Midsummer
image copyright Kimberlyn Amaranth
Rose Cake
1 Tbsp shortening
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1 Cup sugar
1/2 Cup canola oil or other vegetable oil
1 teaspoon rose water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon soda
2 1/4 Cups all purpose flour
1 Cup buttermilk
8 rose scented geranium leaves
Heat oven to 350 F. Generously grease a 8x12 inch pan with shortening and dust with flour. Lightly pound rose geranium leaves between sheets of wax paper and arrange in the bottom of the pan.
In a bowl with an electric mixer or a food processor beat together egg whites and sugar. Continue beating until the sugar dissolves. Beat in the oil, salt, vanilla extract and rose water. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk to the egg and oil mixture. Mix only until no flour is visible.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on the top and firm to the touch.Cool for 20 minutes. Turn out of pan. Allow to cool completely on wire rack. Peel off leaves when the cake is completely cool. Decorate according to liking.
Ritual Mead
2 1/2 gallons water
1 C meadowsweet herb
1 Cup woodruff sprigs
1 Cup heather flowers
3 cloves
1 Cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Cup barley malt
1 oz brewers yeast
Pour water into a large cauldron or kettle. Bring to a boil and add the meadowsweet herb, woodruff sprigs, heather flowers, and cloves. Boil for 1 hour and then add the honey, brown sugar, and barley malt. Stir 13 times in a clockwise direction, then remove from heat.
Strain through a cheesecloth and allow the mead to cool to room temperature. Stir in the brewers yeast. Cover with a clean towel and let it stand for one day and one night. Strain again, bottle, and store in a cool dry place until ready to serve.
Faery Cookies

Make a batch of Sugar Cookies, and give them lots of glittery sprinkles ! When you go into the woods, or garden, share them with the little ones.
Midsummer Insence

2 parts Sandalwood
1 part Mugwort
1 part Chamomile
1 part Gardenia petals
a few drops Rose oil
a few drops Lavendar oil
a few drops Yarrow oil

Burn during Summer Solstice rituals, or during that time to attune with the seasons and the Sun.
Raspberry Spinach Salad

2 Tablespoons raspberry vinegar
2 Tablespoons raspbery jam
1/3 C vegetable oil
8 C spinach, rinsed, stemmed and torn
3/4 C coarsely chopped nuts
1 C fresh raspberries
3 kiwis peeled and sliced

Combine vinegar and jam and blend adding oil in a thin stream. Place spinache in a bowl and add remaining ingredients in layers.
Back to Sabbats