A rooster crows. A soft breeze blows through the open window and I begin to stir. Roux jumps up on the bed and flops down next to me, thumping his tail enthusiastically, and giving me a few sloppy kisses. I fell asleep thinking about abundance and woke up feeling abundant. Our thoughts, feelings, and actions weave such a complex web of downy, dewy threads that it often seems impossible to untangle them all. But, I’ve come to realize that the simple act of concentrating the mind has the power to change how we feel and what we do. Thought really does manifest action.
Two years ago, I was lost and unhappy. I was working long hours waitressing, adjusting to a new life in a new city, and lonely. But, I was lucky to have a wise man in my life who suggested I try something new. So, I signed up for a workshop and waited. The air got colder, the leaves changed color and fell to the ground. It was October. The workshop arrived and I spent two days learning about food styling and how to shoot on manual. The next day, on my birthday, I started this blog. Now, after pursuing my passion, building a business, and honing a craft, I feel happy, content and full of purpose. I still think about “success” and what that means. For me, success means reaching a wider audience with the hope of changing our food system. So, I’m hoping you can help me by taking a moment to nominate Tending the Table for the 2016 Saveur Blog Awards. These awards recognize the best blogs out there in a myriad of categories and set the standard for the industry. Nominations are open through July 18th, here.
They say gratitude is the key to abundance and it’s true. I feel so grateful for all the steps that led me here, grateful for a sequence of events that now seem serendipitous and almost archetypal, and grateful for all of you who give my work meaning. So, thank you. Thank you for being here and sharing this space with me. For listening and for sharing your stories.
With gratitude, Sasha
This toast was inspired by a dessert I saw on a menu in Sydney. The combination of peaches and tahini turned out to be even better than I expected, perfectly balancing sweet and savory. The juiciness of the peaches works perfectly on toast and the radish sprouts add a little punch. This is a perfect breakfast or lunch on those days when it’s too hot to cook and you want something both filling and refreshing.
Toast with Peaches, Tahini and Honey
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup tahini, well stirred
1 tablespoon raw honey, plus extra for serving
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 pieces of whole grain toast
2 peaches, sliced into wedges
black sesame seeds and radish sprouts
PROCEDURE
Combine the tahini, honey and salt in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Spread half of the tahini mixture onto each piece of toast, top with the peaches and sprinkle with the sesame seeds and sprouts. Cut each piece of toast in half and drizzle with more honey. Enjoy!
This was such a tasty combo ! I subbed maple syrup to make it vegan. Even tried nectarines and strawberries. Thanks for sharing. 😉
Delectable, thanks for sharing and you have a new follower
Yay! So glad you like what you see
Please check out our new monthly recipe exchange and let’s have fun, Share and Inspire Others!
The theme for our December exchange: T’IS THE SEASON: CAKES, COOKIES AND TREATS – December 2016 Share and Inspire Others! to be found @ https://cookandenjoyrecipes.wordpress.com/2016/12/01/share-and-inspire-others-december-2016-event/
I truly hope that you will be able to partipate, and I am so looking forward to your entry via email, by the latest midnight 10 December. 😊😊
Feel free to take a look at my account 🙂
Looks really nice ! 😍
Catching up on things Sasha, and always loving your work. This toast sings of summer-time. I’ve never thought to pair it with tahini, but it seems so natural and delicious. — On a side note, you have my total vote and respect. Your photography is akin to poetry, and constantly I am in awe and inspired at the way you portray life and food through your lens.
Thanks so much. Obviously, I’m just catching up on things too. Sorry to not have responded sooner. It’s really a fantastic combo. Thank you so much for your kind words and for your support.
Beautiful writing and photography! Love it!
Thank you.
I’ve loved seeing how far you’ve come in such a short time. You’ve blossomed. Keep it up, lady.
Awww thanks Ashley! Couldn’t have done it without you. Hope your travels are going well and I’ll look forward to catching up back in Seattle.
I really enjoyed your outlook and how you choice to take charge of your own destiny! Such an empowering message.
Thanks so much!
Hi Sasha,
Great photos, and I really love your writing style. So engaging and you can definitely tell you have training in food photography. It’s awesome when you find fulfilling work, congrats!
~Rebekah, SomeKindaGood.com
Thank you so much!
Love it!!
beautiful!
Love your blog! Your writing is beautiful, congratulations on being nominated for an award. Truly an inspiration 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you so much. I haven’t been nominated yet…fingers crossed.
Artistically presented. And if you like some fashion tips and tricks from everyday to special night then check out my blog http://www.fashionariablog.wordpress.com
Hmmmmmm……lip smacking!!!!
mmm looks beautiful, I might give this a go for dinner!
This is truly amazing 😀 your photographs are making me drool… Am so Glad I found this blog.
Thanks so much!
Beautiful photography!
That looks marvelous.
Your photography is stunning!!
The dishes are surely mouth- watering. I loved your writing style :).Wish you good luck.
I love your photos 🙂 The dish looks really delicious 🙂 I took time to vote for your blog 🙂 Good luck 🙂
Thank you soooo much! That means a lot.
just found your page! Looks amazingly tasty!
I’m in love with this recipe💙 Looking forward to make this as soon as possible.
I love finding vegan food in the blogging world. Especially such beautiful & inspired plates. Thank you!
Thank you
Wish you all the best,y friend. I was blown over by your artistry with words and the camera. Here is what I wrote while voting for you, “I have come upon many food blogs with fantastic recipes but with faltering images of their enterprise. Sasha is a magician of both words and photography.”
Thank you sooo much for taking the time to nominate me and for such kind words. I so appreciate it.
I love this! Such beautiful writing and photography <3
Thankful for your story. Sounds interesting that you had a full life turnaround. Kinda like abundance found you, blessed you, and gratefulness is just the final word. Very excited about your success story. May it continue…
Thank you…
Wow…that looks delicious!
You take a lot of pride in your photography, and that’s what I think I like most (after the food) about your blog!
Beautiful pictures!
Wow this looks delicious!! Although I’m new to your blog it appears to be a very thoughtful and loving site! I would be happy to vote for you and I wish you much success!! I look forward to exploring more around here when I get home tonight!! Thanks for sharing this recipe!! 🙂
Thank you so much for following and for taking the time to explore my recipes and nominate my blog. You rock!
You’re most welcome!! Good luck!!! And yum! 😉
Your writing creates such imagery. I love it!
We just happened to have all the ingredients and made peach bagels right after reading your post. Truly yummy…..too bad peach season is way too short.
Yay! So glad you made the recipe and that you liked it! XO
I love everything about this Sasha. The beautiful, honest words, the simple yet delicious recipe, and the gorgeous photos. I’ve already voted for you for best photography, I truly hope you get nominated. <3
Thank you sooo much! Your support and encouragement mean the world.
You’re pretty amazing, you know that, right? And whilst I’m aware I’m not a long-time reader/follower, which would probably cause some to think that I cannot possibly truly care, I do. I really do, and I mean it when I say that I am so glad finding a new passion (which, fortunately for us, lead to this wonderful online space of yours) brought you back to life and that you’re now in a much better place than you were a few years ago.
Also, regarding the whole Saveur-Blog-Award-thing, believe it or not, I actually already nominated you, before you even mentioned it, and genuinely wish you the best of luck.
With all of that said, thanks for another wonderful post and the honesty. Keep it up and enjoy the rest of the week xx
Thanks so much! You are so kind and I’m so grateful to have you following and commenting. And thank you so much for the nomination. XO
I totally agree with Faring Well <3 Btw, you soon became my favorite food photographer, I'm in love with your minimal style and the aesthetic sense for the props!
Thank you so much. Now I’m feeling bashful.
Such lovely photos and inspiring words, as always Sasha. Still can’t believe your blog isn’t even a year old, so incredible!
I loved this Sasha, so sweet, so honest and true. I’m so glad you graced us all with your presence in the blogging world, and for the beauty you saturate this space with. Totally voting for you friend. Also praying for roux, and drooling over this slice – xo
Thanks so much and ditto! Fingers crossed we get to hang out at the awards this year…XO