Fiber Fool

As much as I’m a creative spirit and enjoy the freedom to go with the flow, I’m still also very much an analytical person (one of the traits that I think can really help one as a knitting designer). I blame it on my former life as a meteorologist. In the last few years it has become evident that I thrive on having limited options. Some of my best design ideas have happened because I was limited in what I could do or what materials I had to work with. There is something about reducing my decision making that makes my creativity in the areas that are flexible blossom.

All that was to say that I think I need to return to my weekly rough sketch of what to blog about. Not having to worry and try come up with some random topic each day will likely do as it does in my knit design or my cooking - free me from some of the decision making so I can move forward. I need some direction. All that was to say that I’m going to talk about food today since it is Wednesday and that is what Wednesdays often have been about in the past. Speaking of that, anyone have a catchy title for these series of food posts I do on Wednesdays?

The two photos above are of one of my favorite go to healthy snacks these days. They are Smoky Sweet (& Spicy) Pumpkin Seeds. The recipe is paired with some cabled alpaca socks in the latest installment of Nourishing Knits. In my quest for healthier eating and more fiber and what not I’m consuming lots of winter squash (though that’ll be ending soon). I hate throwing things out so I like to roast the seeds so nearly everything gets put to use. For the longest time I just did salt or salt and pepper or maybe garlic powder. But I started playing around with the batches a few years ago and have finally settled on a favorite blend of spices. Everyone seems to like them. The basic flavor profile is probably East Indian, but I’ve added a smoky element to it inspired a touch by the southwest flavors that are so prevalent around here as well as a bit of Middle Eastern. The best part is that 1/4 cup of the seeds is only 83 calories, 9 carbs and 2.2 g of fiber! Yay! It also staves off cravings for crunchy, salt, sweet and spicy all in one snack and it really does seem to work too.

The other recipes in this latest installment is my homemade chai concentrate. I’ve been working on it and tweaking it for about 3 years now. Occasionally I decide I’d like a batch to have more ginger zing. It does take about 24 hours to make, but most of that is not hands on time. I find I just can’t match the depth of flavor if I rush the process. So I honor the time it takes. Speaking of that, I should get a batch going. We have a friends’ birthday gathering this week where we are to all bring a vegan curry to share. I figure chai concentrate would also be welcomed as long as I have a vegan milk option.

I also wanted to thank all of you who left comments on my post about Balance last week. It has sparked some wonderful conversations and I really appreciate all your support and help. I often guard what I blog about, but I am so glad I opened up about my struggles as of late. You all have been wonderful! And to those of you who have connected with me on Mindbloom or LoseIt - thanks! That is equally valuable support! Thank you, thank you!