The Color of November / 2023
This month’s color is entirely inspired by a beverage I've been enjoying repeatedly for the last two months: a perfect chai latte from London's Dishoom restaurant.
When I began my Color of the Month project, I knew this month’s color needed to be an homage to some distinct fall flavor – nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, etc.
When I think of November, I immediately think of my mom’s pumpkin pie, my sister’s cinnamon rolls, my grandma’s apple dumplings. Of all the months in the year, I associate this one the most with delicious food.
So, I wanted to celebrate my memories of the Thanksgiving season by selecting Ginger as the color for November. A spiced, practically ochre take on brown.
Ginger is a flavor that’s become one of my favorites in recent years - it’s also a central ingredient in the chai latte I mentioned above. I wanted the color I picked this month to emulate how I feel whenever I take a sip – comforted, cozy, and warm – and I think I came up with the right hue.
Back to the chai. This drink came into my life after my family took a trip to London in the late summer of this year. I didn’t go, but to be fair to them, I was invited.
Anyway, my sister and mom came home with glowing reviews of an Indian restaurant they enjoyed called Dishoom – a recommendation from many friends. They loved it so much that my sister bought their cookbook, determined to bring the flavors of their experience back to her kitchen.
Dishoom’s chai latte was the item they wanted to make first (having ordered dozens of cups during their time in London).
I helped initiate our plans, and we gathered the ingredients we needed.
We followed the instructions down to the smallest detail, and after 20 minutes of simmering and stirring, our drink was ready.
They tasted our homemade pot of chai and approved that the recipe held up to their memories. After I took a sip, I wanted to drink the whole batch. It’s the perfect chai.
For the past several weeks, I’ve been making this recipe at my house whenever I want to feel some cozy fall vibes. It fills my kitchen with the best smell of spices and feelings of gratitude.
Just the other day, I was thinking about how lucky I am to make food from all over the world thanks to cookbooks and blogs and the overall sharing of information via the internet. It’s such a wonderful moment in history for flavorful food.
Without traveling to India or even London, I still get to appreciate this incredible drink in my home – and now I’m able to incorporate it into the recipes that I’ll continue making for myself and my future family in years to come.
How special is that?
When I think of the Thanksgiving season, particular food and drinks and colors always come to mind. Now, this chai gets to be a part of those memories, and November’s color selection reflects that fun new addition.
I’m sure you have memories of meals or drinks that you associate with November. I’d love to hear about your favorite one if you’d be up for sharing! Email me anytime. ;)
And if you’d like to try this chai, I’ve designed my own recipe card for you to enjoy below. Perhaps it’ll become a part of your holiday traditions, too.
Fall leaves in Chattanooga, TN.
Somewhere north of Chattanooga, TN – on a trip with our friends and their children.
I’m a Floridian who finds a lot of delight in the tiny details of fall.
Rhythms of Grace — 2023, 48” x 48”, Mixed media on stretched canvas
With the season in mind, this piece seemed to emulate falling leaves.
This Nov. 25 will be Jesús’ 34th birthday :)
