My journey with maca began with Pinterest.
Really, it did. Back a few years ago, I was a pinning fool. I mean, I was pinning more than any other form of social media. Pinterest was where I stored all of my dreams & vision boards. I had so many boards. For example, I had boards for fall fashions; spring fashions; country music lyrics; projects to do with children; diy home projects; job tips; dream home ideas; things you can make with pallets; sports teams; and even accessories to name just a few. Well, wait, we didn't cover recipes. So.many.recipes. Especially recipes with this new food I began seeing about, maca. Maca brownies, Maca cake, Maca pancakes, Maca muffins, Maca smoothies......I mean I was fascinated by this thing called Maca. I always said one day I'd try this ancient food...... But, life happened. A unexpected break up occurred and I just gave up dreaming. Dreaming of all kinds. I chucked my plans; left my Pinterest boards to the side; and, began living life with no plan. While I appeared happy in some areas of my life, looking ahead with a hopeful eye to the future was very much abandoned. Insecurity began to creep in....or shall I say, I allowed my insecurities to take come front & center. I compared myself to everyone who was married & had kids. I focused on what I didn't have: a mate or children. I felt totally rejected; incapable of holding down a relationship/having a mate; and, being unworthy for life success in general. Geez, that paints quite a bleak future doesn't it?
Well, yes it was bleak. I felt there was nowhere for me to go. This negative attitude helped propel me right towards my chronic fatigue diagnosis. Yes, my body had been fighting the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) for many years prior to my diagnosis; but, my mindset (I believe) was the gasoline to the EBV match. Having spent the entire year of 2016 beginning my treatment protocol (my treatment is still ongoing just in case you were curious), my eyes were opened to how uncomfortable I'd become dreaming/envisioning my future. And how negative my mindset wore my spirit & my body down.
As I've gained some strength, clarity, and time around my illness, my outlook has changed. How it's changed you may ask? Well, I started pinning again. I consider that a victory on the way to finding my dreaming again. I went back onto that platform, deleted most of my boards, and started over again. But, the biggest victory? Why, cooking of course! Actually, it's the return to embrace the things I'd denied myself out of a need for self punishment; specifically my waffle making skills. And in releasing the need for self punishment, I have allowed myself to embrace the kitchen, plant based recipes, new ingredients, and my health. Enter the maca connection.
What is maca you may ask?
Its an adaptogenic superfood which is super rich in minerals, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. An adaptogen is an herb/root which helps the body adapt to everyday stressors. And we all need assistance adapting to stress, right? I do anyway..... Maca is a member of the cruciferous veggie family (think broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage). It's also a root found in the Andes Mountains region of South America. The people indigenous to this region have been using maca for many many years, either ground up as a powder or as a root itself. What does maca do? Maca is first and foremost an energy root, which is believed to boost energy and mood levels for both men and women. There are three types of maca--black, red, and yellow. Black maca is typically used in men and is believed to help increase testosterone and sperm levels. Women have used maca believing it helps to control estrogen levels, especially in women experiencing PMS/menopause/PCOS. It can also boost libido for both sexes and reduce levels of depression & anxiety. Labelling maca a superfood means it has higher amounts of nutrients than all of the members of its veggie family. It's super high in amino acids (over 20!), essential fatty acids (over 8!), calcium (has more calcium than a glass of milk), magnesium, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and manganese just to list a few minerals. Maca is also high in glutathione and SOD, otherwise known as superoxide dismutase. SOD is an enzyme which sweeps out free radicals/toxins/other yucky stuff out of the cells. Glutathione is also an free radical destroyer and helps to clear out toxins/heavy metals/yuck stuff. So, these make maca super fun and super nutritious for men & women. I will say; however, those with high blood pressure; women who are pregnant/nursing; and people taking hormone related drugs for major illnesses (think breast & prostate cancers) should NOT take maca without consulting a doctor. Always start gradually. Most people start out supplementing with 1 tbsp a day, and possibly increasing to 2 or 3 tbsp a day. I started (and have continued to stay) at 1 tsp of maca. That's the amount my body likes. It varies for everyone :)
Back to this recipe at hand......I used 2 tbsp maca powder, along with all the traditional spices which make pumpkin pie so darn pumpkin-y (cinnamon, cloves, & nutmeg). Don't forget the canned pumpkin!
I also used homemade Brazil nut meal & vanilla bean ghee to top them, and homemade Brazil nut milk in the batter. Of course you can use any nut milk you'd prefer (I've also made these with almond and coconut milks). Make it work for you. I truly believe that. If you've made it down here, thanks for reading! I appreciate your love and support. Please check me out on Pinterest and if you make this recipe in your own kitchen, tag me #whiskingoutsidethebox so we can celebrate all things maca. Also if you have any maca recipes to send me, send those pins my way (I'm @whiskoutsidebox on Pinterest) Enjoy!
adapted from Nutritionist in the Kitch
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When I closed on my house back in 2009, wanna know the first thing I made in my kitchen?
Irish Soda Bread. Sure it was the end of June. Sure, it was sweltering outside. Sure, I definitely did NOT need to turn on my oven. But, I made it anyway. A gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do to satisfy a craving.
It was hands down my fave quick bread to make whenever I had a brunch/breakfast/dinner/crock pot chili get together to attend.
"Was" B? Yes. It WAS my go to, until 2014 when the gluten train had to abruptly end after my diagnosis of gluten sensitivity. Since then, soda bread was only lusted after in pictures of Irish themed meals. Side note: I just recently deleted a secret Pinterest board I'd created strictly to look at neatly styled pics of soda bread. Obsess much B? ;)
Its been a few years since that diagnosis. I've had a few other diagnoses since 2014--chronic fatigue syndrome caused by a chronic Epstein Barr infection being the most debilitating one. In these three years, I've tried so many different lifestyles to restore my health--gluten free, autoimmune protocol, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, anti-Candida, and even the famed raw diet. (Notice I said "lifestyle" instead of "diet." I just believe whatever plan you're on must fit your whole life for it to be sustainable. And, I really dislike the word diet. Like ALOT.)
Have you ever tried making raw Irish soda bread? That result, while incredibly edible, just personally didn't satisfy me. With the first bite, I immediately got this image of myself asking a house guest, "Would you like some homemade bread fresh out of the dehydrator??" I didn't envision this person's response, but the question alone made me want to go back to my lifestyle drawing board. I mean, there's a time and place for all lifestyles/diets/gadgets/eating plans IF it's right for you. But, I knew my lifestyle would be needing some oven lovin'. And, as it pertains to my life here, using my fave waffle iron. I'm happy to say I've found that I've found my health returning by following an anti-inflammatory, plant based lifestyle (with eggs too!). As my strength has returned, so has my creativity & courage to try to make a gluten free breakfast waffle out of my old fave, Irish soda bread. Thus, my research began. So, I came across a recipe from Satisfying Eats, which I modified to fit my breakfast tastebuds. Traditionally, soda bread recipes call for caraway seeds; but, for breakfast I wanted something more warm & versatile. Naturally, I turned to cinnamon & vanilla extract to fit the bill. Caraway seeds are delish and there IS a waffle in the works celebrating the flavors of rye bread, but in this recipe I wasn't feeling it. However, this recipe can be adapted in numerous ways. Don't want cinnamon & vanilla? Omit them. Add in honey or maple syrup with lavender instead of coconut sugar. Add in chopped nuts...or not. Want orange zest in there? Raisins? Even a more savory batter? Great!! I plan on using this recipe many more times in many different ways. Because as we all know...tastebuds change, lifestyles change, and people change. Luckily, I've found Soda bread which can change as we do. Bonus! Back to my waffles. The texture is spot on, just like one I used to make....moist, fluffy, and chewy. The flavors get even better the next day. Oh black currants, you delish tart jewels you. I'm glad I've begun to add you into many of sweet & savory recipes. Your flavor is quite complex. And to think I avoided you in my original recipe because you were different & strange. So glad I've gotten older & wiser! Tradition says soda bread is best slathered with butter and some of honey or thick jam. As for me, I'll slather these with vanilla bean ghee, almond butter, more currants, and shredded coconut. Don't forget the banana & blueberries! Now thats celebrating Irish tradition. Sláinte! (aka, Cheers!)
adapted from Satisfying Eats
I love when the seasons change. Seriously, I do.
Of course, I'd love for the weather to be warm all the time, but that's not the way it works in this state. Especially not in March. That whole "in like a lion & out like a lamb" thing? Yeah....so true. It's 70 degrees one day...then 45 degrees with 30mph sustained winds. Makes my waffle making go back & forth as well. Key lime waffle testing one day.....then back to making fall flavors the next. It's kinda maddening and so incredibly creative at the same time. Don't worry, key lime WILL make an appearance when the weather gets warmer; but, for now I'm going back to the warming spices of fall.
Coriander, delicious coriander is the star in this waffle show.
Know what coriander is? Cilantro. Did you know that? This is like a culinary tale of 2 spices: coriander is found in the cilantro plant's seeds & cilantro is found as the cilantro plant's leaves. Two very different flavors in one plant. Coriander's mellow, even citrusy undertones is quite a stark contrast to the bold, unique flavor of cilantro. More often than not, coriander takes a back seat to other spices like cumin. So, it was time for the tables to turn in this spice's favor. Say hello to freshly squeezed navel oranges and orange zest. And ground cloves. Gotta have cloves with oranges. Remember the clove studded oranges you'd see simmering away on the stove tops of your friends & neighbors homes during the fall? Well those aromas signal comfort to me & these waffles triggered memories of crunching leaves, corn mazes, roaring fires, and big oversized hoodies.
The flours I used in this creation were buckwheat flour & chickpea flour...2 new flours in my gluten free baking arsenal.
Buckwheat flour isn't actually wheat at all. In fact, it's a seed. And it's a cousin of rhubarb. I definitely didn't know that one. But, buckwheat is packed with minerals like iron, amino acids, and whole grains. A definite nutrition powerhouse in my book. Chickpea flour is from....you guessed it, chickpeas. There are different varieties of chickpeas used to make this flour. It's used all over the world in a variety of dishes from India to Africa to Italy. This flour is gluten free, full of protein, and fiber rich. I'm a fan of using it in waffles, pancakes, and even flatbreads which make a killer pizza crust.
You know me though...even as I get nostalgic for college football and holiday prepping....I have to have my yogurt to dip my waffles into. The more seasons change, the more my habits admittedly stay the same. ;)
This recipe makes a lot of waffles (about 10 based on my waffle maker) so there are many many ways to prep these waffles in your kitchen. I started by topping my waffles with chopped bananas, vanilla ghee, and red raspberries. What do you want to top these with?? Tag me at #whiskingoutsidethebox and let's share our ideas!!
adapted from Inhabited Kitchen
When I was a little girl, about 8ish or so, I'd spend hours digging in our backyard.
I'd pretend I was a famous archaeologist digging at an ancient burial site. I'd uncover these artifacts from the ground (in my case, it was usually Quartz rocks) and pretend they were rare items from an undiscovered civilization. On the rare occasion I'd maybe stumble upon pieces of chipped porcelain plates (at least they reminded me of my grandmother's blue edged porcelain plates) and feel I'd made the discovery of a lifetime. These plate pieces really were key to telling this civilization's story--how they worked & ate & cooked & raised their families.
I would always collect these pieces & try to put them together like a huge puzzle. I'd sit there staring at the pieces in amazement and feel so proud.
Secretly, I'm still hoping these pieces really are the key to some group we've not yet fully uncovered. And with these discoveries, I'd end up being a gazillionaire. Except for the fact I lost those pieces a long time ago in one of my many moves. Epic fail Brooke...epic fail ;)
This is kind of how I feel about these 2 flours which make up my waffle today--Almond & Coconut flour.
I've spoken about the flour of the coconut before here, so I won't go on & extol the benefits anymore. But, I will dive into the benefits of the flour of the almond. We've not yet chatted about this yummy food.
First, almond flour is simply ground up almonds (I know...I know...duh Brooke! But it's worth saying for definition purposes). It can be found in two different forms: meal or flour.
Almond meal is usually made from ground up whole almonds with the skins ON. This makes the flour more coarse. Almond flour is made from blanched almonds (no skins here!), so the texture is much finer. Almonds are full of both vitamins and minerals. In fact, this tree nut is full of Vitamin E, folate, and niacin, 2 key B vitamins. Vitamin E is good for immune function and is a mighty sweeper of free radicals from the body. These 2 B vitamins are good for cellular metabolism and nerve function. They are also high in calcium, zinc, and iron...so good for bone health!! They are high in hunger killing protein. Now, let's get into fat. Almonds have a good amount of the good fat (monounsaturated). This type of fat is good for heart health, and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. It is a grain free flour, which makes it an optimal choice for paleo and gluten free baking. The protein and fat content make it a great choice for keeping you full for hours! One thing to note--this flour needs to live in the fridge or freezer after you open it. It will help prolong the freshness of the nut oils and keep them from going rancid. One other way to keep the flour from going bad is by using it up quickly....which is what I plan on doing!!
So in this recipe, adapted from Paleomg, I wanted to keep things simple. I used this coconut flour, almond flour, vanilla extract, and coconut milk (my fave coconut milk ever!). As for spices, I wanted to highlight cinnamon and cloves for their warmth and depth of flavor.
Don't let this freak you out---as soon as you add the moisture to your batter, the flours just soak it right up. Now, I LOVE me a hearty waffle so it was great to me. I don't like runny waffle batter. I need something to stick to my ribs, ya know? If you prefer a runnier, more liquid batter, then you'll increase the coconut milk by a teaspoon at a time until it's a consistency you like. I ended up using more like 1/3 cup instead of the 1/4 cup the recipe called for.
I think this is the perfect idea for a working breakfast....don't you?
Tag #whiskingoutsidethebox to show me how you recreated these waffles! Enjoy!
adapted from Paleomg
I have this shirt hanging in my closet.
It's a comfy v-neck shirt, with three words imprinted on it--Keep Life Simple. I don't wear it very often for two reasons. One, it's a tshirt. I'm so cold natured I wear about 4 layers this time of year. So a tshirt is the least of my wardrobe desires. And two, its hanging in my closet. I normally choose clothes in my dresser drawers. I neglect it because it's out of sight. Despite those so called reasons *cough* excuses *cough*, I'm thinking I need to wear it daily. Because things have gotten too darn complicated in my world.
I've got so many things rattling around in my head that I just need to get back to basics.
My nights have been sleepless. My brain just rolls. I'm disconnected from my body. And after this week, I can't live like this anymore. I'd even made waffles complicated. Sure, amazing recipes with a myriad of flavors does tantalize the tastebuds, BUT, sometimes simple is best. Then, I can take this blank canvas and dress it however I wish. No fuss, no stress. Thats what I chose to do here.
I used a simple combo of chickpea and oat flour to form the base, and added OJ in place of some of the liquid for a subtly light citrus flavor. I topped it with vanilla ghee and fresh fruit. Simple and delish.
The way waffles---and life---need to be for me.
This week, I've been overcome--no make that overwhelmed--with a tremendous sense of gratitude.
Which I have to admit is quite odd considering my default setting is a one way trip to negative town, via the pessimism expressway. But, this new setting is really cool. This morning, I took the time to watch a bluebird peck around in our planters while washing the dishes. It was strangely satisfying. Getting into the kitchen to utilize my talents fills up my heart space. Because, there was a time not too long ago, less than 6 months in fact, when I wasn't well enough to even stand up for even 10 minutes to boil pasta.
Regaining enough strength to get back into the kitchen and cook for myself has been life affirming. I was so down in the dumps about not being able to care for myself (hello moving back in with my folks), it is like my own personal recognition of getting better. And releasing my bonds of self punishment by getting back on the waffle making wagon has added another level of healing in my emotional and spiritual realms.
Releasing the punishment has also helped to bring the "new" into my life--new friendships, new opportunities for career growth, and new outlets for my creativity (hi you lovely blog readers!).
I bet you're wondering---how did this releasing occur? Well, I'm glad you asked! I began to release the moment I decided to forgive myself. What has that entailed? Well, it began with saying out loud, "I choose to forgive myself." It also entails looking right into the mirror, right into my own eyes, and saying, "I forgive you and I love you." If it works for Louise Hay, it's good enough for me. Yes, it felt funny. And it still kinda does feel funny. But, I say it anyway. Over & over. Either phrase or both together. It's opened a while new line of communication with myself. Before, I was only able to "hear" my inner voice when I picked up my journal and began to write. Now, I can "hear" my inner wisdom speak during other times--the shower, my car, heck even a public toilet stall.
This is still a work in progress however. I have a ways to go. I desire to fully trust my wisdom and what it says. I have a tendency to second guess the messages I get--which is really frustrating, and super awkward to question yourself like this. Blame it on my control freak ego and the need to know right now.
Okay, B, so this is cool---but WHAT does this have to do with waffles at all? Well, I'll tell you--in simplest terms, I've not gotten a message to make pumpkin waffles until now. Well, by "now", I mean I've second guessed myself five times. Yep, 5. I've asked things like, "Are you sure now? Do I really need canned pumpkin? Who cares about pumpkin after Turkey Day? Is this pumpkin overkill?" So, I'm trying something new in addition to forgiving and loving myself. It is trusting the messages my inner wisdom shares with me--even if it's the 5th time. The messages don't need to be massive revelations--they can be simple, everyday things. Those in fact add up to massive revelations like the gratitude I have for being here, in this moment, making you waffles and being able to care for myself. Namaste & enjoy!
One day a few weeks ago, while in the middle of a walk with Ginger, I totally received a cool "Divine Download". By the way, a Divine Download is the loving term I use to describe when I receive and hear messages from my inner wisdom.
As I stared at the leaves dancing in the wind, I wasn't sure I understood. "Ummmm, inner wisdom, can you say that again?" The message was this: "Look up the difference between a dream and a goal. Make your goals concrete. Give them wings." Uhhhh okay.
To be honest, I just tucked that nugget away in the notes section of my iPhone. It didn't even register with me until this past Friday, when I heard a song lyric and my mind immediately jumped to the image of the note I hastily typed in the middle of my walk.
I still didn't look up the definitions until yesterday though. Wonder if my inner wisdom is upset it took me a while to "get" to this nugget or if she knew I'd totally put it away until the appropriate time?? Hmmmm...... Merriam-Webster says a goal is "the end to which effort is directed." Merriam-Webster says a dream is "a strongly desired goal or purpose." Well, okay that makes sense. Dreams are just something which stay in your head, while goals are the steps you put forth to make those dreams actually happen. And so, my dialogue began with myself. Yes, I do speak to myself, usually on a daily basis. It's totally normal and totally necessary for me to figure out what's real and what's not. It's typically curious banter, but I found myself getting a tad defensive.
But, I mean aren't I doing that already inner wisdom??? I mean, I work on my goals. I take the steps needed to achieve my dreams. Don't I??
Straight up silence. Uh oh. That's not good. I've posted on my Instagram (@brooke_langford_) before I have trouble dreaming. I have trouble actually thinking about my future. I have trouble picturing anything at all for my future. Sure, I've totally blamed it all on heartbreak, life changes, illness, and financial crises. But, I think it goes deeper. I think it stems from fear. Fear from claiming my desires. Fear of failure. Fear of heartbreak. Fear of more struggle. Fear of asking for more....so much more. Heck, even a fear of dreaming in general. My dreams have been wrapped up in others for so long, the thought of having my own dreams is scary. But, it's necessary for my heart. For my soul. For my future.
Uhhhh, Brooke, what does this have to do with these waffles?
Well, a lot actually. Because in my past, I dreamed a lot. I dreamed about food I wanted to make. I dreamed about a life where I'd cook food; bake for people I loved; and live in a house with a huge kitchen. I dreamed of romantic stories where I'd meet the love of my life, he'd whisk me away and we'd live happily ever after. I'd dream of helping women become who they truly are, away from what "everyone else" says. I'd dream of celebrating their triumphs and highlighting their growth. Heck, I even dreamed of waffles. But I never did anything about these dreams. I never took them and made them goals. I never set forth the plan to do anything about these dreams coming true. And my dreaming dried up. For a long period of time. I figured they were gone forever. Or so I thought. I do have a tendency for melodrama just FYI :) It still boggles my mind one decision can change everything. My decision? To begin making waffles again after a long hiatus. With that one decision, slowly the dreams I put aside by began waking up from their slumber. My desires to help other women. My desires to cook for the people I love. My desire to bake for people I love. Heck, those dreams to meet the love of my life and being swept away have even resurfaced. So have writing a book. And so does my dream of helping women to shut down those negative voices and help them reach their own dreams. So, how do I celebrate the reigniting of my dreams?? By remaking the first waffle I ever made on my own--oatmeal cookie waffles!! Redid my new gluten free way of course.
And as I was eating, I thought more about those dreams. I even went so far as to create a few goals. And I have actually begun to act on them. :) You'll learn more about those later.
For now, I'll end it here. But, let me ask you: what are your dreams? Do you have goals associated with those dreams? If not, contact me & let's talk!!
I've historically never been a good sleeper.
In fact, for most of my life, if even one creak occurred in the house, I was wide eyed and immediately ready to defend my home & family's honor. Can you imagine me as a 9 or 10 year old, rocking an oversized Beverly Hills 90210 night shirt, stumbling clumsily downstairs with a baseball bat, flashlight, and no glasses?? Yeah, that image makes me laugh too. Because I wouldn't be able to see anything I would be swinging at!!
Fast forward to last year, when my chronic Epstein Barr infection took over my life. Sleep has never been so great. I'm usually asleep before my head even hits the pillow.
I have many theories for this new found ability to sleep. Could have been my body trying to heal itself. Could have been the new fan I got to completely block out noise. Could have been I was just.....fatigued (pardon the pun). Recently, however, the sleep has evaded me once again. But, instead of hating this non sleeping time, like I usually do, I'm embracing it. In fact, it's when I get new ideas. It's when I'm able to talk directly with my inner wisdom. It's when I hear my heart truly speak. And that's satisfying on so many levels.
Case in point--this waffle. I'm really digging figs these days. Like really digging them. I put them in oats. I put them in yogurt. I pair them with almond butter and flax. I eat them on their own. In short, I wanted to highlight them. I woke up early one morning last week with this waffle in my head. And I immediately got up at began to experiment.
I know my sleeping family loved someone scurrying around our kitchen at 3:30am. Okay, they really didn't love it, but they did have a delicious breakfast to wake up to!
Gluten free buckwheat flour and flaxseed meal were the basis of my batter. Sliced figs and walnuts though were my stars. And don't forget the vanilla ghee. Total game changer in my world. It will be highlighted many more times. In fact, it's already crossed another one of my late night/early morning divine inspiration/creative sessions.
Good thing though I've grown up a little when I charge downstairs nowadays. I at least wear my glasses so I can see what I'm doing. No baseball bat required these days either. But, I can't guarantee an oversized old school ratty night shirt isn't worn ;) Enjoy!
My past week has been clean out central in my room. I've been gathering items which no longer fit my body....my mind....my life.
One of the major areas I've felt the need to clean up is my purse collection. Despite the fact I can only carry one purse at a time, I think I've kept all the purses I've owned since......2007. Yep, I have pack rat tendencies. Not afraid to admit it. I mean, where else could I find one of those teeny tiny purses which only fit an old school Nokia phone and an ID??
Well, I totally thought I could make some money off my extensive collection, so I lugged them all into a local consignment shop.
Sure, I had very expensive designer bags in there....along with the purses I'd gotten for one event or another which admittedly not expensive. But, either way, I was proud of what I'd amassed, even if they spanned the decades.
I dropped off my bag of goodies & walked away, dreaming of what I'd do with my new found wealth. I mean, I could spend them on buying a gift subscription to Gluten Free Baking Academy for a gal pal, or save up for a new (to me) DSLR camera---does anyone know where I can find one?), or save for my Strala Yoga certification workshop.....the possibilities were endless in my brain.
So, when that magic time to claim my items arrived, I walked triumphantly to the counter and expected to get at least $100. The reality???? I got $28. Seriously, all those purses. All those name brands....I mean who turns down a Dooney & Bourke?? Even if it was mini...and I do mean mini. I was kinda upset. In fact, the girl who was asssessing my items tried to soften the blow by telling me, "Well, you had a lot of variety...tons of wallets, wristlets, cross bodies, and hand bags. Those sell well here. But, we just couldn't take yours." Oh ok. I walked out defeated. The whole car ride home went like this in my head: Uh, what?? But, I have variety. I mean, that's good right? Why did my stuff not sell? Those were real designer bags...not counterfeit. I feel like I'm so totally out of style. Geez, I know I've been through a lot recently, but can my stuff be so irrelevant? Sigh. Apparently, my stuff can. All I can say now is thank goodness my waffles haven't ever been put into the irrelevant pile!! And I don't plan on them getting that title EVER.
These waffles highlighted vanilla ghee and the flavors of golden milk--see that gorgeous yellow, rich, earthy color. I don't even think my photos do them justice. I wish you could smell the fragrant spices in action....can't you just feel the healing vibes?? Adding chopped dates & shredded coconut took these over the top yum.
True delicious, soul satisfying nourishment. Can't say the same about my purses though....they've outlived their soul nourishment. At least for the current trends and consignment offerings. Anyone need tiny purses for a throwback party? I've got more than a few left. ;)
The other morning I woke up to some words running through my head....
"Drop the tension." Woah. Pretty heavy for 5am don't you think? But, my heart wouldn't let this phrase rest (or let me go back to sleep either!). So, I do what I always do when woken up in this way: get up and write.
And boy did my writing just flow out of me. I realized how twisted & tied up I was over multiple things in my life. I didn't even realize I was tense. Tense is unfortunately a natural state for me. It has been for most of my life.
But one place I go where everything melts away is my kitchen. Now, that doesn't mean I float into the kitchen each time on a puffy cloud of hearts and puppies. I will occasionally bitch & moan about "having" to cook dinner; being too tired to cook, or (my fave), not having "anything" to cook (yes I say this while staring blankly my pantry instead of staring in my closet). But, when I get started---by pulling out my ingredients; washing veggies; chopping; seasoning; and, pushing play on my @spotify radio--things seem to slow down. Time stops. And I begin my effortless dance around my kitchen celebrating the beauty of creation. The beauty of combining flavors. The beauty of loving myself by preparing nourishing meals for myself. The beauty of the tension release.
Today's fun sauce actually could go on a savory waffle (I'm working on one as I type), but I used it as a topping for a roasted root veggie and lemon rice dish. Turmeric, honey, lemon zest, and lemon juice create a mellifluous mix with one of my absolute favorite ingredients--tahini.
Tension gone from my body. Pride and confidence swells as I whisper to myself, "I created this." For the first time in many nights, I slept soundly all night long. Mission accomplished.
adapted from The Minimalist Baker
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