It’s September 10, and I’m feeling a bit torn. The idea of fall is a really romantic one, but I’m going to miss being greeted by the sun and being able to just walk out the door without bundling up. However, since the seasons seem to be switching places right now, the weather has been cooling off some. All in all, I will say it has been agreeable! Beautiful! Over the years I’ve observed how we all connect with the weather, and how it affects us. I’ve noticed that in places where it’s warm year-round, the people have a more care-free attitude. Whereas in colder parts of the world, the people seem to be more reserved. And the in-betweens? Well they seem to have an easier time when it comes to making adjustments. I think that the seasons play a role in regulating our moods, and how we approach life. The warmer seasons allow us to flourish, while the colder seasons help us develop our sense of being rooted. How do you all feel about the seasons?
Comforting bowls for breakfast
I recently got an electric pressure-cooker and I decided to cook up some soybeans I had on hand for when I want to make soymilk. I was thinking of ways that I could incorporate them into sweet and savoury meals. For this breakfast I served them with oats, frozen banana slices, plumped raisins, dates, cinnamon, almond and coconut butter, and honey for good measure. This was such a yummy combination, and I liked the texture the beans gave–nor crunchy nor mushy, but in between.
A little bit of this and a little bit of that.
This reminded me of a congee actually. M’mm congee. I made a lotus seed congee last time the weather was cooler, and I remember loving the flavor and comfort I felt. “In traditional Chinese medicine, foods are prescribed for their effects on organs, blood, yin, yang, and Qi, the major players in our physical and emotional health. Foods such as rice, seaweed, sweet potatoes, and bananas nourish our yin, which in turn hydrates and nourishes organs. Think of a parched plant; after a good watering it becomes more tumescent. Eating yin-enhancing foods nourishes the body in a way that simple drinking water cannot.” Perhaps this is why I feel more at ease after having those kinds of foods.
Almost the same mix-ins, but this time I let everything sit together for awhile.
I also opted to use a combination of the homemade sunflower seed butter and almond butter. What an excellent choice! I can’t quite put my finger on it, but the sunflower seed butter I made reminds me of a certain candy I’ve had before. Speaking of sweets…
Chocolate was on this weeks grocery list!
Last time I was by the chocolate store I was with Matilda. Then someone had opened the door and the dizzying smell of chocolate swirled its way to my nose, and I looked down at Matilda in hopelessness. It would be torture for her, not to mention they wouldn’t allow her inside in the first place! Yesterday I was by the chocolate store, and I purposely left Matilda behind because this mama needed to get some “grocery shopping” done.
After spending over an hour at the chocolate store with my friend I finally decided on some that I wanted to take home.
Remember those “truffles” I made? Well I picked up some white chocolate hot cocoa powder so I could make a different variation! I also picked up some other chocolates that were new to me, and one that was and always will be dear to my heart. Kinder Schockoladen are what grilled cheese sandwiches may be to some of you. That and Milka Schokoladen bring back memories. I’ll never be “too old” to enjoy these… heck, I’ll never be too old for anything!
I took a friend's advice and added something special to this sandwich!
Fi had mentioned that she likes adding apple chutney with hummus, so I figured I would give it a try. I made a sandwich with some shredded mango chutney, “What Do I Remind You Of” hummus, red cabbage, and cilantro. This lady knows what she is talking about! The combination of hummus and chutney will leave you wanting more, and by all means go with your gut feeling!
I've recently discovered my favorite way to eat collard greens.
Sauteed with onions, and cherry or sun-dried tomatoes. Then when you’re done, dress it Italian vinaigrette.
- I made myself a khichari of split mung bean soup, basmati rice, and ghee
I was feeling like I needed to just comfort myself, and I’ve found that this recipe I found in the “Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners” book helps me feel at ease. “Persons recuperating are often recommended khichari, a combination of rice and mung beans, because of their ability to provide a good level of nourishment without overtaxing the digestion.” Do any of you pay attention to when you feel like your body needs a bit of a “break”? When I’ve been out and about, doing new things, trying new things… my body finds a way to tell me to slow down and take it easy.
For more information on the tri-doshic mung bean, click here!
And since I mentioned ghee, I figure this is a good time to let you all know that I actually made this ghee. It’s really very simple, but it’s one of those things that one might find themselves buying despite how easy it is to make. Another example of that would be hummus!
It's key that you get unsalted butter, and it's recommended that it be either local or organic.
Melt the sticks of butter in a heavy-bottom pan.
Bring to a boil, then put it on low-heat.
It's important to keep stirring so the bottom doesn't get burned; do this for about 15 minutes.
Then get your strainer and containers ready!
I let the ghee sit for a little bit to cool down. Then I strained the clarified butter into the bowl, and I strained it a second time into the jar.
The finished product!
After it cooled down, I put it in the fridge and it hardened–which is totally normal. I am so proud of myself! Ghee is one of my favorite things when it comes to food. Its taste is incomparable, and it’s awesome in salty or sweet dishes. If you haven’t tried ghee yet, I highly suggest it. It will take your meal to another level, I promise.
Well everyone, this felt like a post that
Katharina's Food Adventures 