Making Porridge: For Health and Wellbeing

©beanofthefields

In the summer of 2019, I had some pretty scary health challenges. But one wonderful benefit was getting back to cooking: paying attention, selecting carefully and taking good care (we’d moved off the farm and had been doing a lot of faster food and eating out). It’s so rewarding to prepare good things and nourish. Never fails. One of the things I’ve loved is making warm morning cereals (or blends). The ingredients vary and the personal wellbeing I get from the experience (preparing and creating) is big big big. More below:

Above: Oatmeal Porridge with Astragalus and Ashwagandha, Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamom, and Nutmeg (and more).

My basic: Some oats, hemp hearts, goji berries. Then I add herbs and spices: astragalus, ashwagandha, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, marjoram, lavender (depending on what I feel I want and I need). I’ll add blueberries (or other fresh fruits) and/or bananas. My “liquid” is either flax milk, hemp milk, oat milk, macadamia milk, yogurt (unless I’m going non-dairy), or some non-dairy yogurt (I love Nancy’s Oat Milk Yogurt pictured above). I heat just a tiny bit (never to a boil…that kills things). Warm is good.

“All” Fruit Version: I’m a carb and grain lover, but it’s not for everyone (and I’m having to change habits and meet new desires). The above is mixed fruit with a tablespoon of oats and hemp hearts. So, mostly a warm fruit bowl. My favorite Ashwagandha powder comes from Avena Botanicals in Maine (but you can order on line). Banyan is another trusted source. As for other herbs, I’m a HUGE fan of the Railyard Apothecary in Burlington.

Have fun and Enjoy!!
xo
BOTF