Blog No. 247: Gabor Mate on Joy and Play, Growing a Sweet Potato Indoors, Crispy Rice Sala

Gabor Mate on Joy and Play

The original Christopher Robin stuffed animals, now living at the New York Public Library. Click image to read more about them.

I loved Winnie the Pooh. My daughter loved Winnie the Pooh. Who didn't love this treasure of a book called Winnie the Pooh! Generation after generation is familiar with this classic and it's characters: Milne's real son Christopher Robin's stuffed animals: the loveable Winnie (named for a brown bear in the London Zoo), Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo and Tigger.

The Hungarian-born Canadian physician and addiction expert is no exception. Gabor Maté expounds on one of his favorite children's book and why it means so much to him. His explanation contains a lesson for all of us. Have a quick listen--it's an important reminder for all of us.

Click on this image above to hear Gabor Maté’s important lesson…

Tennis and Boris Becker

I just moved into a new place that is somewhat lacking in light and greenery. Came across this "How to grow a sweet potato" online and thought I would give it a try. I always loved the intense green of the sweet potato vine leaves you see growing in planters all around NYC and have heard they couldn't be easier to grow. And if you get the right shape potato, the sweet potato itself looks beautiful and almost like some exotic mini African tree trunk. Follow this youtube video to find out how easy it is.

Crispy Rice Salad

CRISPY RICE SALAD
From Sivan's Kitchen on Instagram

INGREDIENTS FOR SALAD🥗
🥬1/2 of a savoy cabbage
💚about 4 green onions
🫛about 2 cups sugar snap peas chopped
🌿1/2 bunch fresh mint
🌿1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
🫛1 cup shelled edamame
🥑1 avocado

or for variation:
•4 Persian cucumbers
•1/2 bunch fresh mint
•1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
•about 5 scallions
•1 cup shelled edamame
•1 avocado
•1/2 cup chopped peanuts

INGREDIENTS FOR DRESSING:
🫙1/4 cup soy sauce
🫙1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar (it’s a bit sweeter)
🛢️2 tbsp. Oil
🫙1 tbsp. brown sugar
🍋‍🟩1/2 lime
🧄1 garlic clove

INGREDIENTS FOR CRISPY RICE:
•2 cups of white raw rice cooked and cooled
•1 heaping tbsp. chili paste
•3 tbsp. Oil

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. PREPARE THE CRISPY RICE:
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and in a large bowl, combine the cooked white rice, chili paste, and vegetable oil. Mix well.
* Spread the rice mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes, tossing the rice every 10 minutes to ensure even baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
* Once crispy and golden, remove from the oven and let cool. This can be done ahead of time.

2. PREPARE THE VEGETABLES:
* Chop all your vegetables and place them in a large bowl.
* Add the edamame and diced avocado to the bowl.

3. MAKE THE DRESSING:
* In a small bowl, combine the ingredients.
* Whisk together until well mixed.

4. ASSEMBLE THE SALAD:
* Add the chopped roasted peanuts and the cooled crispy rice to the bowl with the vegetables.
* Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

Note: If preparing this salad ahead of time, add the avocado, crispy rice, and peanuts just before serving to maintain their texture. The crispy rice will become slightly soggy if it sits in the salad for too long.

Painting of the Week

Tree of Life Series, mixed media on paper, 60” x 22” $4000

Charity of the Week:
Southern Poverty Law Center

Click image to donate

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About The Author

New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.