There is a place where everything sparkles–the trees and the grass from the fireflies coming to life, the sky from the stars burning bright, the flame of the fire flickering outside in the pit. It’s a place that feels like home.
Last week we took a few days off to go south to the Shenandoah Valley. We went last year on a little journey south and wanted to go back to this very spot–a one room cabin on a hill. It reminds me so much of land I grew up on. The mountain views, the wild animals, the fireflies, the sprawling farms. My parents sold the house a few years ago, but I spent countless hours staring into the mountains, watching the sunset every night, the shadows crossing the southern sky from early morning when Venus passed its late night watch to the rising sun until the last rays of light turned to orange, pink, midnight blue then black again.
This spot in Virginia brought it all back to me so vividly. Imbued with the memories of growing up, but graced with a slightly different angle the place turned almost magical. And for a few days I put my phone down, never opened the computer, but just watched, listened to the calls of the birds, the rhythm of the sky. And I remembered what it was like to just be.
Breaking all of my routines reminded me of how caught up we get in them, even the ones that sustain us. Taking a time out shifts your perspective. It brought me very much back to my most natural self without the trappings of a busy city life.
The kitchen in the cabin was rustic and small, but in many ways more functional than my little crooked NYC kitchen. I made the most parsed down version of my Easy Black Bean Mole chili for dinner, though I forgot to bring my spices, which I usually travel with. All the house had was soy sauce and black pepper. Not the most traditional combo, but I made do with these and it wasn’t bad at all. I served it over quinoa and wild rice. For breakfast I made the most parsed down version of overnight oats. The owners of the cabin left us a loaf of pumpkin bread as well so between these basics, and a little creativity we ate well.
The warm weather is being shy these days, peeking out one searing day at a time then hiding itself behind the breeze. I’m okay with that. I learned from trying to light a fire after the rain outside the cabin that patience and persistence are more than just virtues. They can bring you a spirit-renewing roaring flame that lasts all night from damp logs.
EASIEST BLACK BEAN MOLE CHILI
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 can black beans
- 1 can chick peas
- 1 can whole roasted tomatoes
- 10 oz of spinach (one bag or one big bunch)
Spices: I didn’t have any here aside from pepper and soy sauce, but when I make this on the go I usually do.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chipotle chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1-2 tsp crushed red chili pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (more for extra spice)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
In a large pot over medium heat toast all of the spices for 2 minutes or so. Add a little olive oil or vegetable broth if you have it on hand and the onion and let cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the contents of all of the cans (squeezing the whole tomatoes to release their juices) and let simmer for a few minutes. Lower the heat and let simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the spinach and let wilt. Serve over quinoa and/or brown rice. Add pickled onions, cashew cream, avocados and cilantro.
EASIEST OVERNIGHT OATS
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups overnight oats
- 2 cups almond milk (more if you prefer more porridge type oats)
DIRECTIONS:
In a large jar, cup or bowl, pour almond milk over oats. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
It sounds idyllic – you can’t beat sitting by a log fire and the cabin with night sky looks so beautiful. I will be trying the black bean mole – I’ve got all the ingredients in the cupboard, except the spinach 🙂
It really was a great time out, MD. The chili is a constant in my kitchen these days. It’s easy yet filling and really good. Going to read your latest adventure!
I love the description of your time in the Shenandoah Valley! It sounds so beautiful and restorative. And that chili looks like something I could make on a busy weeknight–I am definitely going to keep that in mind, as we are still having cold evenings here, and a warm bowl of chili sounds really good right now. Glad you got a chance to get back in touch with your most natural self–nature is such a great healer to me as well. Hope you have a great weekend!
Nature really is necessary. It was a much needed time out. The chilli is in constant rotation in my kitchen in its simplest form and most dressed up too. So simple. Have a wonderful weekend too, Jenny! Xo
Beautiful pictures, Amanda! What a wonderful getaway in a beautiful place. I really need to get away too, but when is a question without an answer these days. The black bean mole sounds delicious; and it is something you can make lots of, and the leftovers reheat easily (that’s me thinking of my lunchboxes at the office; I am always searching for inspiration for quick and easy meals that would work for a next day lunch and don’t take hours to make). It is filling and full of flavor; even soy sauce and just pepper sounds good to me, though not as “chili-ey” as the cocoa powder and spice version! Well done!
Thanks, Darya. You nailed exactly what I love about this. I do being it to work, I also freeze it. It’s so easy. I totally get needing to get away. The office work will do that to you. I hope you’re feeling good. I’ve been meaning to check in on you and see how everything is going. I like your line about when is a question without an answer. true. Xo
Funny, I rarely think of freezing leftovers… would be a good way of stocking up on lunchbox meals ahead of time, and not have to worry during the week. Oh well… I am not sure I’ll manage to change that inexistant habit before the end of this contract (counting the days).
I so agree with you how going out for some rest and breaking our routines make us realise just how caught up in everyday routines we get. We get so hung up and stressed out over things that most of the time probably aren’t even worth it! I have never made a mole believe it or not. Perhaps I should follow your gorgeous recipe and give it a try. xx
I’m glad you can relate. This isn’t really a true chilli it a true mole because its so scaled down. A real mole usually has tonnnnns of spices and chili peppers. This is perfect for a weeknight. Be well!
Yum! What a beautiful post.
Thanks so much, Mary Frances 🙂
this is in all ways so perfect – what a lovely treasure of a break you had! and that last pic of the cabin and night sky: swoon.
i’m always looking for a little getaway, can you email the info of the cabin you stayed at? (unless it was a private home etc, in which case, i understand)
Oh yes. Thank you! I need another break because I just ran Ragnar cape cod. I’ll email you the info. It was an airbnb not too far for you guys to enjoy. Xo
Oh that starry sky. Hope you found some balance and calm up there !
Thank you, Sabine. I really did. That’s nothing like a time out to recharge the super powers. I hope you’re well. Xo
Beautiful. I have a question. How come I quit getting posts from you?!!
Aww I think its because I’ve slowed down. Thanks for noticing. I had a change in schedule and it made shooting so much harder. I still have so much to share! Xoxo
Okay, well I’m definitely following you now!
😙😙
It sounds like the perfect getaway to recharge and appreciate life to its fullest. Your chili sounds delicious and one I must try.
Thanks, Karen. It was a time out that brought important lessons. This chili is a weekly fave. I hope you’re doing well. Xo
ok, that last image is INSANE. i need to be there right now! what a stunning view!!!
Aww thank you! I always imagine it when I want to relax. 😉