Tuesday 23 December 2014

2014 ... a potted history...with a sneek peak into 2015


Well it is that time of the year...the winter solstice - where we say goodbye to the dark part of the year and welcome back the sun.  The Holly King battles with the Oak King leaving the Oak King victorious...well at least until the summer solstice...

It is the time of year when I reflect on the calendar year that is drawing to a close.

This time last year I was saying what an amazing year 2013 had been...this year...not quite so much, it has been very much a year of 'troughs and peaks' but then that is what life is all about really isn't it? Overall it has been a good year though, the troughs have been there for a reason and on occasion to teach me a lesson that needed to be learnt.

I think my biggest lesson from this year has been to accept and understand that it is OK to say "no" occasionally.  Rather than say yes to every request for help/time/effort etc purely because I feel obliged to or don't want to let anyone down I have come to the realisation that actually sometimes it is OK to say "thanks but no thanks".

The Kitchen Witch School has some amazing students and it has been our absolute pleasure and honour to walk the journey with so many lovely people, this year has also seen requests to initiate into the coven both online within the school and offline at our open rituals - which has made us incredibly proud and given us much eye water.  We have also had several students finish the Forest of Oak level and become Priest/esses of the Oak and now also have a student that has completed the next level, Forest of Ash *proud*.

The open rituals at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park have been great fun and we have met and spent time in circle with some very lovely people.

I think pretty much all of our workshops this year were fully booked, for which we thank you from the heart of our bottoms ♥

We have eight open rituals booked for next year (details on the website) with individual themes - love, prosperity, protection, healing, Earth, Air, Fire and Water and are very excited to have one of our Priestesses and one of our Priests co-writing/leading the ritual with us.

We have attended several fairs this year, I think my most nerve wracking being the Magical Arts Fair and having to give a talk to hall full of people in Glastonbury...although I think Tracey would say her most nerve wracking fair was the Summer Solstice Fair in Midhurst where we had to give a blessing standing on the stage in front of a hall full of people and talk on microphones...

I have also been lucky enough to be invited along to several different moots to do talks on all sorts of things ranging from Kitchen Witchcraft to Magical Herbs and it has been fun as always.

Book wise Pagan Portals Moon Magic was published in January and has done extremely well, thank you all so much for your support. That was followed by the publication of A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Herbs on 31st October which is selling like the proverbial hot cake.

As Tracey and I seem to have gained a bit of a reputation for cake we self published our first collaboration cook book in October too - Cakes from the Cauldron which has sold extremely well and even has several five star reviews on Amazon (thank you!).  Huge thanks to our husbands for their support and input on getting the book from idea stage to printing.

It has also been my pleasure to continue writing articles this year for Pagan Dawn, The Mystik Way and The Magical Times.

I have also had the honour of contributing to several Moon Book collaboration books this year - Paganism 101, Witchcraft Today 60 Years On and Naming the Goddess.

Next year will see the publication of my next book A Kitchen Witch's Guide to Magical Food...I just need to finish writing it (note to my publisher...honestly it is nearly done...) and I have also just signed a contract for my next Pagan Portals book which will be about Meditation.

Kitchen Witch will not be running any workshops in 2015 (however as the saying goes "never say never"...) but after the success of our first independent online course in September - Celtic Goddess Pathways (an 8 week online course which is now available for download for those that missed it) we will be running several online courses next year - Herbal Pathways (March), Celtic Gods (July) and Dark Goddesses (October).  We also have a very, very special year long course in the planning stages (another of Tracey's amazing ideas) it is under wraps at the moment...but watch this space.

A big thank you to my husband for all his total support, putting up with me, all the incredible graphics he creates not just for my books but also for Kitchen Witch, for listening to all the pagan world rants, arguments and silly situations I manage to get myself into and knowing exactly what to say to rescue me and for understanding me and how I tick...it is not an easy job and definitely not for the faint hearted...he is possibly the most pagan atheist I know...♥

Another big thank you has to go to Tracey, my partner in crime with Kitchen Witch for her un-ending patience, all the most amazing ideas, all the work she puts into KW whilst also holding down a full time 'real' job and again for putting up with me - how I managed to find two people in this world that are capable of that task uncomplaining I really don't know.  She also has the ability to tell me when I am being a complete KnobWomble (Tracey's word) which sometimes I need.

2014 you have been interesting...I am ready for the challenges that 2015 will bring...let's make it rock...







Image:
Tyrrhenian Sea and Solstice Sky
Danilo Pivato 

Sunday 21 December 2014

On the twelfth day of Yule...Mulled Wine Hot Chocolate

What could be a better combination?  Wine and chocolate?


Mulled Wine Hot Chocolate

You will need:

400g (14 oz) sugar
200g (7oz) cocoa powder
2 cinnamon sticks
5 star anise
8 cloves
500g (17 1/2 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
2 satsumas cut in half (leave the skin on)
1 sprig rosemary
1 bottle of red wine
500ml (17 1/2 fl oz) water

Put the water, sugar, cocoa powder and all the spices into a saucepan and bring to just before boiling.

Remove from the heat and add in the chocolate, whisk until it is all mixed in.

Pop the satsumas and rosemary into the pan and leave to infuse for about ten minutes.

Add the red wine and heat gently for a few minutes - serve warm.



*WISHING YOU ALL A VERY 
HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE*

Saturday 20 December 2014

On the eleventh day of Yule...Vegan Hot Chocolate


Vegan Hot Chocolate

You will need:

2 cups almond or soya milk
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon raw or palm sugar

Warm the milk in a saucepan over a low heat until just before boiling.

Mix the cocoa powder and sugar together in a mug, pour the warm milk on top and mix until combined.




You can substitute soya or almond milk to most of the hot chocolate recipes in this blog series and use cacao instead of the chocolate.

Friday 19 December 2014

On the tenth day of Yule...Hot Chocolate with a Kick

Hot chocolate that bites back...



Kicking Hot Chocolate

You will need:

2 cups milk
4 squares dark chocolate
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Crushed chilli seeds (optional)



Pop all the ingredients into a saucepan over a low heat and stir until just before it boils and the chocolate has melted.

Serve topped with whipped cream and if you are feeling brave you can sprinkle it with crushed chilli seeds...

Thursday 18 December 2014

On the nineth day of Yule...Boozy Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate with your choice of tipple...*hic*


Boozy Hot Chocolate

Take the basic hot chocolate recipe

To half a pint of milk add two squares of either dark, milk or plain chocolate and a teaspoon or two of sugar – warm in a saucepan together - then add in a dash of your favourite alcohol, the following work well:

Kahlua
Rum
Tequila
Whisky

And of course top with whipped cream....


Wednesday 17 December 2014

On the eighth day of Yule...Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

Like the cake...but in liquid form...


Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

You will need:

2 cups milk
4 squares dark chocolate
1/2 teaspoon red food colouring

Topping:

2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
3 tablespoons cream cheese


Whip together the cream and sugar until stiff then add in the cream cheese and whisk until blended.

Warm the milk in a saucepan with the squares of chocolate until just before boiling, stirring until the chocolate has dissolved, just before you take it off the heat add in the red food colouring.

Pour into a mug and top with the cream cheese mixture.


Tuesday 16 December 2014

On the seventh day of Yule...Mint Hot Chocolate

Candy cane hot chocolate...



Mint Hot Chocolate

2 cups milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 squares milk, dark or white chocolate
3 springs of fresh mint
Peppermint candy canes

Place the mint leaves into the milk over a low heat in a saucepan until just before it boils, remove from the heat, cover the pan and allow to sit for five minutes.

Remove the mint leaves then return the pan to the heat, add in the squares of chocolate, the sugar and the vanilla extract, stir until the chocolate has melted.

Serve with a candy cane to stir and whipped cream.



Monday 15 December 2014

On the sixth day of Yule...Mocha Hot Chocolate

Caffeine kick and chocolate...what's not to love?


Mocha Hot Chocolate

You will need:

2 cups milk
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
4 squares of milk or dark chocolate
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

Place all the ingredients into a saucepan over a low heat and stir continuously until it is heated through and all incorporated.

Serve topped with whipped cream and maybe a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Sunday 14 December 2014

On the fifth day of Yule...Chai Hot Chocolate

Chai...mmm...my favourite...


Chai Hot Chocolate


This version of hot chocolate could not be easier – to half a pint of milk add two squares of either dark, milk or plain chocolate and a teaspoon or two of sugar – warm in a saucepan together, whisk and et voila – your hot chocolate is ready.

Add in a teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg and a pinch of ground cardamom to create a chai flavour.

Saturday 13 December 2014

On the fourth day of Yule...Squirrel Hot Chocolate

You  have got to be nuts not to try this one...


Squirrel Hot Chocolate


OK it’s not actually made from squirrels, but if they drank hot chocolate we bet they would love this one.

You will need:

2 cups milk
3 teaspoons nutella spread


Warm the milk in a saucepan then whisk in the nutella…sorted.

Friday 12 December 2014

On the third day of Yule...Orange & Cardamon Hot Chocolate

Chocolate, orange, cardamon...yum!



Orange & Cardamon Hot Chocolate

4 oz (approx 3/4 cup) milk or white chocolate, chopped
2 cups milk
The seeds from 3 cardamon pods, crushed
1 two-inch strip of orange zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pop the milk into a saucepan over a low heat and add in the cardamon seeds and the orange zest, heat until the milk is just below boiling.

Put the chocolate into a bowl and strain the milk over the top, stir the milk and chocolate until the chocolate dissolves adding in the vanilla extract.

Serve topped with whipped cream and a spinkle of cinnamon if you like.

A short cut is to use orange flavoured chocolate then you won't need to add the orange zest.

Thursday 11 December 2014

On the second day of Yule...Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

A Reeses bar ...in a cup...


Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Add a peanut hit to your hot chocolate.

You will need:

3 cups milk
¼ cup sugar
¼ cocoa powder
¼ water
3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
3 oz grated chocolate
Pinch salt


Pop the sugar and cocoa powder into a saucepan and whisk together until they are smooth then whisk in the milk over a medium heat until the liquid starts to steam.  

Remove the pan from the heat and add in the peanut butter and the chocolate, then whisk together.  Add a pinch of salt and then top with cream or marshmallows or even a few peanuts if you want to.





Adapted from a recipe on http://www.eatliverun.com/

Wednesday 10 December 2014

On the first day of Yule...Lushious Hot Chocolate

This is just amazing...


Lushious Chocolate Mix.

This recipe makes a good present, mix up all the ingredients and pop into a clean jam jar with some marshmallows or even some Maltesers and a label with instructions and add a pretty ribbon.

2 tablespoons Horlicks (malted milk drink)
2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
3 tablespoons icing sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
100g dark chocolate, finely grated
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 pinch sea salt

The mix keeps really well in an air tight tub so make up a batch and then use it as and when you need it.  For an individual mug of hot chocolate with half a pint of milk use 5 heaped teaspoons of the mixture.

Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring almost to the boil then spoon the chocolate mix into the hot milk, give it a whisk and leave to simmer in the saucepan for a couple of minutes before serving – it will come together as a nice thick gloopy consistency.

Serve as is or top with whipped cream, marshmallows and a couple of Maltesers or a sprinkling of grated chocolate.


Ring the changes by using milk or white chocolate in the mixture instead of dark chocolate you could even use grated Caramac for a caramel flavour drink.




Based on Jamie Oliver's Epic Hot Chocolate recipe

Saturday 6 December 2014

Pagan Portals - The Morrigan


A fabulous new book from Morgan Daimler focusing on the ancient Irish goddess, The Morrigan - seriously packed full with all kinds of information, pretty much an 'everything you ever needed or wanted to know and more' about this intriguing goddess.

Pagan Portals - The Morrigan
Meeting the Great Queens

Ancient and enigmatic, the Morrigan reaches out to us - learn who she is and how to answer her call.
On shadowed wings and in raven's call, meet the ancient Irish goddess of war, battle, prophecy, death, sovereignty, and magic. This book is an introduction to the Morrigan and several related goddesses who share the title, including Badb and Macha. It combines solid academic information with personal experience in a way that is intended to dispel the confusion that often surrounds who this goddess was and is. The Morrigan is as active in the world today as she ever was in the past but answering her call means answering the challenge of finding her history and myth in a sea of misinformation, supposition, and hard-to-find ancient texts. Here in one place, all of her basic information has been collected along with personal experiences and advice from a long-time priestess dedicated to a goddess who bears the title Morrigan.

Thursday 4 December 2014

The dark days of hormone gremlins...

Just so you know...hormones are pesky lil buggers...

I am extremely blessed with my life, although I do work blinkin hard to make sure it all works. But I still have 'dark' days like everyone else.

I was once accused of 'living a fake life' because I didn't ever post on facebook that I was having a bad day...well of course I have them.

I just don't see the point in upsetting and depressing everyone else by posting it on facebook...my own humble opinion and choice, if it works for you then that's your choice to make.

But this year I have been hit with the peri menopause and aside from the very inconvenient hot flushes, the hormones are a total pain in the butt (well actually a pain in the lady bumps but you don't need to know that).

Even my Mrs Claus spirit has been dampened a wee bit in the last couple of days.  I am tired and listless, no energy and no inclination or inspiration to do very much except build a duvet fort.

But...I am a busy lady with responsibilities - to my husband, my children, my friends, family and our lovely Kitchen Witch students so I cannot retreat totally into the darkness and maybe I shouldn't. For me to be down in the dumps is not easy for those around me to deal with either (especially after the past few weeks of festive energy!) I have been a grumpy pants for a couple of days and as I don't know what to do about it,  that makes it even harder for those around me as they don't know what to do with me either!

What is the solution?  Well I am not sure that there is one, ladies have been going through this for millenia, I am not the first or the only one nor will I be the last.

So I think it is just a case of dealing with it as best I can.  I am extremely lucky to work from home so at least I don't have to battle the traffic and an office (been there, done that for many years, got the t-shirt).  So once the school run is done I can at least make my 'duvet fort' a slight reality.

I think sometimes our bodies just tell us what needs to happen and if we don't listen to them we can get into a bit of a pickle.

So today I am working this morning - making sure emails are all answered, homeworks responded to and general admin kept up to date and then I am going to have the afternoon off...a spot of film watching, blanket on the sofa and maybe even a hot chocolate.

I don't think it is possible to 'fight' hormones as such, I have been taking some sage supplements which are helping with the hot flushes but I guess even the magic of herbs can't always beat the hormone gremlins.

As a Witch I listen to nature, I listen to the turning of the Wheel, I listen to my intuition and as a woman I must start to listen to my body and work with it and even those dang hormones too...but I ain't gonna let the buggers win...

Monday 1 December 2014

Magical memories are made of this...

This is one of my most favourites times of the year and I think it stems back to my childhood.

Christmas in our house was a big event, even though money was tight when I was small my parents still made sure that the festive season was magical in fact they still do and I have carried on that tradition for my children.

We would have family to stay at our house - on Christmas morning there would be four adults, six children and usually a couple of dogs as well, added to that by lunchtime there would be a couple of sets of grandparents too - it was madness, mayhem and absolutely brilliant.

I couldn't particularly tell you what presents I had... my most important memories are from the event itself.

Waking up with all  my cousins and opening our stockings, having to set up extra tables and chairs to fit so many people in for lunch, board games, Christmas music, wrapping paper everywhere, crackers and general merriment.

One year I remember we went out to get the tree, always a real tree when we were younger and we chose a huge one...and had to strap it to the roof of a VW Beetle to get it home...

Encouraging my younger brother to creep into my parents bedroom before Christmas to show him where all the presents had been hidden...

The Christmas that Santa got our stockings mixed up...think he'd (actually she'd) had too many mince pies...

Visiting Blackbush market the week before Christmas, all the people and all the stall holders shouting and offering 'good deals'.

Heading to London to see the lights, driving around oohing and ahhing and visiting the Donut Diner on the way home.

Decorating the tree in the dining room...although I am pretty sure my mum used to take all the decorations off and re-arrange them once we had gone to bed...

It all made for wonderful memories and to me that is the important part and the part that I hope my own children are now experiencing.

Yesterday we went into the city centre, not to do any shopping (that's all done) but because there is a German Christmas market in the high street - we walked, we listened to the music being piped out loud, we looked at all the stalls and we ate German sausage hot dogs - all for the festive experience.

This year our 13 year old daughter decorated our trees and did our window display and I have to admit - she did it all much better than I could have done!

This morning we all opened our advent calenders (yes my husband and I have calendars as well as the children) and we will start to take turns to pick Christmas film DVDs to watch all together, we will make hot chocolate and sit on the sofa under blankets as a family.

The children have both made their own gift tags for the presents they will give and they will be making cards for their grandparents.

Once the school breaks up we have plans for baking days together - iced cream filled buns and an ambitious gingerbread cookie tree are on the list.

When my husband and I were first courting we started the tradition of choosing a tree bauble for each Yule, we have 23 so far...and when our children were born we started the same tradition for them, a new bauble for each year, we are getting a huge collection but each one has a special memory attached to it.  Quite often the bauble will reflect something important that has happened during the past year, for instance the year we went to Disney in Florida we brought back a Mickey Mouse tree decoration and each year I take it out and hang it on the tree I remember our holiday.  This year we chose our bauble in a shop in Salisbury on the way to a weekend break in Bath, next year when I hang it on the tree I will remember our lovely trip.

We are I hope, creating magical memories that our children will take with them into adulthood, not memories of battling other shoppers, not memories of how many presents they get but special memories of the spirit of the season, about how important family and spending time together is.

And of course my husband proposed to me on Christmas morning a gazillion years ago too...I was so excited I couldn't eat my huge fried breakfast...that will always be a very special Christmas memory for me ♥

As I am the only pagan in my family I do my own special celebration at the winter solstice but I carry that with me to Christmas to celebrate with my family.

It is the magic of the season that creates the best memories not the amount of money that is spent.