Black foods nourish your Kidneys in Chinese Medicine and are believed to hold special qualities. Your kidneys are the keepers of essence and serve as your root and foundation. Your kidneys are responsible for your development and growth over a lifetime. They are associated with the winter season, the bleeding phase of your menstrual cycle and your bones. Can you name black foods that you eat? 

Sesame seeds are exceptionally good at nourishing the kidneys. They also act as a tonic to lubricate the intestines and the five yin organs (heart, liver, kidney, spleen-pancreas, and lungs). Their neutral thermal nature and sweet flavoring tonifies the yin fluids and blood. 

Wintertime is the perfect season for warmed foods, so here's a warm cereal to nourish your liver and kidneys, build your blood and moisten you from the inside out. This recipe is from my dear friend Jen Lau. 

You'll need: 

2 tablespoons of roasted black sesame seeds

1/4 cup white or brown short grain rice

2 cups of water

A pinch of sea salt

Honey or other natural sweetener of choice

Plant milk of choice

Fresh seasonal fruit to top (optional)

Directions:

In a food processor or blender, grind the sesame seeds and rice together as finely as possible to form a black powder.

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil, then add the black powder a little at a time, stirring constantly to keep mixture from clumping. Add a little salt if you'd like here. 

Lower the heat to a simmer, and continue to stir for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the rice is cooked. The mixture should be creamy and smooth; if the texture is still a bit grainy, wait until it cools, then pop the mixture back into your food processor or blender and whirl until creamy.

Add honey to taste. Top with plant milk and sliced fresh fruit, if desired. Enjoy!!!