Do You Want To Build a Snowman?

By Unite Fitness Retreat Brooke Bouwhuis

Much of our country is really freaking cold right now.  Some have mountains of snow in all the wrong places, ice is doubling for roadways and storms surpassing depth totals everywhere you look.  We even had a snow day here last week where schools and college campuses were closed.

Winter can be challenging but it is also magical, stunning and transformative.  Our winter hiking program  is exceptional right now.  Bluebird days, when the clear blue sky emerges after hours of snow has fallen silently are our favorite times to be out exploring.

We stay toasty warm using layers, enjoy steaming mugs of hot flavorful tea and savor soups filled with comfort and satisfaction after a hard day of fitness & activity.  If that sounds like your cup of tea, you will love these two recipes to warm you from the inside out.

WARM MEDITATION

• 2 tsp mint leaves
• ½ tsp fennel seeds
• Slice of fresh ginger

Pour 1 cup boiling water over tea mixture (we love containing it in a tea infuser, but it works just fine without). Let steep for 5 minutes and enjoy!

THAI RED CURRY SOUP in 30 minutes

• 1-pound protein (chicken, turkey, pork, shrimp, tofu, etc.), sliced in thin bite sized pieces
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 ½ Tbsp grated ginger (I use a micro-planer)
• 3 Tbsp red curry paste (it’s very mild, you don’t need to be afraid and the Thai Kitchen brand is yummy and easy to find at Walmart, Kroger, Target, etc.)
• 3 – 13.5 ounce cans, unsweetened coconut milk
• Juice of 1 lime

Optional veggies: diced carrots, diced sweet potato, mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, chard, kale…if you love it…add it!

In a medium sauce pan heat oil on medium, cook chicken until cooked completely through. Add diced pepper and onion. Sauté until soft. Add garlic and ginger and cook until its fragrant (a minute or so). Add curry paste and unsweetened coconut milk; stir until curry paste is fully dissolved. Let simmer for 20 minutes or so for the flavors to merry. Add juice of one lime and top with more deliciousness!

Top with chopped dry roasted peanuts, cilantro, mung bean sprouts and a wedge of lime.

Recipe scales easily depending on how big your crew is. Keep the meat and veggies the same and scale the curry paste and coconut milk.