Kitchen Duty

There is an old runic saying that, "...one is always at the beginning".  Naturally, I suppose that this must be especially potent at the beginning of a new year. "And what is being at the beginning, but another word for being Present" I wonder?

I don't know about you, but this year I didn't make any resolutions. I figured that I'd get around to making them in whatever Present they happen to show up.

Instead, I sat quietly with a dear friend the morning of New Year's Day, sipping coffee in front of a roaring fire. We each took turns writing down on a piece of paper something we wanted to let go of, and then, before placing it into the flames, we voiced our gratitude for what "that something" taught us. It was a gentle releasing of what no longer served us, rather than a desperate desire for something we didn't have. In other words, "Thank you for...You served me well and now you're free to go."  I was amazed at the speed and clarity with which we each took our respective turns--for about 25 minutes-- letting go of so much stuff! (I would normally use the "cr.." word but that would not be very appropriate in a food related newsletter).  This ritual was surprisingly fun, playful and very satisfying. The New Year had barely begun and already I felt like I had lost 25 lbs. of toxic waste!

Instead of resolutions, this process felt more like making choices in Present time. And I knew I made really good choices---you know--new choices about the usual suspects: money, relationships, health and career. The big four in our human dramas--only the details change in our personal stories--the countless, colorful, tales of the human condition since, oh yes, the beginning.
In my new, far lighter mind/body, having already made which I considered inspired, heartfelt breakthroughs, I felt entitled to coast for a while doing not much more than reading and watching movies. Cooking especially needed a rest after having prepared so many meals for so many people throughout December. (See my homemade fettuccine recipe below. Thin noodles tossed with a flavorful putanesca sauce. Fantastic)!

But after a few days of delightfully sedentary activity, I soon began to feel restless. "What's this" I asked? I was so enjoying my lazy reprieve from--I should be doing this or I must not do that. "I thought I got rid of you on New Year's Day"  I declared, not so gently this time?
I don't know about you. But I tend to get restless when the old is over, but the new has not yet begun. Patience had come early this year to remind me of last year's painful lessons that I so sincerely let go of just a few days ago--or so I thought.  "But haven't I been patient long enough" I asked? I thought of the "Karate Kid" when his teacher made him wax the car--another lesson in patience. I was quickly reminded of still another piece of priceless runic advice. "...when fishermen can't go to sea, they repair their nets." 

So, instead of taking a nap to escape my frustration, I got up off my--oh so comfortable--couch and began repairing "my nets". In my case it was a kitchen in desperate need of detailing and de-cluttering after the heavy holiday traffic, in preparation for new guests soon to come. And done in Present time, even cleaning the kitchen was fun and full of new discoveries. My favorite stainless steel pans hanging prominently against a white tile focal point, have never looked so shiny clean. Just like me, in this moment---Crystal---inside and out.
 

 

Personal Growth is Personal

Personal growth is well, personal. That's why it's different for each and every one of us. We all follow a unique path. What is good for me may not work for you. Or what may be upsetting to you may go unnoticed by me. Yet, we all share common ailments and frustrations. What I have found to be true is that if something is bothersome, if it makes us angry, impatient, sad, scared and so on, then it requires our attention regardless of its specific form. These feelings are always an indication of being off-center. They offer us the opportunity to redirect, realign and choose again. Given the attention and gentle acknowledgement they deserve, without our judgment, over indulgence and identification, we can be open to the lessons they offer and find our way back to peace. So let's welcome all our personal stumbling blocks. Let's be grateful for their appearance. It's the only way we know they're there and with awareness comes the opportunity to heal anything.

 

Fresh Gluten Free Pasta

Sometimes easy doesn't mean fast. Making fresh pasta is certainly far more time consuming than store bought but the process is easy and the results are so worth it. It's even better than store bought fresh pasta. It's not as heavy and it melts in your mouth. Furthermore, you can use whatever type of flour you like. So, if you're like me (and many others) who have a hard time digesting white flour, you have options. See my recipe for gluten free pasta. Fresh pasta is easy, especially when you follow a few simple rules:

1. Kneading dough is fun but don't over do it. Just knead until all of the flour is incorporated and the dough resembles rough clay.
2. Let the dough rest under a plate for at least 15 minutes before you begin working with it and then knead again for a few minutes until smooth.
3. Roll the dough as thinly as possible (whether by hand or with a machine) and then flour both sides before cutting it into the desired shape.
4. Cook the pasta in plenty of boiling water