As winter nears, macrobiotic principles focus on the kidney and bladder systems. This body system also includes the adrenal glands, which govern our bodies’ response to stress and our reactions to perceived threats. Together with the kidneys, the adrenal glands moderate our instincts to protect ourselves. When this system is weak, our instinctual response tends to be one of fear, rather than calm. We may feel vulnerable, threatened, and defensive. This time of year, colder temperatures and dryness in the air make our kidneys more vulnerable, and the hectic pace that so many associate with the holiday season can leave our adrenal glands weak and depleted. And with the world in a state of rapid change, it is all too easy to get caught up in panic and fear.

We turn to our food allies, nourishing ingredients that maintain our health throughout the seasons, to help us to act from a place of warmth, love, and balance in the face of adversity. Our food allies for the winter help to prevent stagnation, warm our bodies, and keep our kidneys and adrenals healthy, which allows for a healthy stress response.

Aduki beans are prized this time of year for their affinity to the kidney and bladder system. They help to balance the mineral content of the blood and improve kidney function. This week we feature aduki beans with butternut squash on our menu. They are warming and soothing, and their high nutritional content strengthens and fortifies our bodies.

This week we also feature our homemade sauerkraut, a potent – and pungent – ally for digestive tract health. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Rice and beanly yours,

The Macro Mama

 

II Saturday Market Menu December 3, 2016 II

Rice Medley with Walnut Miso

Aduki Beans & Butternut Squash

Shaved Collard Greens, Red Onion, Chioggia Beets, & Shiitake with Shoyu-Ginger Sauce

Root Vegetable Gratin of Sweet Potato, Rutabaga, & Celeriac in Cauliflower Béchamel

Sauerkraut & Apple-Lemon Salad

Onion & Dulse Tartlets

Field Greens with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

 

|| Desserts ||

Heavenly Tapioca (GF)

Almond Custard Tart with Cardamom Poached Pears (GF)

Apple Crisp with Cranberries & Dried Fruit (GF)

Raw German Chocolate Brownies (GF)

|| Small Treats ||

Gingersnaps

Coconut Lemon Drops (GF)