The color for the month of November, Claret Red, (Pantone’s Colorstrology by Michelle Bernhardt) inspires depth, strength and love and “can be used by anyone to help move through transformation.”
The chakra application for this color is the the first, or root chakra. A balanced root helps us feel strong and secure. It’s no coincidence that the physical point of this chakra is at the very base of the spine. Root chakra energy effects and is affected through emotional relationships, job and home situations. So meditating on the color red helps us connect to our root, and cultivate strength and security in these areas.
When thinking about this color and chakra, and how it may relate to food, I immediately thought of tomato sauce. Italians are known to be loving and passionate and committed to keeping strong family ties. In fact, many Italians consider their family their number one priority.
As an Italian American, I can assure you a food that symbolizes a strong family bond is all in The Sauce; tomato sauce that is. When I was first married, it was my responsibility to learn my family’s traditional version of The Sauce and my husband insisted that I learn family’s recipe as well. Funny thing, I eventually developed my own recipe, which I’m told “rocks”. As a host of many gatherings, I now understand why The Sauce is so important. It simply brings family and friends together, for many families… every week.
As a native Jersey Girl, I’m proud to say N.J. produces beautiful and delicious tomatoes (our peak season for this crop is August to September). Tomatoes are high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Potassium and Lycopene and are known to help prevent heart disease and cancer.
I’d like to share my healthy and wholesome version of The Sauce. If you are gluten-free you might enjoy The Sauce on rice, quinoa or even sautéed eggplant or zucchini.
With Thanksgiving in site, let’s reflect and be grateful for our families. Enjoy, be loving, strong and confident while embracing your foundational energies this month.
- 1 Tbsp. of Olive Oil
- 3 cans Organic Crushed Tomatoes*
- 1 can Organic Tomato Puree*
- ½ cup Organic Red Wine
- 3 cloves garlic (sliced thin)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 1 pinch organic cane sugar
- 1 Tbsp. sea salt
- 1 Tbsp. crushed basil
Combine olive oil, sliced garlic and onion at bottom of big sauce pot. Sautee until soft; add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 hours.
*If fresh tomatoes are in season in your area, enjoy crushing them yourself rather than using canned tomatoes.
Love this’! Your sauce recipe is so similar to mine. Think I will make some today.
I’ve always been in envy of the Italians for their sense of family. It provides strength and comfort. Just as the color indicates.. I certainly felt this way in my visit with Jennifer and her family. I didn’t get a chance to taste the sauce, but I didn’t have to in order to experience the bond and “balanced root” the family provides. With such a strong root, we have a firmer foundation from which to build..
Jenn I love the way you infuse food into the color of the month. When I think of feeling safe, and strong I think being with my family. We also often gather on Sundays to eat Sunday Sauce and drink red wine. I usually leave those meals feeling safe, loved and happy.
I agree and can so relate to this……… from a fellow Italian girl ;) Nothing is more comforting for me than the smell of my sauce cooking.
Great article Jenn, I truly agree, and for some reason every Sunday I’m craving “”The Sauce” or maybe it’s just my family coming together after a long week!!