Blimey! Didn't see this post.
Many feel that human actions are at their best when they reflect the actions of nature, so as the world slowly springs back into action at the time of the Equinox and wakes from its’ slumber so too should we.
This time of year is traditionally a time for purification and cleansing, which has given rise to spring-cleaning! Brush those cobwebs away and start afresh - this is a time of rebirth and new beginnings. It's also an appropriate time for thinking about what you'd like to accomplish, for making new goals or choosing a new skill to learn.
Rituals and activities might include the making of candles, lighting a fire or planting spring flowers. I always plant seeds on this day and spend a good few hours in the garden, gardening always helps me connect.
Lighting candles is traditional so too is having a bonfire - I usually have a fire but I'm going to save the one I've built for
Earth Hour.
As with all the pagan festivals a celebratory meal is a big focus. Choose fresh green vegetables to represent Spring and bread, cakes and pies to represent what our ancestors would have feasted on.
BAKED CUSTARD WITH GINGER 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
3/4 teaspoon Finely Grated Fresh Ginger
3 large Eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/2 cups Milk
1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
Mix brown sugar with ginger and divide evenly onto the bottoms of 6 buttered individual custard cups or ramekins.
In a medium mixing bowl, blend eggs with milk, sugar, vanilla and seasonings. Pour evenly into prepared custard cups. Place cups in a large pan, then fill with hot water to come halfway up sides of cups (a bain-marie).
Bake at 350 F. oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the edge comes out clean. Remove cups from bain-marie. Run knife around edges to loosen. Place serving plate over top of cup and carefully invert custard onto plate. Serve warm or cover, chill and serve cold.
CANNARICULI (HONEY COOKIES) 4 cups Flour
1 cup Marsala Wine
2 Large Eggs
4 teaspoons Sugar
1 pinch Salt
Oil for deep frying
Honey
Make a well in the flour in a mixing bowl. Add wine, eggs, sugar, and salt. Mix well, until thoroughly blended. Knead dough vigorously until smooth and glossy.
Roll dough to a 1/8" thickness or less and cut into 2" squares. Starting with 1 corner, roll each square of dough loosely on the diagonal to form pastry roll about the thickness of a pencil.
Meanwhile, heat oil for deep frying. Fry pastries in batches in hot oil until golden brown, being careful not to crowd the pan. Use a slotted spoon to remove fried pastries from oil and drain on paper towels. Transfer to serving platter. Drizzle honey over top or dip them into honey.
Makes 4 to 5 dozen
LIEBKUCHEN (Honey Cakes) 1 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup honey
1 cup sour milk* (see below)
2 Tablespoons vinegar
6 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon mace
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
* For sour milk, add 1 Tablespoon vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let stand for 10 minutes.
Prepare sour milk and mix dry ingredients. Set both aside. Cream margarine and sugar, add egg and beat until light. Add honey, sour milk and vinegar. Mix thoroughly. Chill for one hour.
Roll out to 1/4" thickness.
Cut into 2"x3" rectangles and place on buttered cookie sheets. Bake at 375° for 6 minutes.
