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Food

The Dumb Supper

October 24, 2019 by Andrea Maldonado 2 Comments
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The Dumb Supper is a dinner where the participants remain silent throughout the whole meal. This is one of the many traditional ways to honor our ancestors or deceased loved one this Samhain. During this specific time of year contact with the spirit world is said to be the easiest as the veil that separates us is the thinnest. 

A table is decorated and set for attending guests. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Decorate with gourds, pumpkins, and fall colors to honor the harvest. Candles are usually the primary source of light for this event so consider using candelabras or tall candle sticks. Set your table with plates, cutlery and glassware. Menu cards and place cards give each place setting a personal touch, but again, if you wish to go simple, then go for it! 

The head of the table is set in the same fashion as everyone else’s, but no one will sit  there. This is the place designated for the dead. Shroud the chair in a pretty black cloth or something of your liking. Have each guest bring a card written for the spirit(s), things they would like to share, happy memories, or whatever they chose. This will not be seen by anyone or read out loud. It would be very difficult to set a place for all who have passed so give everyone a candle or a tea light so that they can place it on the table in honor of their specific loved one. 

To start the ritual, make sacred space by cleansing with smoke or any practice you use, as you want to invite only good energy into your area. Cast your circle and call corners (if you do this) again to keep those inside protected at all times from wandering energies. Invite your guests into the sacred space – the ritual has begun. If your guests are people that you practice the craft with, or have experience, consider including them in the ritual aspects. That can be creating sacred space, and dividing up who casts the circle, calls the corners. 

Andrea Maldonado | Gourmet Witch

As guests enter the space, they should visit the place of honor first,offering up silent prayers and blessings to those who have left. They can leave their cards, light their candles then proceed to their seats. It is customary for the Host to sit at the opposite end of the place of honor. The host then serves the meal and everyone eats. Should you wish to serve family style, you most certainly can. 

To conclude the ritual have everyone hold hands for a minute. Silently give thanks to the deities for the meal and the bounty of the earth, for the company and for the spirits that visited. The cards can be taken home and placed on everyone’s personal altar (till the end of Samhain) or if you so choose, they can be burned in a cauldron as a final offering for the evening. To conclude the ritual, everyone will get up and visit the place of honor once more and say their farewells in silence. Dismiss the corners and close the circle, the ritual is now complete.

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Should you choose to host a dumb supper this year, here are a few helpful tips :

Know your crowd : Food allergies and dietary needs/restrictions may not affect you directly but your guests may or may not be able to eat certain things or even be in the **presence of  particular ingredients. Keep that in mind when planning the menu, you want all of your guests to feel comfortable at the table.        

Beverages : You may choose to serve alcohol such as wine, beer or a punch you made. Have alternatives as well as water at the table for those who do not partake or simply wish to have other options with their meals. 

Side tables or supply stations : As your guests are not able to speak during the meal, have a little area with napkins, utensils, cups etc. you will have extra items at the ready in case someone needs something or guests can help themselves easily. Let’s not forget salt and pepper! Have them on hand at the table, if you’re hosting a large group put shakers on both ends as well as the middle for easy access! 

“Pre-Ritual”: It is very common in the food industry to have a “pre-meal” meeting before service. Similarly, this would be a good ritual to have a short meeting beforehand. This gives you time to go over any last minutes things, discuss the ritual, answer any questions and remind everyone to be quiet when you start. 

Pick me up: Dumb Suppers have a very serious and somber feel to them. Lifting everyone’s spirits does not have to be a challenge. Consider having dessert after the ritual is over. Play music, games and dance. Our loved ones don’t want to see any of us upset, they enjoy watching us smile, laugh and enjoying our time here on earth, so raise a glass and shake what yo’ momma gave ya! 

Want some ideas on what to make for your Dumb Supper? Check out my previous post on foods for Samhain !

Plan on hosting a dumb supper? use Hashtags #WitchesGottaEat and #FoodMagic on Instagram

Tag us so we can see what you created!!

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Reading time: 4 min
Food

Fall and Samhain Foods

October 16, 2019 by Andrea Maldonado No Comments
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Samhain, celebrated on October 31st is right at the end of harvest season for many farmers. With modern inventions we no longer have to worry or even think about cellars, preserving food items and storing them for several months but we can still eat conscious of the season and what the earth provides. Shop at your local farmer’s market, support the folks who grow your food and the people who also use these locally sourced products to make other things such as breads, sweets, and wellness items. 

I have added a list of items that are at peak season, perfect for any fall or Samhain meal. As the temperatures drop, stews, soups and roasts take center stage in the kitchen. The smell of herbs and spices slowly simmering in a pot is enough to give you the feels. 

You close your eyes and breath in deeply… a smile crosses your face and your mind runs wild with ideas of what could be cooking in that pot! My favorite thing is having my husband or daughter walk in and yell “WOW! That smells amazing!” as they float towards the stove to get a closer whiff, and maybe even a taste. 

Squashes and root vegetables are versatile. They can stand up to all cooking methods whether its sauteing, roasting, frying or boiling. You can easily make purees or mash for side dishes and they make excellent soup components or soup bases. They are nutritious and hearty, which make for excellent vegetarian and vegan options. 

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Grains : amaranth,  barley, bulgar, farro, millet,  quinoa,rice (brown, wild, etc) spelt, 

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Root Vegetables : beets, carrots, celeriac, parsnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro,turnip,  yams, yuca

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Squash : acorn, butternut, carnival, delicata, dumpling, hubbard, kabocha, pumpkin, spaghetti  

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Fruits  : Apples, figs, grapes,  pears, persimmons, pomegranate 

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Nuts and Seeds : almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts 

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Herbs : bay leaf, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, 

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Spices :allspice, anise, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg

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Alliums : garlic, leeks, onions, shallots 

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Hearty greens: Cabbage, chard, collards, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens

Happy Kitchen conjurings! 

Share your creations with us! use #FoodMagic and #witchesgottaeat on Instagram! Tag us @gourmetwitch

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Reading time: 1 min
Food

Quick Tips on How to Make a Mezze Board

July 7, 2019 by Andrea Maldonado No Comments
Andrea Maldonado | Gourmet Witch

What is a Mezze Board? 

You might have heard the term Mezze before, and if you haven’t then I’ll explain it. 

A Mezze is simply, a giant appetizer platter! Commonly put out before a meal in Middle Eastern or Mediterrean countries, very similar to the Antipasto of Italy. 

Truth be told, it can definitely substitute as a whole meal if you make yours hearty! A great way to get people around the table, a perfect ice breaker and definitely a low maintenance meal! You can prep this in advance so all you have to do it set it out with plates and everyone digs in. 

What’s on a Mezze Board? 

First, I’d say, always cater to your crowd. If you have folks with dietary restrictions or allergies, make sure you keep them in mind so no one feels left out. If you have a mostly vegetarian crowd, then maybe leave the meat items out or to one side of the board. If you’re not sure, I’d opt to go totally vegetarian especially if there are other courses following this! 

Andrea Maldonado | Gourmet Witch

Some Examples are : 

Spreads such as Hummus, Babaganoush and tapenade for savory. Think quince, fig and orange jams or pastes for a sweet option.

Bread Items like pita, lavash, flatbreads, crackers and crusty breads 

Vegetables can be grilled like eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, peppers, or fresh ones like cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans or other pickled veggies 

Marinated items add depth of flavor and variety like artichoke hearts, peppers, and olives 

Cheese choose cheeses that fit the regional cuisine and some crowd favorites for variety 

Meats that are cured, fritters and lamb chops are customary, but you can add your own ideas or omit altogether 

Other items you can add to your platter are nuts, dried fruits, honey and anything else you want to add! Composed salads like tabbouleh are great accompaniments to any Mezze. 

Made a platter? tag me @gourmetwitch on Instagram with #WitchesGottaEat so I can be a part of your magical food experiences!

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ABOUT ME

Andrea Maldonado

Andrea Maldonado is a classically trained chef,a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York. She worked in a variety of New York City restaurants and high end catering companies. Andrea is an Initiated Priestess of Ochun in the Lucumi Tradition, High Priestess of the Deam Lux Coven and the Minoan Sisterhood. . Andrea is an avid reader, a lover of 1950’s fashion, red lipstick, winged eyeliner, a strong cocktail, having a good cackle- I mean laugh! With friends and enjoying all that life has to offer. Currently working on a bigger cookbook on more food magic, seasonal recipes and Sabbat meals.

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Andrea | Chef | Witch | Writer
The house is beginning to stir as I sit here quiet The house is beginning to stir as I sit here quietly admiring all the work that went into this year’s decor before I start banging pots! With the pandemic, so much was unavailable or frankly, just not doable and I am ever so grateful for the humans and my furson who make these memories with me 🎄 wishing you all a Blessed Holiday 🎄
On this most festive of days, wishing you all a Bl On this most festive of days, wishing you all a Blessed Yule 🎄✨
Day 5: peppermint candy cane cookies !! 

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#cookies #12daysofcookies #holidaycookies #holidaybaking #christmascookies #christmas #yule  #kitchenwitch #gourmetwitch #foodmagic #witchesgottaeat #food #foodpost #yum #dessert #foodblog #chef #homefortheholidays #witch #bruja #witchy #witchythings #witchlife #peppermint #candycanes
📸 Day 4: spiced shortbread 🥰 I am OBSESSED 📸 Day 4: spiced shortbread 🥰 
I am OBSESSED with the butteryness of shortbread, but adding that holiday spice makes you feel extra warm and cozy!! Goes perfectly with the @twinningsteaforever Earl Grey Tea the bergamot/citrus smell swirls the nest your nose when your hold the cup up close ☕️ what is your favorite tea flavor? Comment below ✨

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#cookies #12daysofcookies #holidaycookies #holidaybaking #christmascookies #christmas #yule  #kitchenwitch #gourmetwitch #foodmagic #witchesgottaeat #food #foodpost #yum #dessert #foodblog #chef #foodie #homefortheholidays #witch #bruja #witchy #witchythings #witchlife #shortbread #earlgrey #afterdinnertea #tea
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for Day three! Celebrating Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for Day three! Celebrating my little one with her favorite cookie and my mom for making this gorgeous Christmas stocking !! 

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#cookies #12daysofcookies #holidaycookies #holidaybaking #christmascookies #christmas #yule  #kitchenwitch #gourmetwitch #foodmagic #witchesgottaeat #food #foodpost #yum #dessert #foodblog #chef #homefortheholidays #witch #bruja #witchy #witchythings #witchlife #christmasstocking #oatmealraisincookies #cookies
🎄 the holidays aren’t complete without a litt 🎄 the holidays aren’t complete without a little chaos! We all have stories of weird encounters, missed deliveries , weird “wish” suggestions 😂 these 📸 walnut cardamom crescent cookies go out to the Norse trickster God Loki. They’re super messy, deceptively soft, melt in your mouth treats with that subtle firey spice 🎄 he constantly reminds me that taking yourself too seriously is stupid 🤪 ::powdered sugar flying all over the kitchen:: Take a moment to laugh, even if it’s at yourself! Custom Statue made by Master woodcarver @woodcarvingmaster , his work is amazing, please check him out ✨

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#cookies #12daysofcookies #holidaycookies #holidaybaking #christmascookies #christmas #yule  #kitchenwitch #gourmetwitch #foodmagic #witchesgottaeat #food #foodpost #yum #dessert #foodblog #chef #homefortheholidays #witch #bruja #witchy #witchythings #witchlife #norse #loki #trickster
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