Blooming! and the first Beltane Recipe!

The grey clouds are swept away, the sky is blue and there are robins in the trees... yes, Spring is finally here!  It is almost 80 deg outside today and I know life is good because my Johnny Jump Ups are blooming like mad.  It's lovely!   My tulips are blooming too, and though they're almost bloomed out I see a few new buds poking their way out so we'll see what develops.  This is a pic from the last set of blooms - so nice to see when I come in my kitchen in the morning. (that's my bamboo in the front - so cute!)


It's April now, and we can feel the headiness of Beltane seeping into the air, into the ground and in the warmth of the sun as it breaks out into the beauty of Spring and Summer.  Now is an excellent time to really jump into your witchy plans for the coming months.  The moon will be full this weekend, and that is a perfect time to get rooting around in the garden!

Beltane always reminds me of the first large gatherings of the season.  It's the first time since last year that we're able to come together outside for longer than 20 minutes or so and enjoy the sunlight.  It is a return to the warmth and the beauty of the Mother.  I always love cooking for Beltane - making May Wine, honey cakes, breads and meat dishes that are savory and sweet. I'll post a recipe a day up until the big day May 1st!

Today's Recipe:  Roasted Chick Peas

This is a fabulous snack and perfect to start things off at a party.  Now, the magical uses of a chick pea might not be readily apparent, but think about this - weight loss is among the number one things mentioned of "stuff I'd like to do this Spring". So what better way to kick off the party than with a healthy snack that'll get people thinking?  And remember - any food is magical if given intent.

Roasted Chick Peas:

2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tblspn olive oil
cracked pepper
sea salt
garlic

Heat your oven to 350 deg. In a bowl, mix all your ingredients.  As you stir, mix in your intention for health and blessings on all your friends as they eat this tasty treat.  Spread them evenly in a metal pan - I use a cake pan because they have a tendency to roll.  Roast until browned (and smelling great!).   Remove and spread onto a paper towel to cool. Serve immediately!  (they're not as good cold)  Roast in batches to keep them hot and yummy through the whole party.

I've had lunches that are just roasted chickpeas, a little feta and some warmed pita.  Divine and healthy, the best combination.  If you've roasted veggies before you'll know what to look for - if not, your chickpeas should be a little browned but not burnt.  If you're smelling them, it's a good indication they're done.  I do not recommend using the broiler for this - they'll dry out to quickly. 

Blessings!