Happy October! The weather is finally (or hopefully) turning cooler as we get closer to Samhain and pass into the darker half of the year. For me, October is when I start to crave comforting food that warms the soul and fills the belly! The food of fall truly makes it a relaxing season - it is also when I start to make my way back into the kitchen to cook up savory delights and sweet treats infused with magic. After spending the summer enjoying bright and light flavors it is nice to slink into the aromatic spices and indulgent flavors of Autumn.
At the end of October many witches and Pagans will be celebrating Samhain, a feast that pays respects to ancestors and the realm of spirit. At this final harvest, we bid farewell to the growing season and look towards the time of year when we move indoors, both physically and spiritually. Samhain is a time of deep reflection and reverence. Our magic turns to protective work to hold onto what is dearest to us, but also to keep us safe, well, and cozy as the weather turns cold and the nights grow long. I think the Samhain menu reflects this desire for coziness and protection, as it is warming, savory, and filling.
Samhain flavors include the vegetables of the season, such as kale, leeks, potatoes, squashes, parsnips, and our favorite pumpkin. Sweets include apples, cranberries, and pomegranate. Spices include sage, rosemary, garlic, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Meaty meals are hearty, slow cooked, or roasted. Vegetables are casseroled or simmered in soups. Sweets are baked and garnished with nuts. Below is a collection of recipes to consider for Samhain, or to inspire you to find the right dishes to enjoy this October. Since Samhain celebrates our ancestors, you may also want to pull out old family recipes to try this month. Either way, enjoy the pleasing transition to those cozy classics like stews and pumpkin pie!
Main Courses
Main courses at Samhain are warm and comforting: think of roasted meats, slow cooked meals, and oven baked foods seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and sage.
Soups, Stews, and Chilis
Soups and stews are also warm and comforting, incorporating seasonal root vegetables and slowly cooked meats.
Salads
Fall salads also contain more root vegetables and kale, apples, nuts, and seeds.
Breads
Traditional Irish breads and pumpkin breads are a perfect addition to the Samhain menu.
Sides
Rich, filling, and warm sides made from cool weather vegetables like kale and Brussel sprouts, fall squashes, potato, nuts, and seeds fit in well for Samhain.
Desserts
Samhain desserts are sweet, aromatic, and use autumn classics like apples, cranberries, and pumpkins. Caramel and pecan are key players at Samhain as well.
Beverages
Top off your meal with a warm and fuzzy beverage! Mulled ciders, cinnamon and nutmeg spices, and fall fruit flavors are all comforting drinks for Samhain.