Kitchen Witchery For The Holidays

by Kelly Yeakle

Congratulations to Leni! She won Kelly's holiday giveaways!

I get so excited when the holidays approach each year, mainly because I get to cook A LOT! I consider cooking, the art of mixing things together to create something, magical! What better time of year to share that magic than the holidays, no matter what holiday you celebrate. Did you ever realize that most holidays are centered around good food shared with family, and friends? Coincidence? I think not!

I’m always in the market to try new recipes for celebrations and family gatherings, and thought I would share a new one I found with you!

Mulled Wine

(Courtesy of wiccantogether.com)

1 Bottle Red Wine

2 Cinnamon Sticks

1 tsp Cloves

Pinch Nutmeg

1 Orange, sliced

1 Lemon, sliced

75g (3/8 cup) brown sugar

Warm the wine in a large pan on the stove, medium heat. You don’t want it to boil. Add the fruit, cloves, nutmeg, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the cinnamon sticks, turn off the heat and let the sticks soak in while the liquid cools. Reheat when you’re ready to serve. Remove the cinnamon sticks and fruit, drain off the spices, and pour into glasses to enjoy!

According to ehow.com there are a few easy ways to celebrate a Wiccan Christmas, if you live in a mixed household like I do. Here is my interpretation of what they’ve shared on their website…

Make wreaths. The circular design can be viewed as a symbol of the life cycle, of birth and renewal which is one of Yule’s meanings. It can also make a very beautiful decoration for non-wiccans. It is also something really fun to do together with children, let them decorate their own wreath, exposing their creativity!

Burn a Yule log. Having a fire together on a cold winter night is a great way to spend the evening, and burning a designated Yule log is part of Wiccan tradition.

Create a Yule tree, preferably using a living tree in your yard or one bought at a greenhouse that can be planted in the yard when you’re finished using it as a decoration. Use quartz crystals and garland strands made of dried fruits such as apple or orange slices.

Hang evergreen boughs in doorways to celebrate the life cycle. Mistletoe anyone? Woohoo!

Prepare traditional foods, such as the great mulled wine recipe I’ve supplied above to bring a little of the past into the present!

Christmas and Yule are both holidays that share in the element of togetherness. This might be a great time to share your beliefs with those around you!!

I’m always looking for new ways to blend my Wiccan practices into my everyday life.

Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again!!

Blessed Be.

I will be giving away a copy of my book, as well as an autographed post card and a little something else I haven't decided what yet! (leaning towards the Irish Charm Willow Tree figurine).

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Email: KYeakle27@yahoo.com