Sometimes a body just needs to rest and take a break. That literally translated to me taking quiet time to bake. When I just feel blah, that’s when I know I need to take a mental break and use my hands to make something tasty.
Because baking is really therapeutic.
Put aside the happenings in my little world:
- That I’m being laid off, last day on the job November 11th
- We’re fast approaching the second dental appointment to take out Zen Master’s bottom row of teeth in preparation for his full dentures
- Zen Mum constantly watching YouTube videos for ideas on food smoothies for Zen Mum
Because these things will still be there when I come out of the kitchen.
Our neighbor has a huge garden and she had planted pumpkins and squash. And she was gracious enough to share her bounty with us.
So when I got the pumpkin, the first thing that popped into my head was pumpkin pie. But I always forgot to get pie crust so I opted to make pumpkin bread instead.
Taking Quiet Time with Pumpkin Bread
I had googled around and landed on Once Upon a Chef with Jenn Segal. Her pumpkin bread recipe is from her Grandma and I’m always game for traditional recipes.
Sometimes the body needs no frills or fancy or cream cheese when it craves rest and peace.
Obviously I didn’t use canned pumpkin. With the fresh pumpkin, I had cleaned out the seeds and peeled off the skin. And then cubed them before throwing them into the steamer to soften them up.
After a few minutes, when they were soft, I mashed them into a smooth texture. I let it cool before finally tossing them into the recipe.
I had promised to bake pumpkin pie for my neighbor but I passed them the pumpkin loaf instead.
Bounty sharing feels lovely. And I love Fall.
And they both make me feel good.
Sally in the Zen
