seeking credit

Imbolc also known as Imbolg, Oimelc and a few other names, is the Celtic feast day that celebrates the coming of the spring!

It is considered one of the fire festivals of the wheel of the year, so you will find candles are a main staple in most rituals, honoring the sun and inviting it back into our homes. There are several different ways you can celebrate Imbolc, including working with the Goddess Brigid but this piece focuses on the culinary aspects of the Sabbat.   

My favorite name for Imbolc is Oimelc which means, “Ewe’s milk”. What do we do with ewe’s milk? Why, we make CHEESE of course! Cheese and dairy are food sources that are incorporated into this particular holiday’s menu planning. You can add cream to a sauce, for a richer flavor. It can go into potatoes for a silky mash, or substitute with sour cream for a lower calorie option. Loaded baked potatoes topped with shredded cheddar and bacon are also crowd pleasers.

I find that the easiest and quickest way to include cheese into any gathering is with a cheese board! You can choose several options and possibly introduce someone to a new flavor they’ve never experienced before. This style of serving makes for a cozy environment that bring people together and breaks the ice, getting the conversation going. It’s a great tool for brainstorming and bringing people together (Food magic tip!) 

So how do we choose what cheeses to put out? I suggest some basic and neutral ones while throwing in a couple of funky ( sometimes literally) choices for the bold and adventurous. There are many categories and flavor profiles of cheese, not to mention the types of milk used to make them (cow, sheep , goat) so I put together a short list of some basic information to get you comfortable when staring at the cheese counter and not knowing where to begin.

Mozzarella

Fresh Cheeses : The term fresh is used to describe age, so fresh cheeses are not matured. Be aware that the shelf life on these cheeses will be shorter, so remember to use them before they spoil.

Examples : cottage cheese, cream cheese, farmer’s cheese, queso fresco, ricotta, mozzarella di bufala, burrata and Chevre (goat cheese)

Brie

Soft Cheeses : have a spreadable consistency, many come with an outer rind. These cheeses should be stored in wax paper, not plastic wrap to preserve flavor but should also be consumed within a week or opening as they do tend to spoil faster than other cheeses.. Best served at room temperature, with crackers or bread, making them excellent choices for a board

Examples : Brie, camembert, boursault, brillat savarin, humboldt fog, robiola lombardia, stracchino, Taleggio

Gouda

Semi soft cheeses : have a sturdier texture than the soft cheeses, but can also come with a rind or covered with wax. Some of these cheeses are used for cooking but can also be excellent for a board as many are familiar.

Examples : Havarti, muenster, jack, colby, provolone, gouda, fontina, haloumi, feta, morbier, port salut, queso casero, oaxaca

Gruyere

Semi hard cheeses : typically aged from 1-6 months but less than a year. They may be covered in wax or have a hard exterior that is most times edible (please check). When grated or sliced, melt well and used for cooking.

Examples: Cheddar, swiss cheese, emmentaler, gruyere, edam, comte, manchego, raclette

parmigiano-reggiano

Hard cheeses : characterized as having a nutty flavor and a crumbly texture due to the low moisture content, as they are aged for at least 1-3 years or sometimes even longer. These cheeses develop a rind that is too hard to eat but can be added to sauces, stews or soups for added flavor.

Examples: parmigiano-reggiano, pecorino, grana padano, roncal, cotija, asiago

Maytag Blue

Blue veined cheese : cheese that has been ripened with cultures of the mold penicillium. The veins are created when the cheese is pierced (needles, skewers, rods) allowing oxygen to reach the mold, which gives it that blue, or blueish-grey color. Have a pungent aroma with a sharp and sometimes salty flavor.

Examples: gorgonzola, roquefort, stilton, danish blue, maytag, cabrales, cashel blue

Now that we have some ideas about cheese types let’s not forget all the other things  you can serve it with. Think crackers, bread and breadsticks for spreadable cheeses. Accompaniments like honey, fruit preserves and fruit pastes also make great pairings for several of the cheeses above, especially the semi/hard ones. Fresh and dried fruits along with nuts and olives provide sweetness, natural decor as well as yet another layer of flavor and textures. Cured meats are also great accompaniments to any board, get creative and try new things.

Kitchen Magic Tip : Cheese boards have the ability to break the ice and summon up conversations! They’re great at bringing people together. They are also awesome for projects and brainstorming meetings where you need to pool your ideas to get things done.

Happy Cooking Conjurings!

Made a cheeseboard or plate? share it on instagram and tag me @gourmetwitch and #foodmagic. I love seeing people making magic in their kitchens!

Like what you read? Please like, comment and share!

Andrea Maldonado | Gourmet Witch

When I find that things are frustrating and I feel blocked, with no real explanation,  I immediately turn the protection mode on. Feeling off can be an indication that something else is actually causing your issues. ( because people, and their bullshit. Mal de ojo is real ya’ll) This requires you to do a little investigating to get to the root, below are some quick and easy techniques I use to find out if its just me, or something is going on.

******* Please understand that although I am a believer in spell work, if you are in a dangerous situation, it is important to seek the help of the authorities or tell someone who can help you get help. If you find that you’re feeling unstable and thoughts of suicide or self harm are flooding your mind, please reach out to family, friends or the suicide prevention hotline 1-800-273-8255******

Protection mode for me means :

1. Evaluate : Is there an actual problem? Am I taking the necessary steps to do my best to work things out? Is this anxiety or fear ? Are there other underlying issues or feelings I’m not expressing. It’s totally ok to feel off and that is all part of the human condition but sometimes it can be more than that, so to be safe, cover all your bases.

2. Spiritual cleansing : If I’m feeling off, maybe my aura is dirty. I could have been picking up negative energy from a person, place or spirit. Spiritual cleansing can mean taking a spiritual bath, cleansing with smoke or crystals, it can also be chakra work or anything you are comfortable with that leaves you clean.

3. Physical cleaning : I am a pro clutter queen ( just peep my kitchen table) so sometimes, the act of cleaning, shifting and reorganizing shakes up the energy in my space. Have a cluttered office or work space? Clean it both physically and spiritually, then see how you feel.

4. Spell work : situations like a disgruntled co-worker, gossip, internet trolls, envious people and all manner or annoying things that can be affecting your aura means that you can benefit from some protection work. ( again I encourage anyone in danger to seek help, reach out to those closest to you)  I would also encourage directly hashing out your issues with someone, as it may be something simple like a miscommunication and if that’s not an option then by all means, seek help on the spiritual plane.

Hecate is my go to for protection or when I need direction so it’s kind of a double whammy when I seek her help. She is an amazing source of comfort and power, so when I lay an issue in front of her, I know that I will come to a resolution.

It’s never recommended to feed your emotions as that is an unhealthy coping mechanism but food is also acceptable as an offering. It exhibits the desire to commune, as well as considered a sacrifice (you did just spend time to labor over your dish or treat).  

When working with food, I use ingredients that will lend their help in achieving my goal so the magical ingredients of this recipe are blackberries, lemon and thyme.

Blackberry : The blackberry isn’t necessarily associated with Hecate, but it is with protection. I personally feel that fruits (particularly berries and the pomegranate), herbs and vegetables which can withstand the harshness of the winter are appropriate to offer her. Blackberry leaf and root are the parts mostly used for protection workings but the fruit is where the flavor is for our cookie.

Lemon – Brings the power and strength of the sun to this recipe. Lemons are also great for cleansing inside and out, so it made a great addition. The Citrus is full of vitamin C which can also serve as protection from illnesses like the cold and throat infections. If you’re dealing with an unpleasant person, the lemon flavor, although delicious, will help keep their B.S. at bay.

Thyme – used for strength and to dispel negative energies. Also great to lift your spirits and shoo away feelings of sadness or hopelessness

Blackberry, Lemon and Thyme Thumbprint Cookies       

Makes a dozen

1 stick, unsalted, softened butter

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ tsp salt

½ tsp vanilla extract

1 egg

1 ½ tsp thyme leaves, roughly chopped

2 tsp lemon zest

1 cup cake flour, sifted

¼ cup blackberry jam or preserves ( seedless)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle or a hand held mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl constantly.

Add the egg, vanilla, salt, thyme, zest and flour, mix until incorporated. Scrape out the dough into a piping bag or leave in the bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

You can pipe the cookies onto a lined baking sheet or roll them into balls.

If rolling, gently press down to flatten slightly. Once the cookies are divided, using a gloved moist finger, poke a hole in the center, then pipe or spoon the preserves into the center.

Bake  for 6-10 minutes until set and lightly golden, do not over bake. Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack.

Food Magic

Witchy Tip / Advice : I made these for two reasons. My daughter was having an issue with a bully . She is not a fan of sweets so after I offered her cookie to Hecate, I asked her to please give me the strength and the sight to help her deal with this person before I ate it. (the situation wasn’t dire, it was more on the teasing end but she was becoming upset about it). I sat with the mini witch and offered some advice which she took and it helped! Hail Hecate!

I also made these because I’ve been in a cold war  with my assistant and I’m getting tired of being undermined all the time. So, I offered them up to Hecate and asked her to please keep this woman’s drama, and  anyone else’s as a matter of fact, from hurting me in a negative way, protecting me and my position. This has caused me to look within at my career and what I am doing. This isn’t the last stop for me so when I get past the self doubt and the anger, this has fueled and solidified my resolve to continue writing and cooking so that I can leave, but only when I say so. I am happy to report, it’s been smooth sailing. Hail Hecate!

Lastly, as I mentioned before, this can be used as a simple protect us from the common cold spell but don’t forget to take your vitamins, bundle up, wash your hands often and disinfect or lysol common areas and surfaces, especially door knobs!

Hail Hecate!

Made these cookies? Share them on Instagram with #foodmagic and tag me @gourmetwitch I love seeing other people make delicious magic!

seeking credit

While the winter is starting to rage on the north east of the United States, deep below the earth, life begins anew as it promises to. January is usually the month where we recuperate from all of the festivities and take a moment to regroup and get our priorities in order.  For some, this comes in the form of a resolution. Eat better, spend less, stop smoking, get organized, try new things, run a marathon etc. For me, I am focusing on some long term goals, particularly my health, my writing and my future cookbook.

As a person that lives with PCOS times can get frustrating as menial tasks seem herculean. Your brain becomes an adversary and you turn inwards to your heart. listening to its steady beating, reminds you that one step at a time is how you must always proceed. It reminds you to slow down and be patient. It reminds you that as long as it keeps going, so can you! I am taking my time and seriously practicing patience while I try to rewire my entire body.

This is a time consuming effort that now must take precedence in my life, before all of the other things that I would rather be doing. I am at odds with that idea but am accepting that this too will be something that becomes second nature, like learning a new skill. Meal plans and prep will integrate itself into daily life and I will be able to pick up where I left off.

Writing has come back into my life in the form of prompts and  revisiting finished and unfinished works. Transferring them over from paper to my drive has been cathartic, as I read about the things I had experienced and how much I have evolved since then. Looking forward to more prompts and random ideas that pop into my head which I will gladly share!

The cookbook, well, that is underway with lots of testing and revamping so stay tuned for more news on that front! I’m excited about the journey it is taking me on and look forward to sharing it with everyone.Instagram will continue to be where I showcase recipe ideas and lots of food magic so if you’re not following @gourmetwitch, head on over! Working on some fun spring ideas!

This winter has me feeling like a seed . They appear small and fragile but what lies within is the strength of a lion. A seed has to have courage to burst through its safe enclosure. It will venture through the darkness and trudge through the heavy earth, weighing down on it. The seedling must strive and push to breach the surface and feel the sun on its tiny leaves and that ordeal is only the beginning but breaking out is the hardest part. I am fortunate to have an incredible support system that is with me every step of the way while I hibernate and nourish myself, my brain is actively working on new material and fun stuff for the coming months. If you find yourself a seed, weigh down by the earth or afraid of the darkness, just know that the sun is waiting to greet you!