#thehearthwitchery

[the-hearth-witchery]

Healthy and Wealthy Lemonade

We could all use a little immune boost and good fortune these days. And with Spring coming in full force, this is a refreshing way to bring the sun and its abundance into your life. And it’s a great source of Vitamin C!

Ingredients

4-5 big lemons

2-3 mandarin oranges

4 cups of water

3/4 cup agave syrup (or 1/2 cup sugar)

Lots of ice

Instructions

Juice the lemons and oranges. Set aside.

In a pot, heat 2 cups of water and agave (or sugar) over low heat, stirring until combined. Remove from heat.

Put a ton of ice in your pitcher/container. Pour in sweetened water, and citrus juice. Add remaining cold water. Stir.

Taste your lemonade! Add more water or sweetener, depending on your preference.

Notes: 

Roll your fruit before cutting and juicing. This will help you to get more juice out of each one. 

My friend likes to add a dash of lavender to hers. But be careful! Lavender can overpower even citrus, so add a little bit at a time.

Correspondences

Agave - Life and abundance

Lemon - Health

Mandarin - Health, Luck, and Abundance/Prosperity

[the-hearth-witchery]

Potato Soup for the Healing Heart

One of the things I love most about soup is its ability to heal the heart, body, and soul. A few simple ingredients, no matter how little you may have, can come together to create a whole and satisfying meal. You can dress these creations up or down, add or switch ingredients to suit your own needs. And who doesn’t love tucking into a nice bowl of soup, stew, or chowder?

Ingredients

4-5 slices bacon, diced (optional)

4 tablespoons butter

1/3 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, diced

1/4 cup flour

2 cups beef or vegetable broth

1 1/2 cups milk or oatmilk/almond milk

2 cups potatoes, diced (mixed small potatoes or golden)

1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Allspice (careful! This can easily overpower a dish)

2-3 large Bay leaves

Cayenne

Marjoram

Rosemary

Thyme

Salt and Pepper

Instructions

OPTIONAL. In large pot, cook bacon (if desired) until crispy. Dice and set aside. Leave bacon grease in pot.

Melt butter and saute onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. 

Add flour and cook another minute or so, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn.

Add broth and simmer another few more minutes. Add milk, potatoes, and half of diced bacon. Add spices. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook until potatoes are soft.*

Stir in cheese, if desired. Adjust salt/pepper to taste.

Serve warm and with toppings. You can dress it up with bacon, cheese, sour cream, peppers, chives, green onions, etc. It’s up to you!

*Note: Remove some of the potatoes, mash them, and then return to the pot. Cook another few minutes for a heartier, thicker soup.

Correspondences

Potatoes represent healing and stability. They can be used to absorb negative energy.

Onions ward off disease

Other Healing Herbs

Allspice

Bay

Cayenne

Garlic

Marjoram

Rosemary

Thyme

[the-hearth-witchery]

The Magick of Cherries

Cherries are officially in season! A sumptuous and indulgent fruit, cherries bring love and cheer to any lazy June afternoon. 

Cherries are associated with love, creativity, and feminine magick. The stones, or pits, have long been used for divination. Add dried cherries to salads or desserts to attract new love. Cherry jams and compotes make particularly wonderful additions to savory dishes as well. 

[the-hearth-witchery]

Banish Negativity (with chocolate muffins)

Sometimes you have a not so great day and feelings of negativity creep in. Never fear! Chocolate muffins can help banish those bad vibes (just don’t forget to lick the bowl). 

Ingredients

2/3 cup of cocoa

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup milk (or almond milk)

2 tablespoons espresso

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 stick butter, melted

1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare muffin pan. 

Mix coca, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon

Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and espresso.

Gradually add dry mixture to wet. Mix in the melted butter. Stir until just combined. Throw in the chocolate chips. 

Pour the batter into the prepared muffin pan. Bake for 20 minutes. 

[the-hearth-witchery]

Kitchen Witch Tip 15/?

Remember that yeast is alive. 

Talking to your bread as you make it is perfectly acceptable.

I find my baking is just a little bit better for it.

[the-hearth-witchery]

Protection and Healing

Besides being wonderful aromatics and flavorful additions to your cooking, Garlic and Bay Leaves are quite useful in any kind of spellwork. 

Garlic aids in protection and healing, especially when hung around the home or added to charmed dishes. It’s also said to induce lust when eaten.

Bay Leaves were a favorite additive in Roman times, and are also used for protection and healing. When added to brews or other foods, Bay Leaves encourage clairvoyance and wisdom. 

[the-hearth-witchery]

Summer Ritual Cookies

So I made these for the first time for my Beltane Feast, and they ended up a wonderfully yummy addition. With the fire-associated cinnamon and the warmth of honey, maple, and vanilla, these cookies work well for any summer ritual or gathering. Use them as offerings or to share with friends.

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened*

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1/2 cup maple syrup, room temperature

1/4 cup honey**

4 large eggs, room temperature***

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup coconut flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons cinnamon

3 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

Beat together butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and honey until smooth.

Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.Slowly add coconut flour and salt. Mix until combined.

In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar. Use batter to create little balls and roll them in the sugar mixture. Place on pan, flattening slightly with a spoon.

Bake for about 13 minutes. 

Transfer from pan and chill in fridge until ready to serve. 

Notes

**To make vegan, swap for agave syrup or just use 1/4 cup more maple syrup instead.

***I haven’t baked a vegan version of this recipe yet. You can use aquafaba (3 tablespoons for each egg), but I’m not sure how it will affect the taste or texture.

You can serve these warm, but I found that the texture was slightly better after being chilled. You can also drizzle a little maple syrup on top for an extra bit of sweet. 

[the-hearth-witchery]

Summer Love Sangria

Who doesn’t like a fruity, boozy treat? Filled with fruits encouraging love and happiness, brew this to find lasting love, or pair with a summer fertility ritual. 

Ingredients

1 bottle of Red Wine - I used a nice Chilean blend here

1 plum

Cherries

1/2 an orange

Grapes

About 1/2 cup of sugar (to taste)

Lemon/Lime (if desired)

Instructions

Just throw everything into your pitcher. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Chill.

Note: This tastes even better the next day!