Ep. 11 - Welcome to November
Shifting & showing up. Oh, few thoughts on homemade vegan mayo.
He said, “Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
— Roald Dahl
November to remember? I dunno about you, but that rhymes so I’m gonna go with it’s true. Let’s see how this unfolds, shall we?
I’m all here for the marathon of the fall calendar year, I am. I love the planning, the prepping, the shopping, the baking, the annual traditions - but heck. I was so glad Halloween was over, and I love Halloween (like the normal amount). It was just, so. long. I panic purchased Halloween candy in September (literally) and there were 5 WHOLE weeks of October. I don’t want to feel that way about the last two months of the year, that I actually really love. But, somehow we’re back in the commercial world of, it’s already Christmas??
My plan? Simplicity.
Doing everything I can to be the salmon swimming upstream and slowing it all down. Relishing my moments of new winter 4pm light in the kitchen. The squash season I look forward to all year now that the tomatoes are gone. Being grateful for the morning chill that is different every year. I knew it would be coming, but when? And how? Here in San Diego, it came officially for me beautifully on November, 1st. New moon, the skies were still dark at 5:30am and if you happen to catch it that early - Jupiter & Mars are putting on a show in the skies.
San Diego is at latitude 32°43′48.00″ North, longitude 117°07′48.00″ West, for your star referencing. Not like I know what that means, but hey, maybe you do.
So, what else? I’m relying on & remembering I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, when I’m supposed to be. There’s no rushing. There’s no OMG, it’s going to sell out. There’s not, OMG I need to make + buy + find the deal + be all things for all people + forget that I don’t typically have lots of sugar and it’s okay if I feel like crap for a day because I do. Unsubscribe me please. Can I opt out from these texts? Would you please not give me a fucking panic because you’ve decided to actually price your goods at a reasonable sale price?
I have, however, been keeping 2 cans of Libby’s pure pumpkin on hand at all times. That shit sells out when you need it most.
This portion of the newsletter has been brought to you by: My feelings on tofu & vegan mayo.
We parted ways for a number of years, tofu & I. Even as a lifelong vegetarian I would buy blocks that would sit lonely in my fridge, abandoned from all hope. I simply didn’t know what to do with it. At least, what to do with it that was interesting enough to enjoy. Also, I had some heebie-jeebies around soy & soy crops. Food has really changed, even in just the last 5 years. People’s attitudes towards food (and health in general) have really shifted. There’s like this secret alchemy going on with literally everything. I mean, who in their right mind all those years ever thought to use the freaking liquid from their chickpea cans as an actual ingredient?? Honestly. It still kinda creeps me out, but yep. I’m making vegan mayo with it.
Recently, I used *this recipe*
I’ve made vegan mayo few times now. Truth - it’s not easy. But neither is actual real homemade mayo. I’ve made regular mayo and aioli before, numerous times. The non-vegan version is a true delicacy. I for one, feel like a magical sorcerer of elements when I accomplish emulsification. How did I create this luscious and yet delicate condiment? I ask myself. Every time I make homemade mayo it’s like it’s own unique moment in time, never to be repeated again. Because well, I’m not yet that confident in the consistency of my skills.
Notes on IF you decide to take on the challenge of homemade aquafaba vegan mayonnaise:
Be patient. With incorporating your oil, don’t freak out. It will come together. But, I have had it split on me a few times in the blender. That being said…
I’ve had better luck with an immersion blender. Back to the patience- it does take time, but you’ve committed to the thing.
When I drain my chickpea can, I save the liquid labeled and dated in the fridge for when I’m actually ready to take on the mayo challenge.
I have chosen to make my own because I know the ingredients going into my mayo when needed vs. purchasing with oils I’m really not sure about. Is it worth it? Keep reading.
Reasons to actually make homemade mayo (vegan or otherwise):
Potato salad (there’s so much more depth to your flavors)
Coleslaw (that was what my vegan version went into & it was deliciously rich)
Dips of any kind… (I married a Canadian who taught me about ketchup+mayo dip for french fries and it’s a game changer)
Gourmet burger night (…not a thing but feel like I want to make it a thing?)
Reasons not to make homemade mayo or vegan mayo:
It’s actually rather stressful… You really do need patience and practice.
The amount of oil it takes makes you question even purchasing and consuming mayo.
….you can literally just buy it.
Back to our regularly scheduled programing:
Here’s a simplicity board for your adrenals. Breathe and unclench your jaw.
I don’t get that same contact high over new things. I also, don’t know why I need more things? I feel the truth of the meaning of gratitude is in this statement. The immense gratitude to be able to say, “I have everything I need”. I truly try to only shop for food that I am going to need in the next 24-48 hours. Or at least, need to use indefinitely (ie; big olive oil restock, spices, tahini, you know). As much as I love this simplicity for myself (and I know is not true or even remotely possible for others), I also swell around my heart a bit because I don’t have more people to feed, or take care of, or have to think about their needs. Because I think, the art of food and care taking is about others. But, after 30+ years on this earth, I’m just starting to truly take care of myself? Maybe this happens regardless of the people we care for, few or many. Perhaps, the conversation for me needs to shift into, how do I care more for others outside of my inner circle (big or small)?
As I continue to build a new relationship with my own worth, one based on a deeper understanding of what I find worth in, what I find value in, and what allows me to show up in full force goodness, I find myself in a lot of *pause* moments to evaluate. What is goodness? What is the definition of value? Of self value? Of intrinsic value? Of external value? How does what gives you intrinsic value show up, while yet everything is external? You’re internal, but the whole world is external?
Where is the… where do our souls and our egos collide? And, is that collision our battle ground? Who’s showing up for the fight that day? Who came in ready. As all this is swirling around my mind, I think the time has come for us all to truly question:
What do we value? How do we show up for what we value? How do we prioritize what matters most for ourselves and as a result collectively?
“slow is smooth, smooth is fast”
Breathe. We have a lot more time than we think. We have a lot more power than we think. We have a lot more connecting us than we think.
I love the people I’ve met in my life who show up to the human party. The ones that just… they’ve got all their humanness out there and they take it all in loving stride and they allow me to do the same. Those manifestations of energy consciousness are gifts.
So, let’s do that.
Stay bright loves. Apparently, the world needs your light.
Xo, cheers & ‘till next time.
Justine
