Linda here on this first day of July. How is it July already? Life seems to fly by these days. It feels accelerated. As if life is moving so fast that can I feel  wind on my face; but what is flying by is not in focus.

Ahhh. but food helps with focus.

As we approach July 4th, I seek another kind of Independence. One where I call my Attention back. Where I feel independent from distraction, whether internal or external. Freer from getting hijacked by some silly or compelling event, or thought, without my even knowing I’ve been taken hostage.

Taste is one way I call my attention back.

More specifically, tasting  food. While eating.

It seems so basic that it feels uncomfortable to even admit it: we forget to notice what is happening inside our very mouths. So often the flavors inside our mouths go unnoticed, even in the act of eating, chewing, and swallowing.

Certain foods have a way of calling us back to flavor and sensation. We find that our mouths are transformed into tiny universes of pleasure.  Like chile. And chocolate. Fresh picked fruit.

Today’s Recipe: Chocolate Chiltepin Mousse.

Ingredients: for 3-4 people.

1/4  cup honey – raw and local if possible.

2 ripe avocado’s

1 ripe banana

Seeds from a vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla.

1/3 cup raw cacao powder.

1-2 crushed chiltepin chiles. Seeds included.

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until you have the consistency you like. If it feels too dense to you add some milk or coconut milk .. almond milk … until you like it. Place in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to “set”. Add the edible garnishes you like and enjoy.

For Edible Garnish: chocolate chips, or nibs, fresh fruit that you love. Chitlepin if you want more heat. Drizzle honey or add more fruit if you desire sweet.