| Kitchen Witchery A Kitchen Witch is also known as a Green Witch or a Cottage Witch. All this really means is someone who loves creating in the kitchen by using herbs and spices to enchant their guests. When I was young, I remember a time when I would sit in the woods near our home and play. Unlike the other children who were sledding and entertaining themselves with playmates, I would sit in the woods and make snow bowls instead of snowballs. The berries that were still left on the trees would become the focus of my snow bowl. There was something about the woods and the silence. How the beauty of the contrasting colors of red berries and white snow evokes a memory of a time forgotten. The comfort of the woods and my desire to make a home for myself there has led me down a varied path. Always concerned for hearth and home, I’ve gone to great lengths to make friends and family feel comfortable while there visiting. Moreover my own desire to feel comfortable, seems to have been the driving force for my obsession. For what is the home, but a place of safety security and refuge from the outside world? Any time you welcome someone into your sanctuary, you have invited them into your world. Offering them a glimpse of who you are. Considering this,…. how important is it then, that this place be one of suitable representation. When they enter your home, they enter into a piece of you and your Magick.
Here are a few of our favorite recipes:
Recipe for Runic Cheese Bread 1 large loaf Vienna bread 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup melted butter 1 tsp lemon juice (fresh lemon juice works best) 2 tsp chopped fresh onion 1 tsp seasoned salt 1 tsp poppy seed 1 tsp dry mustard. Take the Vienna bread and cut 1" diagonal slices (left to right) along the bread. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bread. The cuts should be 3/4 of the way through the loaf. Then start making opposite diagonal cuts (right to left), this will give the effect of several small "x" shaped pieces. This X shape is the rune sign of Gyfu (Gebo) which stands for gift, when this symbol is made in a repetitive manor it also forms the symbol of Ingwaz (Ing) XX which stands for fertility or completion. This bread is a wonderful addition to a Llammas or Mabon celebration. Consider substituting the Vienna bread, for Egg Bread, Italian, Wheat, etc. Also the cheese selection can be changed to compliment the bread substitution. Using 2 layers of large size foil. Place the pre-cut loaf on top of the foil layers. Using the 2 cups of shredded cheese, tuck the cheese in between the sliced bread cubes. Melt the butter and to it add the remaining ingredients. Pour this mixture over the cheese and bread, allowing it to drizzle down inside the cut cubes. Pull the two sides of the foil to the top of the bread, fold and carefully roll down leaving an air pocket between the top of the bread and the foil. This will insure the cheese does not stick to the top of the foil during baking. Sometimes I add a fresh sprig of rosemary on top of the bread, this smells wonderful while baking and gives a hint of flavor. This recipe can be made ahead and frozen or stored in the refrigerator until use. Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes.
Full Moon Shortbread Cookies - Delightful Buttery Orbs 1 cup butter 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 2 cups flour Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter and powdered sugar together. Add baking powder and salt to the flour. Add flour mixture to blended butter mixture a 1/4 cup at a time until mixed. This recipe is perfect for a Full Moon celebration. During the moon cycles of waxing and waning, we find a wonderful opportunity to align ourselves with these energies and our magickal workings. During the waxing moon, we should work with drawing what we want towards us. If you need expansiveness, abundance or if you wish to manifest something to you, then work with full moon energy. When working with the dough, be mindful of your intentions. Be clear and focused on the magikcal workigs you have in mind. If asking for prosperity, assume you already have it, your actions should be ones of positive thought. For example: I draw to me abundance and prosperity. I have more than I need in every area of my life and I open myself to receive the abundance of The Universe. Roll out dough directly on cookie sheet. Place a damp towel under the sheet to prevent slipping as you roll. Roll out your favorite moon shapes and bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes or until lightly brown around the edges. Dark of the Moon Cookies - Brown Sugar Krinkles 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) cup butter 1 cup brown sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup molasses 2 1/4 cup flour 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp ginger 1/2 tsp cloves 1/4 tsp salt Cream together the first 4 ingredients until light and fluffy. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Chill before attempting to roll dough in balls. This recipe is perfect for a Dark of the Moon (New Moon) celebration. During the moon cycles of waxing and waning, we find a wonderful opportunity to align ourselves with these energies and our magickal workings. During the waning moon, we should work with removing that which we want out of our lives. Waning Moons should be used to divert or redirect energy away from us. When working with the dough, be mindful of your intentions. Be clear and focused on the magikcal workings you have in mind. If you seek prosperity, we need to release our fears about money and success. We should concentrate on those areas of your life that may be preventing you from attaining it. For example: I release my need for financial insecurity, I release my fear of wealth and I release my need for debt. Roll in 1" balls and dip in sugar. Place 3 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake in 350 oven, 8–10 minutes.
VINEGARS Flavored vinegars and oils add an extra kick to marinades, sauces, and dressings. If you are looking for an elegant and thoughtful gift to make for any holiday, try these savory blends that are sure to enhance any meal. If you grow your own herbs, this is a great way to use up any excess before the growing season is over. We hope you enjoy these unique blends.
Vinegar Base 1 small bunch of parsley 1 teaspoon of peppercorns 1/8 teaspoon of salt 1 clove of garlic, peeled 1 quart of your choice of vinegar: cider, white distilled, rice wine, white wine, or red wine Place the parsley, garlic, salt and pepper in a 2 quart ceramic or glass bowl. Bring the vinegar to a boil. Pour the vinegar over the herbal mixture in the bowl. Cover and let the mixture stand for two days. Strain the mixture and decant into a sterilized bottle. Add one to three sprigs of the herbs of your choice. Seal the bottle with a cork or lid. Let stand for two more weeks before using. Flavor combinations :Tarragon and lemon in white wine vinegar Chives, basil, and parsley in white wine vinegar Oregano, rosemary and thyme in red wine vinegar Lemon and dill in cider vinegar Garlic, chives blossoms and chervil in red wine vinegar Cilantro, jalapeño pepper and lime in white distilled vinegar (this one is hot) Ginger root and cilantro in rice wine vinegar OILS 1 teaspoon peppercorns 8 to 10 sprigs of your choice of herbs Olive oil to fill the container you are using 1 sterile bottle or wide mouth canning jar Place the herbs and peppercorns into the sterile bottle or wide mouth canning jar. Use a funnel to decant the olive oil into the bottle to cover the herbs. Seal and let stand for one month before using. Flavor combinations:Lemon and dill Tarragon and chive Lemon and garlic Garlic, onion, and basil Basil and garlic Cilantro and Lime Rosemary and Marjoram Garlic, onion, oregano and red bell pepper Note: When using large pieces of fruit or vegetables, cut them into small wedges or pieces to fit into the bottle. Use bamboo skewers to hold the pieces together in the bottle. Use herb vinegar in salad dressings, marinades, or to deglaze pans.For Relaxing Bath Time Fizzy Bath Salts 2/3 cup baking soda 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup citric acid 1/2 cup oat starch 1 cup buttermilk powder 2 cups sea salt 30-40 drops essential oil (your choice of scent)2-3 tablespoons meadowfoam seed oil. Blending Procedure: Mix the dry ingredients and mica powder together in a large bowl. Stir well to combine. You can add more baking soda and citric acid to get more "fizz". In another container, combine the essential oil and the meadowfoam seed oil and mix well. Slowly add the scented oil blend to the dry ingredients. Add enough of the scented oil to make the dry ingredients slightly moist but still loose and crumbly. Store in an air tight glass jar. To use, sprinkle into bath water and enjoy. |