Hearty. Golden. Grounding.
This last weekend, in celebration of 11.11.11, the authentic Feminine essence, and the collective Heart that exists in the world, we gathered for the 2nd annual 2011 Sophia Conference, founded by Laura Plumb. The intention of gathering for this conference is to that, confer, on the rich and vast map that contains the Feminine, to cultivate her presence in our inner and outer landscapes. The rain outside beckoned her children to gather together, and gather within, as we sang, laughed, cried, rejoiced, and witnessed ourselves in each other through yoga, song, food, ritual, dance, and everything Sophia.
I had the joy of providing the live music for the day, along with my wonderful friend, superb Yoga Teacher, and Feng Shui Expert Amanda Collins. And, even I, had no idea what to expect of the day- of myself, of my role, and that is often such a relief…such a relief when you know you are being delivered into the safe arms of the Divine, and all you truly have to do…is… SHOW UP. This day, for me, all said and done, felt like a day of pure service… as to toss the love in your palms up to the Sun, and then, step aside, as it rains down where it is needed the most. In these moments, you enter a timeless stream, where by the moon begins to rise, have tapped into something so much greater.
Among us 50 women, we indulged in the most abundant feast of the Earth’s bounty.
One thing I know, over my own years of discovery, that food has the power to not only nourish, but heal, comfort, and uplift our Spirits. Combine that with the joy of joining around food and sharing with the ones you love in a warm, cozy home, and I believe, this is some of our greatest healing medicine. We all have a desire to feel nourished- food, community, and love provide a wellspring of that!
So on this decadent day, I made some nourishing, very easy to make, Spiced Yams. This is a great dish for such holiday times when a large portion is desired. The yams and the spices used are very comforting, warming, and grounding for this fall season. The cinnamon help to break up any Kapha producing qualities from the yams, and the ever popular cardamom aids in digestion. These high fiber, low glycemic golden gems are great sources of Vitamin A (beta-carotene), C, and B6 offering anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties.
RECIPE:
6 yams
1/4 cup ghee or butter (vegan: coconut oil)
8 dates (pitted and chopped)
1 Tbs. Lemon Juice
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. cardamom
a few handfuls of chopped walnuts
a few handfuls of currants
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pierce yams in several places and place on oven tray. Bake for about 55 minutes. Cool Slightly. Cut yams in half and scoop out pulp into large bowl. Discard peel. Add all other ingredients and stir until fully blended! Season with sea salt and pepper.
Gather your friends and dance into winter satisfied in the belly and warm in your heart~
Enjoy & Nourish!
Whitney
