Beltane is a traditional Gaelic festival that celebrates the beginning of summer. It is typically celebrated on May 1st and is often associated with fertility, growth, and renewal. Beltane is also a time when many people honour the goddess and the god, and celebrate the union of masculine and feminine energies.
For many kitchen witches, Beltane is a time to focus on the magic of food and cooking. They may create dishes that honour the season, such as dishes made with fresh herbs and vegetables, or dishes that incorporate traditional Beltane ingredients like honey, milk, and eggs. Some kitchen witches also use this time to honour the spirits of the land, and may incorporate foraged ingredients into their cooking. Overall, Beltane is a time when kitchen witches can connect with the magic of the season and celebrate the abundance of nature.
Food
Beltane Kitchen Witch is all about celebrating the arrival of spring and the fertility of the land. The food served during this time is often fresh, light, and full of seasonal ingredients. Here are some ideas for delicious Beltane-inspired dishes.
Recipes
1. Beltane Salad
This salad is a celebration of all things spring, with fresh greens, edible flowers, and seasonal veggies. Here’s what you’ll need:
Mixed salad greens
Radishes
Asparagus
Sugar snap peas
Edible flowers (such as nasturtiums or violets)
Lemon vinaigrette dressing
To assemble the salad, simply mix together the salad greens, sliced radishes, blanched asparagus, and sugar snap peas. Top with a handful of edible flowers and drizzle with lemon vinaigrette.
2. Beltane Brunch
For a Beltane brunch, try this delicious quiche recipe. It’s full of fresh, seasonal veggies and can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining.
1 pie crust
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped asparagus
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup grated cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, asparagus, and mushrooms and cook until the veggies are tender, about 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked veggies to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
Pour the egg mixture into the pie crust and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and golden brown.
3. Beltane Bread
This Beltane bread recipe is perfect for celebrating the season. It’s a sweet, spiced bread that’s perfect for toasting and slathering with butter.
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup raisins
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and milk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the raisins.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Enjoy these delicious Beltane-inspired recipes with friends and family to celebrate the arrival of spring and the fertility of the land.
