Goddess Goodies: Treasure Brownies

For me, baking is a spiritual practice.  Maybe it's my natural kitchen-witchery showing through, or maybe it's because of the warm memories I have of learning to bake with my mom and grandma.  For whatever reason, I love crafting warm, gooey goodness that I can share with my family and friends in the spirit of the Goddess.

 Even though I like to bake from scratch, sometimes, life doesn't allow it.  That doesn't mean I have to ignore my kitchen witchery: this easy brownie recipe is fast and fabulous.

I love dark, decadent deserts, and there are plenty of goddesses who would agree with me.  Take your pick of dark ladies to celebrate with these Treasure Brownies: I like to make these for Hecate, but you can make them for Kali or Spider Woman.  Remember, it's the intention that counts!

 You will need:
1 box of regular brownie mix
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup olive oil
2 eggs
18 peanut butter cups (smaller than a muffin cup)

Muffin tins and cooking spray

1. Prepare the brownies as directed on the mix, but add two eggs instead of one (this makes the brownies more like brownie-cupcakes, which is perfect for our purposes.)

2. Unwrap eighteen peanut butter cups.  Use this step to set your intention: think about the value of things hidden in the darkness, and give thanks to the dark goddess of your choice for her presence in your life.

3.  Spray the muffin pans and fill them halfway with brownie mix.

4. Place one peanut butter cup in the center of each filled muffin cup, pressing down gently.

5.  Bake following the directions on the box (usually 30 minutes will do it).

6.  Cool on a wire rack.

Share these goodies with your tribe, and enjoy.  Blessed be!

Goddess Goodies: Pomegranate Scones

For me, baking is a spiritual practice.  Maybe it's my natural kitchen-witchery showing through, or maybe it's because of the warm memories I have of learning to bake with my mom and grandma.  For whatever reason, I love crafting warm, gooey goodness that I can share with my family and friends in the spirit of the Goddess.

When my husband got groceries this weekend, he texted to let me know that pomegranates are back in season.  Since Persephone has been on my mind lately, I decided to experiment with pomegranate scones.

 You will need:
1 pomegranate
2 cups flour (I use wheat, but most people prefer all-purpose for lighter scones)
1/4 cup of honey
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
5 TBSP cold butter
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream (I use low fat)
2 egg yolks

 1. Slice the top off the pomegranate, and score the fruit three or four times.  Invert it in a bowl of cold water for at least five minutes: this will make it easier to get the pomegranate seeds out.

When you are able to remove the seeds, do it slowly.  Working with a pomegranate is very meditative,  and this is the step in the process where I set my intentions for the recipe.  If I want to honor Persephone, I think about her story.  If I want to fill my tribe with love and joy, I think about that.

Make sure you rinse the seeds and drain them.

2. Combine flour, honey, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.  Cut in the butter until it's crumbly.

3. Combine sour cream and egg yolks, add to the crumb mixture.

4. Mix in pomegranate seeds.

5. Flour your hands and divide the dough into two round balls.  On a floured baking sheet, press the balls flat.  Score them with a sharp knife, but don't separate the scones yet.

6.  (Optional): Whip one egg white and drizzle it over the scones.  Add cinnamon and sugar, pouring it over the egg.

7. Bake at 425 F for 18 minutes

Cool on a wire rack.  WARNING: these scones are crumbly!

Enjoy with a cup of chai tea or your morning coffee.  Blessed be!