley Mason. A basic guide perfect for beginners about Paleo eating, plus a month-long meal plan and shopping list.
  8. The 4-Hour Chef by Timothy Ferriss. An unconventional but fun cookbook that teaches readers how to maximize their efforts in the kitchen.
  9. The Holistic Rx: Your Guide to Healing Chronic Inflammation and Disease by Madiha Saeed, MD – Dr. Madiha’s book offers those with chronic health conditions easy-to-follow, evidence-based approaches to healing by targeting inflammation and its underlying root causes.
  10. Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown. I like how Brene walks us through something that we all need to know how to do – being brave, falling, and getting back up.
  11. The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life by Boyd Varty – This would be a great book idea for any guy on your list!
  12. The Nightingale – A fictional historical book taking place during World War II that will grab you from the beginning.
  13. For easy, entertaining reads, our team recommends The Last Thing He Told Me or Local Woman Missing: A Novel.

There’s probably a lot more that could be added to this list, but these are my current favorites. Many of these items go on sale Black Friday week, and I will list the best of those sales in this post. I hope this list inspires you and helps reduce your holiday stress.

What is on your Christmas and holiday gift list this year? What are you getting for friends and family?



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Diagnostic Company is Developing a Point of Need Spatial Multiplexed Test for Avian Influenza in Humans

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Today, an agreement was announced between diagnostic company Alveo Technologies and the CDC seeks to have the former develop a point of need molecular testing platform for early detection of avian influenza (H5) and seasonal influenza viruses for humans.

“It is gratifying to be selected and enter this agreement to accelerate the development of our point of need diagnostic solutions for H5,” said Alveo CEO Shaun Holt in a statement.

Back in the summer, the federal agency issued an open call for solutions to meet CDC’s diagnostic test development needs for avian influenza. In the United States this year, the virus has been confirmed in a handful of human cases and has been much more widespread in animals including birds, cattle, and poultry. There are public health concerns and the confirmed cases heightens the need to support advanced preparedness in the event human-to-human transmission occurs.

According to CDC’s open call to industry, “currently, the only public health laboratories in the U.S. equipped to test for this virus are CDC and state and jurisdictional public health laboratories with access to the CDC a(H5) assay. This poses a significant problem as these laboratories may not have the capacity to handle a large number of cases in the event of an H5 epidemic or pandemic. This could result in delays in diagnosing and treating individuals, leading to the further spread of the virus,” CDC stated.

Alveo is an Alameda, Calif-based company, which has developed a portable, easy-to-use molecular detection platform that utilizes isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology (NAAT) and provides fast and qualitative results at the point of need. As a multiplexed platform, the device can detect and differentiate between influenza A, B, and A/H5, from a single sample.

What You Need to Know

Alveo Technologies has been selected by the CDC to develop a point-of-need molecular testing platform specifically designed for early detection of avian influenza (H5) and seasonal influenza viruses in humans. This initiative aims to bolster public health preparedness against potential outbreaks.

The CDC highlighted the need to decentralize influenza testing, as only specific US laboratories currently have the capacity to test for H5 influenza.

Alveo’s device provides point-of-care results but also supports real-time data transmission via a secure cloud platform.

Additionally, the platform can automatically deliver accurate, real-time results via a secure cloud-based portal for analysis and reporting. Alveo’s product can facilitate early detection and intervention, enhance public health surveillance, and improve the overall response to seasonal influenza and potential avian influenza A/H5 outbreaks. By decentralizing testing capabilities, Alveo will increase access to critical diagnostics, and reduce the burden on centralized laboratories.

Next month, Alveo will begin shipping a molecular test for all relevant subtypes of avian influenza (Type A, subtypes H5, H7, H9) in poultry. The CDC agreement and development goals support a natural expansion of Alveo’s product line given its synergies with assays already developed.

“We are proud to work with CDC to be a part of a national preparedness effort by enabling timely detection and response where it matters most—at the front lines of care,” Holt said.

To learn more about avian influenza and its impact, read our special report, From Poultry to Public Health: Understanding the H5N1 Threat.

Reference
1. Alveo Technologies Enters Agreement with CDC to Develop a Point of Need Spatial Multiplexed Test for Avian Influenza A(H5) Virus in Humans. Alveo press release. November 14, 2024. Accessed November 14, 2024.
https://www.alveotechnologies.com/news/alveo-technologies-enters-agreement-with-cdc-to-develop-a-point-of-need-spatial-multiplexed-test-for-avian-influenza-a-h5-virus-in-humans



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Miso Chicken | The Recipe Critic

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This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.

Miso chicken is super delicious and perfect for fans of bold Asian flavor. The skin crisps up, the meat stays juicy and tender, and the glaze caramelizes, creating a savory sauce perfect for drizzling over rice.

Overhead shot of miso chicken cooked in a baking dish.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor: Whether you’re a fan of Asian food or just looking for a flavorful dinner, miso chicken will become a favorite in your kitchen.
  • Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a weeknight-friendly meal with big flavor.
  • Versatile: This tasty chicken pairs well with a variety of sides like stir fry vegetables, rice, or noodles. I like to make my mango sticky rice for dessert.

Ingredients for Making Miso Chicken

Just seven ingredients is all you need to make this miso chicken recipe! They come together quickly and easily to make a tasty and savory dish. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

  • Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the star of the show, providing juicy, tender meat and crispy skin.
  • White Miso Paste: The key to creating that deep umami flavor, lending a rich, savory flavor to the sauce. 
  • Rice Vinegar: Brightens up the flavor of the sauce with a touch of acidity.
  • Honey: Gives the sauce a sweet taste and helps make the miso glaze.
  • Garlic: Garlic paste or freshly grated garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, savory layer of flavor that deepens the overall taste of the marinade.
  • Ginger: Fresh ginger paste or grated ginger brings a zesty, slightly peppery kick. It also adds warmth and a touch of spice to the sauce. 
Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.

How to Make Miso Chicken Thighs

This miso chicken recipe is simple. You will be so happy with the results. You’ll get mouthwatering chicken with the best crispy skin and a savory glaze. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Prep: Preheat an oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then spray a 9x13x2 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Wipe the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the miso paste, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger.
  3. Marinate: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and then rub each thigh to coat evenly with the miso marinade. Then, let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes in the container.
  4. Bake: Take the chicken thighs out of the bowl, then lay them, skin side up, in the baking dish. Brush any remaining miso mixture over the chicken. Then bake for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations that can help you make this dish to suit your tastes. Or, just make it easier! I’m all about trying to help your life be stress-free.

  • Garnish: If you want, you could garnish miso chicken with green onions, cilantro, lime juice, black and white sesame seeds.
  • Use a Different Cut of Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or boneless thighs for this recipe. Just remember that the cooking time will vary depending on which you choose. Just make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Miso Paste: You can use any miso paste, but most people use white, so that’s what I stuck with.

Close up shot of baked miso chicken.

Storing Leftover Miso Chicken

This is a great recipe to make for meal prep. The flavors are even better the next day after they’ve had time to meld. Make some broccoli to heat up, and you’ve got a macro-balanced lunch ready for you all week.

  • Fridge: Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month in an airtight container
  • Reheat in the Oven: Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken in a baking dish, then cover, and bake for 15-20 minutes if refrigerated. If it has been frozen, bake for 30-40 minutes.
  • Reheat in the Microwave: Cover and heat on high for 3-5 minutes for refrigerated or 10-15 minutes if frozen.

Overhead shot of plated miso chicken over a bed or rice.

More Asian Chicken Recipes

If you love Asian food, you’ve come to the right place. I have everything from savory to sweet, crispy to saucy! These recipes bring incredible flavor and variety to your dinner table. Here are some popular Asian chicken recipes for you to try.

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  • Preheat an oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then spray a 9x13x2 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Wipe the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.

  • In a large bowl, whisk the miso paste, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger together.

  • Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and rub each thigh to coat evenly with the miso mixture. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes in the container.

  • Take the chicken thighs out of the bowl and lay them in the baking dish, skin side up.

  • Brush any remaining miso mixture over the chicken and bake for 35-40 minutes until the chickens internal temperartue reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Calories: 283kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 20gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 534mgPotassium: 257mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 96IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.





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Efficacy of 8-Week Daclatasvir-Sofosbuvir Regimen for Chronic Hepatitis C

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Ahmed N. Farrag, BPharm

Image Credit: LinkedIn

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of an 8-week regimen of daclatasvir (DCV) plus sofosbuvir (SOF) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The analysis aimed to determine the sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) for this shortened regimen, which is being considered as a potential option for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to the high cost of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).

The analysis included six studies with a total of 159 patients. The pooled SVR12 rate for the 8-week regimen ranged from 91% to 97%. The pragmatic analysis showed an SVR12 of 97% (95% confidence interval: 91%-100%), while a conservative approach, which took response-guided treatment (RGT) into account, revealed an SVR12 of 93% (95% CI: 84%-95%).

In an exclusive interview with Contagion, Ahmed N. Farrag, BPharm, lead author on the study said, “Our study demonstrates the promise of an 8-week DCV-SOF regimen with an estimated pooled SVR12 rate exceeding 90% across all sensitivity analysis scenarios, suggesting substantial potential for reducing treatment duration and thereby, the associated treatment costs by one third.”

He further emphasized that this reduction could make hepatitis C treatment more accessible in LMICs. Although, Farrag highlighted that while these findings are promising, a head-to-head randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the 8-week regimen to the standard 12-week course is essential, “Such a trial will provide definitive evidence needed to inform global health policies and ensure the regimen’s efficacy in broader patient populations.”

The study’s sensitivity analyses accounted for potential confounders, including comorbidities such as HIV and cirrhosis, as well as the use of the RGT approach, where only patients who achieved rapid virologic response (RVR) were assigned to the 8-week course. Farrag stated, “Statistically speaking, our confidence arises from the 95% confidence level for the predicted intervals for the pooled SVR12 rates as per our meta-analysis. Nonetheless, translating these findings into real-world settings, which encompass diverse patient populations including those with comorbidities or those who are treatment-experienced, presents additional challenges.”

Despite these adjustments, he noted that real-world effectiveness would require further evaluation, “Real-world “effectiveness” from different clinical settings would present a more comprehensive perspective on these confounders.”

What You Need To Know

A meta-analysis of six studies found that an 8-week regimen of daclatasvir and sofosbuvir (DCV-SOF) achieved SVR12 rates between 91% and 97% in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

The 8-week regimen could reduce treatment duration and costs, making it a viable option for improving access to hepatitis C treatment in low- and middle-income countries.

Further randomized controlled trials and pharmacoeconomic studies are needed to confirm the regimen’s real-world effectiveness and evaluate its long-term cost-effectiveness, especially in diverse patient populations.

In discussing the potential barriers to widespread adoption of the 8-week regimen, Farrag identified challenges, “Clinically: Identifying patients suitable for the shorter regimen is crucial. For instance, patients with cirrhosis and those with HIV co-infection who typically won’t be eligible for the shortened regimen.”

He continued to explain, “Economically: While the 8-week regimen potentially reduces treatment costs, possible anticipated treatment failures and the consequent need for retreatment are essential considerations.”

Farrag also highlighted the importance of pharmacoeconomic studies in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the regimen. “Although several studies indicated that patients who did not achieve SVR12 following standard or short courses of direct-acting antivirals achieved high cure rates when retreated, pharmacoeconomic studies including cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses, specifically, from payer perspectives, are required. These studies are expected to account for the upfront savings and the downstream costs of retreatment.”

Farrag concludes, “while the high efficacy of the 8-week DCV-SOF regimen is promising, its widespread adoption will benefit from further validation through head-to-head clinical trials and a thorough pharmacoeconomic analysis, considering potential retreatments for those who experience treatment failures.”

Reference
Farrag AN, Kamel AM. Efficacy of 8-week daclatasvir-sofosbuvir regimen in chronic hepatitis C: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Virol J. 2024;21:275. November 4, 2024. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-024-02544-2



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Turkey Roulade Recipe | The Recipe Critic

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This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.

Make Turkey Roulade your new Thanksgiving tradition! Boneless turkey breast gets flattened and rolled with sausage stuffing inside. The turkey turns out incredibly moist and is infused with your favorite Thanksgiving flavors. It takes far less time than traditional turkey and will make Thanksgiving day easy and delicious!

Close view of turkey roulade on a platter and sliced.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Make-Ahead Option: Assemble this turkey roulade the night before and pop it in the oven 2 hours before your guests arrive. This will make Thanksgiving dinner prep much easier!
  • Thanksgiving Meal Alternative: This turkey roulade takes far less time than a traditional whole turkey, and everyone will LOVE this alternative!
  • Moist and Flavorful: This all-in-one recipe combines both turkey and stuffing! The turkey stays moist, the outside gets crispy brown, and the stuffing adds classic Thanksgiving flavor!

Ingredients to Make Turkey Roulade

Roulade means “to roll” and the ingredients for this turkey roulade use a flat piece of meat and moist sausage stuffing. My homemade stuffing in this recipe is incredible! You could also try my Grandma’s Sausage Herb Stuffing.

Turkey

  • Boneless Turkey Breast:  You’ll need 1 large turkey breast. Make sure it is boneless and about 5-6 pounds. I prefer skin on!
  • Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt flavor in the roulade.
  • Salt and Pepper: To season and enhance the flavor.
  • Sage, Parsley, and Thyme: Perfect seasonings to flavor the turkey.
Ingredients labeled to prep the turkey for the turkey roulade.

Sausage Stuffing

  • Pork Sausage: Casings removed or buy ground pork sausage!
  • Unsalted Butter: To help cook and soften the veggies.
  • Onion, Celery, and Carrot: Minced or diced small for the sausage. The classic combination of vegetables for stuffing.
  • Thyme, Parsley, Rosemary: Perfect seasonings to flavor the stuffing.
  • Salt and Pepper: To season and enhance the flavor.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity to help brighten and enhance the flavors.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture to the stuffing.
  • Stuffing Mix: One box of premade stuffing mix makes this so easy!
Ingredients listed to make the sausage stuffing for turkey roulade.

Turkey Roulade Recipe

My family went crazy over this turkey roulade and they asked if I could make it every year! It’s incredibly easy to assemble and the presentation is a show stopper, that I just might! Follow my step-by-step instructions to help you along the way.

  1. Prepare the Turkey: Preheat an oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a roasting pan by placing a wire rack inside. Butterfly the turkey breast by laying the breast skin side down on a cutting board. Cut the turkey horizontally stopping about 1 inch before reaching the other end. Do not cut the breast completely in half. Open the breast like a book. Use the flat side of a meat mallet to pound the turkey into a consistent ½-inch thickness.
  2. Mix Butter Rub: In a small bowl, mix the butter, salt, pepper, sage, parsley, and thyme. This is the rub for the outside of the turkey.
  3. Cook Veggies: For the sausage stuffing melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, celery, and carrot in the butter until the vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Make Stuffing: Add the pork sausage, thyme, parsley, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook the sausage with the vegetables until the sausage is evenly browned, about 5-8 minutes. Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken stock into the skillet and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, add in the stuffing mix, and stir until the stuffing has absorbed all the liquid.

Assemble the Turkey Roulade

  1. Spread the Stuffing on Turkey: Return to the prepared turkey breast, and spread the stuffing onto the breast in an even layer.
  2. Roll, Add Butter Rub, and Tie: Roll the turkey breast up around the stuffing, the skin of the breast should be on the outside of the turkey roulade. Tie the roulade with kitchen twine tightly, about 2 inches apart, down the turkey to secure it. Rub the outside of the roulade with the butter rub mixture. Place the log onto the wire rack inside the roasting pan.
  3. Bake: Bake the roulade for 60-90 minutes until the internal temperature of a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the roulade. Baking time will depend on how big the turkey is. Be careful not to over bake the roulade. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes. Remove the kitchen twine and slice the roulade into 1 ½-2 inch slices to serve.

Turkey Roulade Tips

Don’t let this turkey roulade recipe intimidate you! Follow my step-by-step instructions and these tips to help you along the way.

  • Turkey Breast Tips: You can use skinless turkey breast, the skin adds a nice finish and flavor to the roulade but isn’t necessary. The boneless turkey breast I found is often called a sweetheart turkey, ask your local deli about getting a sweetheart turkey if you can’t find boneless turkey breasts. 
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the roulade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it. 
  • Stuffing: If you have a stuffing recipe that you prefer to use in this roulade, feel free to do so! As long as it’s not too chunky because you want to be able to spread it evenly and roll the roulade tightly around the stuffing. 
  • Foil: If the turkey is getting too dark but still not at the right temperature, cover it with aluminum foil. I check the temperature at 60 minutes then followed by every 10-20 minutes after that.
  • Make Gravy: If your roulade produces enough juice drippings from baking you can make my easy turkey gravy with it!

Top view of turkey roulade on a platter.

Storing Leftover Roulade

Follow my tips below for storing and reheating leftovers…if you’re lucky enough to have any!

  • In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 
  • To Reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave until warmed through.
  • In the Freezer: To store leftover turkey roulade in the freezer, make sure it’s completely cooled first. Place it in an airtight container and keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Close view of a slice of turkey roulade.

Perfectly Tasty Side Dishes

Because this turkey roulade already has stuffing inside, keep the sides simple! Here are some delicious ideas for you to make to complete this meal.

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  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a roasting pan by placing a wire rack inside.

  • Butterfly the turkey breast by laying the breast skin side down on a cutting board. Cut the turkey horizontally stopping about 1 inch before reaching the other end. Do not cut the breast completely in half. Open the breast like a book. Use the flat side of a meat mallet to pound the turkey into a consistent ½-inch thickness.

  • In a small bowl, mix the butter, salt, pepper, sage, parsley, and thyme. This is the rub for the outside of the turkey.

  • For the sausage stuffing melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, celery, and carrot in the butter until the vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes.

  • Add the pork sausage, thyme, parsley, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook the sausage with the vegetables until the sausage is evenly browned, about 5-8 minutes.

  • Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken stock into the skillet and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, add in the stuffing mix, and stir until the stuffing has absorbed all the liquid.

  • Return to the prepared turkey breast, and spread the stuffing onto the breast in an even layer.

  • Roll the Turkey breast up around the stuffing, the skin of the breast should be on the outside of the turkey roulade.

  • Tie the roulade with kitchen twine tightly, about 2 inches apart, down the turkey to secure it.

  • Rub the outside of the roulade with the butter rub mixture. Place the log onto the wire rack inside the roasting pan.

  • Bake the roulade for 60-90 minutes until the internal temperature of a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the roulade. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes. Remove the kitchen twine and slice the roulade into 1 ½-2 inch slices to serve. Baking time will depend on how big the turkey is. Be careful not to overbake the roulade.

  • When the roulade has temped out remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes. Remove the kitchen twine and slice the roulade into 1 ½-2 inch slices to serve.

You can use skinless turkey breast, the skin adds a nice finish and flavor to the roulade but isn’t necessary.
If the turkey is getting too dark but still not at the right temperature, cover it with foil. I check the temperature at 60 minutes and then every 10-20 minutes after that.
The boneless turkey breast I found is often called a sweetheart turkey, ask your local deli about getting a sweetheart turkey if you can’t find boneless turkey breasts. 

Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 23gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 1096mgPotassium: 357mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1458IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.





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Tools, Programs, and Resources for Weight Management

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Maintaining a healthy weight is important for good health. People who are carrying extra weight are at an increased risk for many serious diseases and health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke, some cancers, osteoarthritis, stress, and depression.

These issues can affect an employee’s productivity at work and may lead to greater absenteeism. We encourage you to please consider offering the following programs to your employees to motivate them to reach their personal weight goals.

Rewards for Making Healthy Choices

Achieve Well-being is a digital program that makes it easy and fun to make healthy choices. Members can complete a health assessment, then create an action plan that is customized to their health goals. They also have the ability to sync up with fitness apps and devices to track their progress, create challenges, and invite friends to join them.



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Due to FDA Policy Change, Fecal Microbiota Transplants are in a Tenuous Position

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This fall, there has been some legal limbo going on at the FDA as it pertains to deciding if the federal agency should restrict the nonprofit company, OpenBiome, from continuing to distribute its fecal products for use in fecal microbiota transplants (FMT). This procedure has been a life-saving treatment for both adult and pediatric patients suffering from fulminant C difficile for several years.

Prior to this fall, the FDA had allowed the distribution of the company’s fecal products under enforcement discretion for many years. 1 However, the FDA changed its position creating an uneasy, untenable position for the future of FMT—at least in the short term.

Without OpenBiome’s ability to distribute their product, many patients might not have immediate access to FMTs, and this is not an ideal situation considering the severity of infection for patients with fulminant C diff, including the possibility it could cause death.

However, OpenBiome and another stakeholder, the C diff patient advocacy organization, the Peggy Lillis Foundation (PLF), have both pointed out the FDA has been open in listening to the needs of C diff patients and the community in allowing for the fecal products to be distributed while they try to find a more permanent solution.

“We are thankful to the FDA for listening to the patient and clinician communities and prevailing evidence and making this decision to prioritize patient care. As part of this guidance, we are submitting an [investigational new drug] IND application to the FDA by November 30th,” OpenBiome wrote in a statement on their website.

Christian Lillis, the CEO of PLF believes the FDA policy change was more about unexpected consequences, and that federal agency did not foresee this issue arising.

“I really think that this was unintended, and I’m glad that they [theFDA] listened to us and have come up with—at least a solution in the interim—that we can hopefully work together,” said Lillis.

The FDA has extended the deadline to contribute the deadline for OpenBiome to continue distributing their product through the end of this year, while they prepare their IND application.

For some time beginning in September and lasting through the end of October, many were concerned that OpenBiome, the country’s largest distributor of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) products might be forced to stop altogether.

The former noted that it was only going to continue offering the products through October 31 in light of the fact the federal government said it would need to reviewe the IND.

To be clear, these traditional FMT differ from the newer live biotherapeutic products (LBP) that have been FDA approved over the last 2 years. LBP have been indicated for patients with recurrent C difficile, and not the other aforementioned groups. These newer modalities have been shown to be efficacious and safe.

Lillis and PLF remain what he calls “treatment agnostic” to the existing treatment modalities.

“We need to be clear from the jump that the Peggy Lillis Foundation doesn’t endorse or recommend any particular treatment,” Lillis said. “That decision is best made between a patient and their doctor, but what we do want is as many options to treat this infection as possible. And that’s why we also need to maintain access to traditional FMT and it’s really for a particular subset of patients.”

References
1. Enforcement Discretion for Investigational FMT Extended for Severe and Fulminant CDI. Openbiome statement. Accessed November 13, 2024.
https://openbiome.org/fmt-distribution-through-december-31/



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The Juiciest Roasted Turkey Recipe (Step by Step Instructions)

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Look no further! This roasted turkey recipe is the absolute juiciest, fool-proof turkey recipe you will ever need. You’ll have the confidence to make a perfect turkey every time. This deliciously seasoned turkey will be the star of your Thanksgiving meal!

Top view of roasted turkey on a platter.

Turkey Timeline

I want you to be as prepared as possible for turkey day! My turkey timeline breaks it down into the days, hours, and minutes leading up to roasting time.

  • 3-7 Days Before Cooking: Plan ahead to thaw the turkey! Place the frozen turkey in the refrigerator to thaw safely. Refrigerate your turkey for 24 hours for every 5 pounds. A 15-pound turkey will take about 3 days to thaw in the refrigerator. The thawing time also depends on the size of your turkey!
  • 2 Days Before Cooking: Check the turkey to make sure it is thawing correctly!
  • 4-5 Hours Before Serving: Watch the clock! Time the turkey to come out of the oven 30 minutes before serving. If you’re eating at 5:00 PM, make sure the turkey is prepped and in the oven by 12:30 PM.
  • 30 Minutes Before Cooking: Remove the turkey from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before preparing your turkey for roasting.

You Asked, I Answered

I asked all of YOU what your biggest turkey struggles are and took all of your responses to heart when I wrote this recipe. The turkey is the star of the show and one thing that all of you asked for was, “How do I make my turkey juicy and not dried out?”

Roasting a turkey can be so intimidating, but I am here to help! I really want you to feel confident by the end of this post. Everyone will be raving about your perfect oven-roasted turkey. In fact, My son said it’s the best turkey he has EVER had and he can eat an entire turkey breast all by himself! This juicy turkey recipe is the absolute BEST!

Ingredients to Make a Juicy Roasted Turkey

I have tweaked and perfected the ingredients over the years, and these ingredients will help you achieve the most flavorful and juiciest, roasted turkey!

Turkey and Stuffing

  • Turkey: 12 to 20 pounds, thawed.
  • Onion: Delicious onion flavor absorbs into the turkey.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add the best aromatic flavor!
  • Rosemary and Thyme sprigs: Bold fresh herbs add incredible flavor.
  • Apple: I love using a sweet crisp apple cut into quarters.
  • Lemon: Brightens the flavors! Use an orange for a delicious alternative.

Alyssa’s Pro Tip

Don’t cook traditional stuffing inside of your turkey! The turkey cooks at a different rate than the stuffing. It will result in an overcooked turkey and the stuffing may not be at a temperature that is safe to eat! Use onion, garlic, apple, lemon, and fresh herbs instead. This will add flavor and help retain moisture during the cooking process!

Top view of Ingredients labeled individually.

Herb Butter

  • Butter: Makes the turkey meat tender and rich in flavor. It also gives the skin its crispy and golden color!
  • Dried Herbs: Oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme are the ultimate turkey seasonings! I prefer dried herbs because fresh herbs tend to burn on the top of the turkey. You’re welcome to use fresh!
  • Salt and Pepper: Balances the flavors in the turkey!
A top shot of ingredients laid out and labeled individually.

How to Thaw and Prep a Turkey

It is best to start with a completely thawed turkey. The rule of thumb is 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey. This can take 3-7 days, and I add an extra day just in case! If you need to speed up the process, thaw in cold water. You can check a turkey with a thermometer and it should read 32 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the bird. Anything colder and it might still be frozen. Remember to never thaw your turkey at room temperature! Once thawed, here are a few steps to prepare your turkey.

  1. Remove From Fridge: Remove your turkey from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to preparing. This will help it to bake more evenly! I place the turkey on a large baking sheet to catch any juices.
  2. Remove the Neck, Giblet Bag, and Plastic Cage: Remove the neck and giblet bag from the turkey cavity. Save them to make my incredible giblet gravy! Take off the plastic cage holding the legs together.
  3. Dry: Pat the turkey dry, soaking up any excess moisture with paper towels.
  4. Fold Under the Wings: Fold the wings under your bird. This will prevent them from burning and drying out.

Roasting Instructions for a Juicy Turkey

This recipe is super straightforward and you will become a turkey master with my step-by-step instructions! No more stressing about the turkey on Thanksgiving day.

  1. Prepare and Stuff the Turkey: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. To prepare the turkey, remove the neck, giblets, and plastic cage holding the legs together. Pat the turkey dry using paper towels then tuck the wings under the turkey. Stuff the turkey with the onion, garlic, apple, lemon, rosemary, and thyme.
  2. Combine the Herb Butter Mixture: In a small bowl combine the butter, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cover With Herb Butter: Rub the herb butter evenly all over the turkey.
  4. Under the Skin: Loosen the skin and spread the herb butter underneath the skin. (This infuses the turkey breast with incredible flavor and allows the flavors to go deeper into the turkey. The butter helps to keep the meat juicy, and can also help prevent it from drying out. Don’t skip this part!)
  5. Tie the Legs: Tie the legs together using kitchen twine or string.
  6. Place in a Roasting Pan: Position the prepared bird in a large roasting pan breast side up.
  7. Insert Thermometer/ Roast Turkey: Remove the pop-up thermometer from the turkey. Insert an oven-safe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, about 2 inches deep. Be careful not to hit the bone! Cook for 15 minutes for each pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear. Let the roasted turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.

What if the Skin is Getting Too Dark?

If the skin on the top of your roasted turkey is getting too dark and crispy, here are some tips to help you out!

  • Tent with Foil: This helps protect the turkey breast from direct heat, but continues to cook the rest of the turkey evenly. Cover the turkey loosely with the aluminum foil, then remove it towards the end, if needed.
  • Check the Oven Temperature: The oven might be too hot for the turkey. I like to roast my turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need to reduce the oven temperature to slow the cooking process you can. A lower temperature also helps the turkey to cook more evenly.
  • Rack Placement: Make sure the turkey isn’t too close to the top element of the oven. Adjust or remove one of the racks if needed to make room for the turkey to roast. Place the turkey in the lower half of the oven.

Close side view of the turkey on a platter.

Why is My Roasted Turkey Too Dry?

The most common turkey struggle I hear about is having a dry turkey. Most of the time it’s because your roasted turkey has cooked for too long. You want to make sure the internal temperature of your turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • DO NOT Use the Pop-Up Timer: Immediately discard it when preparing the turkey. The pop-up timer will usually roast the turkey to 180 degrees Fahreneheit before it pops. That is far past the correct cooking temperature. The best way to watch the temperature is to use a leave-in thermometer or an instant-read thermometer.
  • Thermometer Placement: The best place to insert the thermometer is in the thickest part of the breast. Insert your thermometer about 2 inches into the breast being careful not to hit the bone.
  • Brining: Brining the turkey is also a great way to help the turkey retain moisture during the process. I recently dry-brined a turkey and it turned out incredible. I also have a great method for a wet brine turkey. Be sure to brine your turkey 24-48 hours before cooking.
  • Use Chicken Stock: Adding 1 to 2 cups of chicken stock to the bottom of the roasting pan will keep the turkey from drying out. It also helps when making your turkey gravy at the end. If you are planning to brine your turkey, then skip this tip.

How to Make Turkey Gravy?

This is one of my most asked questions! Making pan gravy is actually super easy! My Turkey Gravy is a simple recipe made with pan drippings, flour, and chicken broth. You just whisk it together over the stove and it comes together quickly! The flavors of the turkey make an incredible gravy. Salt and pepper to taste then pour it into your gravy boat!

Turkey gravy whisking in a pan.

How to Carve a Roasted Turkey

Follow my carving tips to get the most out of your bird! I walk you through every step so that you can beautifully serve your turkey to your guests.

  • Let it rest! This is an important step to ensure the turkey remains moist, juicy, and full of that amazing flavor. Letting the turkey rest also helps the moisture redistribute throughout the meat and retain the tenderness. Let the turkey rest for about 20-30 minutes, and then it is ready to carve!
  • Use a Sharp Knife: The most important thing when carving your turkey is to use a sharp knife. I like to use a chef’s knife or a serrated knife.
  • Legs and Thighs: I like to start with the legs (drumsticks) and thighs. Start cutting through the joint. Sometimes you have to twist to help loosen the joints. This helps me separate the leg better from the turkey. Once you cut the leg from the turkey, you can find the joint between the two and separate the leg from the thigh.
  • Breast: Slice close to the rib cage and remove the breast on each side. Once you have removed the whole breast, begin slicing even pieces against the grain. Repeat with the other breast.
  • Wings: Slice through the joint of the wing. Apply some pressure if needed and slightly twist the wing to help loosen the joint.
  • Excess Meat: Remove any excess meat left on the carcass then discard the carcass. Don’t forget to save the wishbone if you like that tradition like we do!
  • Plate: Plate everything together on a big beautiful serving platter.

Top view of the carved oven roasted turkey on a platter.

How to Store Leftover Roasted Turkey

This roasted turkey recipe makes the BEST leftovers! I love to make Leftover Turkey Casserole or Turkey Noodle Soup to use up the rest of my Thanksgiving dinner.

  • In the Refrigerator: Once the roasted turkey has cooled, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days.
  • In the Freezer: After your turkey has cooled down, place it in a freezer bag. Lay your turkey flat in the bag and then zip or suction out all the air. Label your bag with the date, and store it for up to 1 month in the freezer. When ready to reheat, place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
  • To Reheat: To reheat in the oven, place in a baking dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes or until warm. When reheating in a microwave, heat for 1 to 2 minutes until warm. Try not to overheat, as this will leave your leftover turkey dry and hard.

Top view of Thanksgiving dinner and oven roasted turkey on a plate.

Tried and True Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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  • Thaw the turkey 3-7 days in advance in the refrigerator! Follow my thawing tips in the post.

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. To prepare the turkey, remove the neck, giblets, and plastic cage. Pat the turkey dry using paper towels then tuck the wings underneath the turkey.

  • Stuff the turkey with the onion, garlic, apple, lemon, rosemary, and thyme.

  • In a small bowl combine the butter, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.

  • Rub the herb butter evenly all over the turkey.

  • Loosen the skin and spread the herb butter underneath the skin.

  • Tie the legs together using kitchen twine or string.

  • Position the prepared bird in a large roasting pan breast side up.

  • Remove the pop-up thermometer and insert an oven-safe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, about 2 inches deep. Be careful not to hit the bone!

  • Cook for 15 minutes for each pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Updated on November 12, 2024
Originally Posted on October 20, 2019

Calories: 68kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 0.3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 205mgPotassium: 42mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 234IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.





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Rebuilding Trust in Intranasal Vaccines for Avian Flu and Other Respiratory Diseases

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At the World Vaccine Congress Europe, Chad Costley, MD, MBA, president and CEO of BlueWillow Biologics, presented an update on the company’s NanoVax intranasal adjuvant vaccine for avian flu (H5N1). In our interview, Costley discussed the vaccine’s design, addressed concerns about safety and public hesitancy, and highlighted the study’s potential.

The trial design simulated real-world infection and assessed how NanoVax™ primes the immune system. “With avian flu, we had a naive patient population who had not been exposed to the virus,” Costley explained. “We administered two intranasal doses of our adjuvanted recombinant protein vaccine followed by a third intramuscular dose.” He emphasized that the intramuscular dose, derived from an existing licensed H5 vaccine, was used as a “proxy for infection” to test how well the body would respond if it were exposed to the virus in the real world. “This approach helps us see whether our intranasal vaccine can prime the immune system to mount a robust, protective response upon real infection,” Costley added.

Vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge, especially in the context of COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Costley emphasized the potential for NanoVax™ to address these concerns, particularly for individuals who fear needles. “A significant portion of vaccine hesitancy is due to needle phobia,” said Costley, noting that intranasal vaccines, such as NanoVax™, can bypass this issue. “Any intranasal vaccine, including ours, can avoid the discomfort and reluctance that comes with needles.” He also noted that misinformation about vaccine safety remains a barrier.

Addressing safety concerns, Costley referenced Berna’s historical issues with intranasal adjuvanted vaccines. This example of a 2000s-era flu vaccine that caused Bell’s Palsy in some recipients, led to widespread distrust of intranasal adjuvants. “We think our platform addresses those safety issues directly,” he explained. “We have a novel oil-and-water emulsion that prevents adjuvants from reaching the olfactory bulb in the nose, which could lead to neurological side effects.” BlueWillow’s clinical trials have shown no serious adverse events to date, strengthening the safety profile of NanoVax.

Costley also underscored the advantages of intranasal vaccination for respiratory diseases like influenza, pointing out that this method mimics the natural route of infection. “We don’t get infected through our arms, we get infected through our noses,” he explained. “An intranasal vaccine has the potential to prime the immune system at the site of infection, providing a more robust and natural response.”

NanoVax contrasts with most current intranasal vaccines, which rely on live attenuated viruses. While live virus vaccines like FluMist have benefits, they also carry risks. NanoVax uses a recombinant protein and adjuvant system, generating immunity without the risks associated with live viruses.

Costley emphasized that the goal of vaccination is not only to prevent illness but also to reduce viral transmission. “What we learned from COVID is that protection means more than just keeping people from getting sick. It also means reducing viral shedding and carriage, which are critical for controlling the spread of disease,” Costley said. He believes NanoVax has the potential to address both aspects, providing immunity against disease while also reducing the likelihood of contagion. “For respiratory diseases, that dual protection is absolutely critical.”

Although BlueWillow has not yet disclosed the full results of its H5N1 clinical trial, Costley shared that the Phase 1 trial exceeded expectations. “We’re very excited to report that through some additional funding, we’ve been able to expand the data set, which now includes not just mucosal antibodies but systemic responses, cellular responses, and ADCC (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity) responses,” he said. Costley expressed optimism that the full results will soon be made public, though additional weeks of analysis are required.

BlueWillow Biologics’ NanoVax platform offers an intranasal alternative to injection-based vaccines and could reshape vaccine delivery. With trial results and a safety profile, it could play a key role in preventing disease and transmission as more data from its H5N1 trials are released.

Reference
BlueWillow Biologics to Present Significant Progress on Its Novel Intranasal Vaccine Technology at World Vaccine Congress Europe. Biospace. October 28, 2024. Accessed November 12, 2024. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/bluewillow-biologics-to-present-significant-progress-on-its-novel-intranasal-vaccine-technology-at-world-vaccine-congress-europe



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1-Bowl Cranberry Orange Scones (Vegan + GF)

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Stack of vegan gluten-free cranberry orange scones next to orange slices and cranberries

Cranberry + orange: a dynamic duo! This duo has made delicious muffins, crisp, and cranberry sauce, and now a new cranberry + orange favorite joins the Minimalist Baker family: scones! 

These EASY, 1-bowl scones are fluffy, citrusy, lightly sweetened, generously studded with fresh cranberries, and undetectably vegan + gluten-free. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, and beyond! Let us show you how it’s done!

Vegan butter, frozen cranberries, orange zest, oat flour, baking powder, salt, flaxseed meal, cane sugar, potato starch, almond flour, and orange juice

These fluffy, tender, gluten-free scones get their perfect texture from a mix of almond flour, oat flour, and potato starch. We discovered this magical combination (after many rounds of testing) when creating our Gluten-Free Blueberry Scones.

Gluten-free flours, flax meal, and orange zest in a mixing bowl

These scones are perfectly flaky thanks to cutting cold (vegan) butter into the dry ingredients.

Pouring fresh cranberries into a bowl of scone dough

Orange juice + zest ensures bright, citrusy flavor throughout. Baking powder helps them rise, salt adds flavor, and flaxseed meal prevents them from being too crumbly.

Baking sheet of orange cranberry scones before baking

The final ingredient is cranberries! Fresh (or frozen) cranberries are full of tartness and flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the sweet, citrusy dough.

Baking sheet of freshly baked vegan gluten-free cranberry orange scones

We think you’re going to LOVE these cranberry orange scones! They’re:

Fluffy
Zesty
Tart
Lightly sweet
Easy to make
& Kind of perfect!

Enjoy with coffee or tea on a lazy weekend morning, for holiday brunch when serving a crowd, and beyond! They also make a great afternoon snack or fall dessert and can be frozen unbaked to quickly bake up when scone cravings arise.

More Homemade Scones

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

Close up photo of a cranberry orange scone showing the perfect crumb texture

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 6 (Scones)

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan

Freezer Friendly 1 month

Does it keep? 2 Days

Prevent your screen from going dark

  • 1 ¼ cup almond flour* (we like Wellbee’s)
  • 1/2 cup oat flour*
  • 1/2 cup potato starch*
  • 3 Tbsp cane sugar
  • 1 ½ Tbsp orange zest (1 ½ or 2 large oranges yield ~1 ½ Tbsp // 4 ½ tsp zest)
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp flaxseed meal (ground flax seeds)
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 cup cold vegan butter* (we like Miyoko’s // dairy butter would also work if not vegan // or coconut oil that’s scoopable — not liquid or frozen*)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice (1 ½ large oranges yield ~1/4 cup or 60 ml juice)
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen whole cranberries
  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

  • To a large mixing bowl, add almond flour, oat flour, potato starch, cane sugar, orange zest, baking powder, flaxseed meal, and sea salt. Whisk together until fully incorporated.

  • Use a pastry cutter, fork, or clean hands to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles wet sand with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

  • Add the orange juice a little at a time while stirring with a wooden spoon. The dough should not be crumbly, and it should also not stick to your fingers. If too dry, keep mixing or add 1 tsp more orange juice at a time (up to 1 Tbsp more). Then add your cranberries and gently stir to distribute.

  • Turn the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet and use your hands to form it into a disc about 3/4 to 1 inch in height. Use a knife to cut the circle into 6 even wedges. Then use a floured spatula to arrange the scones about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with a bit more cane sugar for a sparkly finish and extra sweetness (optional)!

  • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until fluffy and light golden brown on the edges. Let cool slightly before enjoying. These are delicious plain or spread with a little vegan butter.

  • NOTE: Best within the first 24-36 hours after baking. The texture tends to become dried out after that. Once completely cooled, store leftovers at room temperature in a well-sealed container for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. You can also freeze the cut out scones and bake from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the bake time as needed.

*Almond flour is important in this recipe. Cashew flour is the next best option. Making this one (tree) nut-free is a challenge, but it’s possible that a mix of sunflower seed flour (mill it finely in a blender), coconut flour, and arrowroot starch would work. The texture will vary!
*The combination of almond flour, oat flour, and potato starch gives these scones a classic scone flavor and fluffiness. You could try replacing the oat flour + potato starch with slightly less of a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but odds are they won’t be quite as fluffy!
*If using coconut oil, make sure it’s scoopable (the state it’s typically in when you buy it at the store), not liquid. If it’s too liquidy and pourable, this will negatively affect the scones. To fix, set your jar of coconut oil in the refrigerator to firm up for 30 minutes, then stir and let rest another 30 minutes at room temperature. The oil should be consistently solid, not partially solid and partially liquid. Repeat this process (of chilling, stirring, resting) until the right texture is achieved. This is key to ensuring the scones’ texture is just right and the dough is easy to work with. (For best and most consistent results, be sure to store your coconut oil in a cool, dark place to keep it at the right texture/consistency.)
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.

Serving: 1 scone Calories: 303 Carbohydrates: 30.1 g Protein: 6 g Fat: 19.1 g Saturated Fat: 6.3 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.1 g Monounsaturated Fat: 7.6 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 347 mg Potassium: 240 mg Fiber: 3.9 g Sugar: 9 g Vitamin A: 6 IU Vitamin C: 9 mg Calcium: 181 mg Iron: 1.4 mg





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