Brrrr

Winter is approaching in Grenoble.  The mountains are snowcapped and I wear my fleece jacket, cashmere scarf and wool socks...indoors.  This morning my host dad came downstairs to tell me he'd be turning the heat on later today.  Finally! I look forward to practicing yoga in temperatures above 45 degrees (F)!


As it has become increasingly colder I've been naturally leaning towards richer, warming foods.  While munching on some sprouted pumpkin seeds this afternoon I got the idea to make a pumpkin seed soup: Blended pumpkin seeds and tomatoes, lucuma powder, shallot, a little bit of olive oil, rosemary, dulse, carrot and most importantly, CAYENNE PEPPER, turned out to be a subtly spicy and very satisfying lunch to combat the chilliness that surrounds me. 

Yesterday was a cloudy and cold day too.  It felt very much like Fall as I cracked open a bunch of walnuts while sipping on some cinnamon-spice tea.  Walnut season is in full bloom in Grenoble.  Walnuts or "noix" are sold mostly in bulk and in the shell, but you can find some shelled and in smaller quantities at a higher price at the markets.  Since 1938 Grenoble has been recognized as "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" for walnuts, which basically means that Grenoble is considered to grow the best quality walnuts, and the growers here adhere to a high set of standards.

A bientôt and wishing you warmth wherever you are!