Poem for Winter and Nighttime Milk Drink!

This poem is perfect for today, the winter solstice.  It was sent to me by a former student.   

The recipe for my nighttime milk drink was requested by several people who have come to my cooking workshops.  

Enjoy them both!

"Winter is the Best Time" by David Budbill

Winter is the best time

to find out who your are.

Quiet, contemplation time,

away from the rushing world,

cold time, dark time, holed-up

pulled-in time and space

to see that inner landscape,

that place hidden and within.

Debbie’s Night Time Rasayana (Milk Drink)

1 cup organic whole milk, non-homogenized preferred, or good quality unsweetened almond milk

1 to 3 cardamom pods, slightly crushed or/and several shakes of ground cardamom

1 T ghee (coconut oil for vegans)

¼ to ½ t turmeric (is anti-inflammatory and cuts mucus building properties of milk)

up to ¼ t nutmeg or grated whole nutmeg (a natural sedative)

up to ¼ t cinnamon (optional)

1 to 2 t raw honey or maple syrup

Slowly heat milk with the cardamom pods.  Add ghee.  When the milk is slightly hot, put in the turmeric and nutmeg and cardamom powder and cinnamon if using, stir for a few minutes at a soft boil. Pour into a mug and sweeten with maple syrup or honey (honey needs to be added after the milk has cooled slightly).  

This drink is easy to digest, is strengthening for the body and especially nourishing in the cold winter months. It is also quite tasty. Enjoy!