They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but six weeks on the road makes the heart crave a very specific kind of stillness. After days of navigating the USA—visiting wonderful friends and clients and working the trade show circuit—followed by a heart-warming stopover in Utrecht to see our daughter, I am finally back in the Kalahari.

Six weeks of no routine, “quick and on-the-go” meals, and constant movement have been traded for the familiar, grounding red sands of home.And what a homecoming it is! The Kalahari is in full bloom, transformed by the magic of the summer rains. The desert isn’t just surviving; it’s celebrating.

Slowly, the rhythm of Africa is returning to my daily life. I’ve traded the rush of airports and meeting schedules, for slower mornings. There is something sacred about brewing a fresh pot of coffee, spooning a bowl of Bircher Muesli, and sitting on the porch to watch the sun rise over the savannah.

It’s in these moments, watching the light catch the landscape I love so much, that I feel my internal clock finally reset.

I know overnight oats aren’t for everyone, but if you love a super chewy, textured breakfast, this is for you. It is the ultimate healthy, make-ahead meal that keeps me fueled until lunch.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. I grate a fresh apple directly into the oats, mix in the yogurt and a splash of juice, and let everything chill in the fridge overnight. By the time the sun starts to peek over the horizon the next morning, it’s perfect.

I add my toppings based on what the season provides—sometimes nuts for crunch, sometimes extra berries—and head to the porch with a coffee and journal in hand. I might briefly reminisce about sundrenched balconies in Europe, but as I look out at the greening Kalahari, I know exactly where I’m meant to be. HOME.

Love from my Kalahari Kitchen,

Aldalene

Recipe for Bircher muesli on the next page.

BIRCHER MUESLI (or Overnight Oats)

A nourishing bowl of goodness ready and waiting for you every morning. A family favourite breakfast whether you are in a rush or enjoying a lazy weekend breakfast. This Bircher Muesli recipe is quick, easy and wonderfully healthy. It will keep you full for hours and will not doubt become your ‘go to’ recipe for a wholesome, delicious breakfast.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups/150g rolled or quick oats (Keep in mind, when using rolled or old-fashioned oats, they will require a longer soak time than quick oats. )
• 1¾ cups/420ml milk
• ¼ cup/60ml apple juice
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 apples, cored and grated with the peel
• 1-2 tablespoons honey
• 1½ cups/375g plain yogurt
• A dash of cinnamon (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ground cinnamon, to taste
• drizzle of honey or maple syrup
• Seeds: pumpkin seeds, chia seeds
• Nuts, chopped
• Fresh berries
• Diced dates, coconut flakes
• Stewed apples/pears
• Scoop of protein powder

INSTRUCTIONS

• Coarsely grate the apple. Mix the grated apple, rolled oats, apple juice, yoghurt, milk and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined. Cover and place in the fridge overnight.
• Next morning remove from fridge
• Spoon in a breakfast bowl.
• Add your favourite toppings

When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?”

“What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?”

“I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet.

Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “It’s the same thing,” he said.”
― A.A. Milne