Last night we had dinner at home with four wonderful, conscious friends. One of them, Ninh-ji, who began his life in Vietnam, brought the dessert. It looked at first like a delightfully simple silken tofu warmed in an electric pot. Indeed, that is all it was, but served with a ginger syrup, it became divine, sweet succulence. Plus, it turned out to be only the first of three dessert courses!
The next two desserts were utterly inspiring for their color, artistry, alchemy. Little bite-size delicacies of sesame, rice and mung beans, almost like deconstructed Kichari reimagined and delicately sweetened. These treats were not only a delight to the senses, but such healthy, whole body nourishment that when offered seconds, you felt permission, nay encouraged, to say, “Yes please!”
Ninh-ji had carefully selected each of these treats from his favorite local Vietnamese Bakery, telling us that they are very complicated to make. “Not even my mother was able to make this and she was a great cook!”
I looked today for a picture or recipe online, but don’t know the names and found nothing quite right. I did find this Blog with its colorful, photographic list of many Vietnamese desserts. Also, while not as gorgeous, this site has recipes. And, for cultural culinary adventurers, there is a whole world of Asian sweets to explore here.
Instead, I remembered a recipe received yesterday that would make a good substitute. These Sesame Bliss Balls from the Chopra Center are not as artistic, but they are simple to construct, flavorful and every bit as fortifying.
I had to share them with you as they are ideal for the Autumn Balancing Act: Sesame is tonifying, healing and hydrating. Ginger is soothing, calming, and immune-boosting. Cumin and Cardamom work with Ginger to aid digestion and add flavor. Ghee is a prime healer, with innumerable benefits ~ a few of which are mentioned by the Chopra Experts below.
I am off to make these now for a gang of young boys. Lead by our 13-year old, they have been running around the neighborhood all afternoon, engaged in a playful “Battle,” and are now calling out for snacks worthy of a Victory Feast! Wish me luck…
Namaste ~
May the force be with you in satisfying those growing tummies! These look delicious – and easy! Can’t wait to make them for my own wild animals.
Thank you, Pamela.
What was it your wrote about the animal body? “Be a Good Animal…” or something? These would be great for the good, wild animal in all of us!
These look delicious and, as always, I so enjoy your posts. Namaste, Laura!
Thank you, Clea! That means a lot coming from you ~
I just bought a bag of sesame seeds and now have a use for them! Thank goodness for all your good ideas Laura :0)
You are so fully tapping into your divine intuition now, Jamie. We love watching you get to know your Self.
Thanks so much, Laura. I was just looking for something to replace the dry, wheaty scones I have been reaching for when I need a little comfort food. This looks like a great alternative for Vata autumn in Vermont.
Julie Gregonis (Amy’s sister)
Thank you, Julie. I was just with Amy a few hours ago. She is a wonderful person. You must be a wonderful sister. Many of us believe that if we one endure a Vata season, it is best done in Vermont! Enjoy ~
=) Dear Ninh made your blog! keke My Vietnamese mother has never made these at home either although all Viet Mother’s are excellent cooks! yumm. Glad you discovered a new treat.
Dear Ninh makes the Blog for sure! He makes all things wonderful.
Lotus Love, I did not know that your mother is Vietnamese! I am sure she is an excellent cook. She nourished a great being in you.
Thanks ~
yum yum yum!