Hearty Miso Mushroom And Wild Rice Soup

I've been devouring lots of books on healthy Japanese and macrobiotic cooking. I'm gaining appreciation for freshly-prepared Japanese food. Homemade recipes that are nutritious, tasty and straightforward make it to the table in no time. A quick miso soup is part of many Japanese morning meals. It's great for lunch too. Miso is a complete protein that's high in antioxidants and vitamin B. It also strengthens the immune-system. This cozy bowl of comfort will have you rethinking miso soup.

Miso Mushroom Soup

Life is about balance. Not everyone has time to cook, but we all must be fed. This 5-minute miso soup comes to the rescue with its gentle and restorative properties. I have it for breakfast, especially after working a busy night in the crisis center. It might seem strange to have soup as your morning meal, but give it a go. Miso for breakfast is macrobiotic. It's a Japanese custom to start the day with miso soup. It's wonderful. It's lovely for lunch too. Here's why....

Macro-Bliss Bowl

I work near a macrobiotic restaurant where a quiet Japanese chef prepares a lovely array of balanced food. Typically, I go there with my 70 year old nurse friend. She introduced me to this way of cooking and eating. She looks like she's in her forties. She learned about macrobiotics while living in Vermont. When we have too many difficult shifts at the psychiatric hospital and burnout is creeping into our bodies, we have a soothing ladies lunch at the little macro-eatery. We leave feeling satisfied, stress-free and energetic.
  

I return to macrobiotics when I feel unbalanced. It nourishes and calms me. After a long night in the hospital's crisis center, I wake up the next morning and forgo my usual black tea for Japanese green tea. For breakfast, I have a dark barley miso soup, deepened with toasted sesame oil, and a side of whole grain toast with sliced avocado. I prepare a macro-lunch and eat it in my PJ's. I get dressed in comfy clothes and take a long walk on the beach with my husband and dog.

We pray, giving thanks to God for good food and simple pleasures. Winter is the off season here. It's wonderful. We walk in silence, listening to the sounds of the ocean. Our hearts are directed far from the hubbub of humans and the frenzied activity of the world. Our frivolous worries get carried out to sea. God's quiet presence is felt. God never competes with the noise of the world. He speaks in whispers. You find Him in solitude. When our minds are frazzled and our cells are buzzing with stress, this peaceful path refreshes and restores our souls.

Goddess Bowl

We moved closer to the coast of Cape Ann.  The ocean has always been a special place, reminding us of God and all that's beautiful. When the news of the world brings us down, we go there to walk, listen and pray. Our spirits lift with hope. Our restless hearts are filled with peace.

This Christmas we're thankful for many things. The opportunity to own a very tiny condo near the rocky New England coastline is a minor miracle. We've connected with the community here through a welcoming church. This month, an anonymous and very generous person is matching all donations raised for the poor. Humble kindness is heartwarming.

I'm keeping things simple in our new nest, hanging cross-stitched pieces and my beloved art. I'd like to have a pretty French chandelier and hardwood floors someday. But right now, I'm just so very grateful and happy to be here. This is our first home. My husband and I relocated many times for his work. It's good to plant roots.

Mushroom Marsala Spaghetti

In my twenties, I survived epic trainwreck relationships. Ignoring my better instincts, I jumped aboard... heading for a crash. Being on a speeding train seemed sorta fun. Woohoo! I cozied up to dangerous situations, pitching my tent among the bomb blasts and heavy artillery. I convinced myself that it was better than being alone. One night, I sat in my car and prayed (begged) for the grace to leave it all behind. I hibernated in my room, licking my wounds until they healed. I took up watercolor painting. I cooked. I found peace in solitude.

Double Mushroom Soba Noodle Soup

Today, I needed a major break after a pattern I was about to publish had a mistake in it. Oh well, stuff happens, right? Cooking always soothes my soul. A big bowl of Asian noodles offered me the best kind of kitchen-comfort. After being nourished by this slurp-worthy soup, I took a long stroll with my eager beagle and switched-stitching-gears. I decided to finish working on a cheerful monogram. It's springtime colors are inspired by Cath Kidston fabrics (see below for photo).

Vietnamese Vegetable Soup with Coconut Rice

By now, you know how much I adore soup. My Vietnamese vegetable soup is a quick take on traditional slow simmering pho ga. Chicken is added for protein. Tofu or shrimp work well too. Here, a light and flavorful broth is loaded with lots of tender-crisp Asian vegetables, spicy ginger and a finish of fresh lime. Soft hints of warm spices lend an authentic taste to the soup. Earthy mushrooms and soy sauce give it an umami flavor. 

This glorious soup leaves me feeling restored and content, especially during cold and flu season. It's a deliciously nutritious meal. It's ready in under 30 minutes and you control the sodium level. As the rice cooks and the soup simmers, the kitchen fills with sunny aromas. If you're in need of a reboot, put on your PJ's, line up your favorite movies, make a big pot of Vietnamese soup and slurp your stress away.

Fresh Pasta with Mushrooms & Tomatoes

Patience has never been one of my virtues. When it comes getting to a meal ready when I’m hungry, patience really goes go out the window. I try to cook nutritional food, even when I’m tired. Pasta tossed with lots of sauteed mushrooms and bright cherry tomatoes is the recipe of the day. Earthy mushrooms, tangy tomatoes and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice make it a hit in my home. Healthy, wholesome and ready in under 30 minutes! 

Wild Rice With Mushrooms and Marsla

Marsala and mushrooms will always be a classic combination. There's a good amount of both in this pilaf to ensure maximum flavor. The smoky flavors of the wine compliment the earthy mushrooms. Herbs are a fresh finish. 

It was just the two of us for Easter this year. After church and a refreshing walk around a blue lake with our eager beagle, we enjoyed herb roasted chicken with this savory pilaf. For dessert, we had buttery, raspberry linzer cookies from this wonderful bakery in Cambridge.