#folkloreandwitchery

[norirosewrites]

The Only Wassail Recipe You’ll Ever Need (I’m Serious)

Ingriedients

6 small apples, sliced or cored 1 large orange + 6 cloves 1 lemon, halved 6 teaspoons soft brown sugar 1 bottle of red wine 2 liters apple cider 3-4 cinnamon sticks 1 Tbsp of mulling spices, wrapped in a muslin bag

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place the fruit on an ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with the brown sugar. Pour approx. 1 cup of water over the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. While the fruit is baking, add the wine, cider, cinnamon sticks and mulling spices to a crock pot turned to high heat. (Pro tip: be sure to tie your mulling spices in a muslin bag for easy clean-up!) Make sure that the wassail is hot before adding the baked fruit. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes before imbibing. Notes: I recommend going with a dry red wine to balance out the sweetness of the apple cider. Alternatively, you could use a sweet red and a crisp cider. Unless you have a monster sweet tooth, in which case, knock youself out. You can also make this recipe non-alcoholic by removing the wine. Every time I make this wassail for a Yule or New Year’s party (in non-pandemic years, anyway) there isn’t a single drop left over by the end of the evening. It also makes an excellent offering for your household spirits, deities, or ancestors. Drink and be merry, my pretties!

[norirosewrites]

Low-Spoon Activities for Yule

Shout-out to all my fellow spoonies who will be celebrating the Winter Solstice this year amid a pandemic, among other things. This one’s for you. 🎄 💛 Solsitce Divination 🔮

The Solstice is a time for reflection on the year that’s past and dreaming for the year ahead. Use your preferred divination medium (Tarot, ogham, runes, tea leaves, etc.) for insight.

Simple Kitchen Magic ☕️

Bake gingerbread or sugar cookies (or your treat of choice), bless the dough, create symbols with icing and sprinkles for prosperity or whatever it is that you’d like to call in for the coming year. Bless your winter beverage of choice on Solstice morning. Create a Solstice meal with simple ingredients to nourish body and soul for the longest night.

Bless Your Greenery 🎄

If you bring a live tree, evergreen boughs, or pinecones into your home as part of your Solstice decorations, bless them and thank them for their presence and magic in a way that feels right to you. If you don’t bring greenery inside, do the same for an outdoor tree nearby. You could also make art to symbolize the evergreen, or donate a few dollars to a reputable org in your area that focuses on tree conservation.

Simple Candle Magic 🕯

Light a small tealight candle. Give thanks for the lessons and blessings of the last year, and set intentions for the year ahead.

Greet the Sun 🌞

Say hello to the new-born sun by singing, ringing bells, or playing your favorite music.