Snippets of life, thoughts and food from the bush. I’ll be spending lots of time in the kitchen prepping fancy food. And as I learn more about flavours, combinations, techniques and how to get the best out of ingredients, I’ll be applying that to my nutritional healing. In the end I want the food I provide to be tasty, surprising and fun at the same time as it provides good nutrition and healing.
Impressions from 1st week:
If I had to describe my overall feeling from this week it would be isolation. Strange. I’m challenged, inspired and busy. I’m learning lots about how a lodge operates and the kitchen in general. I’ve had an amazing time putting together meals and menus, thinking through flavour combinations, texture, colour and availability. So many aspects play a role in the development of a fine-dining menu - it’s a wonderful process.
But at the end of my shift I come back to my room and I’m in my own head. I’ve been exercising, writing, reading and listening to more music for the first time in ages. But I feel disconnected. I’m sure I’ll get used to this quiet, the lack of tv, radio, cell phone reception and internet. I think perhaps it shows that I was one of the masses addicted to being entertained and distracted. Apparently the modern world we have lost the ability to give sustained attention to any one thing. That is why our books have shorter sentences and chapters, out movies are fast paced and jump round and obviously tv shows are broken up into quick segments.
So now I have none of that and I need to learn to entertain myself. The simple process of making a cup of tea has taken on significance. I have the time to do it properly.
If you can take the time perhaps try this anti-inflammatory tea. It’s satisfying, warming and satisfies a sweet tooth.
Turmeric Tea
Find fresh turmeric root if at all possible OR get dried, non-irradiated from your local health shop.
Use a micro-plane or zester and grate a small amount (thumbnail) into a small saucepan.
Grate half the amount of fresh ginger.
Add a pinch of black pepper (to ensure your body absorbs the turmeric)
Add a cup of milk – preferable lactose free – try oat, almond, coconut or rice milk which all have a natural sweetness.
Heat till it just starts to froth but not boil. Turn the heat off and cover to infuse for 5 minutes. If you have a frother or can heat with steam – this adds a lovely creaminess.
Traditional aerated by ‘pulling the tea’ all over Singapor and malaysia.
Pour into a warmed cup and sweeten with raw honey to taste.
Drink daily to help with arthritis, aches and pains in the joints, psoriasis, Crohn's disease and other inflammatory conditions or just to warm you up.