This incredibly beautiful fall day was perfect for spending time outdoors. I puttered in my backyard garden, trimming back spent flowers. Unlike this time last year, when we had already experienced a hard freeze, that is all that needed doing today. Due to warmer than normal temperatures, the garden is lush and full and still growing. There is an untamed wildness to it that I am loving!
The gorgeous day transitioned into an equally gorgeous evening, with just enough chill in the air to make a fire welcome. My good friend Georgia joined Greg and me in a simple fireside dinner.
Although we have discussed sitting in the garden around the fire pit many times, this was Georgia’s first such visit. Greg got a fire blazing as I prepared our food. This was also the first time I have shared a plant based meal with a friend or family member since I made this dietary change four months ago. Georgia already avoids gluten and limits sugar intake. She was very willing to sample a typical vegan dinner.
I offered one of my favorite meals…roasted seasoned potato wedges with freshly made marinara sauce. Chopped tomatoes and avocadoes completed our meal.
It was fun to dine around the crackling fire. An almost full moon rose to spill silvery light across the backyard. We enjoyed animated conversation across a broad spectrum of topics. One of the things I love about Georgia is that we can talk about so many interesting subjects!
In the middle of our little circle of friendship, the dancing flames repeatedly drew our gaze, mesmerizing us. Firelight is so cheerful while being magical and mysterious at the same time. I can stare into its burning heart for hours.
Georgia declined “dessert”, however, after she headed home I decided I had to try a recipe from the Life Changing Foods book. I had struggled earlier in the day with my long held belief that when one has guests for dinner, dessert is offered at the end of the meal. It’s time to shift that belief. I wavered between no dessert at all and offering fresh fruit. Then I remembered a simple recipe from Anthony William.
Called Apples with ‘Caramel’ Dip, I prepared it by slicing up an apple, and created the sauce by blending dates soaked for a couple of hours in water with half a teaspoon of cinnamon. So easy…and so delicious while being a healthy alternative to dessert.
You’ve got to come back soon, Georgia, for another fireside dinner and chat, and to sample the apples and dip!
