From Zen to Notting Hill

My beautiful friend, Su- Ming's bouquet

What is Zen? A state of mind? A place? A meditation? A school of thought? A warm calm home? An experience of love? 

Last Sunday I had the joyful experience of a Zen aromatherapy massage. The lady used Rose oil and from the quiet hub of warmth, behind wooden blinds in candlelight, a touch of Zen blossomed. Afterwards I smelt like a gorgeous rosebud and felt like a flower blossoming in the morning light. Ah, t'was beautiful! 

Perhaps puzzling, was the two separate coincidental meetings with old friends, both actresses and both writing screenplays. In the way that good company does, I felt inspired and wanted to create a recipe that captured this feeling too. What could this possibly be . . . . .

Watch for the swirl . . . 

Roll out the origins of Zen Buddhism for a total symbiotic celebration of understanding. The Flower Sermon is said to hold the key to Zen, and in part has also inspired these Rose Mocha Pots. Many moons ago in the 14^th century Gautama Buddha gathered his disciples and with a twinkle in his eye he silently twirled a flower. The disciples eagerly began to interpret what this meant, though none of them were correct, except one, Mahākāśyapa. He silently gazed at the flower and broke into a broad smile. The Buddha then said,

“I possess the true Dharma eye, the marvellous mind of Nirvāṇa, the true form of the formless, the subtle Dharma gate that does not rest on words or letters but is a special transmission outside of the scriptures. This I entrust to Mahākāśyapa.”

Enlightenment in the peaks . . . .

Thus, through Zen a new teaching was born, whereby direct experience led the path to enlightenment as opposed to rational creeds or scriptures. Wisdom was passed through a lineage of one to one direct transmissions of experience, words or concepts unnecessary.

Now bare with me a moment, transcend your judgement and consider taste! It is difficult to describe a taste exactly; thousands of taste buds are tuned into your own personal palate. These Rose mocha Pots will wash over them like a warming chocolate wave. Your taste buds will blossom.

Golden woven moments await

Organic, good quality chocolate is woven with a floral tone that is at once velvet and then silk. Smouldering sweetness enraptures with each spoonful and a friend, or whoever you share them with, may equally appreciate this coffee and chocolate celebration, that boasts a taste reminiscent of Turkish delight, though more subtle. Bring on the Rose mocha Pot!

Little fluffy cloud!

Food is not love. Food is not a friend. Food won't answer any questions. Wait for it! Food will however be tastier when prepared with love and be more wonderful when shared with friends.

I am sending you the warmest waves of Zen greetings, and will leave you with a THOUGHT, a QUESTION and a PROVERB, in that order!

Intentionally irrational statements are often used in Zen to jolt a person into realising the limits of the common uses of the intellect. . . Here we go!

What is the sound of chocolate melting?

If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person. 


If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house. 


If there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation. 


If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world. 


Chinese Proverb

Love,

FFX

Rose Mocha Pots

Music for your taste buds

 SERVES 6

Organic Milk chocolate, 200g broken into pieces

Eggs, 4 separated

Espresso powder, 3 tsp

Rosewater, 1 tsp

PLACE chocolate pieces in a heat proof bowl and set over a pan of simmering water.

STIR occasionally until melted and silky smooth.

REMOVE from heat.

BEAT the egg yolks and stir into the melted chocolate.

ADD rosewater and enjoy the floating fragrance of blossoming dreams.

WHISK egg whites until soft peaks form.

SPOON one tbsp of the peaks into the chocolate mix and stir.

FOLD in remaining egg whites gently and spoon into ramekins or glasses.

CHILL for at least two hours.

ZEN for your taste buds.