It’s still getting into the 90s here in Houston pretty much every day but I haven’t been holding off on my autumn inspired baking and cooking. I’ll admit it’s funny to see little pumpkins and bouquets of sage and thyme decorating the small table in my kitchen and then walk outside just to be punched in the face by heat and humidity. And I literally mean punched in the face. It’s rather overwhelming.
But then again, I can’t control the weather and there’s no use trying because it just ends up a waste of time. It’s sort of like how I’ve been wanting to change things about the past and letting past decisions upset me. Try as I might I can’t change the past. None of us can (unless maybe you are the Doctor). I have to keep reminding myself there’s no use dwelling on the past because I miss out on being present in my life. I’ve found that presence is key. It’s what allows me to appreciate a cool morning walk or the sweetness of a morning ritual. Or, in this case, a freshly baked boule laced with the scent of earthy sage, pecans, and cardamom.
I had forgotten how much I loved sage until I picked some up this past weekend. I love the velvety feel of the leaves and the sweetly pungent and intoxicating aroma it gives off. It evokes memories of holidays and family dinners, the table filled to the brim with steaming dishes. I’ve been finding the scent very grounding and comforting. Lately I’ve noticed myself gravitating towards grounding scents and foods. Perhaps it’s because I need to be tethered down to the earth so that I can focus and learn.
…
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.
