From The Trees to Seas

Today was one of those blustery autumn days – the kind where the wind whips the leaves across the yard, the rain drums softly on the metal roof, and the whole world feels hushed and golden-gray. With candles glowing and windows fogged, I wanted something cozy, warming, and hearty – but with a twist.

So I turned to my trusty crockpot, my modern-day kitchen cauldron, and decided to make something simple and comforting: a beef and ramen fusion soup that combines the comfort of home cooking with a hint of Asian-inspired flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 package ramen noodles (seasoning removed)

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients – except the noodles – into the crockpot and stir together.
2. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–5 hours.
3. During the last 30 minutes, add the ramen noodles and ensure they’re fully covered by broth.
4. Serve in bowls and top with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.

This soup is hearty yet light, with a beautiful balance of earthy richness and bright spice. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out – perfect for a rainy autumn afternoon.

The best part? It’s a family favorite. Even my oldest, who can sometimes be selective, always goes back for seconds.

✨ A Touch of Kitchen Witchery

This soup carries the energy of grounding earth and transformative fire. As it simmers, it’s steeped in the intention of stability, warmth, and renewal.
Stirring clockwise invites harmony and positivity into your space, blending the energies of each ingredient into something both nourishing and soul-settling.

Because sometimes the simplest meals – made with intention, warmth, and a little bit of magic – are the ones that feed both heart and home.

As the seasons shift, may you always find comfort in what you create with your hands and heart.
—Mikaela