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Food
Blog•Moon Cakes

January Wolf Moon In Cancer

January 10, 2020 by Andrea Maldonado No Comments
Andrea Maldonado | Gourmet Witch

January Moon Cake : Coconut cake with cream cheese filling and frosting 

Coconut : element of water 

Some coconut tidbits : It can be turned into oil which is great for skincare, cooking and lube (totally a real thing. Personally tried it, but before you do, talk to your Dr. and make sure it won’t be an issue for you, because the last thing you want is a yeast infection. )

The type of “Lube” I was envisioning though, was in reference to communicating our feelings and the receiving/giving of information. If you’re “well lubed” then things go smoother, and feel SO much better, especially when emotions can run high. 

Toasted coconut pieces : I used them for texture, contrast but also to represent struggle, feeling moody, . It’s ok, doesn’t ruin the cake and sometimes showing vulnerability is necessary.

Cream cheese : comfort food, therefore nurturing , because all cheese is welcomed in my home. 

Mini pearls and Jimmies (sprinkles) : Nothing like something sparkly to remind you of the good things in life and how you have them all around you! 

Silver Stars : to remind you that you’re made up of stardust, live your life and enjoy the fuck out of it, with the people that make you a better person. 

Here are my thoughts and how I made sense of this energy….

Andrea Maldonado | Gourmet Witch

January Full Moon falls on Friday the 10th. The moon will be hanging out in the astrological sign of Cancer, during an eclipse…. It’s about to get messy for some folks, if it hasn’t already!

 Cancerian ( Is this even a word?) energy is great for getting in touch with your emotions / feelings, expressing them (ideally in a good way), working on relationships, and can be nurturing with those “feel good” vibes of a cozy home, a hug, or laying on clean sheets. Those are the things you want to focus on. Spending time with loved ones or doing something nice for yourself. Release is a theme with this moon and ideally it should be about letting go, ending something that’s been a blockage or holding you back, working something out and solutions. 

Releasing emotions… during an eclipse… with a full moon in cancer… “waiter, Check please!!!” It can be difficult to sort through them on a good day but with all that going on, its best to try NOT to, unless there really is no other choice, and usually, most things can wait. In fact, they really should. I say that only because when we are emotionally charged, we don’t always measure our words , don’t have all the facts or can overreact (I feel very attacked by my own interpretation!) When researching this moon, I read that the Twin Star Castor will be shedding some of its influence here and all I can think of is Nicolas Cage and  Face off . (crying emoji)  

Andrea Maldonado | Gourmet Witch

Castor is said to be the “good twin” bringing with him lots of clarity and exposing what isn’t working or good for you. He can bring influences of healing and renewal “ When well aspected in your natal chart, these folks can be exceptionally gifted intellectually.” – Eric Morse, Astrologer. He also says they have a tendency to be “helicoptery” emotionally and sometimes have to be reigned in ( he didn’t say it that way, but it sounded better to me lol). In other words, that Cancerian energy is really out here doing the most. For example, Nicolas Cage as Castor, tying his brother Pollux’s shoes even though they are grown ass people, his brother is a criminal mastermind, and you know damn well he can tie his own shoes!  (crying emoji!!) 

Andrea Maldonado | Gourmet Witch

Australia is burning, we are on edge with the current political climate when the idea of war looms in the back of our brains. Even if you haven’t sat to unpack those feelings or give them a thought, the folks around you are. They can’t stop talking about it at work, twitter is constantly reminding me, the IG Memes are funny but in that dark way to try and give you some actual hope that all this is a joke. The roaring fires, the animals… If you’re triggered by any of these issues they can applify other things around you because you’re kind of on edge and may not know it. Be aware of this when communicating with others, especially if you’re “in your feelings”. Leave important decision making for another day, and tough conversations can also wait till the weekend. 

Andrea Maldonado | Gourmet Witch

Be mindful of oversharing and if you’re prone to have dramatic moods (guilty as charged!) try something productive to take your mind off of whatever you are thinking about or focus on self care!  Chances are, it really wasn’t that serious or you took it way out of proportion (how is my own posting hurting my feelings?!). 

I say this with the deepest regard for those who suffer from anxiety (raising my hand here) and things of that nature. This moon can be a little jarring, and move you to react in ways that may be hurtful to yourself and to others because you spun out of control and had a case of verbal diarrhea or caught that foot in mouth disease. 

Should this happen to you and you fall prey to some of the negative aspects that this can draw out of you, please know that it’s ok to have a moment. The people closest to you understand, but also know that it’s important to acknowledge what happened, and an apology may need to be made and possibly some changes. This is where that Cancer energy can shine! plan a coffee date, send them some uber eats, or flowers, a cute email note, something that says “Im sorry, I love you and thank you for loving me.” If THAT isn’t some Cancerian ish, I don’t know what is! So be cool, be kind , and breath.

Andrea Maldonado | Gourmet Witch


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Blog•Moon Cakes

Moon Cakes

January 8, 2020 by Andrea Maldonado No Comments
Andrea Maldonado | Gourmet Witch

What are Moon Cakes? 

“ A moon cake is a Chinese bakery product traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The festival is about lunar appreciation and Moon watching, and moon cakes are regarded as an indispensable delicacy. Moon cakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival”. If this is what you’re looking for, I’m sorry you’re on the wrong page. 

Moon cakes are something I came up with to celebrate and process the affects or aspects of the full moon in every month. I may reference the moon’s name for inspiration, seasonal colors, ingredients, color magic, other witchy influences as well as where it’s hanging out astrologically. For instance, January’s full moon is called the Wolf moon, and it’s in the sign of Cancer, during an eclipse (cue dramatic music!!!) Its January in the states (north east coast) so its cold, there should be snow but there isn’t and its scary)( hence the white cake and decor, as well as the coconut which is also watery and the perfect pairing for Cancer) There will be meme’s and maybe even some music, who knows but this is meant to be fun and a great way to get my awkward self interacting with you all! 

Where I would like to see this go, is posting the recipe ahead of time ( considering a patreon option) and watching you all enjoy #GWMoonCakes on your Instagram feed/stories ! If this is something that interests you, please like and comment under the cake picture ( coming up this Friday) that kind of motivation is undeniably helpful and it keeps me as part of your feed! Win -Win! 

The Full Moon Schedule for 2020:

Jan. 10 Wolf Moon – Cancer, Eclipse 

Feb. 9 Snow Moon – Leo

Mar. 9 Worm Moon – Virgo

Apr. 7 Pink Moon -Libra 

May 7 Flower Moon – Scorpio

Jun. 5 Strawberry Moon – Sagittarius 

Jul. 5 Buck Moon – Capricorn 

Aug. 3 Sturgeon Moon – Aquarius

Sep. 2 Corn Moon – Pisces 

Oct. 1 Harvest Moon – Aries

Oct. 31 Blue Moon – Taurus

Nov. 30 Beaver Moon – Gemini

Dec. 29 Cold Moon – Cancer (Why?!) 

Disclaimer : I am not in any way an Astrologer. I enjoy the subject, especially when people tell me things and teach me. It’s a subject that is so vast and can be a little difficult to wrap my head around, so you may hear some astro lingo but rest assured, it was researched and I’ll be crediting and naming sources for direct quotes. So if I sound off in any way, please know that these are just MY thoughts, and how I am reasoning with the energy. If it’s totally bonkers then its really not my fault, the MOON made me do it! 

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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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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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