Brewing & Baking: A Self-Care Journey

The Importance of Self-Care

In a world that constantly demands our attention, self-care becomes a vital act of preservation. It's more than just a trend—it’s the foundation for wellness, both mental and physical. Whether it’s sipping a warm cup of tea or indulging in a creative activity like baking, these small, intentional moments of rest allow us to recharge and find balance. Combining the art of brewing tea with baking has created a comforting routine that nurtures my soul, brings joy to my home and promotes my wellbeing. 

My Discovery of Sourdough and Baking for Self-Care

Just recently, a good friend passed along their sourdough starter to me as well as some gentle reassurance: "You won't kill it".  While I was nervous to embark on the sourdough journey, she was right. I read a few blogs and got some tips and almost everything I have baked has come out nicely. Maybe a little misshapen, but always delicious. I found baking to be a therapeutic outlet I never knew I needed. From cultivating my sourdough starter to mastering the patience it takes to let the dough rise; baking became an act of mindfulness. The warm scent of bread wafting through the house is nothing short of self-care. Baking not only grounds me but allows me to express creativity while making delicious homemade goods for my family that are gut friendly. Another win in self-care! 

Pairing the relaxing ritual of baking with brewing tea has become my ultimate self-care routine. There’s something magical about the process of combining simple ingredients and creating something beautiful and nourishing.

Types of Busy Bee Brew Loose Leaf Tea

At Busy Bee Brew, we believe that tea is a special component of any self-care routine, and I often find myself brewing a cup while baking. We offer a variety of organic loose leaf teas designed for wellness, relaxation, and balance. Some of our customer favorites include:

Organic Thyroid & Hormone Blend

Busy Bee Brew's Organic Thyroid & Hormone Blend offers natural support for hormonal balance. Perfect for women who need a gentle boost during stressful periods or life transitions. Fennel can aid with a thyroid flare-up, Lemon Balm may assist the body in fighting off viruses ('tis the season), Nettle Leaf is rich with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory benefits, and Licorice has adaptogenic properties. Turmeric adds a powerful anti-inflammatory to this blend as well. 

Organic Women's Cycle Blend

Busy Bee Brew's Organic Women's Cycle Blend is crafted to ease the discomforts associated with monthly cycles and hormone transitions. It’s packed with soothing herbs like Red Raspberry Leaf, Lady's Mantle Leaf, Stinging Nettle Leaf, Ginger Root, and Alfalfa Leaf that help bring relief to women during the challenges we face during periods, postpartum and perimenopause. 

Organic Complexion Blend

Busy Bee Brew's Organic Complexion Blend supports clear skin from within, making it a great addition to any beauty and self-care routine. With herbs that detox and nourish the skin such as Burdock Root, Alfalfa Leaf, Peppermint, Milk Thistle Seed, and Calendula Petals, you'll glow from the inside out.

Organic Calm Brew

Busy Bee Brew's Organic Calm Brew is perfect for winding down after a long day. Tulsi Leaf, also known as Holy Basil, is an apoptogen known for its soothing and healing properties renowned for calming the mind, reducing worry and releasing tension.  It’s ideal for sipping before bed or during moments of stress.

Delicious Recipe Alert: Sourdough Cobbler!!

I've always loved cooking, baking and sharing recipes - as documented in my previous blogger days at Juliecat in the Kitchen. So, in that spirit, I'm sharing one of my most recent favorites to pair with Busy Bee Brew’s loose leaf tea: The Simple Sourdough Cobbler. It’s a delicious and comforting treat, perfect for cozy afternoons (or breakfast!). 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fruit (any seasonal fruit works, we love using peaches, pears, plums or apples)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 Tbs Cinnamon (or more if you like, we always go heavy on the Cinnamon here)
• 2 cups sourdough starter (out of the fridge or fed, either works)
• 2/3 cup flour
• 1/2 cup kefir, yogurt, or plant-based yogurt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 stick butter, or 1/2 cup coconut oil 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Add the butter or coconut oil to the baking dish you are using and place in the oven to melt. 
3. In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, kefir/yogurt, maple syrup, baking powder, and salt. 
4. Mix the fruit with maple syrup and cinnamon. 
5. When the butter is melted and bubbling, pull out the pan and pour the batter into the hot baking dish. 
6. Pour the fruit over the batter in the baking dish.
7. Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling on top.
8. Serve warm with your favorite Busy Bee Brew tea blend.

This recipe is not only delicious, but a great way to make use of any leftover sourdough starter and/or ripe fruit that you may have. When paired with a steaming cup of herbal tea, you’re in for the ultimate cozy experience.

Conclusion

Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. Sometimes, it’s as simple as brewing a cup of organic loose leaf tea and baking a homemade treat. Whether you're easing into the morning with a thyroid-supporting blend or winding down with a calming cup of tea at night, these small rituals are an essential part of staying grounded and well. At Busy Bee Brew, we believe in nourishing the body and soul with simple, natural ingredients. So, grab your favorite blend and whip up a cobbler—it’s time to indulge in the beauty of brewing and baking.

We'll be back with more delicious recipes and self-care tea tips and be sure to check out Busy Bee Brew's organic tea collection! We're offering free shipping on orders over $50.