the kitchen witch cookbook

It seems like self-sufficiency and homemaking skills are blowing up right now. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the current economic crisis, a lot of folks, especially young people, are looking to develop skills that will help them be a little bit less dependent on our consumerist economy. And I think that's generally a good thing. I think more of us should know how to cook a meal from scratch, grow our own vegetables, and mend our own clothes. Those are good skills to have.

Unfortunately, these "self-sufficiency" skills are often used as a recruiting tactic by white supremacists, TERFs, and other hate groups. They become a way to reconnect to or relive the "good old days," a romanticized (false) past before modern society and civil rights. And for a lot of people, these skills are inseparably connected to their politics and may even be used as a tool to indoctrinate new people.

In the spirit of building safe communities, here's a complete list of the safe resources I've found for learning homemaking, gardening, and related skills. Safe for me means queer- and trans-friendly, inclusive of different races and cultures, does not contain Christian preaching, and does not contain white supremacist or TERF dog whistles.

Homemaking/Housekeeping/Caring for your home:

Making It by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen [book] (The big crunchy household DIY book; includes every level of self-sufficiency from making your own toothpaste and laundry soap to setting up raised beds to butchering a chicken. Authors are explicitly left-leaning.)

Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair by Mercury Stardust [book] (A guide to simple home repair tasks, written with rentals in mind; very compassionate and accessible language.)

How To Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis [book] (The book about cleaning and housework for people who get overwhelmed by cleaning and housework, based on the premise that messiness is not a moral failing; disability and neurodivergence friendly; genuinely changed how I approach cleaning tasks.)

Gardening

Rebel Gardening by Alessandro Vitale [book] (Really great introduction to urban gardening; explicitly discusses renter-friendly garden designs in small spaces; lots of DIY solutions using recycled materials; note that the author lives in England, so check if plants are invasive in your area before putting them in the ground.)

Country/Rural Living:

Woodsqueer by Gretchen Legler [book] (Memoir of a lesbian who lives and works on a rural farm in Maine with her wife; does a good job of showing what it's like to be queer in a rural space; CW for mentions of domestic violence, infidelity/cheating, and internalized homophobia)

"Debunking the Off-Grid Fantasy" by Maggie Mae Fish [video essay] (Deconstructs the off-grid lifestyle and the myth of self-reliance)

Sewing/Mending:

Annika Victoria [YouTube channel] (No longer active, but their videos are still a great resource for anyone learning to sew; check out the beginner project playlist to start. This is where I learned a lot of what I know about sewing.)

Make, Sew, and Mend by Bernadette Banner [book] (A very thorough written introduction to hand-sewing, written by a clothing historian; lots of fun garment history facts; explicitly inclusive of BIPOC, queer, and trans sewists.)

Sustainability/Land Stewardship

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer [book] (Most of you have probably already read this one or had it recommended to you, but it really is that good; excellent example of how traditional animist beliefs -- in this case, indigenous American beliefs -- can exist in healthy symbiosis with science; more philosophy than how-to, but a great foundational resource.)

Wild Witchcraft by Rebecca Beyer [book] (This one is for my fellow witches; one of my favorite witchcraft books, and an excellent example of a place-based practice deeply rooted in the land.)

Avoiding the "Crunchy to Alt Right Pipeline"

Note: the "crunchy to alt-right pipeline" is a term used to describe how white supremacists and other far right groups use "crunchy" spaces (i.e., spaces dedicated to farming, homemaking, alternative medicine, simple living/slow living, etc.) to recruit and indoctrinate people into their movements. Knowing how this recruitment works can help you recognize it when you do encounter it and avoid being influenced by it.

"The Crunchy-to-Alt-Right Pipeline" by Kathleen Belew [magazine article] (Good, short introduction to this issue and its history.)

Sisters in Hate by Seyward Darby (I feel like I need to give a content warning: this book contains explicit descriptions of racism, white supremacy, and Neo Nazis, and it's a very difficult read, but it really is a great, in-depth breakdown of the role women play in the alt-right; also explicitly addresses the crunchy to alt-right pipeline.)

It can be so confusing remembering all the different properties of food. Flat out over whelming to be honest. So instead of having a long sheet with every food you cook with and 10 properties it could have, start with this. It'll be a rule of thumb to help remember some basics.

Elements

If a food is spicy or has a lot of energy/Passion, it likely has the element Fire. Black Tea, Chocolate, and Jalapenos are examples.

If a food is very light or fragrant, it likely had the element Air. Onions, Herbs, and whipped cream are examples.

If a food is juicy, runny, or comes from the ocean/lake, it likely has the element Water. Apples, Milk, and Fish are examples.

If a food doesn't fit into any of the previous categories, chances are it has the Element Earth since all food comes from the earth.

Properties

Any food that has been a backbone staple will have Prosperity properties. Rice, Wheat, Oats, Cabbage, Quinoa; anything that has allowed a people to prosper.

Foods that have spent a lot of time directly in the ground will have strong Grounding properties. Beets, Potatoes, Carrots, and other root vegetables. Additionally, foods that have been through a grounding process also tend to have good Grounding properties. Coffee and Ground Meat for example.

Spicy spices are good for banishing and protection. Black pepper, Cayenne, Chili Flakes, Gochujang ect. If you hate spicy food, stick with Salt and maybe Garlic/Onion powder.

This is a delicious herby bread, one of my favorites.

On the witchy side of things, thyme and salt are great for cleansing and protection magic.

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups water, warmed to 110 to 115℉

1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar

1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast

1 ½ teaspoons salt

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Topping

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Directions

Place the water into a large bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and yeast. Let stand 5 minutes or until yeast is dissolved. Stir in the salt. Gradually add flour, stirring until dough forms

On a lightly floured surface, knead dough 10 to 12 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place dough in large oiled bowl, cover; let rise in warm place until doubled in size; about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Place oven rack in lowest rack position and heat to 450°F. Grease a 15x10x1 pan.

Gently punch down dough to deflate. Place in pan; using palm of hand press dough to cover bottom of the pan. Cover; let rise about 20 minutes or until risen by half. Brush the dough with oil and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.

$5- 1 card pull

$10- 3 card pull

$15- weekly pull

I know it's creeping closer to the winter-ish part of autumn, but it's still autumn, so these types of meals really hit the spot this time of year. It's warm and cozy and absolutely delicious.

On the witchy side of things: so many energies at work in these ingredients. You've got love and lust energies from the apples and coriander, protection and banishing from salt, pepper and shallots, abundance and prosperity from the cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It makes this dish great for any of these workings.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (breasts work too, but I feel like things are so much juicier and have more flavor. Also, you will need to cook chicken breasts longer)

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

1 Tablespoon light or dark brown sugar

2 cups apple slices (no need to peel)

1/3 cup chopped shallots (or yellow onion)

1/3 cupapple cider (NOT apple cider vinegar. My friend made that mistake, bless her)

Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)

Directions

Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. My aunt used a Dutch oven for hers, so that's also an option.

In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 teaspoon salt, the coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried thyme, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides of the chicken thighs.

Add a drizzle of oil to the hot skillet, and swirl to coat. Add the chicken thighs to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for 5 more minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature should be at least 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover lightly.

Add the butter to the pan (no need to wipe it out first), and gently swirl to coat as it melts. Add the brown sugar, apples, and shallots, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Pour in the apple cider and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cider sauce has slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken back to the pan and cook for 2 minutes.

Name: Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Folk names: Artemis herb, Artemisia, Chrysanthemum weed, Common Wormwood, Cronewort, Felon Herb, Riverside Wormwood,

Parts used:

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Deities: Arteimis, Diana

Zodiac signs: Pisces

Daily correspondence: Friday

Powers: Amplification Of Other Magic, Astral Travel, Clairvoyance, Divination, Healing, Intuition, Prophetic dreaming, Protection From Evil, Psychic Ability, Psychic communication, Spirituality Strength

⛔️CAUTION⛔️

If you have any allergies to ragweed be careful with this plant as it has been known to cause issues in persons sensitive to ragweed.

Name: Pennyroyal (Mentha Pulegium)

Folk Names: Lurk-in-the-ditch, Mosquito Plant, Organ Broth, Organs, Organ Tea, Piliolerian, Pudding Grass, Run-by-the-ground, Squaw Mint, Tickweed.

Parts used: Fresh or dried leaves

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Deities: Demeter

Powers: conscious mind, peace, physical energy, strength, protection, Exorcism

Pennyroyal imparts the wisdom and power of reincarnation

It brings a calm strength to spells

Used for protection during travels. Sailors would scatter it around the ship for safe travels, and it is said if you put it in your shoes it will strengthen your body and prevent tiredness during travels

⛔️CAUTION⛔️

Pennyroyal tea should only be consumed very occasionally due to the high toxicity of pennyroyal, and it should not be given to pregnant women, children or babies

Please note that the oil of pennyroyal is poisonous.

Negativity Banishing, Energy Protecting Sweet Potato Soup

A hot & delicious sweet potato curry soup. Repels negativity, while grounding, protecting, & healing.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Olive oil, for solar power

Garlic, to repel energy vampires

Onion, to heal

Red pepper flakes, to banish what’s unwanted

Tomatoes, for nurturing 

Turmeric, for good health

Black pepper, to banish negative people

Hot curry powder, to scare away negativity while boosting immune system

Salt, for cleansing on bad energy

Sliced Sweet potato inscribed with protective sigil, for grounding

Veggie broth, for the power of home

Here’s what you’ll do:

Make veggie broth in honor of your Home Spirits, then ask them to bless it for future cooking. 

Air-fry garlic until roasted, golden, & brown, activating their protective properties.

Sauté onions in red pepper flakes until yellowed, remembering that healing requires boundaries. 

 Add garlic, to reinforce those boundaries, and tomatoes for support. 

When tomatoes have softened, season with turmeric’s love, while your black pepper, hot curry powder, & salt mix banish what’s unwanted. 

When the protective paste has formed, add the sweet potato to ground us, and the veggie broth soak in the goodness of home. Boil until sweet potatoes are soft. Then blend it all together. 

I have always loved coffee, but since I quit smoking, it has been my daily ritual that brings comfort and serenity. If I'm honest, I have 2-3 cups a day. Considering it is something I do so often, I've decided it's about time I consider the magical potential of this particular ritual. I don't have access to an espresso machine, only a Cafetiere, or as Americans call it a 'French Press', and a Moka pot when I visit my parents. As such, I can't say much about grinding the coffee itself, or more elaborate coffee making methods

Choosing your grounds

As someone strapped for cash, I usually just pick the cheapest, finest grounds. But there is something to be said about picking them with intention. Intention is one of the most crucial elements of witchcraft, and there are a few different angles and interpretations worth going into:

Where are the coffee beans from? It is important, where possible, to consider the environment of this place, as well as any potential meaning it might have to you.

How dark/light is the roast? Darker roasts have more bitter of a flavour, more intense compared to lighter roasts. If you're charming a certain container of coffee grounds with a property, consider what type of roast feels right for that job. For example, dark roasts might be better for protection and light roasts for grounding. Darker roasts are better for intensity, lighter roasts for balance.

How fine are they? Espresso grounds are the finest of traditional coffee grounds, but the finest you will find anywhere are Turkish coffee grounds. They are typically used in a cezve (a specific type of coffee apparatus that dates back to the ottoman empire, used to make strong Turkish coffee), but i have found they can be used in a cafetiere with excellent results. The fineness of the coffee grounds will affect not only the taste but also the use of the brew. For example, if you want to do a reading with the grounds, they need to have some structure. For me, truly fine grounds signify wealth, not necessarily monetary but... a richness of experiences. Less grounding, and more experiential than the traditional coffee grounds. That is entirely my opinion, based on when I first had Turkish coffee in the country itself.

Brewing

Brewing is an excellent way to embue your serving with magical energy. There are plenty of ways to go about this, doubtless more than the ones I have thought of here:

Adding spices or herbs to the coffee grounds before pouring over the water can lend your brew to a specific intention. Cinnamon for a little luck, nutmeg for grounding, so on and so forth. When placing it into the coffee make sure you consider the taste as well as intention. A kitchen witch tip, if it's used in a coffee syrup you're alright, but something less typically accompanying the bitter flavours of your brew, consider a different method.

Setting the pot into a bed of herbs and spices is a great alternative to adding them into the brew itself. Salt, for example, adds protective properties but you wouldn't want it in your drink.

Timing is also another way to consider adding intention to your coffee. I let mine sit for about 10 minutes before serving, that time will vary due to taste but the time itself can still be used to meditate on the intentions of the creation. To focus on it, smell it in the air, to pick out which mug you'd like to use with purpose. Turn it into a ritual. It can be of self care, calming, energy, setting intention for the day. Perhaps a moment to pick out a few tarot cards or simply breathe.

Pouring and drinking

This act itself, even if ignoring all of the other steps, is a great way to add intention to your day. It is how I start almost every morning, and most of you who do the same probably add intention to your drink subconsciously. Thinking about how the drink will wake you up, or the simple act of looking forward it as you make it is enough to put you in a better mood. To start the day off right.

Hello everyone! It has been a while since my last kitchen post! My degree has been kicking me a bit (I also do not have a kitchen on campus so my food creativity is dulled by such) however, I was recently reminded of a dear recipe from my childhood that can easily be made into a spell!

Today we are looking at the darling fruit of Peaches! Peaches are known to be associated with happiness, abundance, rejuvenation, beauty and harmony. They are also noted to ward off negativity. Commonly in Hellenism, they are associated with Aphrodite.

Here are the ingredients for this recipe:

Peaches (3 will do!)

Honey

Brown sugar

You will also need the following:

A Grill (or if not a Panini Press will do fine!)

Tinfoil

Begin by slicing your peaches into medium-sized pieces. You can keep or leave the skin on, it does not matter. While slicing infuse with your intention of joy. Along with joy, note that the recipe will last, as peaches bring abundance as well.

After slicing, put your peach slices into tinfoil. Light up your grill or panini press and put the wrapped peaches on it anywhere from 10-15 minutes. Carefully take it off and let the tinfoil cool--it will be hot!

Open up the peaches and move to a bowl/plate/whatever! Once opens sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar over the peaches and follow with half a tablespoon of honey. While doing this infuse the brown sugar with self-love and the honey with self-love/romantic love/happiness/prosperity/passion. Honey is very versatile, so use the infusion that works best at the moment!

And thats it! You have yourself some grilled peaches for Joy! Eat with a fork and let the happiness fill you up!

For as long as I’ve been witchin in the kitchen this is a spice blend I’ve been using on everything from poultry to stews. I hope it will serve you well as it has served me!

Kitchen Witchin Spice Blend:

1 part Salt - Cleansing

1 part Black Pepper - Protection

2 parts Onion Powder - Stability

2 Parts Garlic Powder - Strength

2 parts Smoked Paprika - Enhancement

1 part Parsley - Banishing/Warding

Store in an airtight container and use generously!

Note: This recipe is meant to be enjoyed by those who are of legal drinking age and are fully aware of and consent to the magic invoked by whoever makes the drink. It is unethical and a violation to use love spells of any kind on someone without their consent. Please be respectful and responsible.

The brown colour of chocolates is a representative of the shadow planet ketu /sn and mars , ketu is a presentation of the past and our childhood , it is the key to access our inner muse as ones childhood self is the truest form of a muse

Ingredients :

Chocolate bar Or cocoa powder sugar and some butter

Let's start :

Place the double boiler, to the water pot below add some moon water to symbolise healing and protective energy to the spell .

If you use cocoa powder, add butter to symbolise jupiter and say it loudly, sugar to symbolize venus and cocoa to symbolise ketu /sn. Now stir as you say the affirmations 7 times.

If you use a bar , Cut the chocolates into small pieces and place it on the upper bowl and affirm 7 times

" my inner child is safe and sound, I create a divine space for me to shine with my highest creative energy , I am powerful , intune and divine "

Alternatively you can make your own affirmations

Stir as you say the affirmation

Add other ingredients to make the spell stronger like orange , rose , nuts etc as you wish

Put it in your fav childhood desserts or wait for it to form solid and eat it with happiness 🫶

I like to light a candle when I do magic to separate the craft and mundane cooking.

Here's the recipe:

- 1 leek

- 200g of white mushroom

- 1 onion

- salt

- black pepper

- rosemary

- nutmeg

- laurel

- cardamom

- olive oil

- and a good pot of water

First you infuse in olive oil cardamom and laurel

You prepare the water (heat it slowly, put laurel, cardamom, rosemary, salt and nutmeg in it)

You chop the leek

You cook it until bright green and tender in the olive oil before tossing it in the hot water

You dice the onion and you cook it with the mushrooms in the same oil as the leek (add more oil if necessary) until the onion is slightly roasted and the mushrooms tender

Add nutmeg and black pepper to the onion and mushrooms during the cooking

Toss it in the broth (with the leek)

Cover the pot, let it simmer

Witchcraft Recipe Book Masterpost

Here are all of my favorite witchy recipes compiled from all corners of Tumblr 🤗