Watch somebody love

Ras El Hanout (a middle eastern seasoning that can be used on everything!)

Combine, label well and store:

2 tsp paprika
1 and 1/2 tsp coriander
1 and 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp tumeric
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Ras El Hanout with Cauliflower


Combine 3 TBSP olive oil, 3 TBSP tahini, the juice of 2 lemons and 3 TBSP ras el hanout seasoning. Coat 2 cups chopped cauliflower florets and place on a cookie sheet.  Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes.  Dip in the following sauce:
    2 TBSP Tahini
    1 TBSP lemon juice
    2 tsp ras el hanout

Add a little olive oil as needed for consistency.

The Mackinac Bridge in Northern Michigan

     "I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve.  But I was outside the Bagdad Theater in Portland one night when I saw a man playing the saxophone.  I stood there for fifteen minutes, and he never opened his eyes.
      After that I liked jazz music.
      Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself.  It is as if they are showing you the way.
      I used to not like God because God didn't resolve.  But that was before any of this happened."

                                                           - Donald Miller, from the book, Blue Like Jazz

Safe while still anxious

Potato Soup
There are so many different varieties of potatoes.  Try not to use the white ones. Select different colors of potatoes, which have more nutrients in them.

4-5 slices vegan bacon cooked, crumbled and set aside
1 large onion, caramelized and set aside
3 carrots, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
4 potatoes, skinned and diced
6 cups vegetable broth
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup soy milk

After cooking the bacon and then the onion, toss the rest of the vegetables in the pan and cook until just browned.  Add all of the vegetables, including the onions, to the vegetable broth and bring to a boil until soft.  Remove half of the vegetables and broth and puree in a food processor. Return the processed liquid to the soup and stir well.  Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.  Gently heat up and add soy milk a small amount at a time until desired consistency.  Sprinkle the bacon on top and serve!



     "So I am praying while not knowing how to pray.  I am resting 
      while feeling restless, at peace while tempted, safe while still 
      anxious, surrounded by a cloud of light while still in darkness, 
      in love while still doubting."
                          - Henri Nouwen