I retired in 2019 and I was determined to find things that I loved to do and to do them. It has taken me awhile to experiment and find my way to the joy that comes from doing something you truly love to do. One of my motivations has been exploring the role of grandmother. My grandchildren call me Nana just as my children called my mother and I called my grandmother. I grew up with my Nana living with us from the time I was 7. My mother made sure she lived close by so my children saw her regularly.

What I learned from both these remarkable women was how to simply be present with the children and let them tell you about themselves through conversations and playtime. I also learned from my mother about knitting and making soup. My mother was an accomplished knitter and sewer. She was a champion soup maker. We all loved going to Nana’s house for a bowl of her homemade soup. All her grandchildren had numerous sweaters that Nana knit for them and now her great grandchildren are wearing them.

When my daughter was expecting her third child I decided to try my hand at knitting starting with a small baby blanket. It was easy to knit row after row until it became the size of a blanket. I discovered in the process how very relaxing and meditative it can be. I often listen to podcasts while I am knitting so that I can keep my eyes focused on the stitches. My granddaughter, Violet, decided she wanted a blanket for her dolls like the one I made for the new baby so I am on my second blanket. This time I am adding a few different stitches and am gaining my confidence as a knitter. Who knows maybe one day I too will knit a sweater and for now blankets and scarves are my go to project. My grandson, William, had requested a rainbow scarf.

I discovered that I also enjoy making cookies and other simple baking items like brownies and pies. When my grandchildren come to visit me or when I go to their place I like to have a treat for them that I have made myself. I enjoy having a cookie with my tea in the afternoon so when I make a batch I save some for me and give the rest to my daughter and her family. Nice to have homemade cookies that are nutritious and made with love. My favourite recipe which I have adapted is Black Bean Brownies. The recipe is at the end. I reduced the amount of sugar to 1 cup and added some chocolate chips for texture and sweetness and walnut pieces for extra protein. I tried using applesauce to replace the fat but they were too gooey. I prefer mayonnaise myself. I always have the ingredients in the cupboard for a quick treat. I am working on another recipe using white beans, gluten free flour, lemon extract and zest covered with lemon glaze. I will let you know how it turns out.

Everytime I make a pot of soup I think of my mother. She was not a baker and my Nana did not cook much at all though she did love to eat and was always open to trying new things. Making soup for me is another labour of love. Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Now that I have an Instant Pot I enjoy making it even more. Even in the summer it is easy to create a lovely broth or chilled soup without heating up the kitchen. Soup is also a great way to use up leftovers, limp veggies from the crisper and adding different veggies to your diet. Cooking for one can be a challenge so when I make a big pot of soup I share it with my my daughter as her kids love soup too.

Black Bean Brownies

Preheat oven to 350F

1 can (19oz or 540 ml) black beans
3 eggs
1/3 cup canola oil (or mayonnaise)
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened coco powder
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

In food processor, puree beans, eggs, oil and vanilla extract for 2 to 3 minutes. In a large bowl combine sugar, cocoa and baking powder. Mix the bean mixture with the dry ingredients. Pour batter into prepared baking pan (9 inches). Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a tester inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Note: you can add chocolate chips and walnut pieces for extra sweetness and added protein.