Just Being and Elaichi Waali Coffee

When I was a kid and wanted to go out every single evening with my mom, she used to tell 'ghar pe baithna seekho" (Learn to sit at home)
I never really got or understood the point.
Why?
Why should one sit at home when there were exciting places to see, friends to meet, things to buy and tasty food to eat outside the house?
Sitting at home was dull, mundane and boring.

My perception is changing as I get older.
Its not that I don't want to go out any more or the travel bug has left me or that I don't want to spend time with friends or not shop.
I want to do all of that in no particular order, but just being at home has its merits too.
Or rather, 'just being'. In the moment.
Like most other people, I spend a lot of time rushing. Myself. The kids.
Perhaps, I'm becoming more conscious of the fact that I'm rushing a lot for no reason.
The more I rush, the faster I do everything.
The faster I do things, the less I think.
The less I think, the more unnecessary things I do.
The more unnecessary things I do, the more I rush.
And repeat.
I'm trying to let go...relax. Eat slower, breathe deeper and enjoy my cups of tea.
Really taste my yummy healthy green smoothie that I have taken to for breakfast since a a few weeks.
You don't really have to go anywhere to really enjoy being you.
Perhaps the point is not to want to have fun, rather be at peace.
Everything else follows.
I know this has been written and told many times but the realization is personal.
And I think I'm beginning to realize, acting upon it though is quite a different game :-)
Nonetheless, I am trying....its a journey. Will get there when I get there.
No sweat.

We don't collect too many things but one of things we like to collect are mugs from the different places we visit. They make practical usable souvenirs. The kiddos drink milk in them everyday. The husband and I drink our coffee and tea. Its pretty cool actually. The icons on them remind the kiddos of some of the famous landmarks and sometimes we have good conversations about a city we visited 'cause of the mugs.
We used to drink Chai, but are currently inclined to not invest the 5 minutes in making a cup of chai.
I like my teabag tea made right in the mug and B has taken to the desi style elaichi waali coffee he loves.

Cardamom Infused Latte

In a mug pour a cup of organic skimmed milk.
Add 1 teaspoon of strong instant coffee, 1/2 teaspoon sugar (or to taste) and 1/4 teaspoon powdered cardamom (elaichi).
Microwave for a minute and 10 seconds.
Mix well. Let it stand a minute. Microwave again for 30-40 seconds or till steamed.

Strain in to another mug.
That's it.
Its a really aromatic beverage (much better than the latte at the crapbucks)

B has this coffee with his standard whole wheat bread toasted, spread with organic creamy peanut butter, drizzled with honey and topped with banana slices.
Its real good. Try it.



The elaichi waali coffee goes to the Bombay Foodie Simran who is hosting her first event.....drum roll ;-) Microwave Cooking- Breezy Breakfasts. The event series was started by Srivalli.

The breakfast also goes to Divya who is hosting show me your breakfast.

The toasty treat is also going rather sheepishly to Susan for Yeastspotting.
I'm taking the easy way out I know......I promise to bake a loaf soon :-)