Breaking Control Part 1: CELERIAC PUREE

Part 1: Making over Thanksgiving favorites to break free from the control mindset so we don’t miss out on our destiny.

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Who doesn’t look forward to a Thanksgiving Day spread. Full of the repeat offenders, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, and of course, the main character, the turkey. At least, these were mine growing up and they appeared on the table, year after year. When I was younger as long as I had stuffing I was happy. When I look back I probably thought Thanksgiving had to have these dishes. I accepted it then, but as I’ve gotten older, I desire a little bit of a change. Regardless of my change in diet, I crave it because I love being creative in the kitchen, and also, I don’t like feeling controlled.

When you really think about it, a Thanksgiving Day spread is pretty controlled. Preset dishes passed down by the higher limbs on our family tree. While I appreciate the tradition and consistency, I also appreciate grace and acceptance to make something different, if that’s what excites the creator. Does it excite you to make Grandma’s state fair award-winning apple pie or does it worry you because it’s unrealistic for you to remake Grandma’s perfect pie crust? Pressure and guilt of disappointing others should not be felt because you want to change the legendary pie crust to one that is more your style, to one that encourages personal growth.

When you follow someone else’s playbook, when you follow someone’s recipe instructions tailored to their cooking skills and likes, when you follow someone’s path to their goal or their path for your goal, you miss out on you. You miss out on playing to and enhancing your strengths and your gifts. When you follow someone’s playbook to please them, you miss out on self-discovery and self-improvement, and you may miss out on your destiny.

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GLOW UP LESSON

Being controlled, whether someone is doing it to you or you are doing it to yourself, can disrupt your purpose because you miss out on self-awareness, discovery and improvement. You are so concerned about pleasing someone, you forget to please yourself. You forget to serve your purpose.

If you are doing it to yourself, if you are the one trying to control situations, you may become close minded, worried, and unable to live in the moment. You miss out on experiences and people because they don’t fit in your plan. Then, those that you let in your life, you are overly critical and try to change them to meet your standards. By acting this way you think you are controlling your destiny, but what you are really doing is disrupting it.

GLOW UP COOKING

We are going to promote the breaking control mindset shift by giving Thanksgiving Day favorites a makeover!

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FINAL THOUGHTS BEFORE WE START COOKING

BABY STEPS

You don’t have to give a dish the full facelift to break control. You can do a small nip and tuck to a recipe, like substituting, adding or taking something out. Leave out the sugar in the sweet potato casserole, use a different type of milk for the mashed potatoes, use sourdough bread croutons instead of cornbread for the stuffing, or add a little nutmeg to the apple pie. You are still breaking control and it will still encourage the mindset shift.

IF YOU ARE STILL STUCK ON PEOPLE PLEASING

If you are concerned about showing disrespect by changing a dish that is passed down, I believe you can still honor the original chef by recreating their dish. When you recreate a dish you are showing boldness, openness, thoughtfulness and creativity. What better way to honor someone who loved you and possibly helped raise you, by sharing a piece of you in their dish.

PRACTICE

Start now by practicing this dish at least once a week. It doesn’t matter if everyone loves it, but it does if you do. It will create more of a positive experience which will encourage the breaking control mindset shift.

JOURNAL YOUR EXPERIENCE

Journal this cooking experience out to embed it more in your memory and further encourage the mindset shift. Write during the practice sessions, after you make the dish and definitely after Thanksgiving is done. Bring your notebook to where you are having dinner and find a quiet space or put in those ear buds.

What change are you making in the dish and why? How are you feeling while making your dish? How do you feel after making your dish? How do you feel after sharing your dish with others? What self-discovery do you have after this experience? How have you improved? How has this shown you breaking free of control can help you discover or fulfill your purpose?

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GRAB THAT CHEF’S KNIFE, IT’S GLOW TIME!

MASHED POTATOES MAKEOVER: CELERIAC PUREE

The celeriac root is not the most attractive appearance wise, but its aroma is one of the best! And it is so delicious and easy to prepare. Just like potatoes, it’s white which provides the same look as mashed potatoes. It’s a root vegetable, so although less carby than potatoes, it still has similar structure, so the texture of this dish mimics mashed potatoes as well. Celeriac pairs well with butter and milk which are also used in making mashed potatoes. Providing the same look, texture, and cooking method, makes celeriac a perfect substitute!

You can prepare this dish the day before, but it’s quick and doesn’t require the oven, so I would suggest making on Thanksgiving, or whatever day you choose to enjoy.

THE TEA ON GLOW UP VEGETABLE: CELERIAC

Pronounced suh-lee-ree-ak.

TASTE AND TEXTURE: Mild, celery like taste and crunchy texture when raw.

AROMA: similar to celery and is divine!

SEASON: They are particularly fresh in late fall and winter.

STORAGE: Store whole in your fridge in a plastic bag away from apples and oranges as they give off ethylene gas that will cause celeriac to spoil quicker.

QUICK COOKING: To boil cubes only takes a handful of minutes.

LOW CARBS: 1 cup contains 14g carbs which is apx 40% less than regular potatoes

STRONG BONES: High in Vitamin K, which is great for strong bones.

PREP TIP: They lose color quickly, so if you are boiling or steaming more than one, cut one at a time and place in water immediately.

FUN FACT: Although not in this recipe, you can eat the skin!