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Eukara Vox -> Issue 47 - Editor's Note (smbdoll) (10/5/2009 14:37:39)
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Editor's Note
by smbdoll
Autumn... a beautiful time of year where the trees change color before falling from their purchase, drifting gently in the winds until they alight on the earth. All is as nature intended and the earth prepares to rest and renew itself over the winter for the coming spring.
Rubbish, I say. Autumn is cold, rainy, windy and miserable. While I can appreciate the natural beauty from inside or under a blanket, I'd really rather not go outside in it, thank you very much. It does not have the austere, crystalline beauty of winter, which despite the crisp cold can tempt me outside to build a snowman or ski. Nor does it share the greenery and warmth that summer offers. It lacks as well the feelings of rebirth that spring awakens as one watches the trees budding and the flowers start to bloom.
So, what is there to look forward to while the world packs itself into its autumn coma? There's got to be something more attractive to this season of sore throats, stuffy noses and general malaise besides watching the intelligent avians fly south to warmer climates.
Personally, I try to avoid the outdoors at all costs during these times (gee, that wasn't obvious at all, was it?) unless I have to go outside. I can often hide away in a fantasy book or participate in an RPG if I know of a decent one running. Occasionally, when I have a rare day off without other demands, I like to emulate the hibernators to the best of my ability. Those days, I dive deep under covers, listening to the sounds of rain on the roof and wind outside from the warmth of my not-so-hidden cave. Often I'll resurface when it's both warmer and more active in the house.
Occasionally, neither of those retreats are available. As much as we'd all like to sleep through winter or hide away from the world in a fantasy, life does make its demands known. This is especially true if one is a mother with a "real" job. On those days, there's nothing else to be done. The ultimate weapon against depression has to be used.
Hot Chocolate
No, I'm not talking about the ordinary, powder hot chocolate that you can buy in pouches. The hot chocolate that my husband spoils me with consists of real milk, melted dark chocolate and hand whipped cream. While I can't give you his ultra-secret recipe, I can recommend this rather good hot chocolate recipe, that sometimes makes a fair substitute when I can't convince him to do the work for me:
1 mug of full fat milk
2-3 pieces of dark chocolate (I'd recommend about 75%)
pinch of fresh ground cardamom
sugar if desired
Gently heat milk in a small pot, when it is starting to get hot (I test with my finger...) add the chocolate and cardamom. Stir with a whisk until melted. DON'T cook.
You can add either sugar or more for sweetness. The amount of chocolate used depends purely on how rich and chocolately you want the cocoa. Experimenting will help you get the right balance. You can also try adding mint, cinnamon or even chilly in place of the cardamom.
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