Wednesday, December 26, 2012

reflections

Well, somehow the end of another year has come, which means it's time to slow down, take a step back, and think about what life has brought over these past 365 days. There's something so beautiful about the way the years of our lives are made up of cycles...the seasons, the ups and downs, the joys and the sorrows, the lessons learned. We begin every new year thinking we know who we are and what we're about, and somehow believing we have an idea of where we're headed, but things never turn out the way we expect. It's really almost a little ridiculous that we even have the audacity to try and see into the future with any kind of certainty. Looking back on the things I was anticipating, planning, and dreaming about one year ago, it makes me smile...I had no idea what 2012 was going to bring. No idea.

And gosh, it's been quite a year. So much I never expected...but it's been so good.

I'm just so thankful...for so many things. I don't even know how or where to start. The blessings I see every day are more numerous than I could even begin to acknowledge.

So I'm going to relive and reflect on these last seasons of my life through pictures. Some of my favorites from this last year. Here they are.










































 And finally, I can't even express my gratitude to all of the wonderful people in my life, just for being who they are. I'm surrounded by such fantastic people...I love you guys. 

Bring on 2013. I'm ready.




"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, 
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths."
   Proverbs 3:5-6



Sunday, October 14, 2012

chickpea and potato curry


Today it is raining. It's a cold rain, not the kind you want to go out and twirl around in, but rather the kind that makes you want to make tea, put on warm slippers, and curl up under a blanket. And you know, as much as I love the sunshine, sometimes the rain is just as good--it's what the soul needs.


October rain, cozy rain, reminds us that sometimes what we need is just to rest. To stay in, to spend time with music and books, to play in the kitchen, to write, to fall asleep in a chair, to take extra time. October rain has a smell, a feeling...kind of like the smell of woodsmoke from a campfire or fireplace. It makes you want scarves, flannel, and long socks.

late-harvest bounty from the Mill City Farmer's Market. gorgeous.

Today, today the rain feels so good. It feels so great to rest. Honestly, these past few months I've become a person who is very good at taking time to rest--it's something I really think I need to work on, as absurd as that may sound. A state of stillness is not one that my mind or body is accustomed to. I'm always up to something, needing to be moving, seeing, doing. Today, though, I'm going to stay in my pajamas and drink chai. I'm going to be creative, sing out loud, and bake something with cinnamon...because, after all, chai and cinnamon = comfort. Just like curry.


This curry recipe is one that I actually got from a professor at Augustana, where I spent four years as undergrad. He and his wife were both science teachers, and both so invested in their students...really great people. I think this curry, served at a late-summer get together before my senior year of college, was the first I'd ever tasted--Dr. Matzner's famous curry. It was delicious, and I've adored curries ever since. And in the cold months of the year, especially on days like these, they are just what the body needs.


Dr. Matzner's Chickpea Curry

Curries are awesome. They are so flavorful...and so versatile, not to mention that many of them involve coconut milk, which is one of my all-time favorite ingredients. Also, don't skip the fish sauce--and don't be afraid of it! Fish sauce is one of the things that can separate a curry that is fine from one that is amazing--it adds a depth of flavor you don't get from salt alone, and it's a common ingredient in many Indian and Asian dishes. Believe me on this one!

2-3 cloves of garlic
1/2 tsp whole peppercorns
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 can (14oz) coconut milk
1 tbsp yellow curry powder
2-6 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
2 dried chiles
10 basil leaves
2 tbsp fish sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar


Grind garlic and peppercorns together to form a paste.

Heat oil briefly and add paste. Stir quickly and add coconut milk; stir to combine. Add all remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer til potatoes and chickpeas are cooked al dente (about an hour on the stove, or a few in the crockpot). Serve over aromatic rice (like basmati or jasmine).

ALSO, curry is one of those things that is better the next day...so if you can handle letting it sit in the fridge overnight before you eat it, it'll be even more delicious.







Thanks Dr. M,
--ginger













Thursday, October 4, 2012

kale chips with chili and parmesan + autumn



Just a few words today--first, on food. We made some kale chips, which are awesome, delicious, and so good for you. ALSO, it's almost ridiculous how easy they are. You should try them...we spiced ours up with chili and a little parmesan, but you could be creative and flavor them any way you'd like. Salt + vinegar? Cumin + lime? Cinnamon + chipotle? Endless possibilities! They really are good!


In other news, Fall is here, and it has been stunning. We are surrounded by such beauty...it overwhelms me sometimes. But I don't need to say any more. I'll let my pictures speak for themselves.





She liked anything orange:  leaves; some 
moons; marigolds; chrysanthemums; cheese; 
pumpkin, in pie and out; orange juice; 
marmalade. Orange is bright and demanding.
You can't ignore orange things.


-Catherynne M. Valente





kale chips with chili & parmesan

1 bunch of kale
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
finely grated parmigiano reggiano

Preheat the oven to 350 and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.

Trim the tough stems from the kale and discard. Cut or tear the leaves into large chip-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, toss once, add chili powder and salt, and toss again. Spread the kale on the baking sheets in a single layer, put in the oven, and bake til the edges are just beginning to brown, around 10 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them though, they can burn quickly! When they're done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle them with the grated parm. Either let cool or devour. Mmmmm...



ahhh...I'll never be able to get enough. Beautiful.