food – The Wild Gems

Nourishing Your Inner Autumn: Foods That Support Mood & Emotional Grounding

January 31, 2026 The Wild Gems1 Comment

There are seasons not just outside of us, but within us.

Inner Autumn is the phase where life invites us to slow down, soften, and settle inward. It’s a time of reflection, emotional processing, and gentle release. Energy naturally turns quieter. Moods can feel heavier. Sensitivity increases. And what we consume—physically and emotionally—matters more than ever.

In Inner Autumn, food becomes less about fuel and more about comfort, grounding, and emotional steadiness. This is the season of warmth, nourishment, and being held.

🍠 Grounding Foods for Emotional Stability

Autumn energy asks us to root down. Earthy foods help stabilize emotions, calm the nervous system, and create a sense of safety within the body.

Think:

Sweet potatoes Squash (butternut, pumpkin, acorn) Carrots, parsnips, beets Oats Brown rice and quinoa

These foods help regulate blood sugar, which plays a huge role in mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. When blood sugar is steady, emotions tend to feel steadier too.

🥣 Warm & Nourishing Meals (A Nervous System Reset)

Inner Autumn doesn’t crave cold or rushed meals. It wants warmth, slowness, and intention.

Some comforting options:

Soups and stews Bone broth or vegetable broth Slow-cooked meals Warm or room-temperature smoothies with gentle spices

Warm foods tell the body it’s safe to relax. They’re grounding, soothing, and deeply regulating for the nervous system.

Think of these meals as a quiet exhale.

🥜 Mood-Boosting Fats for the Brain & Heart

Healthy fats play a powerful role in emotional health. They support hormone balance, brain function, and serotonin production—the “feel good” chemical.

Autumn-friendly fats include:

Avocado Olive oil Nuts and seeds Nut butters

Pumpkin seeds are especially supportive this time of year. They’re rich in magnesium and zinc, both of which help with stress resilience and mood regulation.

🍎 Gentle Sweetness for the Soul

Autumn often awakens a desire for sweetness—not from excess, but from comfort.

Instead of sharp sugar spikes, opt for natural, warming sweetness:

Baked apples or pears Dates and figs A drizzle of honey or maple syrup

Warm fruit satisfies emotional cravings while keeping energy balanced. It’s sweetness without the crash—joy without the chaos.

🌿 Warming Spices That Soothe Emotionally

Spices are powerful in Inner Autumn. They increase circulation, add warmth, and gently uplift mood.

Some favorites:

Cinnamon Nutmeg Ginger Turmeric Cloves

These spices don’t just warm the body—they bring emotional comfort. They help soften melancholy and create a feeling of inner glow.

🫖 Comforting Drinks for Emotional Ease

Sometimes nourishment comes in liquid form.

Autumn-friendly drinks include:

Chamomile tea Ginger or cinnamon tea Tulsi (holy basil) Warm almond milk with cinnamon or turmeric

These drinks invite stillness. They’re rituals, not just beverages.

What to Gently Reduce During Inner Autumn

This isn’t about restriction—just awareness.

You may notice improved mood when you reduce:

Excess caffeine Cold or raw foods High sugar intake Skipping meals

Inner Autumn thrives on rhythm, warmth, and consistency.

A Gentle Reminder 🍁

Inner Autumn is not a season of productivity.

It’s a season of tending.

Tending to emotions.

Tending to energy.

Tending to the quiet wisdom within.

Mantra:

“I nourish myself slowly. I don’t need to rush to bloom.”

Let food be one of the ways you honor where you are—right now.

Lemon Baked Butter Chicken

December 2, 2025 The Wild Gems2 Comments

Ingredients

For the chicken:

– 1.5–2 lbs chicken breast or thighs (cut into chunks or leave whole)

– 1 tsp salt

– 1 tsp paprika

– 1 tsp garam masala (optional but delicious)

– 1 tsp garlic powder

– ½ tsp onion powder

– ¼ tsp black pepper

For the sauce:

– 4 tbsp butter

– 3–4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 tsp honey

– 1 tsp curry powder or garam masala ½ tsp turmeric (optional for color)

– ½ tsp salt (taste and adjust)

Optional: ¼ cup chicken broth to thin it out

1 tbsp lemon juice

Serves well with roasted broccoli and rice.

Enjoy!

Summertime Caesar Salad With Rotisserie Chicken And Avocado

June 21, 2023June 21, 2023 The Wild Gems

This is the perfect lunch or dinner when you need something quick and super easy!

When the husband approves, it’s a win and worth sharing.

Although, I can’t really take full credit for this. I was inspired by this salad I get every so often at this restaurant in town. Unfortunately I don’t get to eat out often and enjoy it as much as I’d love to because I have 3 little ones that take up a lot of time and energy!

Sometimes you have to improvise when you can’t get your hands on the real deal. But sometimes you come up with something even better! And easier!

Honestly, it’s just buying stuff at the grocery store and combing it all to get this delicious salad full of flavor.

I’m sharing with you all this easy recipe you can make at home that everyone will love.

You won’t feel guilty after eating, perfect for enjoying outside in some nice weather, and pairs well with sangria or your favorite mock-tail.

Enjoy!

Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad

Serves 4-6 people

(Takes less then 30 mins to prepare)

What you need:

One rotisserie chicken
1 box of suddenly pasta – Caesar flavor
1/2 can of black olives chopped finely (optional)
1/2-3/4 can of pinto beans
1 family size bag of Caesar salad kit
1/2 to 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
1 large ripe avocado diced
1-2 handfuls of grape tomatoes sliced in halves

(What to look for)

Steps:

Prepare pasta as it says on the box (including the seasoning mix) set aside in a medium bowl.
Shred your rotisserie chicken, chop your tomatoes, dice your avocado, open the can of beans and set aside.
Prepare the Caesar salad in a bowl.
Add the chopped olives (if doing) , pinto beans, and chopped tomato. Next add the tricolor pasta and the chicken. Mix well. Then add your diced avocado and mix once more. Top with cracked black pepper and enjoy!

Apple Cider Vinegar Marinade For A Pot Roast In The Slow Cooker – So Juicy!

February 3, 2023April 17, 2023 The Wild GemsLeave a comment

What You Need:

3-4 lbs of boneless chuck roast

1 sweet onion cut in 4 chunks

1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 tablespoon of unsalted butter

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of chili flakes

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

1/2 teaspoon of turmeric

1/2 teaspoon of thyme

1 tablespoon of rosemary

1 teaspoon of parsley

1 tablespoon of soy sauce or light brown sugar (there was a time I didn’t have soy sauce so I substituted with brown sugar because it just seemed like it would be good and I was pleasantly surprised!)

Steps:

1. Place your meat in the slow cooker, along with the chunks of onion. In a small mixing bowl mix together the rest of the ingredients, except for the butter. Pour marinade mixture over the meat. Top the meat with the butter. Place lid.

2. Cook on low for 8 hours. Once the 8 hours are up shred the meat well and serve immediately.

Serve over white rice or with some corn tortillas. Enjoy!

Note: when putting away the leftovers I did drain a lot of the oil from the meat. We ate it for 3 days and every day was better!

25 Cute Breakfast Art Ideas That Will Make Your Children Or A Loved One Smile

January 28, 2023January 28, 2023 The Wild Gems1 Comment

Cute breakfast food art doesn’t have to just be for children! As I was searching for ideas for my girls I thought, you know what, my husband would loved these too.

Which is why the title is for ‘A Loved One’ .

I’m so excited to try some of these out.

Which numbers will you make?

Note: Most of these photos don’t have watermarks so I don’t know who should receive credit! If any readers know please let me know!

This would be perfect for Valentine’s Day or maybe an anniversary.

Imagine making this as a hint and surprising your kids with a trip to Disneyland!

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Perfect for our malt o meal breakfast days.

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Imagine being served this as a surprise breakfast :).

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Bagel and cream cheese and berries. yum.

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Which on is your favorite?

Sweet Knots With Brown Sugar OR You Can Use Nutella

August 13, 2022August 13, 2022 The Wild GemsLeave a comment

Servings: 14-16 knots

What You Need For The Rolls:

3 1/2 cups of all purpose flour plus more for dusting

4 tablespoons of salted or unsalted butter at room temperature

1 cup of warm milk

3 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon of salt

2 tablespoons of light or dark brown sugar

1 packet of active dry yeast

What You Need For The Cinnamon Filling:

1 cup of brown sugar

1 tablespoon of cinnamon

6 tablespoons of butter softened

Or Substitute cinnamon filling for Nutella

Warning: using Nutella does get messy but trust me, it’s worth it.

Steps:

1. In a medium/large mixing bowl mix the 1 packet (2 1/4
teaspoons) active dry yeast with the warm milk and the brown sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes, until bubbly and foamy.

2. Add 3 ½ cups flour, salt, eggs,
and butter. Mix until the flour is completely
incorporated, adding a little extra flour if necessary. (I knead by hand for a good 10 mins and it works fine.)

3. Cover the bowl and let sit at room temperature
for 1 hour.

4. In the meantime prepare your filling. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.

5. Once dough is ready on a floured surface roll the dough out into a large rectangle, adding flour as needed. Spread the dough with 5 tablespoons softened butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.

6. Fold the dough in half. Cut into 12-14 strips. Twisting each strip into a loose imperfect knot. Placing each knot onto a cookie sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

7. Bake at 375 until a little golden on the top. Eat as is or with your favorite homemade icing.

Enjoy!

Chicken And Mushroom Pasta In A Heavy Cream Sauce

August 5, 2022August 5, 2022 The Wild GemsLeave a comment

Servings: 6-8

What You Need:

1 12oz bag of wide egg noodles

4 tablespoons of unsalted butter

1/2 cup chopped white onion

1-2 teaspoons of garlic (fresh or jar)

1 small package of mushrooms

3/4 cup of chicken stock

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper for taste

2 cups of sharp white cheddar cheese shredded

2 cups chopped chicken or 1 rotisserie chicken shredded

Chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish (optional)

Steps:

1. Boil a medium to large pot of water. When water is boiling add a few dashes of salt and then cook pasta according to directions. Reserving 3/4 cup of pasta water.Set aside when done.

2. In a large skillet melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until tender.

3. Add mushrooms and continue to sauté until cooked and tender.

4. Add chicken stock, heavy cream, cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and cheese is completely melted.

5. Stir in the chicken and pasta in the sauce and add the pasta water. Turn off heat and mix well, allowing to sit for little for sauce to thicken.

6. Serve with a salad and garlic bread.

Enjoy!

**** This taste amazing the next day too! ****

Your Guide to Making Fried Rice

July 3, 2022July 3, 2022 The Wild GemsLeave a comment

Making fried rice is actually super easy! I don’t know why I was ever intimidated. Follow this guide and feel free to get creative!

We served this rice with some grilled teriyaki chicken but having made this rice I really think some shrimp would be delish with it.

What you Need:

1 recipe of basic rice click here

4 eggs cooked and scrambled

1 – 2 cups of mixed veggies (I used snack carrots chopped up, frozen peas, fresh cabbage, and frozen corn) proportion it however you like

1/4 of a white onion finely chopped

1 tablespoon of minced garlic (I just used garlic from the jar)

Vegetable oil or canola oil on hand for sautéing and frying

Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Cook the rice following my basic rice recipe. Once rice is cooked set aside.

2. Heat up your skillet, add about 2 tablespoons of oil and scramble your eggs. Seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Add another 2-3 tablespoons of oil to the same skillet and sauté the onion and garlic. Once the onions are soft and the aroma is sweet add the rest of the veggies. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until soft. Set aside

4. Add 1/4 cup of oil to the hot skillet, add the rice, and begin fry (add one tablespoon at a time if you feel it needs more oil) Ensure the rice is evenly coated in the oil mixing constantly at a low medium heat. Add additional salt and pepper if needed. Careful not to over fry your rice. Taste until your liking.

5. Add the veggies and egg to the rice and mix well.

Add some soy sauce and enjoy!

Peppered Sweet Corn

June 13, 2022June 13, 2022 The Wild GemsLeave a comment

What You Need:

2 bags of 12oz frozen corn

1 cup of milk or heavy cream

(I have tried both ways. If I don’t have heavy cream I just use milk. Heavy cream will make it thicker and provide a subtle change in taste)

1 teaspoon of pepper

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 cup of sugar

8oz package of cream cheese

1 stick of unsalted butter

Steps:

1. In a medium sauce pan on low medium heat begin to melt the butter with the corn. Then add your heavy cream and cream cheese.

2. Once the cream cheese and butter are completely melted add the sugar, pepper, and salt.

3, Allow to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Adding more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve warm.

A yummy side for holidays, potlucks, or some delicious ribs.

Enjoy!

Basic Rice Recipe

June 6, 2022March 21, 2023 The Wild Gems4 Comments

Servings: 6 to 8 people

What You Need:

1 1/2 cup of long grain rice (un-rinsed)

2 1/2 cups of water

1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon seasoning or salt

1 tablespoon of unsalted butter

1/4 cup of frozen corn (optional)

2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil

Steps:

1. In a medium pot or skillet oil your pan and sauté rice on a medium heat until all the rice is brown and toasted. (Doing this adds flavor to the rice)

2. Add the water, bring the pot to a low, and the butter and seasoning and cover rice with a lid. Set the timer for 15 mins. Checking the rice at least 2 times to give it a mix or fluff. Once the water is fully absorbed remove from the stove, keep lid slightly on, and allow to steam cook for 10 mins.

Note: If you’re going to add corn add it 5 minutes before the timer goes off.

3. Fluff with fork and enjoy. Add additional butter or seasoning if necessary.

Note: if you want to make more rice, you always just double the water to the rice.