Winter is the best time

  Sorry that it has been so long since I have shared a good recipe!  I was out of town for work, but was able to taste and sample many new foods that I have translated into the kitchen for you.  Culinary delights and encouraging words both trigger the pleasure center so allow me to inspire you!

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Toasted Nuts and Oranges


All you will need is 4 sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup toasted almonds, agave nectar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and one orange.  This is a wonderful side dish.

    Heat the oven to 400 degrees.  Prick two 4 small sweet potatoes with a fork and wrap in foil.  Bake for one hour, or until tender.  Unwrap the potatoes and split with a knife.  Scoop out about one ice cream scoop sized ball of baked potato from each half and add to a bowl.  Mix with toasted almonds, 1 TBSP agave nectar, dash of cinnamon, dash of nutmeg, and flaky sea salt.  Place the mixture back in the potato skins.  Squeeze fresh orange juice on top of each potato and top with more toasted almonds.  Warm in the oven before serving.

Winter Is The Best Time

by David Budbill

Winter is the best time

to find out who you are. 

Quiet, contemplation time,

away from the rushing world,

cold time, dark time, holed-up

pulled-in time and space

to see that inner landscape,

that place hidden within.