Couples Hollandaise

Here's a quick and fun classic Hollandaise sauce recipe adapted for two. Hollandaise sauce is great on fish and chicken, and is usually tough to make, but with two people, things are much simpler.

Ingredients:
3 egg yolks
4 T. boiling water
1/2 c. melted butter
1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
pinch salt
pinch cayenne
A couple (one to add ingredients, and one to keep whisking)

Heat water in a double boiler to hot, but not boiling. Add the egg yolks and stir with a whisk until they begin to thicken. Add one T boiling water, stir until they begin to thicken, and repeat this process until the 3 remaining T boiling water are used up. Add the lemon juice, remove from heat and whisk in the butter. Finally, add the salt and cayenne and serve immediately. Enjoy with your partner!

Living in my Back Body

On the very first day of beginning yoga this semester, Dr. Connor had us all practice a very simple exercise. We were told to walk across the room several times as if each of us were a horse with a carrot dangling in front of our mouths. We listened to the sounds made by our hurrying bodies, and observed our forward-slanted postures. Then, we practiced walking more in what Dr. Connor calls the "back body." Being in our front body, or walking toward the figurative carrot is analagous to making a constant mad rush for the future and being worried about classes, work, and extracurricular activities. Being equally in the front and in the back body means being fully aware of the present and making every minute of the day personally fulfilling.

Recently I've been having a hard time dealing with the pressures many people place on getting into graduate school. There's the GRE to worry about, internships, and getting stellar references. But then I realized that I've totally forgotten about my back body. Today I'm turning over a new leaf, which means withdrawing from some committments and making more time for myself, family, and friends. I'll still work hard to get good grades and submit an amazing application to PT school, but what use are these efforts if I don't enjoy myself at the same time?

Three cheers for not overcommitting and for living in the back body.

Life Rythms

Days seem to be long and busy in Flagstaff lately. Between school, work, and play, it seems there is hardly any down time to veg. But sometimes being busy can be pretty fun. I'm enjoying flowing in the rhythm of life as a peaceful, warm summer gives way to a windy and alive fall.

I'm realizing more and more that I am still very much on a journey of self-discovery. I've been playing piano since I can't remember, and I'm still nervous to play songs in the middle of Cowden lobby. And for some reason, unlike Freshman year, I am more self-conscious in crowds and less likely to converse with random strangers.

In biochemistry, we are learning about DNA and protein coding. Sometimes I am simply amazed at how many combinations such a small amount of information can create, and ultimately lead to the diversity of life on Earth. Even with my simple understanding of the concept, it is completely mind-boggling!

The split rail quilt I'm creating for the Quilting I class at Pine Country Quilts is coming along very nicely. I can't remember the last time I've sewed this much! I am definitely more interested in 1930's quilts and heirloom quilts than modern varieties, though. The bright flowery 1930's patterns and flower gardens are so pretty!

Here's to being busy and keeping it simple at the same time.