What really matters...

Recently I wrote posts on the  love I have for my three children and my passion for politics; now I have food on my mind. This might be my life trifecta: children, food, and politics and intersecting through that is working with students as a librarian. I love my work, enjoy helping students find books, information, and fresh ideas. 

And at the end of most days I love coming home and cooking in my kitchen. My kitchen is too small for a lot of cooks in the kitchen and in fact it is only enough room for Groovy Girl and I to cook together. And we have to do a well-executed dance to not bump into each other. Having music on helps. Usually I just play my own jams but if she steps into the kitchen to help then she she plays her own music. Just like with anything good in life it is most perfect when you have all your ingredients right there and ready. I like a well-stocked pantry and when I have the space and time to put things together, relaxed with a glass of wine.  More often though it's rushed after school but even quick I can pull something together that is unique and delicious. 

{Curried Lentils}

Last week I made Maharajah's Rice from Meera Sodha's Fresh India cookbook and it was very easy to make right after school. I loved the flavors of the basmati rice mixed with the soft apricot, almonds and aromatic cinnamon. It's quite similar to this basmati rice recipe from Analida's Ethnic Spoon.  And while browsing her site I found this chickpea and lentil recipe that I'll have to try soon. A few weeks ago Groovy Girl said she needed some comfort food when she came home the next time; something like lentils she said. That's like a special invitation connecting your children with food. I searched for the perfect lentil recipe and found a curry that we all loved and will make again. She said "this is the perfect comfort food, mama" while holding the bowl up and breathing in the smells and heat. I found that easy recipe, Creamy One-Pot Curried Lentils and Quinoa on Yup..It's Vegan!    That same weekend I also whipped up blueberry lemon muffins for her to take back to school. 

My second favorite place to be in the kitchen is at my brother's house where I can just be the sous to his chef. He has a beautiful kitchen and makes a wide variety of foods. It's nice to relax there and not be in charge of the meal. I can watch him cook or help along the way. 

Now why is Prince gracing this post about food? Because I often listen to music while I write and today I thought he deserved to be on top. Let's go crazy. 

Each and everyone of us are multidimensional and hopefully you've found things in your life to feed your soul. Enjoy!