Simple is Best - Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas, Caffeine and Freckles readers!

This has been the most simplistic Christmas, ever. I am in love with it.  

I dreaded the holiday as it approached. It brought me down a few times. Way down.

Christmas is a love-hate relationship for me. My husband says I've been like this since my father passed away. He may have a point, but I'm too stubborn to say so. There is so much love going around this time of year that it's hard not to fall into the sadness pit about all the love you miss. The hugs you won't get from the loved ones that aren't here, the smiles you won't see. You gotta feel your sad though to appreciate the happy. 

I hate the rush and the pressure. I hate all the consumerism. I hate the worry. I hate the push to be busy when all I want to do is be free but, this year I have had such a clear view of what I love. 

I love the time with family and friends. I love the expression of appreciation. I love the beautiful lights. I love pulling out the ornaments and the flood of memories and nostalgia that come with them. I love thoughtful gifts and special treats. I love the Christmas tree. I love watching my children's eyes light up at all the magical parts of this time of year. Oh, and I love gingerbread lattes too.

It was last minute mind you  but, usually when I am dreading the build up of something, I end up embracing it fully when it finally shows up. The magic of the Christmas season is all around us.

I always worry about the shopping. This year though, Amazon was a dazzling armored knight.  I ordered most of the gifts, free two day shipping from Amazon. No lines, no driving, I didn't even have to get dressed.

Last night was Christmas Eve, we have spent it with my mom's side of the family every year since I was a little girl. A simple dinner, one gift for each person (we're a small group), a Bloody Mary, and a good time. The cousins played and adults chattered. It was warm and relaxing and we were home before it got too late.

Tomorrow will be my husband's side of the family. A nice dinner, gift exchange, and spending time together. Three days of Christmas. We see everyone with no rush. We don't have to drive far and we still have a full day at home. I'm looking forward to Granny's baked chicken and seeing Auntie Lacy tomorrow.

This Christmas has a few firsts for us. This is the first Christmas we have stayed home all day AND not hosted.

This has to be the best year so far. The kids got up at their own pace. We saw what Santa brought and exchanged gifts. The kids got to play with their new stuff while I made coffee in my robe.  The man took off to pick up the older kids and when they got back it was time for Christmas breakfast. This year was french toast.  

There was no rush, no pressure, no worry. We did our tradition of Christmas letters that they each read aloud to brag about everything we are proud of them for and we gobbled up french toast and juice. Dominique LOVES the letters.

I have beans in the crock pot for our Christmas dinner, tostadas, beans, and rice, plus a whole organic chicken slow cooking away, at my daughter's request. I cleaned up the breakfast mess and randomly took a hot bath. No rush, no pressure. 

I've been slowly sipping on a bottle of vino since noon. I mean I'm using a wine glass and all, but it's slow sippin' and buzz surfing.  My dear friend, Kinisha calls it "The Slow Grind".  Slowly grind on that wine all day. It's a slow, natural feeling buzz. :-) It's a winner. Merry Christmas, Kisha!

The man is checking out his new headset for his game, the kids are riding new bikes, and playing with new toys, the dog is napping, and I'm doing my favorite thing....whatever I want! 

No rush, no pressure, no travel, no worry. I love the music, the wine, the kids, the freedom.I love these new leggings I'm wearing that I found at Old Navy for half off. It's a perfect day.  It feels good to be home. I feel truly relaxed and the chicken smells amazing. It feels like therapy.

Keep the focus on what really matters. Love, shelter, dreams, and ambition.

Happy holidays and Merry whatever you celebrate or don't celebrate to all of you. Soak in the love and carry it into the new year.

-Caffeine and Freckles

 

Spicy Curry Vegetable Soup

It's soup season (my favorite)!

I don't have many vegetable lovers in the house besides myself. Actually, there is only one other than myself. So when I make a pot of this hearty stew-like soup I end up with enough lunches for several days, plus I share some with friends. 

I make this soup quite a bit, however, it never comes out the same as I change up the ingredients a little to keep it interesting.

Last time I added lentils and chickpeas, other times I use white beans or butternut squash. Quinoa is a great addition as well as zucchini and kale. You can make it simple, or a complex variety of veggies. This is the simple version.

I use a lot of garlic! It's healthy and delicious, plus it adds to the spice. I do not measure spices, so let loose and see what happens.  I use a good amount of turmeric.  I love the color and the health benefits. Garam Masala is a strong taste, so you may want to stick with about a teaspoon. The curry is wonderful, just add it to suffice your personal preference.

Here's what went down this time...

2-3 Tbs olive oil

2-3 Tbs garlic, minced

1/2 white onion, chopped 

1 box Vegetable Broth

1 can diced tomatoes in tomato sauce

1 yellow squash, quartered and chopped 

2 handfuls baby portobello mushrooms

3 handfuls of cabbage, chopped
Turmeric

Garam Masala

Curry Powder
Black Pepper
Sea Salt
A pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
A splash of Tapatio

Chop all your veggies and open all your cans to prepare.

Heat the olive oil on medium-high heat and brown the garlic and onion until onions are translucent.

Turn heat to high and add vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.

Once boiling, add tomatoes, squash, mushrooms, and cabbage. Bring to boil again.

Add seasonings and simmer for another 5 minutes or so, just to get all the flavors linked together.

Sometimes I've added a bit of water to the broth (or more broth) when it appears too chunky. I like my soups hearty but, if you like a more soupy soup, use more broth.

The Garam Masala and Curry Powder give this soup a rich Indian style taste.  The beauty of this recipe is that you can add or change any ingredients.  You can even ditch the curry taste and go with a more plain flavor, ditching the spice, or use chicken broth instead.  If you make bone broth, this is a great place to use it!

I like the spice.  I love the chunky vegetables and the healthy spices.

Let me know if you try it. I'd love to hear what items you added or changed.

Enjoy!