2 sleepless full moon nights, ephedra and pokey plants everywhere, I am here in Rose Cottage at the Institute of Mental Physics, in Joshua Tree. There are 7 of us cooks in a 3 bedroom cabin. It is a real testament to the quality of this crew that we can be together all day and then co-habitate as well as we do. The JTree center was started by Ding Le Mei, one of the first westerners to study in Tibet. Apparently, in the 20′s and 30′s this center was a major spiritual center. I am here cooking for about 160 folks from the Four Winds Society. Four Winds, in my small understanding of what they do, teach people shamanic wisdom and healing arts of the ancient Americas. Joshua tree is growing on me. I like the wide open spaces and the artist/ outlaw spiritual/in-recovery vibe that is present here. 
We have been making some great food. I have been excited about making brussels and beets with candied walnuts and a balsamic reduction. I have been really into brussel sprouts lately. It helps to boil them before you roast them.
Here’s Teo, as the king of the Brussel Sprouts.
I have enjoyed coming up with a fun new way to make chocolate cake go with with thai food. So here is a chocolate ginger cake with a coconut kefir lime frosting
Yumm.
Hi Carin, nice to see you cooking up a storm down in Joshua Tree.. mmm that cake looks sooo good.
It was actually amazing. Perhaps for your birthday???
Glad your on a fun adventure, Carin! xox
How are those rains up north.? I am psyched for the black trumpets that will ensue. When I come back it is time for another mushroom trip AND I am about to purchase a paella pan for 100. We will do a mussel journey very soon.
a little peak into your world mama. simple and eloquent