Wendy B. August, 2011

Space – Not the Final Frontier
Being a Military family, we are often sent to places we might not necessarily want to go, sometimes with not a lot of notice, our worldly belongings are packed up into boxes by men who sweep through the house like a whirlwind, they are then shunted into containers and shipped thousands of kilometres, to be unloaded by yet another set of removalists often into a house we may not even like.  A home, so recently vacated by another family doing the very same thing, it can feel like crawling into a stranger’s empty bed, while it is still warm from their bodies.
No matter how well it is all orchestrated, it is often a very stressful time for the family, time spent in temporary accommodation waiting for the ‘belongings’ to catch up, kids moving schools, making new friends. However, as an empath and home maker it can be emotionally and spiritually traumatic – if I am not careful.
I always thought it would be wonderful, if I could have a day in the empty place before we moved in to ‘clean house’ but that is rarely possible, so it is up to me to cleanse and claim as best I can amidst the boxes and chaos..

It is important to me, to make my family a home as quickly as possible. A warm environment, where they feel safe and cosy, as well as a welcoming and comfortable spiritual space as well. The latter is hugely important to me. One of the first things I do armed with sage, cedar and sweet grass, is smudge the house… I clean the floors with a herbal wash, drains and sinks are cleaned with salt and lemon… the doors and window sills are sprinkled with salt. I ask the deities I work with to bless and protect… I cleanse out space. As our household and personal items are often handled by packers who see items in boxes as nothing more than a reason for a pay check, it is often good that our belongings are shown some love with a good cleansing as well.

The next most important thing for me is to set up “sacred space” – I have done this in every house and there are little areas, dedicated to different deities about the place… a wee love altar in our bedroom dedicated to Aphrodite, in my kitchen Hestia is guardian of my hearth and Hecate resides in a main living area.

I have always had a place set up in our home, where I can go and sit and recoup, a place where a table is dedicated to the elements, incense is burnt here, candles are lit here, hands are clapped to music here, drumming happens here. This is my space; this is the area of the home from where energy flows to every corner. It is a place of grounding. That one place I can just look at, or walk past and feel the closeness to and the blessings of the God and Goddess.

There are so many stressors in life these days, work, school, deadlines, even a trip to the grocery store can be like running a gauntlet. It is so beneficial to us to have a place within our homes or gardens where we can get in touch with that still small voice inside. It matters not the path you walk – to set up a small place that becomes your power place is a very easy thing to do. Let yourself be guided to the place, you will ‘feel’ the right one, it could be a shelf with a few personal treasures, a corner where perhaps you can set up with a comfy chair and a wee table, adding things that are have meaning to you.  Spend some quiet time there, make it yours… I know for myself having sacred space within the home has helped me through things that have felt insurmountable… With the somewhat transient life we lead, I have managed to make space – my first frontier.

Tags: hearth, home, space

• Articles

Alex Crowe May, 2011

My Sacred Home

I close my eyes and I transform from the home I know, to the home that is me. No longer am I standing in an apartment of wood and metal walls. I am standing in a field. The view is amazing. All around I can see golden wheat tickling my fingertips as I walk.

My field is in the middle of this beautiful forest. All around me are trees as far as the eye can see. They protect my little home and keep me safe. It will always be here when I return. The animals watch over it. The air is crisp and clear. All around me is warmth and love.

The smell in the air is home to me. I feel at peace, nothing like that of the life I lead, but a serene peace from deep inside my soul. I smell earth and everything that she holds dear. Around me the sounds of birds call me. Owls, strangely out at day, come to “Who” at me. I can’t see any animals around me, but I know they are there, watching me.

In the middle of my field of gold is a wonderful cabin. It is a log cabin and when I look at it, it gives me such happiness. It is what I have always dreamed of. Most homes for me have always been a simple four walls, but this home is everything I have ever wanted. I know once I step into it, there will be a massive expansion that I can do whatever I want with. I can have it be an elegant mansion or a simple cottage. Today, the cottage suffices and it is exactly what I want.

The round archway of the door beckons me to come inside. Find what I can explore. Before today, I could never make it in the archway. Something always held me back, not allowing me to go in further. Truly I have been awakened spiritually and realize that the power to overcome whatever obstacle stands between me and the door is mine. I can go in. Nothing will stop me now.

My hand grips the handle on the door and I push it open. Inside is the living area. I have a cauldron in an old fashioned fire pit on the left wall. The chimney takes all the smoke from what is cooking inside the cauldron. The smell continues to be earthy, but this time, it is homier. Like herbal soups.

There is a bed in the middle. Made of wood and very big, it has a homemade quilt on the side. Something I always wished I could do on my own was making a quilt. I always wanted one that I could pass down from generation to generation. This one is old and well loved. In it is the spirits of witches that have come and gone. I know that this one will be handed down to my own child, but which one I am not sure. One will have a great power and decide to do wondrous things with it.

I lie on the bed and close my eyes. My familiar, a small white dog that seems to change breeds whenever she chooses, lies next to me. She warms me with a glow that seems to work on its own.

When I open them, I have returned home in the real world. My sacred place I will visit again soon, but for now, I must become the mother, wife and witch I am in reality.

When I first started learning about energy and the sacred space, my husband decided he would try to take me to mine. Since I am a water sign, he tried to tell me to picture a beautiful ocean. My body and soul would not let that happen though. I kept coming back to my cabin, waiting for me in my golden field. It beckoned me and no matter how hard I would try to get to that ocean he was telling me to be at, I couldn’t get there. Sometimes, I believe, you don’t have an option where your sacred space is. It is a home given to you, not one that can be chosen. Some people say that they have made theirs, but I can’t seem to get anywhere but my cabin. Who would want to in all reality? It is a beautiful place and feels so right to me. I don’t even want to leave.

So what does that have to do with being a kitchen witch? Well, I mentioned the soup, right? I want to share a special recipe for soup with you. This is an herbal remedy of sorts. It is great for those with stomach problems, and very tasty. I was told to eat a bland diet when I had a stomach issue and it was supposed to be something close to a liquid diet, and I am not so good with liquid diets, so I compromised. I made a soup, but not so much just blah. This one has a lot of meat in it, but I also want to add a barley and mushroom soup for my vegetarian friends.

• 64oz minimum canned or home made Chicken broth
• 1/2 lb pork cubed
• 1/4 cubed ham
• Large onion diced fine
• about 1/2lb of deboned chicken cubed small
• 1/2 lb stew beef also cubed small
• 1 Large Leek
• 2 tbs chopped parsley
• 1 cup chopped spinach (drained well)
• ½ cabbage head
• Large clove of minced garlic
• 2 Tbs Olive Oil

Start your broth in a large stock pot. You want to bring this to a nice heat before adding your other items. While that is heating, in a large sauté skillet, add onion and garlic. Lightly sauté then add each of your meats individually. You want to brown them before adding to the stock pot. Once they are all in the stock pot, bring to a boil and then simmer for an hour.

After about an hour, you want to add your seasoning and vegetables. You can add salt, thyme, bay leaf and pepper to taste. You want to simmer for another half hour to get the flavors to mesh well. It will serve about ten, so make sure you have a large stock pot.

For my Vegetarian friends, here is a Barley and Mushroom Soup for you.

• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup barley, uncooked
• 1/2 lb mushrooms
• 1/2 cups onion, diced
• 1/2 cup fresh carrots, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Now, bring your broth to a low boil. Reduce your heat. Add your mushrooms, onions, carrots and celery. Allow this mixture to simmer for ten minutes or so. Add the barley and garlic and allow it to simmer for another hour. You will want to use salt and pepper and any other seasonings for taste.

With Beltane right around the corner, these will be in your pocket for a great celebration with family and friends. From my family to yours, many great blessings in your sacred space and home without.

Tags: cooking, home, Recipes, space

• Recipes

Hearthkeeper November, 2010

With the Holidays coming on fast..this time of year is overloaded with food recipes.. So what I have done is put together some meal blessings and a Blessed Home recipe.. And I wish you all a Blessed Home and Hearth…

Blessed Home recipe

3 cups of Love
4 spoonfuls of Hope
2 cups of Warmth
2 spoonfuls of Tenderness
1 cup of Forgiveness
1 cup of Friends
1 barrel of Laughter

Combine Love & warmth,
Mix thoroughly with tenderness.
Add Forgiveness and Blend with friends & Hope.
Sprinkle in all remaining tenderness.
Stir in a generous amount of  laughter.
Bake with Forgiveness, Say God/dess’s blessings over it.

Gather up a handful of friendship,
Squeeze in a mixture of love ,
Mix in an open line of communication.
Throw in a lot of understanding and patience,
Blend in a lot of laughter, Whip up the time to be together,
Put all in a bowl — Mix it together,
And – OH YES!!!  now you have
A Recipe for a Blessed Home!!
serve daily in generous helpings

Before you sit down and enjoy your Holiday meal; be it Thanksgiving or Yule or Lammas.. or any other Sabbat/Holiday throughout the year, Honor The Deities by simply pouring or cutting off a portion and set it aside for God/dess. You will need a bowl or plate set at the table to do this. It is customary to empty the dish outside under a tree once the meal is complete, but if you live in the city or have someone who could use it.. You may offer it to an elderly friend or neighbor, thus passing the blessing of your meal along. . If you choose to give thanks to a particular deity, simply choose a food sacred to that god and place it outdoors.

** BLESSING THE FOOD **

This is a two part Blessings, the Mom and Dad or the High Priest and Priestess.. Whoever presides over the meal.

God: Mine is the ripening sun.

Goddess: Mine is the nurturing soil.

God: Mine is the fruit of the vine.

Goddess: Mine is the chalice of life.

Both: We are the blessing of wine!

And the wine nourishes us.

God: Mine is the planted seed.

Goddess: Mine is the fertile earth.

God: Mine is the mower’s blade.

Goddess: Mine is the oven of making.

Both: We are the blessing of bread!

And the bread nurishes us.

We bless this bread, drink and food
This table and all that is good.

Here is another that is quick and simple.

Made with love, Blessed with love, Shared with love
We are one with the earth and all that is on it..
Blessed be

I like these.. they seems more formal

Mother Earth who gives to us this food,
Father Sun who makes it ripe and good,
Blessed Earth, Blessed Sun,
We’ll not forget what you have done.

Lord and Lady so divine.
Bless this food and Bless this wine
Bring health, wealth, wisdom,
to all that sit here
and as your will so mote it be.”

Mother Earth and Father Sun we thank you so,
for the food and beverage you bestow.
For your protection and your love,
and everything you do for us.
We offer you Thanks, Love, and Mirth,
as we eat your bounty, Father Sun and Mother Earth.

These Holidays/Sabbats, take the time to truly give thanks to your God and Mother Earth for all you have been blessed with

Until next month

Merry Cooking and Blessed Eating

The Hearthkeeper

PS. If there is anything you would like to see here.. please email me at  thehearthkeeper@gmail.com

Tags: blessing, home, house

• Articles , Recipes

Hearthkeeper November, 2010

Merry Meet and Blessings to you all… It is that time again… time to either be canning up all of our blessed harvest in the northern Hemi or if you live in the Southern Hemi fertilizing and weeding to take care or prepare for your tender shoots.

Jams, jellies, and canned vegetables are canned or frozen for winter use. Or you are looking into the pantry to see what you need to plant for next winter stash. Extra necessities are also stockpiled in case of severe weather. For both Winter or Summer.

Now is a good time in either Hemi to take just a moment to bless your own
kitchen. With a drop of olive oil, trace whatever symbol brings you peace  such as a spiral to represent the Goddess or the Pentacle to represent all of the elements that come together there. Do this on a cupboard or pantry door. You can use the following Blessing that I found and modified to suit my life… I believe the original version was by Gerina Dunwich…but don’t hold me to that

Kitchen Witch’s Blessing

Blessed be this Kitchen of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.
May all who enter be warmed by the sacred light of the God/dess.
May all that I create here by means both magical and mundane
bring nourishment, and healing, and cause harm to none.
With love and peace, Hug or feast, be now and always filled.
So mote it be!

You may also wish to create a hearth God/dess . Take a piece of fimo clay(or clay you need to dry in the oven) I used white as it means purity to me. Shape into whatever male or female form you feel presides over YOUR kitchen. I used a sitting pregnant Goddess .. But you NEED to make this however YOU see it.. what FEELS right to you. I left mine to dry on the back of my stove so it would soak up a full weeks worth of my kitchen energy. Then after it was dry I anointed it with oil. Dipped it in some dried powered herbs( ones I use all the time) and let her sit on the shelf above my stove protecting all I cook and serve and tend there.

Spend time focusing on your Kitchen’s energy. Slowly go through it, the cabinets, the fridge , your Kitchen Altar, seeing them with the clear eyes. Think about changes you would like to make to refresh the room and create a better flow of energy.

Find a good sage or lavender incense or create your own. Get it smoking and walk clockwise around the room saying something like this…

Smoke of earth and fire and air,
spin round my kitchen and make it clear.
Drive away all harm and fear,
so only good may dwell in here.
Lady Hestia, Bless my space,
let no one leave without peace.
Be welcome here and always feel right

And those who would harm us  feel thy might
Protect me and mine as we create within,
and keep us safe as we journey about.”

As I will it so mote it be..

Some Witchy Kitchen tips.

1. As a beginning ritual, light a candle and sprinkle some fresh water around the kitchen. Cleaning your workspace, both physically and spiritually, is a good habit.
2. A pot of basil herb grown in your kitchen keeps the area safe from negative spirits.

3. Always use fresh ingredients. Even if you live in an urban area, try to buy food which is in season and from your country. Goods that are out of seasons are grown in greenhouses or shipped long distances and have lost much of their magickal qualities (and taste).
4. Do not cook when you are angry it spoils the taste of the food..
5. An aloe Vera plant should be kept in the kitchen, as its juices are an instant cure for minor kitchen burns.
6. Candles keep their shape better and burn longer when chilled thoroughly in the refrigerator.
7. Before casting spells or preparing potions, always keep in mind to HARM NONE!
8. Anoint utensils and appliances with olive oil to bless and charge them . You can infuse the oil with herbs to strengthen it. Please use only edible herbs…
9. Smudge your kitchen with sage if you feel any negativity.

Remember that even though it does not seem like it the whole house revolves around the Kitchen and what you do in it.. the day starts there with breakfast and your first cuppa coffee ( or tea) and end there with the cleaning up and washing the dishes to your last cuppa tea( or whatever) . It is where you bring your hurt child to mend the owie. And where you get a hug for the yummy snack you snuck in the luchbox. It is where you create everything from the morning toast to the grand holiday dinners. But without YOUR kitchen your home would be in turmoil. So treat it with as much importance as it deserves, and be mindful of what you create there.

Until next time

Blessed Home and Hearth

The Hearthkeeper

PS. If there is anything you would like to see here.. please email me at  thehearthkeeper@gmail.com

Tags: blessing, home, house

• Articles

Ivy Sapphire July, 2010

A.  Naming your home and giving it purpose.

I know some will find this silly but we are going to give our home a name.  This is a very old practice,  it makes your

home more them just a place it becomes a entity all its own .  King arthur named his castle and lands Camelot.  Elvis

names his Graceland.   We all live in towns and cities, that the founders took time to name and give purpose too.  Later in

this course you will write and perform a naming ceremony for your home.

The reason our homes need purpose are the same as the reasons we need purpose.  Each homes purpose will be different.  Each homes purpose will change as you, yourself grow older.  Your home will go through different phases and changes, as time

goes on.  A family will have different ideas of what a home should do, then a single man or women.  Each home owner will

have different needs.  I perform a ritual every year, giving my home it’s purposes for that year.  You will learn more

about that ritual later.

*For those of you without a home all your own, name your space, like your bedroom.*

***Assignment***

Question to answer when thinking of a name for your home.  Keep your answers to one word.
(example:  How should your home feel to others?  Peaceful, relaxed, uplifting, and inspiring.)

1.  What does your home feel like at this time?
2.  What do you want your home to feel like?
3.  What purpose should your home serve?
4.  Where is your home located?
5.  How do you see your home?
6.  What inspires you about your home?
7.  Make a list of words, colors, or any other things you relate to home?

Now take all the words you have written down and begin to look for your homes name, it’s there some where.  Be creative!

B.  Deities

There are thousands and thousands of deities around the world.  By this time I am sure you know that in witchcraft we

recognize different ones for different works we are doing.  I would like for you to find a patron god or goddess for your

home.  By no means do you have to stick with the one you choose forever, but for the sake of this class I would like you to

have one to refer to.  In my home we use Hestia the Greek goddess of the hearth and home.   Take some time do a little

research.

***Assignment***

1.  Make a list of 5, hearth and home deities.
2.  Choose one deity for this class.
3.  Why did you choose this deity.

As always…..Don’t forget to be creative!!!

C.  Altars

I am sure you have all gone to a church at some point in your life.  It’s wonderful that some religions have place to go to

worship and pray.  Unfortunately, in witchcraft that isn’t always the case.  So we build altars in our homes, but did you

know that this was a very old practice.  In the past, people would build altars in there home because they could not travel

to places of worship as easily as we do now.

You can build an altar out of anything.  I have seen altars on table tops, on dressers, on shelf’s, and even some in a

corner on the floor.  Do what works for you in your space.  I use an old table I found at a flea market as my working

altar.  I do not believe there is any right way or wrong way to construct an altar, there are books out there that say to

do it this way or that way.  I say do what feels right to you, it is after all your altar and your place to worship.

***Assignment***

Your going to build an altar for your home.

Questions to help you with the building process.

1.  Where is a good space for my altar?
2.  What will I use to represent the deity I have chosen for my home?
3.  What do I wish to add to the altar?
4.  Will I have something to represent the elements?

Don’t worry I your altar is a little “naked” at this time we will add to it as we learn.
Don’t forget always be creative.
D.  Decorating

A lot of people don’t think about decorating as a tool for magick, but it really is.  We decorate are homes for holidays

too celebrate.  We decorate are altars to worship and pray.  I think we can use decorating to bring magick into each room

of our homes.  As we cover each room I will show how things like rugs and furniture can be used.  I want to show how to

decorate for magick on a budget.

***Assignment***

1.  Look at what you already have.  List 5 things in your home that could be used for magickal decorating.
2.  Go to your local Dollar Store or even Walmart.  Some kind of shopping center.  List 5 things you can buy there for

under $20 that could be used for magickal decorating.

p.s.  Candles don’t count!!!!  Don’t worry your don’t have to buy anything just look.

Be creative!!!!

Tags: home, house, magic, magick

• Classes

Willow Winterborne September, 2009

*The Hedgewitch lives in the space between the Village and the Forest. Between the mundane and the magical. S/He lives with a foot in both worlds.
This column is dedicated to the Hedgewitches of the planet earth.

September 2009
Harvest Time!!!

It is that profoundly magical season of harvest here in the hedge, and the abundance has amazed me beyond my wildest dreams.
My garden has been a constant source of joy and lessons learned.
The watermelon and cantaloupes, unsown by me, came to life on their own, because we left the seedlings where they sprouted.

It was a teetering balance of my way, and Nature’s way.
In the end, I caved completely and allowed the weeds and plants to grow side by side.
The weeds provided a soft landing spot for the pumpkins and melons, and they had perfect skin as a result.

And as I render these gifts of Nature into usable food products, whole and natural, I am reminded of the lessons of Mabon, and the feasts of Thanksgiving.
My ancestors worked diligently, nearly year round to ensure the food supplies would continue through the long months of winter.
They toiled in their gardens, hung hand-washed clothes on a line, chopped, split and stacked wood for the ever present fires, and canned and dried fresh foods.
As I engage in these activities, even as a modern witch, I am reminded in a deep down cell-remembering way, of these industrious people who came before me. It makes my spirit rejoice to repeat the actions of my foremothers and to feel the satisfaction of having accomplished so vital a task.

In this season of harvest, I am grateful. I am reminded of all I have been blessed with, and all I anticipate to come.
The very act of growing food, harvesting and preserving it is hopeful, and spawns fresh hope when the food is consumed.
It is an opportunity to bless the stores that they might last until the next harvest, and bring needed blessings in the months to come.

Mabon is often referred to as Witch’s Thanksgiving, and for me, that is exactly how I celebrate it. I prepare a feast to celebrate the coming of the dark months of the year, the warmth of our home and the abundance of blessings contained therein.

As well as a time of joy, there is an undeniable sadness associated with this time of year, for me.
When I see a bright yellow school bus, or smell a freshly sharpened number two Ticonderoga pencil I am overcome with a wave of bittersweet nostalgia. A falling leaf; a mud puddle; a ripe orange pumpkin…these things hold a sort of wistful sadness for me.

But again, I am reminded of the time of year. The dying back. Things being cleaned, dismantled, stored for the year. Bright green things turning crisp and brown.
Of course there is sadness. It is Nature at work, and we can feel it stir in us, even before the first leaf falls.

Each year on my path, as I observe and fall into deeper rhythm with the cycles, I have a deeper appreciation for the Natural occurrences that mirror a metaphorical reality. Not a circle, for I never return to the same place again, but a spiral, which allows me to see the places I have visited before, again, with the fresh eyes of new experience.

As we raise our chalices in celebration of the season, and remember the sacrifices which were made in order to bring about not only this harvest, but those to come, may we join together to commit to care for one another. To use our abundance to bless those less fortunate.
To make humanity our business, and to care for those we find along our way.
To simplify our lives so that we have time and energy for the truly important blessings in them; the people we love and who love us.

Happy Witch’s Thanksgiving, and Happy Harvest Season to all!

May your table be heaping;
Your larder quite full;
The blessings you’re reaping,
as Autumn now pulls,
be stacked to your rafters
with plenty to share.
~May the mission we’re after
be one of Care.

Brightest Blessings of the Season

Tags: hedge, home, house, kitchen, nature, witch

• Articles

Willow Winterborne August, 2009

*The Hedgewitch lives in the space between the Village and the Forest. Between the mundane and the magical. S/He lives with a foot in both worlds.
This column is dedicated to the Hedgewitches of the planet earth.

Sitting On A Dream

I wish I had more clues to the mystery of My House to share with you. But, then, that’s what this month’s column is all about…

To sit patiently with a yearning that has not yet been fulfilled, and to trust that, that fulfillment will come, is quite possibly one of the most powerful “magic skills” that human beings are capable of. It has been noted by almost every ancient wisdom tradition.
~Elizabeth Gilbert~
(thanks for such an apt quote, SatiMidnight!)

The theme of the past month, for me, has been sitting on a dream. Knowing, waiting, believing. All without the usual “hurry!” attitude.
It is human nature to identify and then attempt to possess things which we feel are meant for us. I am very human in my pursuit of possession of My House. I do yearn to climb her stairs with baskets of folded laundry and to make a fire on her hearth. To fill her rooms with thick, perfumed smoke as I consecrate and bless her, and sleep deeply inside her walls.

Yet, as great as the temptation is to ‘wish away’ the space of time between now and the day I hold those magical keys in my hands, I have been mindful of the urgency not to.

The place I live now (a mere 3 blocks down on the same street as my beloved House), is really quite lovely. It possesses every characteristic I painstakingly added to my list when I was conjuring a new house prior to our move. Not the least of which is a brand new central air/furnace which keeps the temperature roughly 50 degrees cooler inside than out, this summer.
It also has my garden out back, which met my every criteria when I asked for it. It overflows with vegetation and the promise of an unprecedented harvest.
I really have no reason at all to even want to move, except that I know my Dream House is just 3 blocks down. So close, and yet, so far away.

In my desire to be united with My House, it has been so tempting to feel “rushed”. Like meeting your soul mate and not being able to build a relationship with them…yet.

When our family came for the long Fourth of July weekend, we were crammed to the rafters in our current modest-sized home. I spent half my time wishing we were in the spacious new House, and the other half being grateful we didn’t.
I had such trouble imagining my whole family ‘camping out’ on the first floor because the upstairs isn’t quite inhabitable, yet. Well, not by Mother-in-Law standards, anyway.
I also was grateful that the house we were all in had the glorious amenity of air conditioning, so we all slept comfortably, unlike the sweltering temps in the completely un-air-conditioned House.
I was grateful for the appliances and plumbing which accommodated the whole lot of us with well-maintained ease, unlike the new House, in which the kitchen sink shoots straight up in the air when turned on.

As I yearn to spend the evenings on the grand wide screened-in porches of the new House, I am also thankful I have a beautiful yard and bug-proof gazebo right here, 3 blocks down, to enjoy.

I have forced myself not to allow the yearning for what will be to eclipse the wonderful blessings that are now.
And it has been a challenge, to say the least.
But I know in my heart that to rush is to miss the numerous blessings along the way. To hurry is to discount the journey.
I also keep well in mind how nice it is to flip a switch and have power come flowing into my light bulbs. To enjoy clean, modern conveniences not long forgotten or having had to be scrubbed, remodeled or repaired.
The challenge to restore the Old Girl is daunting, and I know it will consume my every waking hour, not spent at work, from the day I get those keys in my hot little hands, on.

So, as I wait, to watch the mystery unfold, I remind myself, often. Life is good right now. There is no rush to the future. There is no need for haste or anxiety.
Enjoy living in this present moment. This air-conditioned reality. This solid, clean, modern home.
There will be plenty of time later for scraping walls and sweeping endless piles of remodeling dust.

I am excited for what is to come. But I will not allow it to preclude my happiness right now, in this moment.

Perhaps this is not the next-installment of the mystery I was hoping to write about. But it is the next stage of the journey that carries me closer to my Dream manifesting.
I pray that all of you are in dogged pursuit of your Dreams, and that you are taking the time to be mindful of the blessings right under your nose, as you pursue them.

Brightest Blessings All!
Willow

Tags: green, hedgewitch, home, magic, magick, witch

• Articles

Hearthkeeper March, 2009

This month I wanted to focus of Deity. Since this is such a touchy subject for many of us as well as a subject that will start flaming wars, I will be looking at different kitchen/hearth Gods and goddesses. For no other reason than there have been so many different ones throughout history. I do not wish to annoy, anger or irritate anyone… so please read this for only the informational purposes that it was intended for.

I do not mean to seem like I am attacking before I am attacked. But recently I have been getting involved, without meaning to or having the desire to, in arguments about God, Goddess, and Deity. I personally have fairly simple views of Deity and why it is seen so many differing ways.

I see Deity as a jewel/gem. A beautiful and many faceted Jewel. If you look at this graphic you will be able to see the many different ways a stone can be faceted…

BUT no matter how you facet it, it will always be a gem. If I see the top of the gem… and someone else sees the side of that same gem it may look like a completely different stone. If you take 1 large stone and divide it into many different many faceted stones… it will ultimately remain 1 large stone in many pieces.

THAT is how I see deity.  It may have broken itself down into male and female faceted gems. Then broken itself even further into smaller versions so that you and I may find the stone we need for that moment in our lives…or the face of Deity that someone needed to cope with whatever was in their life. BUT in the end…Deity is Deity and no matter how many times we break it down to be more manageable and easier to understand or what faceted face we see… it remains the one being in many parts.

The problems start when the human element is brought into play. When My God/dess becomes bigger, better, more, than your God/dess… once we start doing that … we draw the lines in the sand that make other want to prove to you that Their God/dess is better than Yours…so many issues could be and would be avoided if people just saw that the face (facet ) of God/dess they see is the perfect one for THEM…and no one else but them. My God/dess is awesome and amazing and all I need…but I do not want to impose my Deity on anyone else…and I try really hard not to get into a situation that others try to impose THEIR God/dess on me.

So I wanted to show that there are many different facets of Deity that many races needed for their hearths and homes…I hope that you get as much out of this as I did researching and writing it…

TSAO WANG: God of the hearth. Every household has its own Tsao Wang. Every year the hearth god reports on the family to the Jade Emperor, and the family has good or bad luck during the coming year according to his report. The hearth god’s wife records every word spoken by every member of the family. A paper image represents the hearth god and his wife, and incense is burned to them daily. When the time came to make his report to the Jade Emperor, sweetmeats were placed in his mouth, the paper was burned, and firecrackers were lit to speed him on his way. (Chinese)

GENIUS: A guardian who protects both individuals and homes. (Roman)

LAR: God of the house, a cheerful and beautiful youth.(Roman)

HESTIA: Every home had a hearth that was dedicated to the goddess, and each day began and ended with a ritual requesting that she protect and nurture the family within.
As the Goddess of Architecture, Hestia intended that homes should be built from the center out, with the center being a hearth that contained her sacred flame.  As part of the naming ritual, all infants were carried in a circle around the altar of Hestia to secure her blessings. There was an altar to Hestia in the center of every home…it was the fireplace, the hearth, where the family gathered.  Hestia’s vision of a house was that it should truly be a home, a place where one’s body, spirit, and relationships would be nurtured and replenished… a place to “come home to” after exposure to the cold and chaos of the external world.  Hestia is associated with the warmth and comfort of the welcoming fireplace. Just as the flames glowing from the hearth soothe us with their warmth and glowing light, the goddess Hestia gives us security, peace, and comfort and helps us accept the truth of our lives with inner grace (greek)

BOKAM: is the feminized hearth-flame worshipped by the shamanic Ket tribe of Siberia; they dominate the lower basin of the holy Yenisei River in Russia’s Krasnoyarsk Krai district (Siberia)

FUCHI or HUCHI: (Huchi-Fuchi (Unchi-Ahchi): (“Grandmother Hearth”) I apologies if my spelling is wrong. Japanese Goddess of the stove and thus the Goddess that heats the tea. The intricate Japanese Tea Ceremony is in part to honor her. Another one of her jobs is to intercede with the Gods on behalf of mortals. The hearth is considered the heart of a home, the vital element that keeps life flowing probably means “Fire”.
She is also a kamui [goddess] of the hearth worshipped by the Ainu aborigines of Japan; and according to one account of her mythic origins she was borne from the spark kindled by a fire drill.(Japanese)

FUJI / FUJIYAMA / SENGN-SAMA: The Japanese hearth-goddess of the native Ainu people, and personification of Mt. Fuji (an extinct volcano), the apex on which her sanctuary was constructed. Due to the predisposition of the Ainu people towards an indigenous form of shamanism, this mountain may have been regarded as an axis mundi serving to unite the “heavenly” world of the gods with the “Underworld” presided over by one’s ancestors.[Japanese)

GHOLUMTA EKE ["Hearth-Mother"]: is another identity of the Mongolian hearth-goddess.

HINUKAN: is a hearth-goddess worshipped throughout Okinawa, Japan; she ensures the safety of each household. Her rites are conducted by the eldest female residing in the home. However, it is not deemed customary for men to pray at her hearth, probably because males have never been associated with religious authority in this region of Japan. Hinukan is esteemed as the mediator between the gods and mankind. (Japanese)

HWEI-LU or WEI: was originally a Chinese fire-goddess, but gradually came to be recognized as the spirit of the hearth (or Tsao shin) during the end of the seventh-century BCE. The caretaker of an ancestral temple at Lu is thought to have first worshipped her in this guise, sacrificing to the goddess with firewood that he had set ablaze. Her cult assumed a role of only marginal importance within native folk-religion for the next five-hundred years, until the early second-century, when an Emperor from the Han dynasty officially adopted Hwei-lu as a member of the imperial-cult; hitherto the late nineteenth-century CE, however, the presiding spirit of the hearth has come to be regarded as one of the most preeminent deities of China.( Chinese)

Bes: God of Domestic Protection, Childbirth and Family; Protection for Children, Pregnant Women and Families

Beset: Goddess of Domestic Protection and Home Security (Egyptian)

Until next time

Blessed Home and Hearth

Tags: god, goddess, hearth, home, kitchen, magic, magick, witch

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Willow Winterborne December, 2008

*The Hedgewitch lives in the space between the Village and the Forest. Between the mundane and the magical. S/He lives with a foot in both worlds.
This column is dedicated to the Hedgewitches of the planet earth.

The New Hearth

Less is more: Moving Hedge

I know this column is a bit off-topic for those who are knee-deep in holiday revelry. But for those of us who have recently moved, are in the process of moving or are contemplating a move, it is a relevant piece.

My household has just completed the process of moving from the New Mexico high desert, where we have lived for the past 4 years, to the fertile Sacramento river valley of northern California.
This move came with about 2 weeks worth of notice, so it wasn’t a fly-by-night operation, but it was a bit rushed.

In the 2 weeks leading up to the actual drive across country I had occasion to touch, wash and pack every item I own and possess in the world.
I am not an uber-materialistic person, so I don’t have a lot of valuable items. But I have been a collector for several years. Entirely unimpeded by space  constraints for the past 4.
And in that 2 weeks of washing and touching and blessing, I really had to determine the value of every single item I owned.
I knew space was a factor. I knew that there would be things on their way to the flea market after I was gone. So being mindful of the items I have and their value to me was at the forefront of my thinking.
We had rented a 12×6 trailer and arranged for my brother in law to drive down to tow it with his hemi truck- I don’t really know what that means, but he seemed very confident and my husband was sufficiently impressed by it.

As I carefully wrapped jar after jar, bearing labels such as Graveyard Dust and Feathers and Dried Moths I weighed my choices carefully. I remembered having gathered or being gifted each item.
I wrapped countless snowflakes fashioned from various materials, and thought of the person who gave them to me, knowing my absolute fetish for snow, and winter.
I labeled one box simply “Witches” which contained 6 different ladies who have brightened my home.
I packed 9 boxes of books and another staggering 12 boxes of photos .

As I watched my life go from its normal spread-out state, I assessed the importance of all my things, and separated out many, many items which were just not that important to me.
In some cases they were worn out, and in others, I knew just who needed it more than I did.

The thing that became so clear to me, as I packed, was the concept of owning possessions versus being owned by them, and how often I buy things I would never take with me if I had to pack quickly. In short, things that do not matter.
If I were to evacuate my home, in the event of an emergency, I wouldn’t even consider taking so many things with me that had seemed so important before.

This thought has stayed with me, now, as I unpack, and have had to replace things I gave away. As I stand in the shops, I think to myself “does this really matter? Would I take it along in the event of, say, a flood?”.
More often than not, the answer is No, and I put it back on the shelf.

Now, the things I own don’t own me. I have things I enjoy and the less of them there are, the less I have to clean and maintain, leaving me more time to enjoy my family and my friends.

And in this time of tightening belts and cutting back, buying less means more resources for things that are really important.
My blessing of this holiday season has been the knowledge that less is more.
I have had the opportunity to get completely organized, and for probably the first time in my life, I know where everything is!

If you feel compelled to simplify this season, there are plenty of needy folks who would be happy to have those old coats from the closet or bedding from the linen cupboard.
Less stuff means more room.
You get blessed, they get blessed.
Try it, simplifying might just grow on you!

Brightest Blessings of the Holiday Season (whatever holiday(s) you celebrate)!!!
Willow

Tags: hearth, hedge witch, home, moving

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Hearthkeeper December, 2008

Merry Meet and Blessed Yule and Litha… I have been remiss in remembering that these pages may not only be seen in the Northern Hemisphere.. so as of the next issue I will be adding information for the opposing Sabbat so that those of you in the Southern Hemisphere will not feel abandoned. Sometimes you do not always remember that WWW really is The WORLD WIDE web..

I have decided that this will be a cookie column…

I will try to include as many yummy mixes as I can

COOKIES IN A JAR (10 recipes)

Layer ingredients as listed in a quart jar, attach directions shown below.

CRUNCHY TOFFEE COOKIES

2/3 cup toffee chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CHOCOLATE LOVER’S COOKIES

1/3 cup milk chocolate chips
1/3 cup white chocolate or vanilla milk chips
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

HUSTLE-BUSTLE BUTTERSCOTCH-OATMEAL COOKIES

1/2 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

OUTRAGEOUS OATMEAL-RAISIN COOKIES

1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

WONDERFUL WHITE CHOCOLATE-MACADAMIA NUT COOKIES
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/2 cup white chocolate or vanilla milk chips
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CHUNKY CHOCOLATE COOKIES

1 cup chocolate chunks
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

HOLIDAY HAZELNUT COOKIES

1 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CRAZY FOR CRAISINS COOKIES

2/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries (Craisins)
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CHOCOLATE-COVERED RAISIN COOKIES

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
2/3 cup chocolate-covered raisins
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CHEWY COCONUT-ALMOND COOKIES

1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

Instructions for layering ingredients:
In 1-quart wide-mouth glass jar, gently layer and pack ingredients in the order listed. If there is any space left after adding the last ingredient, add more baking chips, dried fruits or nuts to fill the jar

Place lid on top. Cut an 8-inch circle of fabric to cover lid. Place fabric over lid; secure in place with a rubber band, then ribbon or raffia. Decorate as desired.

Note: When measuring brown sugar, crumble it between your fingers for uniform texture. Be sure to pack the brown sugar firmly in the jar to prevent the baking mix from sifting down through it.

Make a gift card to attach as follows: “Empty contents of jar into medium bowl. Stir in 1 stick of butter or margarine, melted; 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until well combined. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375 degrees for 1! 0 to 12 minutes or until cookies are light golden brown.

Makes 16 bar cookies.”

Top of the Stove Cookies

2 cups Sugar

1/2 cup Milk
1/2 cup (1 cube) Margarine
6 tbsp. Baking Cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 cup Chunky Peanut Butter
3 1/2 to 4 cups Quick Oats

Add all ingredients to a large sauce pan, except for the Vanilla, Peanut Butter, and Oats. Bring to a boil. When melted turn to med. heat and add the Vanilla and Peanut Butter. Remove from heat and add Oats. Be careful not to add too many and make the mixture too dry. But you don’t want it runny either.
Drop by tbsp. on waxed paper or aluminum foil. Let cool and set before eating.
Makes about 2 dozen.

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies in a Jar
Makes about 30

3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
8 peanut butter cup candies (eg. Reese’s) cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Mix together the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Set aside. Layer ingredients in order given in a 1 quart “wide mouth” canning jar.
Press each layer firmly in place. It will be a tight fit. Add chopped peanut butter cups last.

Attach these directions to jar:

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

1. Remove peanut butter cups from jar. Set aside.
2. Empty remaining cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Use your hands to throughly blend mix.
3. Add 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened at room temperature. DO NOT USE DIET MARGARINE. Add in 1 egg, slightly beaten, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
4. Mix until completely blended. You will need to finish mixing with your hands.
5. Mix in peanut butter cups.
6. Shape into walnut sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets.
7. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 12 to 14 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to racks to finish cooling.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Chocolate Covered Raisin Cookies in a Jar

Makes about 30
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup chocolate covered raisins
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Mix together the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Layer ingredients in order given in a quart size wide mouth canning jar. Press each layer firmly in place making sure you really pack it down before you add the flour mixture, it will be a tight fit but it will work.

Attach instructions to the jar:
Chocolate Covered Raisin Cookies

1. Empty cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly blend mix.
2. Add 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened at room temperature. DO NOT USE DIET MARGARINE. Add 1 egg, slightly beaten, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
3. Mix until completly blended. You may need to finish mixing with your hands.
4. Shape into walnut sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on a parchment lined cookie sheet. DO NOT USE WAXED PAPER.
5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) 13 to 15 minutes until tops are very lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to racks to finish cooling.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen

Gingerbread Cookies in a Jar

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 gingerbread boy-shaped cookie cutter  Use a clean 1 quart jar and press each layer down firmly. Put in half of the flour along with the baking powder and baking soda. Add the spices and the remaining flour. Add the brown sugar last. Tie a ribbon around the top of the jar and attach the cookie cutter and the directions below.

Attach these directions to the jar:
Gingerbread Cookies
Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly. Mix in 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup molasses and 1 or 2 eggs. Mix until completely blended. Cover and refrigerate 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes. Place cookies on lightly greased cookie sheet about 2″ apart. Bake 10 to 15 minutes. Decorate with icing.

Snickerdoodles in a Jar
by AllHomemadeCookies.com

This old-time favorite can be a warming gift to grandparents and elderly neighbors who still enjoy baking.  Why not bake them up a batch of these delicious cookies to go along with your mix in a jar gift, they’ll be delighted! In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:

2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cream of tarter
1 1/2 c. sugar

Place the mixture in a pretty jar or airtight container and include the following gift tag:

Snickerdoodles

1 package Snickerdoodle Mix
1 c. butter, softened
2 eggs
1/2 c. sugar
1 T. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 355 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl on low speed, cream together butter and eggs until smooth, adding one egg at a time.  Add the snickerdoodle mix and continue to beat mixture until a dough is formed.  Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.  Arrange on ungreased cookie sheets 2 inches apart and bake for 16-18 minutes.  Cool on wire racks.

Candy Coated Chocolates Gift Jar Cookie Mix

This cookie jar makes a colorful homemade gift for any
occasion. You can use regular sized candies instead of the
mini’s if you like. Prep Time: approx. 15 Minutes. Cook

Time: approx. 12 Minutes.

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup mini candy-coated chocolate pieces
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/4 cups quick cooking oats

1 In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, salt and
cinnamon. In a 1 quart glass jar, layer the ingredients in the
following order: Flour mixture, walnuts, 1/2 cup of the mini candy
coated chocolates, oats, remaining candies, and brown sugar. pack
down well after each addition and attach a tag with the instructions.

2 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

3 In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of butter, 1 egg and 3/4
teaspoon of vanilla until light and fluffy. Stir int he contents of
the jar until well blended. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place
them 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

4 Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to
cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to
cool completely.

Makes 4 dozen ( 48 servings).

The above can be put together as gifts to give at any time of year.. of just put together so you always have a cookie mix available

Alabama Chocolate-Pecan Jumbo Christmas Fudge

Yield: 8 Servings

Ingredients

1 1/4 c  chocolate wafer crumbs

1/3 c  butter; melted

1/2 c  butter; softened

3/4 c  sugar, brown

3    egg

12 oz semisweet chocolate morsels;

- melted

2 ts coffee, instant

1 ts vanilla extract

1/2 c  flour

1 c  pecans; coarsely chopped

1    whipped cream, sweetened

1    chocolate syrup

1    maraschino cherries with

-stems

1    mint sprigs

Instructions

Combine chocolate wafer crumbs and 1/3 cup melted butter; firmly

press on bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan or pieplate. Bake at

350F for 6 to 8 minutes.

Cream 1/2 cup softened butter; gradually add brown sugar with

the electric mixer at medium speed until blended. Add the eggs, one

at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the melted chocolate,

instant coffee granules, vanilla extract, flour and chopped pecans.

Pour into the prepared crust. Bake at 375F for 25 minutes. Remove

from oven and cool completely on a rack.

Before serving, pipe sweetened whipped cream on each piece and

drizzle with chocolate syrup. Garnish with cherries and/or mint if

desired.

Espresso Thumbprint Cookies (Cookie Exchange Quantity)

Make your mark with coffee-flavored cookies. The shape is classic.

1 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup shortening

3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened

1/4 cup baking cocoa

1 tablespoon instant espresso coffee (dry)

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 egg yolks

2 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup whipping (heavy) cream

2 tablespoons instant espresso coffee (dry)

1 bag (11 1/2 oz) milk chocolate chips (2 cups)

1 tablespoon coffee-flavored liqueur, if desired

About 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies, if desired

1.  Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat brown sugar, shortening, butter,

cocoa, 1 tablespoon dry espresso, the vanilla and egg yolks with electric

mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon, until creamy. Stir in flour and salt.

2.  Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased

cookie sheet. Press thumb into center of each cookie to make indentation, but

do not press all the way to the cookie sheet.

3.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm. Quickly remake indentations

with end of wooden spoon if necessary. Immediately remove from cookie

sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

4.  Meanwwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, heat whipping cream and 2

tablespoons dry espresso over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until

steaming and espresso is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate

chips until melted. Stir in liqueur. Cool until thickened, about 10 minutes.

5.  Spoon rounded 1/2 teaspoon filling into indentation in each cookie. Top

each cookie with 1/4 teaspoon crushed candies.

Thick Sugar Cookies

2 cups margarine or butter

2 1/4 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

6 cups flour

3/4 tsp. salt

4 Tbsp. milk

Divide dough in half (or sixths). Chill 1 hour. Roll out half of dough 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Use greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit/190 degress Celsius for 12 minutes. These can be frosted. Makes about 5-6 dozen standard-sized cookie cutter shapes.

Peanut Butter Blossoms (Cookie Exchange Quantity)

Watch for smiles and plenty of hugs when you pass a tray of favorite

chocolate and peanut butter cookies.

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

2 eggs

3 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

Additional granulated sugar (about 2 tablespoons)

About 7 dozen Hershey®’s Kisses® milk chocolates

1.  Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, beat 1/2 cup granulated sugar, the

brown sugar, peanut butter, butter and eggs with electric mixer on medium

speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in flour, baking soda and baking powder.

2.  Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in additional granulated sugar. Place

about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

3.  Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light brown. Immediately press 1

chocolate candy in center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheet to wire

rack.

Coconut Chews

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup brown sugar, packed

3/4 cup confectioners sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbs. flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup flaked coconut

General Info:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Instructions:

Mix together butter and confectioners sugar until smooth.

Stir in 1 1/2 cups flour. Press this mixture into an ungreased oblong baking pan (13X9X2). Flatten evenly.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

In the meantime, combine remaining ingreadients; mix well.

Spread over baked crust in pan, and bake for 20 minutes.

Cool and cut into bars.

I know that this is a large list.. but it is actually been pared down some.. please feel free to share and have a cookie for me..

Merry Cooking and Blessed Eating

The Hearthkeeper

Tags: cookies, cooking, Crafts, home, Recipes

• Recipes