Author Archive: My Kitchen Wand

Fall, winter, any cold day really is a chance for a thick and warming bowl of soup. A lovely combination of silky textures with a little added kick to keep the body extra warm. Pumpkin’s nutrient profile is packed with healthy things. Pumpkins contain three different antioxidants, that support your cells health. It is also […]

There are times when celery sticks just don’t hit the spot, especially during the dark half of the year. Your personal favourite may be hot chocolate or homemade mac and cheese. If your tooth leans to the sweet side then this apple dumpling with a brown sugar, cardamon, apple cider vinegar caramel sauce may do […]

I have just been working on the Samhain newsletter, writing about being in sync with the rhythm of the season and slowing down. “Ignore this time at your own risk as what is up for you will find a way to get your attention. Verbal arguments, broken or lost articles, general frustrations about lack of […]

The veil is said to be thin during the time of Beltane and Samhain making it a good time to connect with spirits and departed family. Dreams are one of the ways to do that and so it was included in an Herbs of Samhain workshop last week. Please do a little additional research to […]

Monsters are part of the fun at Hallowe’en. Potentially scary things have always been a big part of the evening. Fright nights, scary movies, zombie hordes and other delights to get the heart racing. The biggest mythical monster is the Kraken, a humongous octopus that used its tentacles to drag ships underwater so it could […]

Sometimes the ingredients chosen for a recipe are not always what we might naturally graviate towards. Cinnamon is more common than straight nutmeg as a spice in apple dishes. Sage is not often added to something sweet. This tart is such a dish. It contains four of the flavours associated specifically with Samhain and was […]

At class last Saturday, we made this beverage to enjoy while sewing up herbal sleep pillows. In many ways it is similar to summer shrub recipes I have posted in the past. This mixture though is make from the fruits of Samhain, elderberry, pomegranate and apple. Apple cider vinegar may be all the rage for […]

A trip to the grocery store is a quick way to get the neighbourhood kids sorted out for Hallowe’en but homemade for/with special friends can also be reasonably priced when making these three options; Rocky Road, Trailmix Bark and Rice Krispie Toffee Clusters. Let’s start with the chocolate. There are two types of chocolates available […]

A couple of years ago I posted a sage and lovage pesto as part of a friend’s birthday high tea. Her birthday has come around again today and it reminded me that many people think of pesto as basil and pine nuts, which is true. They are the ingredients of a classic Pesto Genovese. There […]

I know that autumn is here. I have just roasted my first pumpkin of the season! A walk through the corner grocer or farmers market becomes a delight with all the lovely tastes available right now. Cooler nights mean more appetite and heartier dinners but they can still be simple fresh from the garden meals. […]