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Mulled Cider

Mon, 07/28/2008 - 10:32 — kitchenwitch
Ingredients:

½ gallon apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
1 orange, sliced

Put it all in a saucepan. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain and serve hot.

Notes:

This beverage is traditional at harvest gatherings and as a special treat when the kids come in from Trick or Treating on Halloween, or to warm up your hands sitting around the bonfire on Samhain. It's a great warm up on a brisk autumn day.

We use apple cider for our harvest and Samhain libations. It is great for giving thanks for successes in the areas of prosperity and love, and for drawing prosperity and love. This beverage features both sun energies and cthonic energies.

Quick Witch Tips:

You can buy mulling spices at most grocery stores in the late autumn. Follow the directions on the package.

Extra Hot Chocolate

Mon, 07/28/2008 - 09:56 — kitchenwitch
Ingredients:

Per serving you need-
1 cup of milk
a dash cayenne pepper powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp Cocoa
1 tsbsp powdered milk
1 drop vanilla extract

Combine all dried ingredients and mix well. Warm the milk in a sauce pan, stirring constantly. Do not allow it to boil!

Notes:

I have heard this called Mexican and Aztec hot chocolate, though I'm not sure that's accurate. Either way, it warms you to the toes and keeps you warm much longer than other folks's cocoa and it's got a greater depth of flavor. It's also not very sweet so you might want to provide your guests with a sugar bowl.
For some, chocolate is a traditional Day of the Dead offering and this makes a great libation during Samhain and Rites of Passing. For others, this beverage combines the energies of Ares and Aphrodite and that means passion- like Beltane. But it might be too hot.

This beverage is warming in more ways than one. It's a playful blend of male and female energies that will get your circulation going and may spark a bit of lust while it's at it. Be prepared for the release of some very playful energies when you prepare this beverage; Perfect for snuggling on a cold winter's night.

But this isn't an adult's only beverage; kids love it too and t's great for a sledding break.

Quick Witch Tips:

Just add some cinnamon, ceyenne and vanilla to some instant hot cocoa for a quick treat.

Lemon

Tue, 02/26/2008 - 10:48 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Citrus limon

Zones:
tropical

Lemons are evergreen trees native to Asia. Lemon trees have smooth, green oval leaves which produce fragrant flowers in the winter followed by the tart yellow fruits we know and love.

Propagation:

Lemon trees prefer a warm habitat, full sun and no frost. Lucky for those of us who live where winter still happens, lemon trees can be grown indoors and there are dwarf varieties that fit nicely in large pots that you can bring indoors whenever the temperature dips below 30 degrees Farenheight.

Lemons prefer well-drained, slightly acid (but not too acid) soil. Mulch thickly, but don't let the mulch touch the trunk. Water deeply weekly, but give your tree a good misting daily. Deadhead the flowers that appear for the first few years to give the tree a chance to establish its root system before it puts energy into making fruit.

Meyer lemons are recommended as a good variety for growing indoors.

If your tree is indoors all the time, you may need to artificially pollinate it to get fruit. Use a q-tip to move pollen from one flower to another.

History and Folklore:
Harvesting & Storage:

Lemons are ripe when they are bright yellow and firm and smell marvelous.

They can be stored at room temperature for several days and for serveral weeks in the fridge. The peel can be dried on paper towels and stored in sealed jars for up to a year for use in cooking or potpourri. Leaves can be plucked as needed.

Household Use:

Lemon trees make great bonzai specimens.

Lemon juice is a great rinse for hair and will gradually lighten hair if used regularly.

Show your kids how to use lemon to send secret messages to their friends. Write with a toothpick dipped in lemon juice and let it dry. Heat over a lightbulb (or whatever) to make the message reapper!

Check out this book for more:
Lemon Magic: 200 Beauty and Household Uses for Lemons and Lemon Juice

Magical Attributes:

Lemons can be used to celebrate lunar deities and lemonaid is especially good for summertime rituals.

Lemon juice is purifying and cleansingi and can be used to that capacity in rituali, try using it as an asperge or using lemon bath products in your ritual bath. Lemon leaf can be added to a bath tea for the same purpose. Either lemon oil can be added to washwater, or lemon leaf can be steaped in it to cleanse your home.

Lemon flowers are used in love spells and the rind can be added to baked goods prepared with loving intent.

The fruit can be used to turn away harmful spells or the evil eye.

Healing Attributes:

The juice of one fresh, organic lemon mixed with six ounces of water is a wonderful cleansingi and purifying tonic to be drunk twice a day! It helps with digestion by assisting in the cleansing of the entire digestive tract and can relieve bloating, indigestion, gas, constipation and diarrhea. It is also a liver stimulant and helps cleanse the system of toxins, particularly uric acid. It is useful for rheumatism, excessive menstruation, asthma and supports the immune system during times of illness.

Served hot with a bit of honey, lemon water is a traditional remedy for all manner of colds, fevers, sore throats and general congestion.

Drinking lemon water regularly will ensure proper digestion of your food and absorption its nutrients.

Lemon water should be used instead of oral electorlyte solutions (like Pedialyte or Gaterade) for rehydrating purposes because it works and it has less sugar.

Some people are sensitive to lemons. This may manifest as a headache or asthmatic symptoms. The acid in lemons is damaging to tooth enamel.

Culinary Use:

Lemons have a variety of culinary uses.

It is often used in beverages such as lemonaid, tea, and lemon water.

Lemon juice sprinkled over other fruit or potatoes will prevent them from turning brown after they are cut and peeled.

Lemon juice is a traditional flavoring for fish, and is also good on rice and bean dishes. Try this instead of salt.

Lemon peels contain pectin, which helps set jams and jellies. They are also frequently added to candies, cookies, cakes and other sweets.

Note that in modern farming methods, lemons are heavily doused in pesticides. Go organic with these!

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Heather

Mon, 01/07/2008 - 21:02 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Calluna vulgaris

Zones:
4-8
Other Names:
Scot's heather, Heath, Froach, Ling, Scotch heather

This is a European native common to fields, ditches and waste areas in the cooler areas of Europe and the British Isles, especially in the heath land habitats where it is an important food source for

Propagation:

Heather will do best in zones 4-8, it prefers a bright area with acidic soil and good drainage. There are a few varieties who will tolerate some shade, but not many. Young heather should be watered regularly, but established plants shouldn't need extra water unless threatened with drought. It takes 2-3 years to reach its full size. Do not fertilize, as this plant prefers poor soil. Peat or pine needle mulch can be used. Heather should not be pruned, as this causes it to dry out faster. It does well in a container as well as in the garden.

The seeds are tiny and take up to two months to germinate. They require sunlight (don't cover them) and moisture, and cold treatment before planting is very helpful. You can sow it in the fall, or in containers at midwinter.

Deer and other grazing animals love to nibble on heather, as do the heather beetle and many butterfly and moth larvae. This makes in a wonderful addition to a butterfly or nature garden, but rather high maintenance for use as an ornamental. It is also susceptible to root rot where drainage is not sufficient.

Heather releases a chemical that prevents other plants from growing near it. Keep this in mind when planning your garden.

History and Folklore:

The word Calluna is derived from the Greek meaning "to sweep"

Heather (along with thistle) is the national flower of Scotland.

In Scotland farmers carried torches around their fields before midsummer to insure good crops and around their cattle to ensure their fertility.

Harvesting & Storage:

Cut flowering stems in autumn. They don't like being cut, so it's best to do it at the end of the growing season and hang to dry for later use.

Household Use:

Heather dries well and can be used in many crafts. The branches can be woven into wreathes, baskets, mats, and are traditionally used to make brooms.

The roots can be made into musical pipes.

Heather yields a yellow dye.

Magical Attributes:

Heather is feminine in nature and ruled by Venus and the element of water. It is also associated with Gemini and, accordingly, Mercury. It is represented by the Ogham letter Ura. It is associated with the God Nechtan Mac Labraid, the Cupbearer of the Tuatha De Dannan, guardian of the sacred well of Segais and husband of Boane, after whom the river Boyne in Ireland is named. Also, Isis, Osiris, Venus, Aphrodite

Heather can be used in spells relating to new beginnings, and self-discovery, enhancing physical beauty and bringing a peaceful resolution to any conflict. It is also used at initiations.

Keeping heather about the house will attract friendly spirits and will bring peace to the household. Carrying heather will attract positive energies, general good luck and protect against rape and other violent assaults, making it useful for traveling sachets.

Burning heather together with fern will aid in magic designed to bring rain. The two plants can also be bundled together and used to sprinkle water on the ground for the same purpose.

Heather helps in summoning spirits and attracts faeries to the garden.

Heather is a good plant to use to make besoms and can be added to midsummer fires to ensure the fertility of the attendants.

Heather is said to be stained with the blood of war in Scotland, thus, white heather is the luckiest and the best for use in magic.

Heather should be part of a bridal bouquet or the decorations to ensure good luck to the couple and peace and cooperation in their household.

Healing Attributes:

Heather is useful for ailments of the genitourinary systems, including stones, kidney and bladder infections, vaginal discharge, enlarged prostate, and menstrual and menopausal symptoms. It stimulates the flow of bile and urine, making it useful in cleansingi and purifying teas.

It is also a soothing herb and is good for spasmodic complaints in any system, including stomach and intestinal cramping and spasmodic coughs. Its soothing nature also makes it good for nervousness and insomnia.

It can also be added to salves for gout and rheumatism and to soothing skin preparations.

Heather may raise blood pressure slightly, and should not be used by people with blood pressure issues.

Culinary Use:

A recipe for heather beer was found on pre-Pict potsherds dating back to 2000 BC. Heather ale remains a popular beverage in Scotland. It also makes a pleasing tea.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Crocus

Sun, 01/06/2008 - 20:51 — DawnBlack
Botanical Name:

Crocus spp.

Zones:
Most
Other Names:
Spring blooming crocus, spring crocus, early crocus, snow crocus, autumn crocus, saffron crocus

Crocus are members of the iris family native to Central and Eastern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and western China.

Propagation:

Most crocuses like full sun and well drained soil, though there is quite a bit of variation between species. Be sure to do your research for the specific species you have.

Crocuses grow from corms, which are planted in autumn about 2-3 inches deep. They will pop up from beneath the snow like daisies (why do they say pop up like daisies- they don't pop. Crocuses do!) in the early spring. They can be killed by a late frost though.

Squirrels like to eat crocus corms.

In areas colder than zone 6, autumn crocuses may not do well in cold winters. After the first couple of frosts, but before winter has really set in, they should be dug up and stored covered with sand or peat moss in a cool dry place, about 50 degrees until after the danger of frost has passed in the spring.

After about 4 to 6 years, your crocuses will need to be divided. Do this by digging up the corms right after the foliage has faded and replanting them right away or storing them in a box of sand or peat moss until autumn planting time.

History and Folklore:

The name crocus is krokos in Greek, karkom in Hebrew, kurkama in Aramaic, and kurkum in Arabic and Persion. It means yellow, presumably referring to the saffron spice obtained from the autumn saffron crocus although this flower is actually purple! Saffron is an extremely expensive ingredient made from the sexual organs of Crocus sativa that also produces a fabulous yellow dye.

Although many of our garden crocuses are "Dutch", they are not native to the Netherlands but were first brought there by an ambassador from the Holy Roman Empire.

Homer referred often to the Goddess Eos as saffron-robed.

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Some sites claim that saffron is $200-300 per ounce. I've seen it at $90 an ounce, but this may not have been the good stuff. It was used to dye the robes of royalty and was once a symbol of status and wealth.

Harvesting & Storage:

You can pick any crocus and put it in a vase to bring its beauty into the house.

Crocus sativa is an autumn blooming crocus that provides saffron. The finest saffron is made from the stigmas. The next finest grade is fram the stamens. The petals can be eaten as a vegetable. Harvest the stigmas and stamens (there are 3 of each, if there aren't, you've got the wrong flower) on a sunny day when the flowers are fully open. You can pick the whole flower, or simply pluck out the parts you want with your fingers or a pair of tweezers.

Lay your stigmas flat on a bit of waxed paper in a warm place to dry and store in an air tight container.

Household Use:

Saffron can be used to make a fabulous bright yellow dye, paint or ink. You need to use a mordant such as alum to make the saffron colorfast or the color will be gone the first time you use it. It can also be used to color eggs. Use vinegar in the water to set the color.
I will experiment more with this and get back to you.
Next year, after my saffron has grown.
If I don't kill it.

Magical Attributes:

Spring crocus is associated with Venus, Eos and Aphrodite, water and Mercury and Venus.

Saffron is associated with Eos and with Venus and Aphrodite. It is also associated with the Sun and mars, Leo and fire. For centuries, saffron has been associated with wealth, power and rarity. This makes it an excellent offering for any deity and is a traditional ingredient in crescent moon cakes made in honor of the Phoenician Goddess Ashtoreth.

It is also useful in spells aimed toward wealth and recognition, to bring strength. It can also be infused into holy wateri and burned in censors for various rituals.

It is also proported to be an aphrodesiac. Hot date? Two words. Indian food.

An infusioni of saffron is also said to help enhance psychic abilities.

Rinsing bedlinens in an infusion of saffron (or possibly a whole crocus) is said to help bring strength to the body while one sleeps.

Spring crocus is a traditional decoration for early spring festivals such as Imbolc and Ostara. It is also useful for all spells related to new beginnings.

Any crocus (autumn, spring, whatever) can be used in spells for love, friendship, settling disputes, peace and divinationi.

Healing Attributes:

Saffron has been used for treating a variety of illnesses including measles, bladder, kidney and liver disorders and diabetes. Modern studies show that it may be useful in treating cancer by helping to fight tumers and easing the discomfort associated with chemotherapy. It has also been used to treat recovering alcoholics and is said to help repair damage done to the brain by alcoholism. An infusioni of saffron is said to help relieve depression.

Culinary Use:

Stigmas gathered from Crocus sativa (and only this one, no other species!) is a common flavoring in many ethnic dishes. The red-orange threads should be soaked for 20 minutes in whatever liquid you are using for your recipe and then added early in the cooking process.

Saffron is especially good with rice and is a traditional ingredient in many rice dishes.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

You only need to use a few threads of saffron for cooking. Its flavor is not strong, but it doesn't get stronger if you use more, it just wastes money.

Be sure if you are eating a crocus (petals, stamen, stigmas) that you are eating Crocus sativa. It will have six petals, three bright orangish red stigmas and three similarly colored stamen and 6-9 grasslike leaves. The petals will be violet in color, darker at the throat and somewhat vieny.

Thyme

Sat, 12/29/2007 - 10:24 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Thymus spp

Zones:
4-9

Thyme is a member of the mint family. It is generally a low growing perennial, winter hardy to zone five.

Propagation:

Thyme prefers full sun to part shade and loose, fast draining soil, preferably sandy. The roots should never be allowed to stay wet. Thyme is winter hardy, but a light mulch will protect it when the ground freezes. It does not need fertilizers. Thyme does best if it is pruned in the spring or summer after its first year.

With the exception of Common Thyme, which is light germinated, so seeds should be scattered on the surface, the seeds are small and slow to germinate, and many varieties are sterile cultivars, so it is best to propagate by division or cuttings, or buy a plant at your local nursery.

Thyme and lavender grow well together, perhaps mainly because they enjoy the same conditions.

Grow thyme amongst cabbages to protect them from cabbage worms, flies, beetles and aphids.

History and Folklore:

The word Thyme comes from the Greek meaning to "fumigate". This indicates that it was used as a smudgingi herb. The Greeks thought very highly of Thyme. It was mixed in drinks to enhance intoxicating effects and induce bravery and warriors were massaged with thyme oil to ensure their courage. Women wore thyme in their hair to enhance their attractiveness. The phrase "to smell of thyme" meant that one was stylish, well groomed, poised, and otherwise attractive.

Thyme is a Mediterranean native spread throughout Europe by the Romans. Their soldiers added it to their bathwater to increase bravery, strength and vigor.

It enjoyed a long association with bravery. In Medieval England, ladies embroidered sprigs of thyme into their knights' scarves to increase their bravery. In Scotland, highlanders brewed tea to increase courage and keep away nightmares.

Thyme was used as early as 3000 BCE by Sumerians as an antiseptic. It does indeed have impressic antiseptic qualities.

It was used as an embalming herb in ancient Egypt and was burned in other places as offerings to celebrate Rites of Passing. It was placed in coffins throughout Europe to ensure passage into the next world.

Harvesting & Storage:

Leaves can be harvested as needed throughout the year. Give the plant a year to get established before doing any heavy harvesting. The best flavor is right before flowering.

Thyme dries very well. It should be dried as any other herb on the stem and the leaves stripped off later.

Household Use:

The tiny flowers will attract bees to your garden. Honey made from these flowers is highly prized.

Sachets of thyme hung in your closet or folded in with your stored clothes will keep moths out, and smells nicer than mothballs.
Oil of thyme can be used as a household cleaning agent as it is good germ killer and drives away pests. Just put a few drops in a spray bottle with 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.

A strong infusioni of thyme makes a great hair rinse for dark hair and repels head lice. You can add rosemary as well if you have problems with dandruff.

Magical Attributes:

Thyme is feminine in nature and associated with the element of water and the planet Venus. Thyme is also associated with Freya, Aphrodite and Ares.

Thyme can be used in spells to increase strength and courage.

When working hard to achieve a goal that seems unachievable, thyme can be used to keep a positive attitude.

Smudgei your home with thyme to dispel melancholy, hopelessness and other mellow but negative vibrations, especially after a family tragedy or during a long sickness.

Place thyme beneath your pillow for a restful sleep and happy dreams and to prevent nightmares.

Faeries love thyme. Its addition to your garden will attract them and it can be used in spells to communicate with faeries.

Thyme is excellent in rituali baths and smudgingi for early spring festivals when we seek to leave the old behind and begin anew.

Healing Attributes:

The tiny flowers will attract bees to your garden. Honey made from these flowers is highly prized.

Sachets of thyme hung in your closet or folded in with your stored clothes will keep moths out, and smells nicer than mothballs.
Oil of thyme can be used as a household cleaning agent as it is good germ killer and drives away pests. Just put a few drops in a spray bottle with 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.

A strong infusioni of thyme makes a great hair rinse for dark hair and repels head lice. You can add rosemary as well, if you have problems with dandruff.

Medical Use

Thyme has been used as a cough remedy and digestive aid as well as a treatment for internal parasites.
The active constituent, Thymol, has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties and a strong scent that helps loosen phlegm and sooths the respiratory system. It is used in many over the counter cold remedies.

It is also used for athlete's foot and hemorrhoids.

For internal use, steep two teaspoons of fresh herb or one teaspoon of dried herb in one cup of boiling water. Drink no more than twice a day, in the morning and evening, to relieve lung problems and dispel parasites.

A stronger tea can be used as a mouthwash to treat sore gums, as a foot soak to get rid of athlete's foot, a body or hair rinse for lice or dip a rag in it and use it as a compress for skin inflammations.

Thyme can also be added to massage oils and bath oils for the treatment of rheumatism and general aches and pains. These oils can also be used for colds and lung complaints.

Use oil of thyme by dropping into an infuser, or into a pan of boiling water and inhaling the fumes up to four times daily to relieve congestion. Never take essential oils internally.

Culinary Use:

Thyme has a long association with cooking and is part of French Bouquet Garni and Herbes de Provence. The most common type of thyme used in cooking is Common Thyme or English Thyme, but there are many varieties that can be used, all bring their own personality to the table.

It adds a marvelous rich flavor to meat dishes and stews. Adds flavor to veggies too and is especially good on potatoes. Actually, you can put thyme on just about anything. Try it on grilled cheese sandwiches or in scrambled eggs. It combines well with parsley, sage and rosemary, as the song says.

Thyme is a tough herb, and should be added early in cooking as the flavor is slowly released by heat.

The flowers are edible as well as the leaves, and make a lovely garnish.

The woody stems can be laid over charcoal when barbequing to flavor the smoke.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Begin new projects with a hearty meal seasoned with thyme and herbed wine.

Serve meals heavily laced with thyme when your family is facing a difficult struggle to attain a goal to ensure that you all remain lighthearted and don't give up hope!

Plant many varieties of thyme inside and outside your home. Plant the small creeping varieties between stepping stones and the trailing varieties in hanging pots near heavy traffic areas. The scent will remind you and anyone else who spends time in your home that you are strong and capable and fill your home with hope and good cheer. Whenever you come home feeling drained and ready to give up, just breathe deeply and be refreshed.

Tomatoes

Sat, 12/29/2007 - 10:09 — DawnBlack
Botanical Name:

Lycopersicon esculentum

Zones:
5-10

Tomatoes are members of the nightshade family along with potatoes and eggplants. They are either upright and bushy in habit, or they grow in trailing vines.

Propagation:

Tomatoes like lots of sun, at least six hours. Plant them deeply in good soil in the sunniest location in your yard. Compost the base of the plant. As your plants get taller, you will probably need to stake it to keep it upright. You can do this with a stick and some string, tie the string to the plant and then to the stick (Don’t hogtie the plant to the stick) or you can use a tomato cage. Occasional pruning will produce bigger fruits.

Tomatoes grow well in containers. Use 3 gallon buckets or larger. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but don’t over water either. Be sure to water the soil and not the leaves to prevent fungal infections. Cut back on watering and stop fertilizing when the tomato begins to fruit. Tomatoes reseed readily.

Depending on the variety, tomatoes may be red, orange, yellow or green when they are ripe. Tomatillos (little green tomatoes inside husks that look like Chinese lanterns) are ready when the husks starti to split. Be sure to harvest your tomatoes the moment they are ripe, or their skins may start to split or the birds and squirrels will eat them. Tomatoes reseed readily. A fruit abandoned to rot on the ground will return next year, whether you want it or not.

Tomatoes often have problems with hornworms.

History and Folklore:

The botanical name for tomatoes means “edible wolf peach”.
Tomatoes are native to Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador where they have been cultivated since time immemorial. Common folklore says that when Christopher Columbus first landed in South America he decided the Orinoco River in Venezuela (where he discovered tomatoes) was the gateway to the Garden of Eden.

Tomatoes were once considered a powerful aphrodisiac and associated with the temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden. Their French name, Pomme d’amore (apple of love) and the Spanish name poma amoris, reflect this. Hungarians called it paradice appfel (Apple of Paradise). The Greeks called it pomadora, Golden Apple, and associated it with the Hesperides and the golden apples of Hera.

At any rate, it was about 150 years after their discovery before Europeans considered them safe for civilized consumption and even then they were only suitable as ingredients for sauce. Those who weren’t afraid they would succumb to uncontrollable lust at the taste feared their teeth might fall out.

In 1820, Robert Johnson of New Jersey announced that he was going to publicly eat a tomato. People came from miles around to see what they were sure was a foolish act that would end in a horrible death. He, of course, survived.

Harvesting & Storage:

Tomatoes will last for several days at room temperature. Their flavor is best if they are not stored inside a refrigerator. If they aren’t completely ripe when picked, they will ripen off the vine.

Tomatoes do not freeze well, but they can beautifully and can be made into sauces and salsa and canned for use later in the year. Sun dried tomatoes are delicious.

Household Use:
Magical Attributes:

Tomatoes are associated with Venus and with Aphrodite and Hera. This plant is feminine in nature.

The presence of a tomato help protect from negative influences. Putting one on the window sill will prevent evil from entering the house.

Eating the fruit inspires love and passion. It is a good addition to romantic dinners and also good to eat to inspire creativity.

A much anticipated summer treat, tomatoes are suitable offerings for first harvest festivals and are especially suitable for Native American deities.

Although the flavor is completely different, tomatoes can be used in place of apples in many magical spells. They can also be used in place of other members of the nightshade family.

Healing Attributes:

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, lycopene (an antioxidant), potassium and citric acid making them a valuable addition to the diet for the general maintenance of health. They aid in liver function and help cleanse the body of environmental toxins. They are also said to aid in the digestion of fatty foods and help maintain the health of the circulatory system. They are also excellent for rehydration after a fast or strenuous exercise.

Tomatoes are acidic in nature and they may upset some peoples’ stomachs. Some people are also very allergic to them.

Culinary Use:

Tomatoes are great raw or cooked. They are excellent marinated, in salads, or sliced and sprinkled with sugar or salt, or not as you prefer, or made into sandwiches with mayo or cream cheese. They are great roasted with other vegetables, stewed and served with pasta or as a soup base, or made into sauces for pasta, rice or couscous. Some tomato varieties are more acidic than others. Adding a bit of sugar will help cut the acidity.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Golden Aphrodite

Fri, 12/14/2007 - 22:59 — DawnBlack

Her name means Born of Sea Foam.

Other names and accolades
Acidalia, Anadyomene (She who emerges), Cytherea, Despina, Kypris, Pandemos, Urania

Role

Rosemary

Fri, 12/14/2007 - 22:50 — DawnBlack
Botanical Name:

Rosmarinus officinalis

Zones:
9-10
Other Names:
Polar Plant, Compass-weed, Compass Plant, Rosmarinus coronarium, Incensier

An evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean, rosemary has spruce-like leaves which are green on the top and whitish beneath.

Propagation:

Rosemary may be propagated by cuttings taken in early summer from a non-flowering branch.
Alternatively, rosemary can be cultivated from seed.
Choose a sheltered spot with full sun and well-drained soil. Rosemary tolerates clipping well and can be easily pruned into a pleasing shape. If there is ever a danger of freezing, the plant should be brought indoors until the danger has passed.

The leaves can be plucked, or the branches cut at any time. Rosemary likes regular pruning.

Rosemary is a good companion plant for cabbage, beans, sage and carrots. It helps to keep away moths, bean beetles and carrot flies.

History and Folklore:

The word Rosmarinus is from the Latin meaning "dew of the sea".

Christian folklore says that rosemary will grow for 33 years, until it reaches the height Christ was when he died, and then it will grow no more. Apparently, Rosemary's flowers picked up their blue color and acquired their fragrance when Mary spread her blue cloak over a rosemary bush to dry while they were on their way fleeing to Egypt. I seem to remember a similar tale about Aphrodite, but I can't seem to find another reference to it.

Rosemary was used to ward off evil spirits and nightmares. The wood was used to make musical instruments.

Rosemary branches were often woven into wreaths worn by brides at weddings and decorated rosemary branches were presented as gifts to wedding guests. In Wales, it was distributed to funeral guests to throw into the hole as the coffin was lowered.
Rosemary was also given as a gift for New Years', along with an orange, stuck with cloves and it was used with holly and mistletoe to decorate for Yule.

An old saying says "Where Rosemary flourishes, the Woman rules" and in England it was believed that rosemary could not grow in the garden of the home unless the mistress was the master.

In France, Rosemary was burnt, along with Juniper berries in sick rooms and hospitals to purify the air.

During the Middle Ages, it was hung around the neck to protect from the plague. Carrying a twig protected from the evil eye.

Rosemary is believed to attract faerie and good energies. Rosemary in twigs hung over cradles prevented faeries from stealing infants.

A man who is indifferent to the fragrance of rosemary is unable to give true love to a woman and those who smell rosemary frequently will retain their youth.
It was an embalming herb and sacred in Egypt. It was also a sacred herb to the Greeks.

Harvesting & Storage:

Use fresh or hang to dry in bunches still on the branch. Dried rosemary should be added early in the cooking so the flavors can infuse the dish.

Rosemary also makes good oils and vinegars.

Household Use:

Rosemary branches are wonderfully easy to work into wreathes when fresh and hold their fragrance and color well when dry.

Sprigs of Rosemary can be placed in your dresser drawers to protect your clothes from moths.

Magical Attributes:

Rosemary is male in nature and ruled by Leo, the element fire and the Sun (or Moon, depending who you ask)

It's sacred to Hebe and the Virgin Mary.

Rosemary can be used in spells for fidelity and remembrance as well as to dispel jealousy.

Rosemary is useful for rituali baths, and for making sacred herbal water for ritual cleansingi, blessing and purification.

Use rosemary in spells to enhance memory, including those spells for success in school and for remembering past lives. Also use for spells to retain youth.
Place rosemary under your pillow to help you to remember your dreams and to keep away nightmares and unwanted nighttime visitations.

Rosemary may be used in hand fasting ceremonies in a variety of ways.

Burn rosemary and juniper together to aid with healing, and to smudge a sickroom to drive out the negativity associated with disease.

Wear Rosemary oil on those occasions that you want to make a lasting impression.

Healing Attributes:

An infusioni of rosemary makes an excellent hair rinse, gradually covering gray hair, and adding strength and shine to any color hair. It also helps reduce dandruff and stimulate hair growth. Rosemary oil rubbed into the ends of hair will also help reduce split ends.

Rosemary oil massaged into the scalp is believed to prevent baldness and stimulate hair growth.

Massaging the body with rosemary oil will increase circulation, relieve aches and pains and warm the limbs.

Used as a toner, rosemary will help bring blood to the surface of the skin and acts as an antiseptic and astringent.

Cautions

Rosemary should not be taken in large doses. Rosemary should not be used medicinally by pregnant women, but it is okay for them to use it as a food seasoning.

Culinary Use:

Rosemary is excellent with chicken, lamb and vegetables. It is especially good with potatoes. Dried rosemary should be added early in the cooking.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Scientific evidence suggests that rosemary does in fact stimulate the memory centers of the brain. So use a sprig of rosemary as a bookmarker and wear rosemary oil when studying and on test day to help you remember what you need to know.

Give a dear friend a rosemary bush, or a rosemary wreath as a parting gift, as a symbolic promise that you will never forget him, or her.

As a symbol of fidelity, a rosemary bush, or crafts made of rosemary are suitable wedding gifts.

Keep some Rosemary oil on hand to dab behind your ears on those days that you wish to make a lasting impression, such as opening night, a job interview or a hot date. Wear rosemary oil whenever you want to be unforgettable!

Maple-Pecan Yams & Apples

Wed, 12/05/2007 - 12:14 — kitchenwitch
Ingredients:

A handful of pecans
1 cup of apple cider
1 apple, washed, cored, cubed
2 Yams or sweet potatoes, washed, cubed
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place the cubed apple and yams in a baking dish. Pour cider over all and stir to coat.
Cut the butter into tiny squares and sprinkle over the top.

Notes:

This is a fabulous recipe for your Feast of the Dead at Samhain as the yams celebrate the chthonic deities while the apples are the food of immortality.
This is also a great thanksgiving meal for harvest celebrations and its energies help to draw prosperity to the hearth.

Quick Witch Tips:
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