As a Wiccan Sabbat that's all about the abundance of the coming Summer, it's always a challenge to celebrate Beltane creatively. Festivities usually include maypole dancing and bonfire rituals...but what if you're a solitary practitioner, or you just want to stay indoors?
Thankfully, there's a number of ways to enjoy Beltane in the comfort of your own home. I find that baking and cooking delicious meals for Beltane makes for a joyous feast!
Here are 5 Beltane recipes to make your at-home celebration truly bountiful!
If you're a vegetarian (or just looking for a fresh, healthy burst of flavor), then this tasty treat is perfect starter!
Ingredients
3 large tomatoes, halved, and thinly sliced
3 avocados, peeled, stoned, and sliced
2 x 125g packs buffalo mozzarella, thickly sliced
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp clear honey
1 clove garlic, crushed
basil leaves, to serve
Method
Mix the tomato, avocado, and mozzarella slices. Whisk together the oil, vinegar, honey and garlic, then season. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and garnish with basil leaves. Serve immediately. Good for 6 people.
This Anglo-Saxon recipe originally called for rabbit. Chicken does just as well, though!
Ingredients
2-3 lbs chicken breasts on the bone
2 tbsp butter
1 lb leeks, thickly cut (onions are also fine)
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
6 oz barley
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
3 3/4 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp dried sage
Method
Melt the butter in a Dutch oven (also called a casserole dish). Fry the leeks and garlic in the butter. Add in the chicken breasts until golden brown. Except for the sage, add the remaining ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours. Remove the chicken from the pot and let cool. Separate the meat from the bones before putting in the chicken back. Add sage. Stir well. Good for 8 people.
The Green Man is a staple character during Beltane festivities. He is the spirit of the forest representing rebirth and growth. Honor the Green Man with this delightful cake!
Ingredients
3 oz unsweetened chocolates
1/2 cup butter
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp green food coloring
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 cup sour cream
1 cup boiling water
16 oz frosting
cooking spray
decorative candies
Method
In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate over low heat and let cool. Mix the butter, sugar, and eggs in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer (medium speed) until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and the melted chocolate. Add in the green food coloring and mix (low speed) for 1 minute until the batter is blended. Sift the flour and baking soda, adding them to the batter alternately with sour cream. Mix it using a long wooden spoon. Add boiling water and mix thoroughly. The batter should be runny.
Preheat the oven (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Drizzle cooking spray on two 9-inch round baking pans. Sprinkle in a bit of flour before pouring the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Once done, let cool for 15 minutes. Add frosting and decorations as preferred.
Of all the Sabbats, Beltane is the most sensual. Tap into your sexy side by making these sumptuous dessert!
Ingredients
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
1 3/4 cup whole grain flour
1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp ground cloves
5 tsp powdered ginger
1/8 tsp sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped (optional)
Method
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a hand mixer, cream the butter with the sugar then beat in the egg and molasses. Sift all the dry ingredients into a medium bowl, then stir into the wet batter. Add the crystallized ginger. Roll the batter into 1 inch balls and dip one side into the granulated sugar. Place the sugary side up on the baking sheet, about 3 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool on the wire rack.
Since Beltane centers around the element of fire, you can make a small campfire and serve these juicy campfire mushrooms. Remember to stay safe!
Ingredients
whole mushrooms (I use Portobello mushrooms)
worcestershire sauce
steak sauce
butter (optional)
Method
Wash the mushrooms. Place mushrooms in the center of aluminum foil and generously add Worcestershire sauce on top. Add a minimal amount of steak sauce. Add a tablespoon or two of butter, if preferred. Fold aluminum foil, making sure everything is sealed. Grill until mushrooms are juicy and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as mushrooms can dry out if cooked too long!
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Debb Williams
May 29, 2020
Thank you for these divine recipes with simple inexpensive ingredients! I practice solitaire presently but the more open I am about who I am & what is do the more I am finding like people do perhaps next year a true feast will be warranted. These recipes accommodate both large or solitary celebrations the the cookies especially are SO good! Blessings to all!