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.

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)

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

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

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

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

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!

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I find myself at the end of January completely raw and totally turned around on all the ideas I had. What could have caused that…. I’m feeling off. I’m happy, totally in love with my partner, my kid is doing well, so is the dog, all my bills are paid, I just bought a bunch of self care things as presents, I’m golden! So why am I going through this? What the actual fuck?

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!

The holidays don’t officially start until the coquito gets made in my house! I have spent several years revamping, fixing and tweaking the recipe and have finally felt that it was just right. Coquito screams  “Joy” it means spending time with family and friends. It means forgetting about all our problems and having a moment to just be .  It means, I can carry a gift to someone and see them smile in appreciation. It means I can contribute something to a meal, a party, a gather. Coquito evokes the feeling of belonging, like a clan, a group, a coven, a family. So in full food magic form, Coquito making is a well calculated ritual performed on a specific day, and an almost specific time. The music has to be just right and the kitchen has to include all of my ritual participants ( my hubby opening cans, my daughter bouncing around getting in the way and the dog, totally underfoot causing mayhem. The scene may look chaotic but the energy is euphoric. I stir my giant black cauldron and mix away, adding ingredients as needed, invoking the spirit of happiness and guiding it through my hands into my mixture in the hopes of reaching all those who will consume it… So mote it be!!

Every thanksgiving I visit my mother and grandmother (she’s 96 and a firecracker). I ask mom “Hey, what should I bring?” and her response is the same. “You don’t have to bring anything just come! We always welcome anything you want to contribute but please, don’t forget to bring your grandmother coquito!!!” . I laugh and say “I would never forget!”  My grandmother was never a drinker in her youth and always vehemently opposed  its consumption in her presence but coquito… that doesn’t count at all! My greatest joy is pulling out those bottles and her face lighting up.

The first round is over and as we get closer to Christmas I need to make a new batch, I love to gift these and do drive by drop offs! With the last bit hanging out in my fridge, no one daring to take the last sip, I decided to use it for a cookie and boy was it worth it! Check out the recipe below! Hope you enjoy them as much as I did! Happy Baking!

Coquito snickerdoodles

Makes about 36

½ cup butter, softened

1 cup +1 Tbsp sugar

*2 eggs

½ tsp vanilla extract

½ cup coquito

2 ¼ cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

⅓ cup sugar, for rolling

½ tsp cinnamon, for rolling

In a large bowl or in a standing mixer with a paddle, combine butter and sugar and cream until light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl often.  Add the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla.

In another bowl soft flour, baking soda and salt. Add flour to butter mixture, alternating with the coquito until fully incorporated. (dough will be soft, and batter like)

Shape into logs using plastic wrap or put into a container and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until it has hardened enough to scoop.  (if you’re in a hurry, you could put it in the freezer for 15-30 minutes)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Working in batches, use a tablespoon to scoop the dough and form a ball, then roll in the cinnamon sugar. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges begin to set and starts cracking. Remove from the oven and let cool.

*If your coquito contains eggs/eggnog then cut back to only 1 egg

If you make these, please #foodmagic and #gourmetwitch_cookbooks I would love to see how yours come out!