THREE Autumn Equinox Recipes for Your Second Harvest Celebration

Just as in many cultures, a common practice during the Autumn Equinox is to gather with friends and family for a feast. This feast often includes foods made from the fruits and vegetables of the season, such as apples, pumpkins, squashes, and grains. This dessert not only celebrates the flavors of the season but also incorporates elements of kitchen witchcraft, such as intention-setting and using ingredients with symbolic significance.

Fall Spiced Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 4-5 cups of sliced and peeled apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness and purification)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness and energy)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warmth and protection)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for abundance and prosperity)

• A pinch of salt (for grounding and balance)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (for stability and strength)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for grounding)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for sweetness)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warmth)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for comfort and nurturing)

Optional: You can also add a handful of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) for added richness and abundance.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Apples: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples and lemon juice. Toss them together to coat the apples evenly.

3. Add the Spices: In a separate small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the sliced apples and toss until the apples are well coated.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Place the spiced apples into a greased 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking dish, spreading them evenly.

5. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the topping. Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and add it to the dry mixture. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.

6. Top the Apples: Sprinkle the oat and butter mixture evenly over the spiced apples in the baking dish. If using chopped nuts, sprinkle them over the topping.

7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.

8. Set Intentions: While the crisp is baking, take a moment to set your intentions for the autumn season. Focus on your desires for balance, abundance, and gratitude. You can also meditate on the warm, comforting energy of the dish as it bakes.

9. Serve with Thanks: Once the apple crisp is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm, and as you enjoy each bite, express your gratitude for the bountiful harvest and the blessings of the season.

This Spiced Apple Crisp not only fills your home with the delightful scents of autumn but also allows you to infuse your cooking with intention and symbolism, making it a meaningful part of your Autumn Equinox celebration. Enjoy!

Morning Clarity Tea

from the Enchanted Kitchen: Connect to Spirit with Recipes & Rituals Through the Year by Gail Bussi - September

“I love having a little jar of this tea blend tucked away in my pantry. As the year starts to turn towards the dark. It reminds me of the changes we all need to go through and embrace and the power we have to grow in any season and at any time. It's based on an old Moroccan tea recipe and is lovely served in the early morning as a kind of sunrise benediction.”

• 1 cup black tea leaves

• 1 teaspoon dried mint leaves

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

• 2 or 3 whole cloves

• A few dried rose petals (optional)

Combine all the ingredients and then store in a tightly covered jar or tin in a cool and dark place. To make the tea, simply place 2 teaspoons of the tea mixture in a cup or mug and cover with boiling water. Leave to steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink- with a little honey added if you prefer some sweetness. A sprig of fresh mint is also a lovely garnish for this gently uplifting drink.

Autumn Equinox Incense Blend

The Autumn Equinox is a time of balance and reflection, making it a great occasion for creating incense that reflects the changing season.

This is a simple incense recipe that you can use to celebrate this harvest festival:

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Frankincense resin (for purification and spirituality)

• 1 part Myrrh resin (for grounding and inner peace)

• 1 part Cinnamon bark (for warmth and abundance)

• 1/2 part Clove buds (for protection and courage)

• 1/2 part Orange peel (for creativity and vitality)

• 1/2 part Applewood shavings or dried apple peel (for harvest and gratitude)

• A few drops of Autumn-themed oils like cinnamon, clove, or frankincense (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

• Find a quiet and sacred space to create your incense blend. Cleanse the area and set your intention for the Harvest celebration.

2. Grind or Crush Ingredients:

• If your herbs and resins are in large pieces, use a mortar and pestle to grind or crush them into smaller, manageable pieces.

3. Mix Ingredients:

• In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: Frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, clove, orange peel, and applewood shavings or peels. Mix them well, allowing the scents to blend together.

4. Add Essential Oils (Optional):

• If you'd like to enhance the fragrance and magical properties of your incense, add a few drops of your chosen oil(s) to the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the oils evenly.

5. Set Your Intention:

• As you mix the ingredients, focus on your intention for the fall equinox. This could be gratitude for the harvest, balance in your life, or any other personal goals you have for this season.

6. Charge the Blend:

• Hold your hands over the mixture and visualize the energy of the harvest, balance, abundance and reflection infusing it with power and intention. You can also say a blessing or incantation if you like.

7. Store the Incense:

• Place the blended incense in an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep it fresh. Store it in a cool, dark place until you're ready to use it.

8. Using Your Incense:

• To use your incense, light a charcoal disk in a fireproof dish or censer. Once the charcoal is glowing, sprinkle a small amount of your incense mixture onto it. Allow the aromatic smoke to fill your sacred space as you meditate, perform rituals, or celebrate the autumn equinox.

A Spell of Gratitude for the Autumn Equinox

The Autumn Equinox, Mabon & The Second Harvest: All About the Fall Celebration