Magickal Fall Food

Porchetta Sandwich
Image via Google

One of the many reasons I love this time of year is the food, which is often savory and substantial. There is nothing like a big pot of soup, chili, or a casserole on a cool Fall day!

Of my favorites in particular is Porketta (various spellings, according to region),a rich, fragrant version of pulled pork cooked in it's own juices with the addition of garlic, onion, black pepper,dill and rosemary. It can be slow roasted or cooked in a crock pot (my choice) Because it's  the au jus is heavenly when done in a crock pot, I skim the fat(put it in the fridge overnight and just lift the fatty layer off) and use the broth for soup later. If there is any left, it can be changed up by the addition of BBQ sauce, vinegar and spices, or made into chili- and of course, there is the aforementioned soup: add tomatoes and other vegetables, and noodles for a hearty Autumn treat. Serving pork around Samhain takes on the quality of abundance and agriculture of the pig. Pigs were associated with Ceridwen and Phaedra, who were both moon goddesses. The pig is also representative of the Mother Goddess. The addition of onions, garlic and herbs imparts the corresponding vibrations of these to the dish.

And speaking of soup...you can tailor your magickal intentions through the adjustment of  whatever vegetables, herbs and spices are put into the pot. It's important to make your intention as specific as possible when making soup as part of a spell. Speak your intention as you add ingredients to the soup, and when it is done your can 'take in' the energies of the ingredients. As an added bonus, the aroma of the open kettle sends the intention to the gods you are petitioning for assistance. Soup is magick at it's finest,which can also be said of stews.

I also a lot of apples during the season. They are delicious when baked with cinnamon and allspice (protection and psychic awareness). A little sugar adds sweetness ( think honey jar). Apples themselves are a food of mystics: they are known as the Fruit of the Underworld, Fruit of the Gods,Fruit of Love-and when used near Samhain, they are a part of the Feast of the Dead. I love apples baked with raisins, cinnamon, butter and brown sugar, either whole or cut up.

Seasonal vegetables such as squash and pumpkins are associated with lunar magick (because of their round shapes). Squash are representative of plenty because they grow in multiples. The subtle flavors of these vegetables combine well with other ingredients and amplify their vibrations. Baked squash with sausage or cheese is delicious. I usually bake a small hollowed-out pumpkin stuffed with venison, wild rice, onions, garlic and seasonings this time of year.

Many delicious teas can be made from dried herbal ingredients and edible flowers (check to be absolutely sure they are not poisonous before using!) Sweeten with agave or honey for a lovely evening treat.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention bread at this point. Please refer to these two posts for further reading:
amethjera.blogspot.com/2013/02/bread-magickal-loaf.html 
http://amethjera.blogspot.com/2016/07/a-blessing-of-bread.html