I had a big breakthrough last week on the tail end of my cleanse. One of the things I wanted to work on was laziness/stagnation in my life. Laziness has been taking many forms lately and slowly choking out my normal productive tendencies. It caused me to stray from focusing on what I really wanted in life as well as building my career. I got lazy. And complacent. I stopped dreaming and planning. It was easy. But it wasn’t exactly enjoyable.
I had an intense moment of clarity last Thursday morning. I became very aware of how I had been lazy when it came to what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be. And I immediately wanted to get back to my old self. The one who started her own company solo while simultaneously working another full time job. I realized I would much rather be in the midst of working really hard and planning for the unknown instead of wallowing in laziness and ease. So, I’m back on the saddle so to speak.
I pictured this tart in my head a couple of weeks ago. I think I was driving home from a yoga class and it just popped into my mind. I wrote down the idea as soon as I got home so I wouldn’t forget. Since I was able to get some lovely local pears at the farmers market this past weekend, it earned the top spot for post-cleanse baking. And then I almost didn’t make it because I knew how involved each step would be along with the photography. Then I almost kicked myself for thinking that way and let go of those thoughts since they weren’t serving me in any way. I’m re-adapting and re-learning. I’m creating a new groove.
I love the combination of flavors in this tart. They all play nicely together without one completely dominating the others. If you want a quick and dirty version of this recipe, forgo the crust. Mix up the pear topping and let it sit to macerate for a bit. Spoon some into a bowl and top with the lavender coconut cream and some shavings of dark chocolate. It’s quite lovely and doesn’t require you to turn on the oven 🙂
…
Today officially marks the autumnal equinox, otherwise known as the first day of fall/autumn! It is one of two days (the other bring the vernal equinox) when the hours of daylight match those of darkness. It is a time to reflect on what has happened thus far in the year and to evaluate the balance of light and dark within yourself. Perhaps the scales are tipped further towards one than the other. Evaluate. Adjust. Balance. Shed things that need to be shed and embrace something new.
I can tell when fall is about to start because there is a perceptible and tangible difference in the air. It feels less humid and stagnant. It is new and crisp like a freshly laundered sheet. It smells earthy and swirls my hair about my face. Walking through the yard I feel leaves and acorns crunch beneath my feet. Soon there will be a blanket of fiery hued leaves covering the green grass like a lovely old quilt. I’ll lovingly bring out my sweaters and scarves, eagerly awaiting the first hint of cool air. Soon I’ll be spying pumpkins everywhere and I won’t mind in the slightest.
In honor of the official first day of fall, I wanted to give you something pumpkin-y. Perhaps it can tempt your sweet tooth away from all of the junky Halloween candy that is most likely filling store shelves by now. The filling of these truffles is sort of like a nutty pumpkin pie. It’s creamy with just the right amount of spices and maple sweetness. A coating of dark chocolate envelops the creamy filling while a sprinkling of smoked sea salt provides a sharp contrast to the sweetness. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor the change in season than with a couple of these and a mug of tea.
