Bringing Light Into The Longest Nights of the Year
This is the Holiday Season and for many people it is filled with joy and reunions, but for other people the idealized images that surround them on TV, social media, and in the shops tends to exagerate a deep loneliness and isolation. What can we do to bring some light into this world? First, I think is to get in touch with our hearts. The voice of the heart is probably the most humble voice inside, and it needs stillness and quiet to be heard. It may not speak in words, but instead, can be a sweet feeling of appreciation of the simplest things: our breath moving inside of us like a still ocean brushing against the sand; the cool crisp smell of winter air; or a simple candle flickering in the night. When we are in touch with our hearts it is natural to bring kindness and caring into this world. Sometimes the littlest gesture — a kind word or a small gift can change a person’s day.
What helps you get in touch with your heart?
Detoxing During the Winter
During the Holidays people tend to take in lots of sweets, alcohol and dense proteins. After attending various parties and get-togethers, many people hear their bodies say, “Help me! I need a break!”.
I’ve been digging into the research and found the brassica and allium families support all stages of detoxing in the liver, so I took advantage of this information and developed a nice warm soup I call Vital Detox Soup. I also used spices that regulate blood sugar, have antibacterial and antiviral actions, are loaded with antioxidants, support digestion, and much more. I think it’s delicious and it’s super easy. I use some ingredients I have sitting in my cupboard that are easy to find, but If these keep you from making this soup, I’ve listed some other options. Some of you may be tempted to sauté with olive oil, but please don’t. Olive oil should not be used as a cooking oil. Heat ruins the incredible anti inflammatory properties of the oil
Vital Detox Soup
1 medium yellow onion
1 leek
2 tsp of ghee or coconut oil
1/2 head of cauliflower
6 cups of bone broth, vegetable broth, or chicken stock
1 tsp off sea salt
1 tsp of Mt. Baker’s Chai Mix (this is a mix from Savory Spice Shop which combines cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, black pepper, star anise, allspice, bay leaves), so feel free to add 1/8 of a tsp of each of these spices if you don’t have this mix
Splash of Red Boat Fish Sauce (do not buy the junk they have at Whole Foods. You can find this at an Oriental Supply Store), Tamari, Coconut Aminos, or any other umami type seasoning you like. If you don’t have any of these just leave it out and it will still taste good
.I am a huge fan of the electric Instant Pot pressure cooker, but you can also make this recipe in a large pot on the stove.
INSTRUCTIONS- Slice the leek in half lengthwise, thinly slice it crosswise, and wash thoroughly in several changes of cold water to remove any sand hiding between the layers.
- Chop the onion and cauliflower into coarse chunks
- Put your fat of choice in the Instant Pot or and push “Sauté”, or heat oil at low heat on stove. Add the leeks and onions cook, stirring occasionally, until clear to mildly golden, about five minutes. Push “Keep Warm/Cancel” and add the cauliflower, salt, the spices, and the stock.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing”. Push “Manual” and reduce the time to 6 minutes. The Instant Pot will begin cooking automatically. Once it reaches high pressure, it will begin counting down from 6 minutes. When the time is up, push “Keep Warm/Cancel” and then carefully move the valve to “Venting” to release the pressure manually. Or turn the heat up to medium high on the stove and bring to a slow boil. Reduce to low and cook until the cauliflower is tender.
- Process with an immersion blender until smooth. Add a splash of fish sauce, or tamari, etc (don’t overdo this) Taste and adjust seasonings if desired. Top with a sprinkling of chives and serve hot.
Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation. Rumi
I truly hope that you all have a beautiful, deep, loving Holiday Season. With love and affection, Barbara