It has been one of the great, quiet privileges of my life to be at the bedside of friends and family as they pass. This week, going back and forth from teaching a mastery intensive on breath to a dark hospice room where our beloved was taking her last breaths, gave a profound opportunity to consider her life and all that she has meant to us, while considering the breath itself: What is it to breathe? What causes the breath? What is it that departs as the breath gently winds down? In these moments, time slows completely, opening space to simply watch. It becomes a contemplation, watching her breathing in, breathing out, so ephemeral, so eternal… Even as that breath lengthens, softens, stalls, sputters, there is a sacred power. An intelligence. A knowing. Something unthreading. Something setting free.
It is the most powerful meditation ever. You can feel that we are something so much greater than this body; than this one life. And yet there is this life, so magnificent. Itself, so fully everything.
We are lucky, of course, to be able to say our goodbyes, sit vigil, be present as the spirit uncoils. It doesn’t always happen that way. But each time it does, it helps heal all the times it hasn’t.
It’s been a week like that. A sort of divine harvest. As if there is a hand from heaven reaching down to gather the angels home. It began with Memorial Day. Just about every day since, another life passed. Another reason to sing, hold, love, give thanks, remember.
Sometimes, you need a little comfort, or to provide comfort. In times like these, the best comfort is silent, invisible. A dish left on a porch. Hand-picked flowers in a vase. A favorite poem or a book on a door stoop. We have been the recipients of much. Hopefully we give as much.
Lately then, this has been my staple: food for our family, food for our neighbors, food for those who don’t have time or the inclination to cook, food for morning, food for those who are mourning.
You will have to make this to understand its deep comfort. Soft, smooth, moist, delicious, pretty, healthy… healthy because spring’s comfort comes with a hefty dose of green. But I think healthy is comforting, especially when it is so heart-warming and good.
It grew out of these savory spinach and spring onion cakes, which our family loves. When I volunteered to bring breakfast to an event for 30, I wanted to make that, but needed it to be presentable, and spinach pancakes just aren’t. So I took the same recipe, doctored it a bit, popped it into a baking dish and what came out was even more wonderful than expected. It’s that mass of spinach that makes it so moist, so light, so comforting.
It’s easy enough to make. You could even say it is comforting to make. Importantly, it is easy to digest, which is what you need when you don’t feel like eating. I hope you enjoy it. I hope it brings comfort to you, to all. May the whole world be wrapped in the comforting embrace of love.
*
Curried Spinach Nibbles
Adapted from Caitlin Van Horn at Roost
*
Ingredients
2 lbs fresh spinach
1 1/4 cups almond flour
1 teaspoon salt
a hearty dash of fresh cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
3 eggs
1/2 cup finely ground parmesan
1 cup full fat organic yogurt
3/4 cup spring onions, chopped
1 tablespoon ghee
option: crème fraiche to garnish
*
Method
Set your oven to 375F.
Wash the spinach and place in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until wilted, then drain in a colander. Set aside.
In a bowl combine the almond flour, salt, pepper, baking soda and curry. In a separate bowl mix together the parmesan, yogurt, eggs and chopped onion. Then add to the bowl of dry ingredients.
Place spinach into a kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as you can. Then chop the spinach and add it to the batter.
Line your baking dish with parchment paper, and place in the oven for a moment. Add the ghee and turn the pan so the ghee melts and spreads all over the parchment lining. Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes. Like a cake, it is done when an inserted wooden stick comes out clean. As an option, turn the oven to broil and brown the top for 1 minute. Be careful not to over-cook, as it is best moist and springy.
Once out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly, then cut into squares and serving. Optionally, top each square with a dollop of crème fraiche. A spot of dijon mustard, and a slice of lemon are good too.
~
Godspeed beloved friends.
Thank you for all that you gave us.
Your breath is with us always.
~ Namaste!
So lovely. Sounds dee-lish-us! XO
Sent from my iPhone
>
Thank you. You are the supreme of all!
Love and condolences…
Thank you, Tommy.
I don’t think I have ever read a more beautiful description of death. The eyes through which you see life – and death – are remarkable. Sending you lots of love and comfort. xoxo
Thank you, Pamela. All the same could be said about you, which makes me glad we have each other as mirrors.
Love and comfort to you and your family as well.
From beginning to end and back again-Beautiful, simply beautiful! Eager to make and eat though I’ve already digested your words and am satisfied.
Thank you, Kate. You are such a divine soul, and friend.
Thank you!
I am sorry for your loss, Laura, but at the same time grateful that you shared your uplifting reflections. And this souffle looks wonderful and very comforting.
Thank you, Katie. We are blessed and uplifted by our good fortune. Love surrounds us always. I hope you enjoy this “soufflé.”
This looks delectable and divine!
Laura, I have been thinking of you both during this time… and this post is so full of you, your heart, your sweetness, your wisdom. And the dish sounds delicious too, as always.
Thank you, Stephanie. I know you know…
Love always to you.
Laura your words are so comforting. I feel as though you brought me a meal simply by reading this blog today. I am ready now to serve someone else. I can’t wait to make this! Mmmmm
Kelly, You serve by your very presence. We are lucky to have your loving heart in our world. Thank you.
Oh, Laura. What an exquisite way to describe all that has been happening in your life. Of course, I wish you all the best. (And, as always, this recipe looks amazing.) Hugs!
Thank you, Britt. Especially wonderful to hear from one as inspired and talented as you.
Beautiful, Laura. Beautiful words, beautiful photos, beautiful dish, beautiful life. Many, many hugs. <3
Thank you, Melissa. You are so precious.
Your beloveds are infinitely expanded and softened by your silent, knowing grace Laura. I will always remember how you phoned me with such words of comfort while in the hospital just after my father passed, as if you could feel his passing as it was happening. Those of us lucky enough to have you in our lives know you move as the angels do, silently and steadily giving and giving.
That brings tears to my eyes, Rebecca. How you see… you just have eyes made of love. Thank you sweet, tender soul.
My boyfriend if going to go completely bonkers when I whip this up!
lucky you!Love your site, sweet sugar cube.