Postpartum Snack: Homemade Pop Tarts
Welcome to my postpartum culinary journey!
Growing up, I indulged in all sorts of fast food and frozen delights, but as I've delved into the world of postpartum nourishment, I'm on a mission to recreate those childhood favorites with an optimal health perspective in mind. Join me on this blog for a collection of scrumptious postpartum (and pregnancy/pre-pregnancy) meals that are not only delicious but also packed with nourishment and love.
Ever noticed how what we eat not only fuels our body but also plays a starring role in the drama of our mood and mental vibes? It's like our brain's favorite sitcom, and guess what? We're the directors! When we opt for nutrient-packed goodies, we're giving our brains the VIP treatment. Think of it as a blockbuster production with all the right elements for a feel-good finale. On the flip side, a junk-filled menu can turn our brain cells into drama queens, leading to mood swings and stress overload. As a mental health therapist who loves a good snack, I'm here to spill the beans (or chia seeds) on how our meals are like scripts for our mental health show. Let's make it a blockbuster, not a flop!
You’re probably wondering why this recipe makes for a good postpartum treat. Let me explain why these were tailor-made to focus on postpartum nourishment which includes postpartum healing and recovery and I’ll share the ingredients I added that you won’t typically find in a pop tart recipe.
Why These Treats are Perfect for Postpartum:
Gelatin: A Postpartum Powerhouse
Gelatin, packed with gut-healing properties, is a powerhouse for postpartum recovery. It enhances gastric acid secretion, strengthens the gut lining, and aids in healthy digestion, addressing common issues like low stomach acid and impaired gut barriers. Additionally, it supports fluid balance in the digestive tract, promoting smooth intestinal transit and bowel movements.
Beyond its digestive benefits, gelatin is renowned for promoting healthier hair, skin, and nails. Traditionally consumed nose to tail, it has become less common in modern diets focused on specific meat cuts. Gelatin is rich in glycine, known to improve sleep, and enhances nutrient absorption in the body. With each scoop providing 10g of protein, it becomes a vital restoration worker for tissue repair during the postpartum period
Chia Seeds: Nutritional Boost for Recovery
Chia seeds emerge as a nutritional powerhouse for postpartum nourishment, offering a myriad of benefits. Packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, chia seeds contribute to overall well-being during the postpartum period. The omega-3s support brain health, while the fiber aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, their protein content provides a sustainable energy boost. Incorporating chia seeds into your postpartum diet can be a delicious and convenient way to enhance your nutritional intake, promoting both physical recovery and overall vitality.
Grass-Fed Butter: Liquid Gold for Well-Being
Grass-fed butter is liquid gold because of its exceptional nutritional benefits. Packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E, and antioxidants, these dairy products offer a wholesome and nutrient-dense addition to your diet. The higher levels of omega-3s contribute to brain health, while the vitamins support overall immune function and bone health—essential elements for postpartum recovery. Choosing grass-fed options ensures a richer nutritional profile, making them a delicious and nourishing choice to enhance your postpartum well-being. Enjoy the creamy goodness and nutritional boost that grass-fed butter and milk bring to your postpartum journey.
Last thoughts
As you embark on your postpartum journey, remember that nourishing your body is an act of self-love. Nourishment is not only what you eat, but also what you think, consume, and who you surround yourself with (more on this topic in another blog post). Slow down and truly enjoy this recipe with a loved one or just you and your baby. I’m a big fan of postpartum support, so please share this recipe with one of your postpartum friends or family members!
Stay tuned for more delightful and wholesome creations on this culinary adventure. Here's to your well-being and joy in every bite!
Postpartum Pop Tarts
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
2 cups Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour
1 tbsp organic sugar
1/2 tsp redmond salt
3/4 cup unsalted grass-fed butter cut into small pieces (keep butter cold)
7-8 tbsp ice cold water
1 pasture-raised egg beaten
For the Jam Filling:
2 cups organic frozen fruit (I used a berry blend, but you can use any berry or fruit of your choice or that which baby is craving)
2 tablespoons organic sugar
2 tablespoons organic chia seeds
2 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin
6 tablespoons clean water
For the Icing:
3/4 cup organic powdered sugar
1 tbsp grass-fed or organic milk
1 oz cream cheese
1 tbsp homemade jam
Instructions
For the Pastry:
In a food processor, pulse to combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces to the food processor and pulse until the butter is the size of peas, with some larger pieces.
Remove from the food processor and place the flour mixture into a bowl. Add in clean water, one tablespoon at a time, until you can pinch the dough together. Work the dough into a ball.
Pat the dough into a flat circle, cover with unbleached parchment paper or plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Making the Jam:
Add fruit to a saucepan and turn on medium heat.
Once the fruit starts to thaw a bit, add 2 tablespoons of organic sugar (this will help break down the fruit).
Stir the fruit occasionally while breaking up the berries (about 10-15 minutes)
Once the fruit turns more into a jam-like consistency, add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds and continue to occasionally stir for about 3-5 minutes until fully absorbed.
Lastly, add 2 tablespoons of grass-fed gelatin and stir constantly until it is fully absorbed (about 2-5 minutes).
Set aside and allow the gelatin to continue to thicken the jam. You may add a tablespoon or more of gelatin if you would like the jam to be thicker.
For the Pastry (continued):
Preheat oven to 350ºF and line a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough into two equal rectangles, each about 8×9 inches and about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut the dough into 6 smaller rectangles about 3×4 inches in size. Place 6 of the rectangles on the unbleached parchment-lined baking sheet. (Reserve the other 6 rectangles for the top of the pop-tart.) (If you would like mini pop tarts, cut the dough into 12 smaller rectangles).
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the homemade berry jam onto each rectangle and spread, leaving about a 1/2 inch border. (Only add 1 tablespoon of jam if you are making mini pop tarts).
Place the reserved rectangles over the jam. Gently press the edges closed with your fingers. Crimp all the way around with a fork. Generously poke holes into the top of the pastry.
Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg just until covered. (You will not need to use the whole egg).
Bake at 350ºF for 23-25 minutes, until the crust edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let the pop-tarts cool completely.
For the glaze:
While the pop-tart is cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the jam, milk, and cream cheese until smooth. Then add the powdered sugar. Whisk until combined and no clumps remain. You want the glaze to be spreadable but thick so it doesn't run off the pop-tart. Add more powdered sugar or milk to reach the desired consistency.
Once the pop-tart has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each pastry using a spoon.
Allow the pop-tarts to dry completely before serving and thoroughly enjoy these tasty postpartum treats!
I hope you love this recipe and find overall nourishment from this tasty treat. I love pairing one of these pop tarts with a bone broth hot chocolate or a simple glass of grass-fed milk. Enjoy mama!
Notes:
I personally love using Perfect Supplements grass-fed gelatin. You can purchase their products here. You can also use code “JTT10” for 10% off your purchase. This is a brand I love using during my pregnancies and postpartum journeys.
Notice I made these gluten-free mainly because of personal health reasons at this time in my life. Once I am able to consume gluten again, I cannot wait to make a sourdough pastry dough because sourdough is life!
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