The Cailleach’s Red Ale Cake: An Imbolc Tale of the Darkness & the Light

January 20, 2023.Reading time 11 minutes.

I’ve been celebrating Imbolc for over a decade and each year I discover more layers to its mythology and food lore. Last year over at Gather Victoria Patreon, I created a Cailleach Ale Cake (the oldest spirit in the world) in honor of the dark counterpart of Brigid, the Gaelic Cailleach, one of the oldest […]

Rosemary Oat Bannock For Imbolc

January 15, 2018.Reading time 8 minutes.

The grace of a grey bannock is in the baking of it… Scottish Proverb Oatcakes or Bannocks were traditionally eaten on old-world feast days to mark the changing seasons. And roundabout Feb 1st or 2nd, they were known as “Bannoch of Bride” in honor of St. Bride or Brìghde. St Bride of Brightness, as she […]

Imbolc & The Rites of Women: The Midwinter Festival of Lights

December 15, 2017.Reading time 9 minutes.

Across the world, for thousands of years, our ancestors celebrated the turn of the seasons through sacred feasts and plenty of magic. Marking the astrological alignments of the sun and moon, theses activities had one central purpose – to harmonize human activity with the great cycles and forces of nature, thereby ensuring fertility, abundance and […]

Recipes for a Feast of Light: Reviving the Magical Foods of Imbolc

January 20, 2016.Reading time 21 minutes.

I love the ancient feast days that once celebrated the turn of the “wheel of the year”. Marking celestial alignments such as solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days, they followed the old wisdom of “as above, so below”, meaning these ‘holy days’ offered moments of propitious timing during which life-enhancing magic can be worked. And still […]

Cheesy Dandelion Spirals: Serpentine Spring Magic

March 17, 2021.Reading time 13 minutes.

Note: This recipe was originally shared at Gather Victoria on Patreon. It was originally a recipe for Imbolc but for reasons that will soon become apparent- I thought I’d share it here for St. Patricks Day! The serpent will come from the hole On the brown Day of Bríde, Though there should be three […]

Spiced Golden Rice Pudding For The Goddesses of Spring

February 9, 2021.Reading time 12 minutes.

This is an excerpt from the Winter Holiday Edition of the Gathery E-Cookery book on Gather Patreon In a culinary fusion of western and eastern goddess traditions, this Golden Rice Pudding is made with primrose infused cream and spiced with saffron, cardamom, orange zest and a touch of candied ginger. It is my offering to […]

Brigid’s Magical Blackberry Scones w/ Bay Leaf Infused Custard Sauce: A Matter Of Celestial Timing

February 3, 2021.Reading time 15 minutes.

Today the ancient rites of Imbolc or Imbolg, are largely observed on St Brigid’s Day on February 1st lasting till sundown on Feb 2nd. However, this Celtic holiday welcoming the first stirrings of spring and the arrival of the “bright” or “exalted” one, the goddess Brigid (Brigit, Brighid, Bride, Bridget, Bridgit, Bríde) was originally a […]

Wild Spring Greens: A Superfood Recipe Round-up!

March 19, 2020.Reading time 15 minutes.

The wild spring greens are here! Jam-packed with “nutraceuticals” known to have antiviral, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, immune supportive and immune-stimulating properties, they’re absolutely free and grow abundantly outside your front door. And they’re delicious. From mild and sweet, tart and citrusy to peppery and oniony, wild greens add all kinds of flavour to your everyday meals. […]

Whiskey & Spice Milk Punch w/ A Magical Touch of Heather

January 31, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

Happy Imbolc! In celebration, I’m sharing this recipe for Whiskey Milk Punch from the Gather Victoria ECookery book (for Gather Patrons) which is called Scailtin in Ireland. It can be dated back to the 1700s where it was commonly served in a punchbowl and drunk warm in a mug – but I’m serving it over […]

Lavender & Rosemary Mascarpone Cake

January 17, 2019.Reading time 12 minutes.

There is nothing like cake to celebrate a special occasion and Imbolc (on February 1st) is no exception. And I think this “naked” sponge cake would be a wonderful addition to any Imbolc Feast! It’s kept gorgeously moist with brushings of lavender and rosemary syrup (between cake layers) but the slight tang of the Mascarpone […]

Dutch Puff Pancake with Lemon Curd & Primrose Cream

January 27, 2018.Reading time 14 minutes.

My favourite childhood food was (and still is) the pancake, so I’m pretty happy that from Imbolc (Feb. 1st) to Candlemas (Feb.2nd) to Shrove Tuesday (Feb 16th) to the Russian & Slavic holiday Maselenitsa (March 8th) there are going to be plenty of opportunities for ceremonial indulgence! I’ve started off celebrating the season of pancakes […]

Gather’s Guide For Celebrating The Midwinter Festival Of Lights

January 11, 2018.Reading time 9 minutes.

Rediscover the ancient food magic of the Midwinter Feast of Lights. Known to the Celts as Imbolc or Brigid’s Feast Day, it celebrated the arrival of the sun goddess Brigid (and the first stirrings of spring) with oodles of candles and plenty of magical foods – all of which ensured Brigid’s blessings in the coming […]