The joy of leisure time & baked stuffed apples

There's a sense of freedom and ease that comes along with having a couple of completely unscheduled days in a row.  Andrew often jokes that I am like a human iphone -- neither of us have cellphones, so I think my brain has become an app which is constantly planning, organizing, and reminding me of what's happening during the week.  When appointments and meetings are, when sales end and coupons expire, when Andrew's big tests and assignments are due and what classes I'm teaching.  I could rattle it off to you on demand.  Thus, my brain gets quite cluttered.  Meditation has been a great tool to use to help me stay focused in the here and now -- to appreciate the current moment and not worry or put too much thought into how the rest of the week will turn out.

It was such a surprise when we realized that this past Saturday and Sunday had hardly anything lined up on our calenders.  We didn't have to rush away anywhere first thing in the morning, no alarm was set, no arranging of who will take the car or any big projects to tackle.  Just an early afternoon orientation at the Portland Food Co-op and a cat play date with our good friend Lindsay on Saturday -- the rest of the time was clear.

Pepper and Lupin nuzzling noses

The act of just sitting and being, of getting some mental rest and recharge is probably some of the best medicine out there.  It seems like in our culture, we're always on the move, always scheduled to do something or be somewhere.  What an exhausting way to live!  Having time that is unscheduled leads to not only a more relaxed mind, but also opens the door for fun and spontaneous things to happen.  For example, perhaps, out of a lack of needed to rush breakfast, you make a little something different than your every day morning meal.  Something like Baked Stuffed Apples.

I found these hugs apples at whole foods in a bin marked Northern Spy.  As an apple-lover, I feel like these might really be Wolfe-Rivers, as Northern Spies usually have a green hint to them, and aren't this large.  In either case, these apples were huge and I couldn't resist getting them.  Their size makes them perfect for stuffing. 

After cutting out the top part of the core and making sure all of the seeds were removed, I layered gluten free oats with walnuts, and drizzled in 2 teaspoons each of almond milk and pure Maine maple syrup.  The apple baked up nicely in only 15 minutes, and was such a delight to eat.  The syrup infused into the entire apple, and the oatmeal soaked up the liquid from the apple and milk to become sweet and similar to granola.  The walnuts took on a roasted taste and paired perfectly with the syrup and apple.

Andrew and I took our time, lingering and chatting over our food and tea, just eating and being together.  It was such a sweet smelling and relaxing morning.

This would also be a healthy alternative to dessert on Thanksgiving -- one or two apples per guest, a gluten free dessert couldn't be easier1  You could also stuff the apple with pre-made granola, or raw buckwheat groats that have been soaked over night.

How ever you enjoy them, do linger and relax and take the time to savor every bite.  I hope you find a little peace and moment of free time in the week to come!

Baked Stuffed Apples

• 2 of the largest apples you can find
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup oats (gluten free if necessary)
• 4 teaspoons almond milk
• 4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• pinch of cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Cut out the stem and center of the apple with a paring knife, leaving the bottom in tact.  After you've ensured that there are no seeds left, layer in the oats and walnuts. Drizzle 2 teaspoons each of almond milk and maple syrup per apple, and finish them off with a kiss of cinnamon.  Place the apples on a baking sheet or in a small casserole dish, and bake for 15 minutes or until the skin has started to crinkle up and peel away from the apple.  Makes 2 servings.

Have you had time to linger and relax?  What did you do with your free time?  If you have had a jam-packed schedule, what would you do to recharge if you were given some leisure time?