there is still a chill in the air, or the way the days seem to grow longer by just a breath each day? For me,
as a modern Pagan, the coming of Spring brings an anticipation of renewal; a time to rub the cold lonely
months from our eyes and look forward to warm breezes, green buds on trees, and of course the tastes
of the first spring foods. When Mother Earth shows us that the life in nature was only sleeping. She
wakes and brings with her all the promise of possibility.
Here in the North Eastern US, winter holds on a little longer and fights a little harder to loosen its grip. I
spend most of the cold New England winter snuggled under blankets, hot cup of coffee in hand,
watching the snow cover the towering pine trees outside of my bedroom window. And if I am being
entirely honest, I love it. I sink into the winter months like falling into a goose down mattress. On that
first bright sunny day in March, my mind starts turning toward things like cleaning out closets,
reorganizing cabinets and daydreaming about flowers I’ll grow in my garden this year; assured that
under the still lingering six inches of snow there are cold little daffodil chutes just waiting to pop up to
say hello.
In the world before Covid-19 this time of year I would find myself in the last sweet weekends of being
home before the busy spring season would bring me back to traveling for work. When the pandemic
shut everything down last year it was at the very beginning of busy spring season. Uncertainty and fear
made it next to impossible to look forward to anything at all, let alone think about what joys the spring
might bring. Here we are, a year later and still filled with uncertainty but knowing that I will not be
traveling for work means that this year I’ll get to appreciate the renewal of Spring without hesitation.
As a Kitchen Witch, the coming of spring is sacred to me, as are all the seasons. More than the height of
the season itself, I love the change; the in-between where the anticipation of the season ahead looms,
and preparation starts for what comes next. As the wheel of the year spins once again towards Spring I
feel a stirring in myself and the world around me. I feel hope because I know the winter will end and the
time to plant seeds of intention is rapidly moving towards us. My own spiritual work can gain renewed
energy when working with spring ingredients. Manifesting my intentions and working to move forward
on all paths will take center stage in my spiritual and practical workings.
In my home we celebrate with food, of course, on both Ostara, the Spring Equinox around March 21 st
and Beltane on the first of May. Both points on the wheel of the year are very special to me. Ostara is a
time for great balance and fertility, and Beltane, being the halfway point between the Spring Equinox
and the Summer Solstice is a celebration of the rebirth of the earth, when things are in bloom and the
fruits of summer are so close you can taste them! And OH the taste of Spring!
In years past I would spend Ostara cooking for large groups of friends for a big brunch with lots of eggs
for fertility, sweet scones with whipped butter and raspberry jam, bacon wrapped asparagus for
prosperity and virility and of course plenty of earl grey tea with lavender and hot cups of strong coffee
to wake the spirit. For Beltane, all day gatherings in parks or at festivals with friends dancing the
Maypole wearing fairy wings while the sound of windchimes floated on the air, and of course picnic
baskets overflowing with fresh strawberries, breads baked with spicy peppers, fresh lemon hummus,
roasted almonds and sweet cheery bars. Of course, there is always a little bit extra packed to offer to
the Fae and the Animal Spirits, especially as we celebrate in nature. All are invited to these magical
meals. No matter how we celebrate Spring this year, she will come as always with the promises of new
growth and prosperity in all areas of our lives, so enjoy these recipes to celebrate spring with seasonal
flavors.
For your own Spring Celebrations
Sunday Brunch Quiche
*From A Kitchen Witch’s Guide to Love & Romance*
1 (9 inch) readymade frozen pie crust
¼ cup chopped pancetta or bacon (optional)
½ large onion chipped.
9 large eggs
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
Sea Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
1 cup chopped fresh asparagus.
1 cup crumbled goat cheese
Preheat oven o 375 degrees. Place ready-made pie crust on a baking sheet. If piecrust is not already in a
pie plate, form piecrust into a 9-inch pie plate before placing on baking sheet. In a medium skillet over
medium heat cook the pancetta until crispy. Add the onion and continue to cook until onion is
translucent. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, which the eggs, milk baking powder salt and pepper until
well blended and slightly fluffy. Mix in the asparagus and goat cheese Whisk in the pancetta and onions.
Pour the egg mixture into the prepared pie crust. Top with extra cheese if desired. Bake 45 to 60
minutes until the top has puffed slightly, the center is set, and the top is golden brown.
Spiritual Nutrition for Ostara/Spring Equinox
Eggs are the ultimate fertility food. We see them all around in Spring months leading up to the Easter
holidays. This symbol of fertility and new life has been around for centuries. Associated with the
Goddess Ostara was the Germanic Goddess of Spring and the dawn, this common food is often depicted
with images of the Goddess along with rabbits who also symbolize new birth.
For your own Beltane Picnic
Lemon Garlic Hummus
1 large can of chickpeas (28 oz)
1 Tablespoon Tahini paste
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
3 Cloves garlic
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley chopped.
Juice from one fresh lemon
Salt and Pepper to taste
Drain the chickpeas retaining liquid in a separate bowl or large liquid measuring cup. In a blender
combine 1 cup chickpea liquid, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley salt and pepper.
Blend on medium speed until smooth and creamy. If mixture is too dry or lumpy add more chickpea
liquid by the tablespoon full, blending between each addition, until smooth. Remove to medium serving
bowl, drizzle with olive oil and garnish with parsley. Chill at least one hour or overnight. Serve with fresh
spring veggies or toasted pita bread.
Spiritual Nutrition – Beltane
Spring is a time for renewal and rebirth. Making a dish with lemon and chickpeas seems like a perfect
combination. Lemons are a purification food, helping us to wash away any negative energy, and help to
create space for new growth. Chickpeas, despite their name, are legumes. And like other legumes
(beans) are prosperity foods. By blending the lemon and chickpeas in this hummus you are effectively
energetically clearing space for new prosperity.
By:
Dawn Aurora Hunt “the Kitchen Witch” owner of Cucina Aurora Kitchen Witchery and author of A Kitchen Witch’s Guide to Recipes for Love & Romance.
Site: www.CucinaAurora.com
