The Real Witches' Kitchen ~ Kate West

When you think about it, the good cook and the pagan have a lot in common. They are both interested in the natural world and natural products and the good cook will, like the pagan, work in sympathy with the natural seasons and cycles.

Okay, so you may have worked out that this book is not entirely all about food. That said, there is quite a good range of recipes from the section on 'Brews and teas' to 'Soups and Foods to Strengthen and Heal' and 'Breads, Cakes and Biscuits to Honour the Goddess and the God'. There are recipes suitable for Sabbats, Esbats and just for everyday, ranging from a delicious hibiscus, lemon and lime Summer tea to Carrot, orange and coriander soup and Rich Esbat biscuits flavoured with cinnamon and nutmeg which would go well with Elderflower and rose petal jelly.


What I like best about the book though is the section on 'Feasting around the Wheel of the Year', which discusses each of the eight Sabbats or pagan festivals. Today for instance, here in the southern hemisphere we celebrate Yule, the Winter solstice and the shortest day of the year. From today the days will start getting longer again so we celebrate the rebirth of the sun and traditionally the feasting has focussed on preserved foods that would have been available for a mid-winter feast. Hands up if you've celebrated the remnants of what used to be Yule at Christmas time (which is when it occurs in the northern hemisphere) with some plum pudding? The book very deftly describes the eight festivals and provides the food context and menu ideas, as well as occasional recipes which are particularly suited. This essentially mirrors the good cooks' focus and reliance on seasonal produce, so there's no real way you can go wrong.

There are of course sections of the book devoted to non-food recipes, with soaps and other bathroom goodies, herb sachets, skin and grooming products as well as oils and lotions. You could try out some of the anointing oils, and there are even candle recipes for your good old fashioned candle magic (tell me you haven't ever blown out birthday candles and made a wish!). It is quite a comprehensive book.

I recommend the book to anyone with an open mind and an interest in taking a seasonal approach to life. Probably not one for the Christians, as sadly I suspect many would find it difficult to move past the "damned heathen" nature of the book and find something interesting and of value to them within.

- Kath