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
Im so glad u enjoyed it, it is quite addictive, whether it be with a salad or in a sandwich.
I loved how u spoke about all the seasons. I love spring and autumn because there is something exciting and fresh about them, with growth and new begginings. My fave is spring, but I love curling up with a hot cuppa something during the winter. I definitely find it easier now to listen to my body when it needs a break, my skin is usually shows the first signs of stress, poor nutrition, needed rest etc…., so in order to prevent a not so nice skin situation, i try to prevent being worn out when I can.
xxxxx
Thanks for sharing this link on mung beans – I had made a batch at the beginning of the week and decided yesterday to make some burgers with the leftovers. It was my first time trying them and it was love at first bite
I also have a bag of soybeans, which a friend gave me – the idea of adding them to my brekkie is really enticing! And your chocolatey finds look awesome – though I have to admit, I´ve never been a huge fan of the plain Kinder-Riegel – I always preferred the Überraschungs-Ei 
more fun, hehe.
Have a lovely weekend!! xoxo Mel
My mood is very affected by the seasons! Last year I thought I might have seasonal affective disorder because the cold, gray, winter just made me so sad. But hopefully I can do a better job of staying happy throughout winter this year by injecting some artificial sunlight into it, in the form of friends and good food
Mmm, I wish there was a chocolate store around here. Glad to see that you stocked up on all your favorites!
Wow! They had Kinder chocolates?? Crazy. I remember my dad used to buy me Kinder chocolate eggs when I was little and my toy was always a funny little pig. Now the surprises are just boring games or doggies. Sigh. The chocolate is still delicious!
I have to say, I love the seasons…except long winters. I like Winter up until January..then I’m ready for Spring. I looove this time of year, I agree, it is sad saying goodbye to the sun and not bundling up..however, this summer here was BRUTALLY hot…like un enjoyable. I didn’t get to spend much time outside, because it was unbearable. Now, I LOVE being outside, in 75 degree weather with the sun..perfect!!
Oh, and I think you should ask that one professor if he has any extra credit for you!!?? Hahaa, I’m so bad….
ok promise me that if we ever meet up you will make me this for breakfast! and im not kidding lol <3
in exchange i will bring you one of the many yummy muffins i post
btw..food that feels like a kiss on the forehead is the best analogy for what i refer to it as "happy brain chemical food" or "brain fertilizer" <3
xoxo
Thanks for the recipe for ghee – never seen a recipe for it before!
Love all the chocolate you got – I’ve had Kinder and Milka schokoladen before.
Hope you have a great evening!
I hate being cold, I have NO cold tolerance, but I really love fall! As long as the temperatures stay brisk. I like when there’s a nice transition from hot summer to cold winter. Sometimes it jumps and goes from boiling to freezing in no time. I reeeally hope that doesn’t happen this year!
Chocolate store?! WHOA. I’m almost glad we don’t have one of those around here haha. Though I sure wouldn’t mind going on a shopping spree there at least once!
VERY cool about the ghee. I never quite knew what ghee was… I just knew it was some type of butter product. You’re right, it looks very easy to do. Might have to try it out sometime.
I agree with you entirely!!! I am so on the fence with the start of fall. On one hand, I love the crisp fresh feeling in the air because it brings on new adventure and a new leaf. But I always get a little depressed knowing that the warmth is dying. I love the sun and I hate being cold. Ugh, it’s such a bitter sweet thing. But I love how you associate people with the seasons. This is so true but I’ve never really thought about it like that! You’re so wise lady!
Okay stupid stupid question for you. What exactly is ghee?
i can definitely tell a difference in my mood on a warm, clear day than on a cold, rainy day. though it also depends on what i’m doing too! like if i’m spending the day at home i kind of like it to be overcast and dreary; it makes staying in more cozy. but if i’m inside all day and the weather is nice…well that’s a little disappointing.
and WHYYYY is there not a chocolate store like that near me?! seriously, why?!
Love that you are making your own ghee!! Wow!! I have read about how to do it and it always seems far more complicated than you just made it seem..thanks for the tutorial!
“electric pressure-cooker and I decided to cook up some soybeans”–I have wanted to buy both a pressure and a slow cooker. I have neither and love the looks of yours!
The talk of qi, ying and yang, oh, I love you sooo!! You are so young in age but so wise and mature in years…wisdom far beyond your years. This is just incredible, Katharina, to read things like this. You are amazing! I love that you are learning & immersing yourself in things like this!!
loved our emails today
xoxo
i am in love with the fall but that coule be because i was born on halloween
however, i detest winter and it’s super bitter coldness. i don’t really like temp extremes so i’ve decided san francisco would be my ideal city haha but then i’d miss the color change in leaves. too bad i’m not super rich and then i could have 4 homes and live in each one for a different season ;p
I always grumble a little bit about fall but I think I’d miss it if I lived somewhere that was always warm. Being Canadian, I get a bit boxed-in feeling in the long winters, but they really make me appreciate the summertime! Different seasons also mean new fashion opportunities, which is exciting, and new flavours!
I love the sound of your congee-inspired dish! Seems like the perfect autumn breakfast bowl.
Very cool that you make your own ghee (and hummus and many other things!). I must get myself a food processor so I can follow your example. I feel so lazy buying things like veggie burgers that can be so easily made at home!
That chocolate store looks magical.. I’ve never seen or been in a store that is devoted to chocolate. Maybe that’s a good thing.. I’m not sure I would be able to handle it.
I’m loving the idea of putting beans in your oatmeal! I never thought of that before but I can imagine it tastes delicious.
I love the seasons, but prefer autumn the most
I’d kill for that Kinder chocolate. Just sayin’.
I love different seasons but HATE winter. It’s way too long and dark here
but spring is full of hope which is my absolutely favourite time of the year.
I like Virginia because we get all of the seasons and I particularly love spring and fall. The only thing that stinks is that both spring and fall seem so short in comparison to winter and summer. As you mentioned, perhaps living in a place with the change of seasons keeps me prepared for other changes in life…
Isaac’s mom introduced me to congee and is going to be giving me her recipe for it. It’s the perfect food for when you’re feeling sick.
Hope all is well my love. Let me know when you want to get together again. <3
I love the idea of listening to your body and eating foods that help to “give it a rest.” Today I am feeling exhausted and like I need something warm/comforting… I will have to try some of these dishes : )
hummus and chutney, eh? sounds wonderful!!!
thanks for the ghee tutorial – i kept seeing it on your blog, and never realized how easy it is to make! hope all is well dear – lots of love to youuuu!
some of the health foods that i always eat are those gluten free foods”`