31 Degree Cold Spell in Miami- Ridiculous

This has to be one of the coldest Januaries I can remember in South Florida. It's been in the 50's and 60's most of the month but this coming Sunday morning, temperatures are expected to dip down to 31 degrees—yes, 31! The photo above  is of my friend feeding the sea gulls on our morning walk about 7:30 AM when the temperatures were around 50 degrees.

It will be cold enough to snow… though I’m pretty sure that won’t be happening. Even though the morning will start out very cold, by afternoon, the temps should climb back into the mid-to upper 50s. Right now it's 37 degrees.

I'm not complaining especially when I realize some areas of the US are experiencing temperatures in the single digits or even below zero temperatures.

With the chill in the air, I started making a pot of soup. My Instant Pot red lentil soup was on the menu for dinner, and I prepped a tasty lentil loaf for tomorrow—perfect meals to warm us up in our "winter" weather. 

Cold Weather But We Have No Heat In Our Condo

We do not have heat in our condo in Florida- however, because our condo is so well insulated with condos on both sides of us and the inner hallway, our apartment stays pretty warm- although I've never been here when it's been 31 degrees! This will be a first in our 14 winters in South Florida.

Daily Morning Walks In the Colder Weather

I have not let the cooler temps stop me from taking my 1 hour morning walk along the beach and Intracoastal. I've actually been enjoying a brisk walk in the cooler air. However, I have been wearing a coat. I keep one of those puffy coats in Florida that can be folded into a ball for traveling.

Personally, I don’t mind the cooler temperatures as long as they only stick around for a short while. There’s something actually refreshing about the change from the hot weather. Lately, most days have hovered in the mid-60s during mid day and only dipped into the 50s at night. 

Miami Beach Vacationers 

That said, I can imagine it’s a bit disappointing for anyone vacationing in Miami Beach, hoping for beach days and pool time.

The pool is empty- no one is at the pool 

A few years ago I wrote a post about the iguanas and how they become almost paralyzed in the cold weather. 

They literally fall out of the trees in coma like state when it gets very cold. Iguanas can be very large and it is scary. You can read my iguana post here, 

Despite this cold spell, our weather will probably be warm again soon. Probably back to the 60's and 70's before we know it. We have a short winter. 

How is your weather? Are you able to take daily walks? What is your comfort food? 

Comfort Food: Bean and Lentil Recipes for Snowy Days

Looking back through my blog at some of my older recipes feels a little like I am flipping through an old photo album. I’ve been blogging for 16 years now and during that time my recipes have naturally evolved right along with the way I eat and cook.

When I first started blogging, I was eating gluten-free and vegetarian- eating eggs and dairy. A few years later I found out my cholesterol numbers were high, so I fully embraced a gluten-free vegan lifestyle- eliminating eggs and dairy altogether. Each phase of my eating is reflected in the recipes I’ve shared here, making this blog a snapshot of where I was at that moment in my food journey.

I originally starting my blog to record my recipes for myself

 I originally created it as a way to store my own recipes—paperless, organized, and easy to search. Even now, I often catch myself looking into the search bar when I’m trying to remember how I made something from a long time ago!

For this post, I decided to look back and gather 6 winter comfort recipes. It’s a way to share them with readers who may have missed some of my earlier posts. 

If you are in the path of the snow storm, one of these hearty healthy easy to make bean or lentil dishes may hit the spot and feel nourishing and comforting.

This Post I'm Sharing Some Bean and Lentil Dishes: 

This bean bake recipe was one of my go-to recipes for years. I originally made it with lots of cheese and frequently shared it for  potlucks—it was an easy dependable crowd-pleaser especially in the winter. Over time, my relationship with this dish evolved right along with my eating habits: first with the cheese, then substituted vegan cheese, and now… no cheese at all.

This Eggplant and Bean  Chili recipe is a comforting combination in this homemade hearty chili dish. Enjoy it over rice, with tortillas, or even just the way it is. Delish!!

Easiest Black Bean Soup : 

This is a really easy, yet thick and hearty black bean soup made with your choice of either dried black beans or canned black beans. If using canned beans this soup can be assembled and cooked in only 5-7 minutes. 

Top the bowls of soup with chunks of avocado and enjoy. 

Mujadara - This next recipe is a family favorite. My mother-in-law brought this recipe with her from Egypt.  It is a true whole foods plant-based recipe using brown lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. 

The next recipe uses lentils and sun-dried tomatoes to make a lentil "meatloaf" type of recipe. Sometimes this vegan is in the mood for a meal one can actually cut with a knife. Vegan lentil loaf. 

Since we were not eating out during the Covid lock-in period, I experimented cooking ethnic foods that we normally ate in a restaurant. One of my favorites was an Indian dish made with eggplant, chickpeas, and potatoes.- Aloo Baingan 

Have your eating habits changed over the past 15 years? 

What changes have you made? What kind of recipes do you cook?

Praying for those who have lost power in the wrath of this big ice/snow storm across parts of the US. 

Were you hit by the snow storm and frigidly cold temperatures? 

Book Review-Into The Magic Shop

                                              

I highly recommend the book Into the Magic Shop by James R. Doty.

It’s one of those rare books that reads like a simple, engaging story while quietly teaching about our brain and thoughts along the way. I never felt like I was being “instructed,” yet as the story unfolded, the lessons naturally sank in.

Years ago, I read Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a book with a powerful spiritual message, and later The Greatest Salesman in the World, which did the same. Into the Magic Shop belongs in that category for me. It’s an easy, approachable read based on the author's memoirs with a straightforward story that I found carried deep and meaningful insights.

What makes this book even more compelling is the author himself. James R. Doty, MD, was a renowned neurosurgeon and former professor at Stanford University School of Medicine. His background in science and medicine gave the book an added level of credibility for me, while his personal life story was interesting and touching.

The subtle information that he shares doesn't feel theoretical—It's grounded in his own experiences and his deep medical training and  understanding of the human brain.

The book offers practical tools for calming the mind, opening the heart, and cultivating compassion and resilience. 

As I read this memoir, I found myself naturally reflecting on my own patterns of thinking and behavior, noticing how small shifts in awareness and intention actually can make a difference in our experiences.

This is the kind of book you finish feeling inspired, reflective, and quietly changed—with insights that stay with you long after you turn the last page.

I've been under a lot of stress lately- this book was just what I needed.

Zesty Lime Marinade Over Black Beans and Rice- Ready in 30 Minutes

This is my new go-to black beans and rice dinner for those busy  nights when I'm tired and want something healthy and satisfying that comes together in 30 minutes. Do you know what I mean?