Thriving with Wise Earth Ayruveda ~ Summer Spice Blend!

 This weekend we honor all the Mothers in our world. Those that have nourished, protected and guided us through life.....we give you thanks and blessing. Who gave you the nurturing support that you needed as a child? Remember to thank ALL the people that have given you the Mother energy you needed to grow.  We are still surrounded and embraced by the loving vibration of our feminine ancestors. Let us give thanks!

Naomi & Brian

Saturday was our Wise Earth Ayurveda Summer Spice grind.  Our community is growing and we had a few new faces.  Our studio was filled with the fragrance of fresh Lilacs (from our bushes) and the powerful aroma of roasted spices.  We shared the time and space as sisters, wives, mothers and grandmothers.  (Brian & Mikhail had to hold the male energy for the weekend - poor guys were overwhelmed! I think they're getting used to it.)  The Summer Spice blend, that everyone created will help to balance the 6 tastes that, is needed at meal time.  Everything in the universe is made of the 5 elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth.  Each taste is made of the elements, as well.  The dosha or constitution of each individual will either be triggered or balanced by the different tastes.  You will want to eat the three tastes that are not part of your makeup.  Vata will want to eat more sweet, salt and sour.  Pitta will want to eat more sweet, astringent and bitter.  Kapha will want to eat more pungent, bitter and astringent.  Tweaking the tastes as the weather changes can be a tremendous aid to achieving stability - and it tastes Fantastic!!

Naomi, Paula, Brian & Midge

There are many factors that can upset the apple cart of our systems - the weather, food and how it is prepared, as well as environmental and emotional factors that may not be of our making.  It's important that we make the effort to do the small daily practices that can go a long way to help us Thrive and achieve a state of balance. Sadhanas(practices) are a way to nurture yourself. As we enter summer - it is time to change our routines.  Warm coconut oil Abhyangas are cooling and support the nervous system. We are on the edge of the summer party season - which means watch out for those banquet tables.  Carry a small container of Summer Spice to help balance our plates. This is a time to eat consciously and practice your food-combining.

Michelle, Margot, Kim & Brian

Summer can be a challenge for Vata and Pitta constitutions (air & fire).  Now is the time  to focus on bringing moisture and coolness into your daily routine.  Fresh, moist, cooling foods are the order of the day.  Hit those farmers markets as often as possible.  If you have been pondering how to cleanse your systems - start with simply adding more fruits and veggies into your diet. Some fresh juice or a smoothie is a really beautiful way to bring vitality to your day.  As the produce department starts receiving more fresh local goodies, let these be your go-to foods.  Processed food at this time of the year are heavy and contra-indicated.

Naomi, Cathy & Brian

Michelle & Leslie

Margot & Midge

Kit & Terry

Naomi, Leslie & Kit roasting

 We had a comical moment this morning. (Well - it's funny now - it wasn't this morning)  Brian had purchased a fresh coconut for me earlier in the week.  He had heard me ruminating about using one in a recipe. (I don't remember what recipe I was thinking of) So.... he is in a snit about using the thing before it goes bad.  I turn around and he has my sharpest chef knife. While holding the coconut in his hand he proceeds to hack at the thing like a serial killer gone wild!  I screamed at him to stop before he chops off his hand. "Slow down.  That's not a fresh Thai coconut - it's a dry brown one.  You need to drill it first.....just stop..... let me get the computer.  We'll look it up and see how to do it right" I say. Brian continues to hack, bash and slash at that nut. I turn to leave the kitchen and bring out my laptop - CRASH!!

Naomi, Brian & Leslie

He has now broken one of my plates, chipped my good knife and somehow managed to hack off the top of the coconut. (groan)  After his moment of insanity, the clearing of glass shards and the removal of the knife we watched a YouTube video on how to open both kinds of coconuts. He will not be allowed to open any green coconuts - the method involves a machete. (shudder)  Next time there will be a drill involved - then a bit of bashing the nut on some solid steel surface outside until it cracks.  I now had a counter covered with fresh coconut meat.  I spent part of the afternoon trying to figure out what I wanted to do with it. I ended up making Raw Coconut Macaroons.  They were tasty but, I would like to tweak the recipe before I share it.  Brian's explanation for his Hannibal Lector moment, "The Russian in me came out!" (giggle) I think I need a nap!

Kit, Terry, Michelle & Leslie

Roasting instruction!

This weeks recipe can be as difficult or easy as you want. It all depends on how you want to proceed with a couple of the ingredients.

Lazy Man's Dinner! 

1 bag of Tinkyada pasta - 
cooked, drained & rinsed
(save a little pasta water for later when combining ingredients)

1  fresh yellow, red & orange pepper - 
roasted, pealed and thinly sliced  Or
use a jar of organic roasted peppers (saves time - but it's nice to have the fresh ones)

1 large sweet onion - thinly sliced
1-2 cups button mushrooms - quartered Or
purchase them pre-sliced
2-3 tablespoons Summer Spice blend Or your choice of Masala
2-3 tablespoons Garlic/Ginger Paste (see April posting)

Saute onion in a little olive oil for about 5 min until translucent.  Add peppers and mushrooms cook until mushroom warm and soften. Add pasta and toss to blend. (Add a little of the pasta water if dish starts to dry out).  Cover and set aside

In a  separate pan warm 2-3 tablespoons of Ginger/Garlic paste - add a little olive oil if it sticks.  Add 2-3 tablespoons of your Summer Spice blend.  When it's warm and the aroma has filled the room add it to the pan of pasta.  Mix well - allowing spice to coat all the pasta and veggies.  Enjoy with a light salad.  

Happy Mother's Day
Blessings to all!
Summer Spice kisses!
Namaste`
Naomi