At this time of year, warm, grounding meals are wonderful support as we navigate the changes
in weather. As vata season flows in, we counteract the cold with warmth and spices.

This fall I was honored to hold my very first seasonal retreat as a Yoga Health Coach. I led 10
women through ancient practices for self-care. We gathered and shared stories and peeled
back the layers of what’s holding us back in this one and only life. We set intentions, spent time
in nature, and created art. And we ate the most nourishing food.

Now I’m pretty impressed with my own concoctions shared for lunch and dinner, but I’d say the
icing on the ayurvedic cake was the incredible Spiced hash the retreat center owner offered us
for breakfast. I’ve seriously eaten this for breakfast every day since. Check it out.

Good Morning Spiced Fall Hash

INGREDIENTS:

• ¾ cup Lavender tea (or another floral herbal tea)
• Handful each dried figs and dates (can also add cranberries, raisins, or any other dired fruit)
• Heaping teaspoon cinnamon
• Heaping half teaspoon each ground nutmeg and cloves
• 3-4 apples
• Dollop of unsulphured molasses
• Salt to taste
• 1tbsp grated fresh ginger
• ½ can pumpkin puree (or half a small roasted sugar pumpkin)

TOPPINGS:

• Fresh apple or pear chunks
• Sesame seeds
• Hemp hearts
• Chia seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Toasted coconut
• Sunflower seeds
• Flax seeds
• Basically whatever you have on hand.

DIRECTIONS:

Bring a handful of each chopped figs and dates in a large pot with enough lavender tea to cover to
a simmer. Add ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Chop apples into cubes
and throw them in the pot. Add molasses and salt. Chop ginger and add it to the mix, along with
pumpkin puree. Simmer, stirring occasionally for 15-20 minutes.

To serve, spoon into bowls, top with cubed apples, pears, or whatever fresh fruit you have on
hand, then sprinkle with chia seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower
seeds, hemp hearts, and toasted coconut. VOILA.
Serves 5-6.

This is a wonderful breakfast to make at the start of the week and serve yourself daily. Makes
those cold mornings so much more enjoyable!

Created by Toni Jestadt at Cardinal Creek Retreat in Kelowna B.C Canada

About the Yoga Health Coaching Blogger

As a working mom of two, Carly Banks knows how easy it can be to put yourself last. For years she showered herself in “shoulds”, feeling guilty for not taking care of herself, and wishing she had more time.

Sometimes, there just isn’t more time. But there is always a different perspective.

Instead of focusing on how far away she was from big goals and big habit changes, Carly switched her focus to the little goals, and little habits she could create with ease. With this change in perspective, step by step, Carly’s changed her entire life. Connect with Carly on her website, Facebook and Instagram.

View all Carly’s articles and podcasts 

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