“Then it was as if I suddenly saw the secret beauty of their hearts, the depths of their hearts where neither sin nor desire nor self-knowledge can reach, the core of their reality, the person that each one is in God’s eyes.
If only they could see themselves as they really are. If only we could see each other that way all the time, there would be no more war, no more hatred, no more cruelty, no more greed… I suppose the big problem would be that we would fall down and worship each other.”
~ Thomas Merton
Note: Although I published this post on Valentines Day two years ago, the sentiments seem to me to be even more relevant and in need of sharing today. The recipe for brownie waffles is definitely worth repeating as well. I hope this piece resonates with you, whether it’s your first time reading it or an encore:
Sometimes, among the seemingly mundane events of the day, we find an unexpected connection.
That’s how it was for me, one evening last October, watching the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Stephen’s guest was the comedian Russell Brand, who was on the show to promote his latest project, like every other guest. The interview began with some light banter about small talk, followed by a surprisingly deep question and answer:
Stephen: “Why are we here, Russell Brand? Why do you think there is something, instead of nothing?”
Russell: “Do you think it’s to move towards oneness? Could the tendency be unity? Could there be some consciousness trying to realize itself through material?”
The conversation that followed was decidedly not the standard talk show babble. They were discussing Brand’s new book Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions. Stephen asked him if he thought one could really have freedom from ones addictions or simply hold them at bay:
Russell: “It depends, I suppose, on how one interprets addiction. If you see addiction, perhaps, as a yearning to connect that our culture doesn’t know how to service, then you can have freedom from the malevolent manifestations of addiction. If addiction is a drive to know truth or, in another lexicon, to know God, to know oneness that we are unable to medicate successfully because our culture tells us that there is no meaning, tells us that we are but material, tells us that we are individuals trapped in flesh, only here to consume, and there are some people who just can’t bear that; so they take a little heroin to unwind.”
Stephen: “Yes, that’s true, as Thomas Merton said, that ‘Ourselves we clothe, we wrap in the bandages of other people’s perceptions of us or in our appetites and pleasures and we say, “Oh, those bandages, that is ourself”, without ever looking at what’s underneath the bandage, which is a hole in our heart the size of God.'”
Stephen and Russell’s conversation and, in particular, Stephen’s paraphrase of Thomas Merton’s words, so resonated with my own spiritual philosophy, that I immediately set to googling the name of “Thomas Merton”. I found that he was a Trappist monk, theologian and mystic, born under the sign of Aquarius, who wrote more than 70 books on spirituality, social justice, civil rights and pacifism. I found a number of other quotes from his writings that also resonated with me, such as this one:
“It is when we love the other, the enemy, that we obtain from God the key to an understanding of who he is , and who we are.”
It is important to remember what connects us, rather than what divides us, especially in times such as these when social media algorithms and outrage-peddling bots and trolls continue to push our politics away from the center and our citizens apart from one another.
These are interesting times, to say the least, and I have found myself disappointed by some I had previously admired, and inspired by many that I had formerly assumed I had nothing in common with. As a fairly true-blue liberal, I never thought that I could be moved by a speech from George W. Bush. But one he gave on October 19, 2017 touched me deeply, especially these words:
“We have seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty. At times, it can seem like the forces pulling us apart are stronger than the forces binding us together. Argument turns too easily into animosity. Disagreement escalates into dehumanization. Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions – forgetting the image of God we should see in each other.”
The Gods truly do have a sense of humor. I never imagined I would connect with the words of George W. Bush, but I did. Russell Brand, our 43rd President and Thomas Merton have all echoed my deepest belief; that we are on a journey towards connection, towards the recognition of God’s face when we look in the mirror, as well as when we look at each other. Sri Aurobindo, a favorite philosopher of mine, wrote poetically about our origins, defining creation as:
“Existence that multiplied itself for sheer delight of being and plunged into numberless trillions of forms so that it might find itself innumerably…”
And I have no doubt that we can find our way back to civility, to camaraderie, and that one day, perhaps generations upon generations from now, we will find that recognition of the divine in ourselves and each other. Sri Aurobindo’s quote continues:
“….Love is the keynote; Joy is the music; Power is the strain; Knowledge is the performer; the infinite All is the composer and audience. We know only the preliminary discords, which are as fierce as the harmony shall be great; but we shall arrive surely at the fugue of the divine Beatitudes.”
Love is not always easy. Sometimes, the most difficult relationships are the ones that teach us the most important lessons. So, in honor of Valentine’s Day, and in the name of true love, take a moment to seek a connection, to see the humanity, as well as the divinity, in someone you disagree with.
“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another.”
~ Thomas Merton
~~~~~~~~~
Dust off that waffle maker that’s been sitting lonely on your top shelf. Chocolate Brownie Waffles with Coffee Maple Syrup make a lovely breakfast or brunch treat, on Valentine’s Day or any day.
Chocolate Brownie Waffles with Coffee Maple Syrup These delicious dark chocolate waffles taste like you’re having a brownie for breakfast. The Coffee Maple Syrup adds a sophisticated pick me up for your morning meal. I added blueberries to the waffles in the picture above, for extra anti-oxidant power. Freeze any leftover waffles to heat up in your toaster oven on hurried mornings. I like to spread a waffle or two with peanut butter for an easy, portable, high protein treat. You can also serve them as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream on top and chocolate syrup drizzled over all.
Note: if you haven’t used your waffle iron in awhile, plan on throwing out the first waffle; it will serve to season your waffle iron.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/4 cup butter, melted (still warm but not hot)
3/4 cup organic cane sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup plain yogurt*
*you will want thinner Euro style yogurt for this – not Greek style
Coffee Maple Syrup (recipe follows)
In a large bowl, stir cocoa and warm melted butter together until smooth. Stir in sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat well with a fork.
In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt together.
Add some of the flour mixture to the large bowl with the cocoa mixture, a little at a time, alternating with some of the yogurt, mixing fully between each addition, until everything is added and mixture is fully combined.
Bake in your waffle iron, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Serve with Coffee Maple Syrup for breakfast or ice cream and chocolate sauce (and some strawberries or raspberries, if you like) for dessert.
Makes about 9 – 10 waffles (depending on your waffle iron).
Coffee Maple Syrup You can double this recipe (just use a larger pan) for more syrup.
1 cup strong coffee or espresso
3 tablespoons real maple syrup
2 tablespoons golden brown sugar (packed)
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a small, heavy saucepan, over medium high heat, stir together coffee, maple syrup and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half (about 15 minutes). Turn off heat and add the butter, a piece at a time, stirring to melt and combine between each addition. Serve immediately over Chocolate Brownie Pancakes or let syrup cool, pour into a jar and store in fridge. This makes a nice gift from your kitchen. Make sure to let the recipient know to refrigerate the syrup and warm it before using.
“When, taking all factors into account, anything can be proved to be impossible, that usually means that it will be done in some different manner and employing a new and unforeseen technique.”
~ Arthur C. Clarke
The year 2020 sure has had an intense beginning. Personally, I was planning to start out the year somewhat quietly, hoping to catch my breath for a bit after 2019. Judging from conversations with friends and family, it seems I’m not the only one feeling the need create some space for healing.
That’s why the the announcement of the publication of KSTechnique: Healing the World One Person at a Time, by Rabbi Jordania Goldberg, couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. Jordania is a long-time friend, counselor and fellow traveler. Her illuminative and inspiring book will introduce you to KSTechnique® (KST), which stands for Kabbalah Somatic Technique. Based on the ancient practice of Kabbalah and rooted in the Tree of Life, it is a comprehensive healing modality that, “teaches how each part of our body and mind has its own wisdom to share with us by offering a reflected portion of our greater innate wisdom – a microcosm of the macrocosm.”
Having been privileged to assist in the completion of this book as a content editor, as well as studying the modality as an addition to my own practice, I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in the mystical as well as the practical aspects of healing. In his description of the book, Daniel C. Matt, author of The Essential Kabbalah, God and the Big Bang, as well as the multi-volume annotated translation, The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, put it beautifully:
“One of the most significant features of Kabbalah is how it integrates the physical and spiritual aspects of reality. In her groundbreaking work, Rabbi Jordania Goldberg has applied this unitive Kabbalistic principle to holistic healing. This book demonstrates how a modern healer can draw upon ancient mystical teachings and modern science, blending the two into an effective therapeutic system.”
Whether you or a friend are studying or already practicing another healing modality, or if you are just a layperson interested in expanding your knowledge and awareness of an ancient philosophy and ways in which its tools might be utilized for good in the modern world, check out the info at KSTechnique.com and see if it resonates with you. You might be inspired to help heal the world, one person at a time.
“Thought is all light, and publishes itself to the universe.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, Address to the Literary Societies of Dartmouth College (July 24, 1838)
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Whether you’re planning a spread for Super Bowl Sunday or the Oscars, this secret technique for achieving Oven-Baked Crispy Maple Hot Wings will make you a winner.
Oven-Baked Crispy Maple Hot Wings These wings really do come out of the oven crispy and full of flavor, as if you fried them. The secret is the addition of baking powder to the spice rub (note: not baking soda). Because the rub is also full of flavor, they’re delicious even without the sauce, so if you’re not a fan of the “hot” part of hot wings, leave the sauce part out. If you do like your wings hot and saucy, this recipe adds a touch of maple flavor to the mix.
For 2 & 1/2 lbs of wing sections, you will need*:
*If you’re making 1 lb of wings, use half the rub and save the other half in the jar you made it in for a future batch. For 5 lbs of wings, double the Spice Rub recipe and Toss Sauce amounts.
Secret Ingredient Spice Rub:
Add to a jar and shake to mix thoroughly:
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sea salt
2 tablespoons baking powder (aluminum-free)
Note: the wings are yummy even without the sauce, so if you just want crispy, tasty, slightly spicy wings, you can leave it off.
Maple Hot Wings Toss Sauce
(easy to halve or double for less or more wings):
1/2 cup of your favorite hot sauce
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup real maple syrup
(you can substitute brown sugar, turbinado sugar or coconut sugar)
Preheat your oven to 420°F
Mix the spice rub ingredients thoroughly in a jar (in a pinch you could use a plastic zip bag for this). Sprinkle and toss wings in a large bowl using 1/2 of the mix at a time, until the surfaces of each wing are evenly coated.
Place wings inside a large baking pan lined first with foil, followed by a sheet of oven paper that’s been scrunched up and then laid flat over the foil.
Bake the wings for 20 minutes. Take the pan out of the oven and turn each of the wings. They will look kind of white and chalky at this point, so don’t worry. Bake the turned wings for another 20 minutes. Take them out again and turn a 3rd time. At this point there will be some chicken fat on the oven paper beneath each wing. Use your tongs to dab any remaining dry parts into the fat, as the fat will help the dry spice rub to disappear and the wings to evenly crisp. Cook this third round for 15 minutes more, or until brown and crisp. I checked mine at 15 minutes and they looked pretty nice, but I turned them all one more time for good measure and cooked them 5 minutes more to perfection. They were so good I left some of them plain, without the sauce, so my guests could have a choice.
During this last 15 minutes or so of cooking, you can mix up your toss sauce:
Combine Maple Hot Wings Toss Sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over medium-low, stirring to blend. Turn off heat. Add warm sauce to a large bowl.
When wings are crisp and done, remove from oven and toss the wings, hot from the oven, into the bowl with the sauce. Serve immediately or keep warm in a low oven until serving.
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. OnlyI will remain.”
~ From Dune, by Frank Herbert
As 2020 is a leap year, I’d like to share one of my favorite movie clips with you. From the 1989 movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, directed by Steven Spielberg, it’s about taking a leap of faith:
From this moment, we all have a blank canvas, a cleared space with which to create new projects and allow for new miracles to manifest. Let us enter into 2020 with the willingness to step out on faith, even if the road ahead isn’t clear yet or seems uncertain, knowing the way forward will reveal itself as we go.
“If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on somebody else’s.”
~ Joseph Campbell
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If your path is strewn with ripe avocados, make a batch of tender, light and tasty Avocado Key Lime Pancakes.
Avocado Key Lime Pancakes A client of mine gave me several of their tree’s delicious, creamy avocados and they all ripened at the same time. Thankfully, this inspired me to discover that mashed avocado can replace most or all of the fat in many of your favorite recipes for desserts, baked goods and more. I tweaked a recipe on the California Avocados site, and added Key Lime zest and plain yogurt, along with a Key Lime Maple Syrup (recipe below this one).
These are tender and light, with just enough zesty lime flavor to brighten your morning. Best of all, the oil contained inside the mashed avocado is one of the “good” (heart healthy) fats.
*You can substitute Mexican limes or any dark green-skinned lime for the Key Limes.
1 cup mashed, ripe avocado (1 large or 2 medium avocados)
2 tablespoons organic cane sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups plain whole-milk yogurt (the runny kind – not Greek-style)
1 tablespoon salted butter, melted and cooled to room temp
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons Key Lime* zest (about 5 limes)
1/2 cup whole milk
1 & 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
A tablespoon or two of butter, olive oil or sunflower seed oil to cook pancakes
On a plate or in a bowl, make sure avocado is well mashed into a creamy and smooth consistency. I used a fork to do this with no problem because my avocados were ripe and soft. If necessary, you may need to use a hand mixer to fully smooth avocado. Alternatively, you could put the avocado pulp inside a plastic zip bag and mash by squeezing the bag with your fingers. You will need 1 cup of fully mashed avocado. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, beat together eggs and sugar until lightened. Beat in yogurt, melted butter, vanilla, zest and then mashed avocado. Add milk and beat until well-combined. Add dry ingredients to bowl and mix well to combine into a batter.
Over medium to medium-high heat, add a dab butter or oil to a non-stick griddle pan or frying pan and spread evenly to lightly coat surface of pan. Add batter to pan using a 1/4 cup scoop and use back of scoop or large spoon to gently form a flattish circle shape. When you see bubbles forming across most of the pancake surface, flip to other side with a spatula and cook on side tow until golden brown. You can keep pancakes warm on a lined baking tray in a low oven while you finish all the batter, 1/4 cup for each pancake.
Serve pancakes hot, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with Key Lime Maple Syrup (recipe below).
Makes 20 pancakes
Key Lime Maple Syrup Delicious on pancakes, waffles, in beverages and bottled for gifts to friends.
1 cup real maple syrup
2 teaspoons Key Lime zest
4 teaspoons Key Lime juice (about 3 limes)
In a small saucepan, heat maple syrup, zest and juice. Stir to combine until mixture just begins to boil. Turn off heat and let cool a bit if you are using right away or completely if you plan to fill a jar or bottle and store in fridge.
“Who can know the secret of musical composition? The sound of the sea, the curve of a horizon, the wind in the leaves, leave us with a multitude of impressions. And suddenly, without our wishing it at all, one of these memories spills from us and finds expression in musical language.”
~ Claude Debussy
Happy Winter Solstice!
The word solstice comes from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). The first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and longest night of the year is named as such because the Sun appears to stand still directly overhead at high noon on this day. This seeming stillness, as well as the increased time spent indoors, is why winter is also known as the quiet season. However, with holiday tunes seemingly playing on a loop from store loudspeakers, video and audio advertisements, and at social gatherings, this time of year can seem more like the jingle-jangly season.
I enjoy singing and hearing Christmas carols. I know by heart the lyrics and melodies of most standard carols and modern holiday tunes, including “The Hanukkah Song” by Adam Sandler. In addition, I enjoy singing along with all of the soprano parts for the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah and can keep up with the Middle English poetry of Benjamin Briton’s A Ceremony of Carols.
Sometimes though, even the most holiday music-enthusiastic folks among us need a break from the soundtrack of the season. If your nerves are frayed from too much rockin’ around the Christmas tree and too many jingling bells, try wrapping your gifts to the latest release by Italian pianist and composer Zafìs, “Impressioni di Dicembre”. This dreamy, musically-poetic piece offers the perfect mix of relaxing and inspiring for this time of year:
You can enjoy all of Zafìs’ beautiful, ethereal piano compositions via these links:
Spotify here
Apple Music here
Google Play here
Search “Zafìs” to listen or gift from iTunes and Amazon
A bit of musical trivia: Prog fans among you will recognize the title’s nod to legendary Italian prog band PFM and their 1971 anthem “Impressioni di Settembre“. I imagine George Frideric Handel, who spent time in Italy, would approve.
~~~~~~~~~
After filling millions of stockings, perhaps Santa would appreciate a plate of Squid Ink Spaghetti with Smoked Salmon, instead of cookies.
Both Santa’s heart and yours will benefit from choosing butter made from the milk of pasture-raised, grass-fed cows. Essential fatty acids, created in the green leaves of plants, have been linked to protection against coronary heart disease. The greater percentage of a cow’s diet that comes from grass, the greater the amount of unsaturated fatty acids, the lower the amount of saturated fatty acids and the more optimal the ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids in the milk. Look for the words “grass fed” or “pasture raised” on your dairy products.
Sockeye Salmon Christmas Ornament can be purchased here
Squid Ink Spaghetti with Smoked Salmon A simple and elegant dish. Don’t let the “Squid Ink” in the name fool you, this pasta is absolutely delicious! The combination of jet-black spaghetti, sockeye salmon, fresh parsley, zesty lemon, butter and black pepper is a perfect addition to a Christmas eve table as a first course or main course.
Serve it with a green salad and some crusty bread so you can “fare la scarpetta” and clean your plate of all that yummy, buttery sauce.
Known in Italy as Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia (also found as linguini, penne and other pasta shapes), this jet-black pasta gets its chic color and delicately-salty flavor from squid ink. I purchased the brand below at Trader Joe’s, but you can find squid ink pasta at most stores that carry a wide selection of Italian products or find it online.
This recipe is for two, but it is easily doubled:
8oz squid ink spaghetti
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (I used salted)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove of garlic, lightly smashed
4oz Wild Alaskan Smoked Sockeye Salmon, sliced into thin strips
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Zest of half a lemon
2 tablespoons (packed) chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
Freshly-ground black pepper to taste
Boil the water for the pasta. Meanwhile, make the sauce.
In a medium saucepan, stir together butter, olive oil and garlic clove over medium-low heat. When butter begins to sizzle, discard the garlic clove.
Add sliced salmon to the pan and stir. Stir in lemon juice, zest and parsley. Simmer for a couple of minutes and add freshly-ground black pepper to your taste. Reduce heat to low.
Boil the spaghetti in well-salted water until al dente. When the pasta is almost done, add about 1/4 cup of the hot pasta cooking water into the pan with the salmon sauce and stir. Drain the cooked pasta and add to the pan with the sauce. Toss for a couple of minutes to mix together well and coat the spaghetti with the sauce.
“Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle.”
~ Ian MacLaren
Earlier this week, I had to drive to the area where I grew up to take care of some paperwork related to the recent death of my mother. The errand was unexpectedly emotional for me.
I stopped at the local Trader Joe’s on the way back to the freeway and saw they were sampling a lemon ricotta cheese from Italy that I’d been curious about. It was heavenly, worthy of becoming a dessert, and I found myself telling the nice woman behind the counter about my mother’s recent passing and the difficult emotional experience I had just been through. I told her, “This delicious cheese is just the comfort food I needed,” and put a small wedge of it into my shopping cart. I thanked her and continued my shopping. As I moved through the aisles, a discreet sadness bubbled within me.
“Excuse me,” said a man wearing their signature Aloha shirt. As I looked up, he motioned to his left. I saw the lemon ricotta woman walking towards me, carrying a large, beautiful bouquet of flowers. “These are for you from Trader Joe’s,” she told me, her eyes filled with empathy, “I’m so sorry about your loss.”
I burst into grateful tears, overwhelmed by her simple but profound act of kindness. “Those were my mom’s favorite colors!” I confided, tearfully, joyfully, hugging her. It was a beautiful reminder of how the simplest gestures of kindness can have extraordinarily healing effects.
The experience reminded me of an article I was asked to write recently for YogaTherapy.health, published by the International Association of Yoga Therapists. In the short piece titled, “Breathing Through Grief“, I shared how, at the age of seven, my mom taught me to relax by breathing slowly and deeply, a method which she used to help us both cope with the death of her mother. Within the article I have included links to research supporting the benefits of conscious breathing techniques, as well as yoga postures, during times of grief.
The holiday season is wonderful, joyful and fun, but it can also be challenging emotionally, particularly for those who’ve experienced a loss. If you or anyone you know could use some extra coping skills during this time, please take a moment to read the article and perhaps share the information. A brownie, a hug or a spontaneous bouquet of flowers can help too.
Oh, and share a smile the next time you go to Trader Joe’s.
“The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines.”
~ Charles Kuralt
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Cobbler is not just for dessert. This Savory Mushroom Cobbler combines a creamy mushroom filling with a rosemary biscuit topping. It is delicious as an appetizer, side dish or vegetarian main course.
Savory Mushroom Cobbler This is the best kind of winter comfort food. It is equally tasty when made ahead and reheated. A small serving makes a nice lunch when combined with a green salad. Use any combination of edible mushrooms such as: cremini, button, shitake, chantarelle, oyster, porcini, etc.
Filling:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 lb assorted mushrooms, wiped clean, trimmed and chopped or sliced
2 large cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Dash of cayenne
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
Salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste
Cobbler topping:
1 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crumbled dried rosemary
5 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
Optional: 4 to 8 oz crumbled soft goat cheese (chévre or feta)
Make mushroom filling:
Heat oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté mushrooms for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Lower heat to medium. Add garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, thyme, paprika and cayenne. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until mushrooms have softened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Turn off heat. Pour mushrooms and liquid into an 8″ x 8″ square glass or ceramic baking pan (should be at least 2″ deep). Wipe out saucepan and set aside.
In a small saucepan, heat milk over low heat.
Meanwhile, also over low heat, melt butter in the pan you just cooked the mushrooms in. Stir in flour and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Slowly whisk in the hot milk. Return pan to the heat. Simmer slowly, whisking constantly to smooth any lumps (do not boil). Then, over low heat, cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour over mushrooms in baking pan and stir everything to combine well. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 350°F
Make cobbler dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and rosemary. Add butter pieces and cut butter into flour mixture using a large fork or two knives. Mixture will resemble cookie crumbs.
Add sour cream and milk and stir with a fork until liquid is absorbed, then use your hands to knead dough several times until a sticky ball of dough is formed. Turn ball of dough out onto a lightly-floured surface and, using your hands or a rolling pin, press out into a flat shape that is large enough to cover the mushrooms. Lay flattened dough over mushrooms in baking pan. Using a sharp knife, cut out 5 small holes in dough to vent. Brush surface of dough with a little milk or some lightly beaten egg.
Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes or so. Serve hot, topped with crumbled goat cheese.
Makes 4 to 8 servings
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“A hundred times a day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the measure I have received and am still receiving.”
~ Albert Einstein
Ten years ago I published my first book, The Philosopher’s Spoon: Food and the Transformative Power of Gratitude, inspired by my personal experiences with gratitude and food. The following summer, I began writing The Philosopher’s Spoon Blog, which will be celebrating its decennial next June.
Several years before writing the book, I had managed to add an extra thirty pounds of body weight. I had tried nearly every trendy diet to get rid of them, but with each attempt, I seemed to gain more.
One day, sitting hesitantly in front of a plate of spaghetti (my internal monologue best illustrated by a thought bubble containing the word “Carbs!” followed by the screaming face emoji), I had an epiphany:
All over the world there are countless people who would be deeply grateful for this plate of pasta. Yet here I am, fearful of nutritious and delicious food that could possibly save the life of someone less fortunate….
… At that moment I made a decision to transform my inner dialogue about eating. I wanted to be grateful for every morsel that I receive. I realized that the lives, time and energy of many plants, animals and people contribute to the food that sustains me, energizes me and gives me life; the least I can do is say thank you.
As a result of beginning that simple practice, I eventually lost that extra weight and never put it back on. From a practical standpoint, this new attitude affected my food choices and my portion choices. In a less mundane sense, the spiritual shift made the biggest impact, setting me on a path of perpetually unfolding layers of discovery that I’m still traveling.
In honor of Thanksgiving Day, I would like to share with you the little prayer of thanks that I say inwardly, sometimes out loud, before each meal. If you don’t already give thanks before you eat a meal, or you do but would like to add some variety to your “saying grace” game, perhaps give it a try for a week or three. I begin this prayer with the words “Thank you to…” but one could also say “Thank you for…”, if that phrase aligns more closely with your spiritual sensibilities:
“Thank you to all the plants, animals and people who gave their lives, time and energy to bring me this delicious, nutritious and healing food. Help me transform this gift of life into a blessing that I can share with each person I meet, in thought, word and deed, and each, in turn, who is touched by them.”
Happy Thanksgiving!
~~~~~~~~~
Posca fortem, vinum ebrium facit is Latin for “posca fortifies you; wine makes you drunk.” Ancient Romans thought that drinking full strength wine was barbaric and so they always diluted it. They also drank a beverage called Posca, which consisted of vinegar, sometimes flavored with herbs or honey and diluted with water. Posca was believed to be good for your health. This Cranberry Black Pepper Posca is a nice alternative to wine at your Thanksgiving table.
Cranberry Black Pepper Posca This tangy, not-too-sweet, non-alcoholic beverage makes a lovely addition to your holiday gatherings. I’ve updated the Roman method using a combination of cranberries, black peppercorns, cider vinegar, orange zest and sparkling water.
Vintage beverages are all the rage among the twirly-mustached pro and amateur bartenders, and you can’t get much more vintage than ancient Rome. Those for whom booze is a must can substitute sparkling wine for the fizzy water.
This recipe will also provide a bonus Spicy Cranberry Relish (recipe below this one).
For Posca
One (10oz) bag of frozen organic cranberries
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 teaspoon fresh orange zest (medium organic orange)
1/2 cup organic apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup organic cane sugar
1 cup water
To serve
Sparkling water (32-48 oz)
To garnish (optional)
Reserved frozen cranberries
And/or:
Fresh mint leaves
Thin slivers of fresh orange peel (very little white
You will need
A medium non-reactive saucepan*
A fine-mesh strainer
Mason jars (one 32oz, two 16oz) or similar airtight containers
*When a recipe calls for non-reactive cookware, use ceramic-lined cast iron or stainless steel (no aluminum or unlined cast iron).
To make posca:
Reserve several frozen cranberries for garnish (wrap and store frozen until ready to serve). Empty remaining cranberries into a medium, non-reactive saucepan*.
Lightly crush peppercorns. You can do this in a mortar and pestle or by placing peppercorns into a plastic baggy and crushing them using the flat part of a meat tenderizer or rolling pin. You want them cracked apart, but not completely crushed.
Add cracked peppercorns to cranberries in pan, along with the orange zest, apple cider vinegar, sugar and water. Stir to combine. Cook over medium-high heat, covered, opening the lid and stirring every couple of minutes, until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to simmer. Continue simmering a few minutes more, until most of the cranberries have popped open, about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat, remove cover and let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Pour entire mixture into a 32oz glass jar or storage container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate 12 hours or overnight (I left mine for close to 24 hours).
Strain the cranberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve twice, maybe three times. Save the remaining solid cranberry mixture to make Spicy Cranberry Relish (quick recipe below).
Transfer the Posca to a clean glass bottle or jar (12 to 16 oz) fitted with a tight lid. Keep refrigerated until ready to use. You can make this several days ahead and keep any leftover Posca, refrigerated, for a week or two after that.
To make Sparkling Cranberry Black Pepper Posca:
Fill pretty goblet or glass with 2 oz (1/4 cup) of the posca.
Top with 8oz (1 cup) sparkling water
Drop in one or two reserved frozen cranberries and garnish with mint leaves and/or orange peel.
Makes about 1 1/3 cups Posca (enough for 4-6 servings)
Spicy Cranberry Relish
After filtering out the liquid to make Posca, add the remaining solids to a blender or food processor, add a pinch of salt and blend a bit to form a creamier, but not completely smooth consistency. Taste and add more salt to taste, if desired. Store in an airtight container and use for turkey sandwiches or top cream cheese or chèvre and serve with crackers.
Some closing words of thanks:
Finally, I would like to give thanks for that favorite from my childhood, jellied cranberry sauce. To this day, it still is not a proper Thanksgiving meal unless I see that cylindrical cranberry shape, complete with perfect can marks, jiggling on a plate.
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“Meditation is as important as lifting weights and being out here on the field for practice. It’s about quieting your mind and getting into certain states where everything outside of you doesn’t matter in that moment.”
~ Russell Okung, Los Angeles Chargers (formerly with Seattle Seahawks)
QB Russell Wilson in easy pose with gyana mudra (Peter Yang for ESPN)
It may seem somewhat against type for a California yogi and ethically-conscious omnivore to be a football fan, but I am. My favorite team is the Seattle Seahawks, partly because I’ve always loved the style of Northwest Coast art (that of Pacific Northwest Native Americans) that inspires the Seahawks logo, but also because of the team philosophy implemented by their coach, Pete Carroll. Since 2011, the Seahawks have included mindfulness meditation in their training program. Yoga has been a mandated part of the team’s physical workouts since 2013.
Not only the Seahawks team members, but also the Los Angeles Clippers, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, Misty May Treanor, Kerri Walsh, Barry Zito, Carli Lloyd, Aaron Rogers, Kevin Love and more have incorporated yoga, meditation or both into their personal and professional routines. Yoga poses can help prevent injury by making the body more flexible. Meditation can have a similar effect for the mind, by helping to keep your focus in the present moment and on your breath.
As the holiday season approaches, beginning just a few minutes a day of mindful meditation practice will help you to feel more flexible mentally and more grounded and centered emotionally, enabling you to enjoy, rather than rush through the rest of the year. Here is a simple conscious breathing exercise that you can do standing, sitting or lying down:
Stand with your feet about hips distance apart, arms at your sides, shoulders back, head and neck softly lifted, as if an unseen hand were helping to hold you up. Tuck in your abdominal muscles to support your back and lift your chest slightly, as if you just got good news. Or Find a comfortable seated position, arms resting on your lap, sitting upright with feet on the floor, shoulders back and neck softly lifted. Or Lie down, knees up or supported with a pillow, shoulders lightly back and lower back gently pressed to the surface beneath you. Tuck your chin in a bit towards your chest.
Begin breathing in slowly, through the nose if you can, allowing your belly to rise first and your chest last, as you fill your lungs. Placing your hand lightly over your solar plexus (just below your rib cage) can be helpful in training yourself to do this.
Let your abdomen expand and your lungs fill with air completely. Exhale slowly, also through the nose, squeezing out the last bit of breath using your upper abdominal muscles.
Begin again with a new inhale.
Now count slowly as you breathe in. As you exhale, try to slowly extend your breath to match the count of your inhale.
As you continue to breathe in and out, find a fixed point in the distance in front of you to softly focus on. This is your “now.” Let everything else around this point blur. If you are lying down, you can close your eyes and focus on the spot just above and between your eyebrows, perhaps imagining a pink or lavender rosebud opening and closing there as you inhale and exhale.
Practice this simple meditation for 3 minutes a day to start. Try it just before bedtime, upon awakening, at your lunch break, before you begin your commute, just before the relatives arrive for dinner, or whenever you need to stop, breathe and do some intentional grounding.
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
~ Thích Nhat Hanh
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Meditate on the deliciousness of Polenta with Sage and Walnut Pesto
Polenta with Sage and Walnut Pesto Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from corn. You can find packaged prepared polenta, ready to slice and grill or sauté, in most supermarkets. This dish compliments poultry well, making it a tasty Thanksgiving side. The pesto by itself is also delicious with pasta, in soups or as an appetizer served with bread.
Sage and Walnut Pesto Ingredients:
1/2 cup walnuts (plus 1/8 cup extra for garnish)
1/2 cup fresh sage leaves
1 cup fresh Italian (flat leaf) parsley, chopped
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large clove of garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
(or 1/2 cup grated Parmesan/Romano blend)
For Polenta:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 (18oz) package organic precooked polenta
To make pesto:
Toast nuts in a large, dry skillet over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often. Let cool.
Combine remaining pesto ingredients with 1/2 cup of the toasted nuts in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, stirring a few times between pulses.
To prepare polenta:
Slice polenta into 1/2″ thick slices. Dab excess liquid with a bit of paper towel, if necessary.
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large non-stick skillet. When oil is hot, carefully add polenta slices, a few at a time, in a single layer (watch out for splatters). Season with a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Fry 2 to 3 minutes, then turn with a spatula, season, and cook 2 to 3 minutes on other side.
Drain briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve polenta slices hot and topped with the pesto and a few of the reserved toasted walnuts.
“The changing of Bodies into Light, and Light into Bodies, is very conformable to the Course of Nature, which seems delighted with Transmutations.”
~ Sir Isaac Newton, Opticks (1730 ed.)
My first car was a 1962 Mercury Comet that I purchased for $1,100 from a co-worker. Cherry red, with red, ivory and silver interior, it was my pride and joy for years. As it was my only car, its coolness was eventually outweighed by my need for reliable transportation, and I was forced to sell it in favor of a newer, more practical Toyota.
Although climate change and its effects on the future of life on our planet are concerns I take very seriously, my career requires me to have a car. For years that’s been a hybrid, and when my long-running gem finally asks to be retired, I plan to move to an all-electric model.
Believing fossil fuels need to become a thing of the past, I never dreamed that my future would ever include a car as cool as my first. Now, thanks to companies like Zelectric Motors, who are putting Tesla motors into classic cars, a steely beauty with an electric motor may one day be my reality.
The 1962 Mercury Comet s-22
Currently, Zelectric’s conversions are limited to early Porsches and 1958-66 VWs, such as the Beetle, Microbus and Karmann Ghia. However, as this technology becomes more common, the electric vehicle of your tomorrows could include a ’67 Corvette, a ’57 T-Bird or a 1968-73 Opel GT.
See you at the local charging station. I’ll be driving away in the ’62 cherry-red electric Comet.
You can find more information about California company Zelectric Motors here.
These short videos will give you a preview:
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One Bowl Brownies mean less preparation energy and a cleaner-running kitchen.
One Bowl Brownies I invented this recipe late one night when I was overcome with a chocolate craving. You mix and bake these in one pan.
You will need an 8″ x 8″ glass baking pan for these.
1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup organic sugar
1/2 stick of butter (1/4 cup)
1 tablespoon water or brewed coffee
2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, broken up
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, almonds or cocoa nibs (optional)
Preheat oven to 350°F
Place the sugar, butter and water or coffee in your 8″ square glass baking pan. Microwave on high 1 minute at a time, for 3 to 4 minutes total or until mixture bubbles, stirring afterwards. Add the baking chocolate and stir until melted.
Add the egg and beat mixture well. Stir in the vanilla. Add the flour, baking soda and salt; stir to gradually incorporate. Stir in the nuts or cocoa nibs, if using.
Clean up the sides of the baking pan with a spatula so that batter is spread evenly and cleanly in the pan.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out a little bit sticky. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
As some of you know already, my mother passed away recently. The new post I was in the process of writing will have to be delayed. In the meantime, I would ask that my readers follow and support the wonderful humanitarian work done by José Andrés and World Central Kitchen. This would be a beautiful remembrance of her. I hope you will be inspired to assist their hurricane relief efforts by donating, volunteering or spreading the word about their hard work and unrelenting determination to relieve hunger and bring hope to people in disaster-affected areas. You can find more about them via the links below:
Read their Hurricane Dorian updates here.
Main page of the organization is here.
Donate to World Central Kitchen and then make some Paella with Artichoke Hearts to share.
Paella with Artichoke Hearts This vegetarian paella is delicious and easy to make, as long as you use the proper rice. Authentic paella rice imported from Spain is a must. Do not use Arborio rice, asian rice, long grain or basmati rice. The pan is also very important. If you don’t have a paella pan, you can use a large frying pan or braiser, big enough to hold the ingredients.
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 a yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic (do not peel)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced organic tomatoes
1 (14.5 oz) can artichoke hearts (plain, not the marinated kind), do not drain
1 (14.5 oz) can butter beans, drained
1 teaspoon paprika
32 oz carton of organic vegetable broth
A pinch of saffron threads (6 to 8 threads)
A pinch of crumbled, dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups paella rice
Salt and freshly-ground pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for garnish
Drain artichokes, save broth from can and set aside (you will use broth later).
Lightly crush the whole, unpeeled garlic cloves with the flat part of a knife so that the peel remains intact, but the garlic inside can flavor the dish.
Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic cloves. Cook, stirring, until onions are translucent (3 to 5 minutes).
Add tomatoes, reserved artichoke liquid and butter beans. Add paprika and mix well. Stir until simmering.
Add vegetable broth, saffron, thyme and rosemary. Stir and let broth heat until simmering again, then simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Once you like the taste of the broth, stir in the rice and bring to a boil; then, stir rice once more to make sure everything is evenly distributed. After this step, do not stir again.
Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes. At this point you can decorate the surface of the paella with the artichoke hearts (just place them on top of rice – do not stir). Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight lid or with foil and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.
When paella is done, turn off heat and let paella rest, covered, for at least 5 minutes.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
~ Desmond Tutu
A note: My summer has been a bit hectic thus far. So, having not been able to find the time to write an original post for several weeks, I decided to do a summer rerun and share a post from July 30, 2013, the 3rd year of the blog, which is strangely relevant to current events. The included recipe for Horiatiki (Greek Salad) Tacos is also one of my all-time faves. I hope you enjoy this blast from The Philosopher’s Spoon’s not-too-distant past:
~~~
Both world and local news have been a bit intense recently, to say the least. Times like these, when everyone feels just a little more fragile than usual, can put folks on edge and highlight the differences between us.
Last Thursday I awoke in a slight state of anxiety, a bit depressed by the events of the week. That afternoon, while driving down a local street, I saw a young black cat lying in the middle of the road. I pulled my car over to the side and got out to take a look at this poor kitty, who I assumed was dead. As I bent over him, I realized that he was still breathing quite rapidly and his eyes were open, but unresponsive. I screamed for help, as the cars waiting to pass on the road behind me began to honk. I cautiously picked up the barely conscious kitty and moved him to the sidewalk.
Just then, a man pulled up next to me and got out of his car to look. He offered to take the cat to the local emergency vet. We carefully moved the cat to the back seat of the man’s car. Then a woman who had seen us ran out from her house to tell us she had just called the local Humane Society and that they were on the way. As we debated whether to wait for the technician or rush to the vet, the kitty miraculously regained consciousness and hopped up to the dashboard of the man’s car. He must have been knocked unconscious and in a state of shock when I found him. Now he seemed quite alert and able to move. We all cried with joy. When the Humane Society technician arrived, the woman offered her number in case the cat belonged to a neighbor and the man offered to adopt the kitty if it turned out he had no home. I thanked everyone and left the scene, knowing the cat was in good hands.
Each of us came together on that street out of our love for animals. None of us probably had much in common otherwise but we were able to save that little life because of what we shared. Many things separate us as human beings, but when we focus on what unites us, rather than what divides us, we can come together to accomplish amazing things. It’s simple mathematics:
Imagine three people, each from three different cultures, communities and economic backgrounds. Let us represent them with the fractions 1/2, 1/3 and 1/6. At first glance, there is no way for each of these three to come together. However, if we look beyond the differences and instead look for a common denominator, we see that 1/2 becomes 6/12, 1/3 becomes 4/12 and 1/6 becomes 2/12. And now 6/12, 4/12 and 2/12 can join together as 12/12 or One. That One lives within each of our hearts, needing only to be recognized by ourselves and each other.
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Greek-style veggies, marinated feta and tortillas come together for Horiatiki Tacos with Marinated Feta.
Horiatiki Tacos with Marinated Feta Greek Salad (Horiatiki Salata) makes a delicious filling for this super-tasty, virtually no-cook summer meal. This is a vegetarian-friendly recipe, but you can add cooked shrimp as a variation for omnivores. Make the Marinated Feta one day to one week ahead.
Tacos:
1 clove of garlic, smashed
1(15oz) can organic garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon crumbled dried oregano
Salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste
2 green onions, trimmed and chopped (green & white parts)
1 cup finely chopped bell pepper
1 cup diced cucumber
2 cups diced ripe heirloom tomatoes
8 (approximately 7″) flour tortillas or lavash-style flatbreads
Marinated Feta (recipe below)
In a large bowl, stir together garlic, beans, lemon juice and oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove and discard garlic clove. Add onions, bell pepper, cucumber and tomato (if you are using shrimp, add them here). Stir and taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper and lemon juice, if needed. Set aside.
Heat tortillas over a low stove flame, using tongs to circulate the tortilla over the flame. Turn when it begins to puff and then heat the other side (do not leave unattended!). Alternatively, you can microwave tortillas in a microwave-safe plastic bag for about 30 to 60 seconds or until steaming. Keep warm in a basket or bowl covered by a damp towel.
Serve filling alongside Marinated Feta and warm tortillas. Have guests make their own tacos (use a slotted spoon to serve the salad) by filling the tortillas with some salad, topped with the Marinated Feta.
Serves 8 (more with shrimp added)
Marinated Feta You will need a pint or quart-sized glass jar with a lid.
About 8oz Feta cheese, crumbled
1 or 2 small, whole hot dried chillies
Several sprigs of fresh dill
and
Several sprigs of fresh mint
or
Several sprigs of fresh rosemary (or sub some crumbled, dried rosemary)
and
Several fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
Zest of one small lemon
Extra virgin olive oil to cover (about 1 & 1/2 cups)
Combine Feta, herbs and seasonings in jar. Cover with oil. Seal jar and shake gently.
Marinate in fridge several hours or overnight. Shake a few times during marinating time.
Use leftover oil in jar to toss with cooked pasta, rice, salad or as a dip for bread.
To access the Home Page of the blog, where you can scroll down through all the previous posts back to July 2014, click on the blog title The Philosopher’s Spoon Blog, located at the top left of the page.
For information about the author and her work as a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), click the links located at the top of the sidebar column at left under the Menu heading. You can also contact Gina via her page on the International Association of Yoga Therapistswebsite.
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