Embracing Life’s Journey: Nearing 30, Lifelong Learning, and Grain-Free Apple Cider Vinegar Doughnuts

It might strike some as peculiar that despite my inability to predict even the next year of my life, my mind often drifts to what life will be like when I am significantly older. I’m not talking about a decade or two, but rather envisioning myself at a venerable age, perhaps around sixty years old, reflecting on the tapestry of experiences that will define my later years.

This introspection feels particularly poignant right now. I find myself at a unique juncture, just a little over a year shy of my thirtieth birthday. It’s a milestone that carries a distinct weight, signifying a transition from the earlier chapters of my existence. I’ve progressed beyond the boundless innocence of childhood and the spirited rebellion of my teenage years. The initial anxieties of first job interviews and the liberating, yet sometimes daunting, experience of living independently, away from the familiar comfort of the nest I grew up in, are now part of my past.

My perspective has matured; I identify more as a woman than merely a girl, both in my thought processes and emotional depth. As life gently but consistently propels me forward, inching me closer to the significant age of thirty, it becomes increasingly clear how much has transpired and how swiftly time has flown. Yet, simultaneously, an immense expanse of life remains to unfold, countless experiences yet to be discovered and understood.

Envisioning the Future: Questions and Curiosity

What kind of person will I have become when I reach sixty? How will I react when I discover that first strand of grey hair, a subtle yet unmistakable sign of time’s passage? Will I be alarmed, perhaps even a little melancholic, seeing it as irrefutable proof of life accelerating, evidence of the universal and inevitable process of aging? Will I, by some path, eventually achieve my dream of becoming a writer? Will I be happily married, surrounded by children whom I am so immensely proud of that I can’t resist sharing their achievements with anyone who will listen? On which continent will I have chosen to build my home, to lay down roots and create a sanctuary? What overarching life vision and goals will define my entire existence on this earth?

These are profound questions, and honestly, I don’t possess the answers.

I mean, I can’t even reliably tell you which country I’ll be residing in next year, let alone predict the distant future. However, one fundamental truth I hold close, one unwavering commitment I’ve made to myself, is that I will continue to learn new things, consistently and relentlessly, throughout my entire journey.

The Power of Continuous Learning: “Something New, Every Week”

Many years ago, a memorable conversation with my best friend, Jinhua, sparked a simple yet powerful motto that has guided my life ever since: “Something new, every week.” We were only twenty-two at the time, incredibly young, fresh-faced, and full of youthful exuberance, having just spent a delightful afternoon cycling along East Coast Park. As we relaxed by our bikes, gazing out at the vast expanse of the ocean, one of us conceived this phrase. That moment feels like eons ago now, but that vivid scene, that cherished memory of the two of us, remains a profound motivator in my life – it underscores the intrinsic human need to constantly explore, discover, and acquire new knowledge.

This philosophy of continuous learning, embracing novelty, is what keeps me feeling so invigorated and energized. Whenever I delve into something different – whether it’s mastering the nuances of food photography, experimenting with acrylic painting techniques, or grappling with the complexities of the Spanish language – I feel an undeniable surge of vitality. My eyes light up with genuine enthusiasm, my heart quickens with anticipation, and I’m filled with an almost irrepressible urge to dance with joy. It’s a profound sense of aliveness that comes from challenging myself, expanding my horizons, and nurturing my innate curiosity.

Over time, I’ve finally come to deeply understand that this very drive is precisely what sustains my profound interest in cooking – quite apart from the practical necessity of feeding myself (quite literally!). Cooking, in its essence, is a continuous process of learning. Each ingredient, every technique, and every new recipe presents an opportunity for discovery. It’s a culinary classroom where lessons are deliciously learned and creativity knows no bounds.

Culinary Discoveries: Beyond the Basics

The sheer breadth of knowledge I’ve gained in the kitchen has consistently astounded me, transforming everyday tasks into exciting experiments. For instance, did you know you could create delectable pancakes with just two ingredients: eggs and bananas? It sounds incredibly simple, yet it’s groundbreaking for those unfamiliar with such culinary hacks. Or consider this: for mushrooms to achieve that perfect golden-brown crispness, you must avoid overcrowding them in the skillet, allowing ample space for evaporation and browning. And the trick? Resist the urge to constantly push them around; only flip them once one side is beautifully browned. It’s a small detail, but it makes all the difference in texture and flavor. Another revelation was discovering that fresh herbs can remain vibrant and potent for almost three weeks simply by storing them in a glass of water in the fridge, much like a bouquet of flowers.

Because the culinary world is so incredibly vast in its scope, constantly introducing new ingredients, diverse cuisines, and innovative techniques, there’s an almost infinite amount to learn. My eyes truly feel opened anew each time I embark on testing a novel recipe or integrating an unfamiliar ingredient into my cooking. It’s a continuous journey of skill development and palate expansion.

The Star of the Show: Grain-Free Apple Cider Coconut Doughnuts

Take, for example, these delightful apple cider coconut doughnuts. Before embarking on this recipe, I honestly had no idea that apple cider vinegar could be a key ingredient in doughnuts. Even better, I was pleasantly surprised to rediscover the extensive health benefits associated with apple cider vinegar (perhaps my mum was onto something when she insisted I consume it during my childhood!). The list of apple cider vinegar’s impressive health benefits is quite long, including its potential to reduce bad breath, alleviate stomach irritations, prevent heartburn, combat yeast infections, aid in lowering blood sugar levels, and help control cholesterol and blood pressure, among many other advantages. Its acetic acid content is often credited for many of these therapeutic effects, making it a powerful natural remedy.

And what better, more enjoyable way to incorporate all these remarkable health benefits into my diet than through the form of delicious doughnuts? This recipe also provided the perfect excuse to dust off and reuse my beloved doughnut pan! Yes, you might recall the one I purchased last year; it had been patiently collecting dust, and I was eager to create some more homemade doughnuts, this time with a specific grain-free twist to align with a healthier lifestyle choice.

Initially, I found them to be a tad on the sour side, which was, of course, directly attributable to the apple cider vinegar. However, this was an easy fix; a generous smear of my favorite jam effectively balanced out the tanginess, transforming the flavor profile entirely. The jam provided the perfect sweet counterpoint, enhancing the overall experience.

The verdict? While they might not be the absolute best doughnuts I’ve ever tasted in my life, they were certainly pretty darn good, especially when adorned with that delightful topping of jam. Their unique flavor and texture, combined with the underlying health benefits, made them a satisfying and guilt-free treat. It’s a testament to how even slight adjustments can elevate a recipe.

GRAIN-FREE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR DOUGHNUTS

(Makes 6)
Adapted from: Paleo Spirit

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon of salt
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, melted
• ¼ cup of warm apple cider vinegar

Steps:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 deg Fahrenheit (180 deg Cel).
2. Generously grease a doughnut pan.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed.
4. In a separate, larger bowl, beat the eggs, honey, and melted coconut oil together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
5. Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is just well-combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add the warm apple cider vinegar to the batter and mix until it is fully incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain.
7. Carefully pour the batter evenly into each individual doughnut mold in the doughnut pan.
8. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a doughnut comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.

This journey, from contemplating the distant future to experimenting in the kitchen, underscores a fundamental truth: life is a continuous lesson. Whether through introspection about aging or the simple joy of baking grain-free doughnuts, embracing curiosity and a willingness to learn makes every stage of life richer and more fulfilling.