Marchpane Cookies for the Rose Queens — Gather Victoria

Marchpane was one of the most popular Tudor confections – at least for those who could afford it. Created from costly ground almonds, sugar and rosewater, moulded into shapes and baked, decorated with coloured glazes, gilded fruit and “comfits”, then assembled into elaborate centrepieces, it was found only on the most aristocratic and royal tables. …

Eastern Hemlock is one of my very favorite trees. The tall, regal personal, the needles and branches that offer a bluish light beneath them as the sun shines, the cathedral-like quality of the ancient ones. This time of year, you can see the bright green buds on the Eastern Hemlock that represent the growth of the tree for this season. As the buds grow older, they darken to the beautiful viridian green that is characteristic of the Eastern Hemlock tree. But, for the short window of time when the trees are budding–right now–Eastern Hemlock buds are a delicious treat.

Harvesting Eastern Hemlock buds

We happen to have many of these trees on our property, and some of the branches are starting to grow into our paths and have to be trimmed back. There are thousands of beautiful tiny green buds on each of the branches to be trimmed, which…

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Sorrel – Herb of the Month — Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Originally posted on The Herb Society of America Blog: By Maryann Readal Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), a tart, lemony herb, is used today primarily in cooking. However, you may have to grow your own sorrel or visit a farmer’s market or specialty store in early spring if you want to make any recipe with it. Chopped…

via Sorrel – Herb of the Month — Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Love It Up With Herbal Aphrodisiacs Recipes

Good Witches Homestead

Sex doesn’t have to be all business and no fun! If you find yourself slipping under the bedsheets for the primary purpose of procreation or if you’re struggling to express your sexuality, if you feel something in your sexual life is off or maybe you just want to rev up an already pleasurable experience—let’s talk about it. Let’s talk about sex, baby, and how herbs can help!

Get ready to discover and celebrate the wonders of sex! You can use herbal allies to enhance sexual function while enjoying heightened expression and pleasurable intimacy. Through this 3-part intensive on herbal aphrodisiacs and sexual health, you’ll learn about the physiological processes that play into your sexual function and gain the understanding of an entirely new approach to using classic botanicals to support and jazz up your sex life. We’re pulling our favorite hot herbs into an irresistible collection of aphrodisiac recipes…

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Baba Yaga’s Wild Spiced Honey Cookies — Gather Victoria

Ever since I called upon Baba Yaga to be my winter baking muse this season – I’ve had nothing but trouble. Which should have been no surprise, Baba Yaga is renowned for testing your mettle with endless impossible tasks which determine whether she will help you- or hinder you – according to her liking! And…

via Baba Yaga’s Wild Spiced Honey Cookies — Gather Victoria

Full Cold Moon Spell Cookies

Happy Full Cold Moon!

For many of us, this Full Moon reaches its peak fullness at 12:12 on 12/12 this year!

This full moon activates the powerful numerology code of 12! 12 is a number of wholeness and completion. This full moon illuminates the completion of our our journey throughout this past year and helps us see the bigger picture of just how far we have come. This powerful full moon is helping many realize a shift in consciousness.

If you are sensitive to energy, you may have been feeling this powerful portal opening for some time now. You might be feeling anxious or restless if you haven’t been living up to your potential or fulfilling your purpose. This is not a punishment… this is a reminder and a call to evolve!

2019 is a 3 number, and 12/12 also translate to 3, making today a 333 day. 333 is a number of big changes and the expression of our truth. 333 carries the energy of 9, which is another number of wholeness and completion. It’s time to prepare for the big changes that 2020 holds for us while also reflecting on our journeys from 2019.

Moments after the moon reaches her peak fullness, Chiron, the wounded healer goes direct. Chiron has been retrograde since July of this last year. When this asteroid stations direct, under the light of the Full moon, you might feel a sense of clarity about your journey of healing over this last year. Some past triggers from that time might get pulled up for reevaluation and healing once again, but remember this is part of the journey.

The healing journey moves in spirals and holds many ebbs and flow. Embrace what comes up! Feel and heal your way through it.

The Cold Moon represents the time when we are called inward to experience the quiet reflection of our own souls. A sense of hibernation and rest comes with this full moon.

The moon in Gemini also represents the mind as well as our connection and ability to communicate with others. This is a time to gather with friends and family around the fire. Seek comfort in the quiet long nights and the closeness this time of year can provide!

Read complete article at: Spirit de la Lune ~ Full Cold Moon Spell Cookies

The Herbs and Spices of Thanksgiving! — Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Originally posted on The Herb Society of America Blog: By Susan Leigh Anthony If we are lucky enough, most, if not all, of us have sat down to an annual Thanksgiving feast with our loved ones in late November. The house is filled with familiar aromas of the season that evoke a sense of warmth,…

via The Herbs and Spices of Thanksgiving! — Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Herbal Recipes for Thanksgiving – Urban Moonshine

Good Witches Homestead

It’s the time of year when many of the simple joys of life become the heart and center of this season; spending time with family and friends, the coziness of winter, warm fires, mugs of mulled wine, and lovingly prepared meals.

So much of herbalism is about celebrating the life and benefits of the plants, and the way they support us throughout the seasons. Autumn, especially around Thanksgiving, is our time to enjoy the gifts of this year’s harvest.

Classic holiday meals can be enhanced by adding herbs to support your health. These dishes are sure to be crowd-pleasers with your nearest and dearest.

Enjoy, and cheers to good health!

MEDICINAL HERBAL STUFFING

A classic holiday stuffing recipe made with rye bread and medicinal herbs and mushrooms.

Servings: fills two casserole dishes, about 15 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

1 loaf of good dark rye bread
1/2 cup sage, minced
1/2 cup rosemary,

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Strawberry Tree Crumble Cake…The Magical Forgotten Fruit! — Gather Victoria

The Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) is an ornamental shrub that grows all over Victoria but its abundant, plush, juicy fruits just end up littering sidewalks. Seems no one remembers we’ve been eating these succulent fruits for thousands of years! Right now in the PNW the fruits are bright red, ripe and sweet (up to 40% sugar!)…

via Strawberry Tree Crumble Cake…The Magical Forgotten Fruit! — Gather Victoria