kitchen witch

hello.

as requested, we’re going to be talking about autumn baking and cooking in today’s letter (and we’re going to make it a little witchy).

the autumn equinox, also known as mabon in many pagan and witchcraft traditions, is a time of thanksgiving and preparation for the colder months ahead. it's a season when witches, particularly kitchen witches, practice rituals that honor the harvest, express gratitude, and invoke the energy of abundance.

i recently wrote about the autumn equinox, but i wanted to expand on this and include some recipes, kitchen supplies, books, films, podcasts, and more for you to indulge in during this season. there are many different practices and rituals one can engage in, depending on what intentions you’re trying to set. for example, baking bread with seasonal herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme- kitchen witches often infuse their intentions into the dough while kneading, visualizing warmth, health, and prosperity being baked into each loaf. another popular practice is brewing a spiced tea or mulled cider, using ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and honey. as the mixture simmers, witches may stir it clockwise while focusing on intentions of protection, warmth, and inner peace for the coming months.

if you’re interested in this sort of thing, here are some other magical rituals that can be performed during the autumn equinox…

gratitude jar: create a gratitude jar to honor the season of harvest. write down things you're thankful for on small pieces of paper and place them into a jar. keep the jar in the kitchen or a special place, adding to it throughout the season to attract abundance and positive energy.

apple blessings: apples are a symbol of the harvest and can be used in a simple blessing ritual. carve a small symbol or sigil into an apple, focusing on what you want to bring into your life (love, health, prosperity). eat the apple as part of an equinox meal, symbolically taking in the blessings.

autumn equinox altar: create a small altar in your kitchen or dining area. use autumn fruits, gourds, leaves, nuts, and candles in colors like orange, red, yellow, and brown. place objects that represent the elements (a bowl of salt for earth, a candle for fire, water in a chalice, and a feather for air) to honor the balance of the equinox.

baking with intention: (expanding on the above) as you bake bread, cookies, or pies, infuse your intentions into the dough. while kneading or stirring, visualize the qualities you wish to bring into your life: warmth, love, prosperity. speak or think positive affirmations, and when the baked goods are done, share them with others to spread those intentions.

mabon tea blessing: brew a pot of herbal tea using autumn inspired herbs like chamomile, rosemary, or sage. while you’re stirring your tea, you can say a blessing, asking for balance, peace, and protection as you move into the darker half of the year. drink the tea slowly, focusing on the warmth and energy flowing into your body.

cleansing simmer pot: make a simmer pot with water, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peels, and star anise. let it simmer on the stove, filling your home with its warm, protective scent. as it simmers, visualize any negative energy in the home being replaced by warmth, love, and comfort.

candle ritual for balance: during the equinox, light two candles (one white, one black) to represent the balance of light and darkness. as they burn, you can think about finding balance in your life and releasing anything that no longer serves you. once the candles burn out, bury any remaining wax in the earth as a way to let go.

herbal sachets for protection: make small sachets filled with protective herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, and cinnamon. place these in your kitchen cabinets, pantry, or drawers to invoke protection and abundance for the coming months.

autumn trail mix offering: make a trail mix with autumnal ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and a touch of chocolate. as you mix it together, give thanks for the abundance in your life. set aside a small portion as an offering to nature spirits or the earth, leaving it outside to honor the season. (or feed the critters)

seasonal cleansing: as part of a kitchen ritual, cleanse your kitchen space for the new season. wipe down surfaces with a mixture of water, vinegar, and rosemary or sage. as you clean, imagine removing stagnant energy and making room for the warmth and abundance of the autumn season.

i realize many of these seem a bit silly or woo woo (and they are) but tis the season… all of these practices and rituals make the kitchen a sacred place where the magic of the season is welcomed and celebrated.

now that you’re kitchen and your heart are prepped for autumn, let’s talk about what we’re going to make. friendly reminder that the majority of the recipes i share are pulled from the nyt cooking website (one of the very few resources i trust for online recipes). i highly recommend subscribing to them.

savory dishes

harvest vegetable stew: a hearty stew with seasonal root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, parsnips, squash, and herbs such as rosemary and thyme for warmth and grounding.

herbed pumpkin bread: a savory loaf infused with sage, rosemary, and garlic, symbolizing abundance and nourishment.

chili and cornbread: for cool, crisp evenings. this is perfect for halloween night. and a combo of the two (a vegetarian option- this one is delicious)

mabon apple soup: a creamy soup made with apples, onions, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, representing the balance of sweet and savory in the season.

roasted root vegetables with sage and honey: a simple dish that highlights the autumn harvest, adding a touch of sweetness and protection through sage.

pumpkin and sage risotto: a comforting, creamy risotto using pumpkin puree, fresh sage, and nutmeg to embody the flavors of fall.

mushroom and barley soup: a rich, earthy soup made with a variety of mushrooms, garlic, onions, and barley, perfect for grounding and connecting with nature.

stuffed acorn squash: acorn squash halves filled with a mixture of quinoa, cranberries, nuts, and herbs, representing the harvest and abundance. this is another great acorn squash recipe.

caramelized onion and apple tart: a savory tart with a flaky crust, topped with caramelized onions, sliced apples, and a sprinkle of thyme.

brussels sprouts and brown butter gnocchi: homemade gnocchi using roasted brussels sprouts and brown butter.

classic chicken pot pie: a soup alternative that makes the ultimate quintessential comfort meal during colder months

autumn root vegetable gratin: layers of thinly sliced potatoes, sweet potatoes, and parsnips, baked with cream, garlic, and cheese for a rich, warming dish.

sweet

spiced apple pie: a classic pie made with seasonal apples, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, embodying warmth and abundance. another great apple pie recipe.

an easy apple snack with honey and crushed walnuts

pumpkin spice cookies: soft, chewy cookie bars with chocolate chips, filled with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, invoking comfort and joy.

honey cakes: small, dense cakes sweetened with honey and topped with edible flowers, often used in rituals for prosperity and gratitude.

cinnamon sugar roasted nuts: a mix of autumn nuts like pecans, walnuts, and almonds, coated in cinnamon sugar, representing the harvest's abundance.

apple bourbon bundt cake: a moist cake infused with apples and spices, topped with a glaze made from mulled cider and bourbon.

apple butter: to spread on toast, waffles, pancakes, etc.

the best salted chocolate chunk shortbread cookies: save this for holidays, too.

maple pecan scones: buttery scones filled with chopped pecans and drizzled with a maple glaze, ideal for breakfast rituals or an afternoon treat.

apple and cinnamon crumble: warm, baked apples topped with a crunchy oat and cinnamon streusel, served with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. apple cobbler is perfect, too.

pumpkin bread with chocolate chip streusel: this is one of my favorite pumpkin bread recipes because of the chocolate addition. this is a great one without chocolate.

baked apple cider doughnuts: would it be autumn without apple cider donuts? these are moist, fluffy, and delicious.

spiced irish oatmeal with cream and crunchy sugar: the perfect autumnal breakfast made with apples, spices, and a sugared top.

pumpkin cheesecake bars: creamy cheesecake bars with a spiced pumpkin swirl, served on a graham cracker crust.

caramel apple hand pies: individual hand pies filled with spiced apples and caramel, easy to share and perfect for autumn gatherings.

pumpkin maple muffins: for a quick morning bite. moist, delicious, spiced, perfection.

maple pecan sticky buns: the perfect weekend baking project that will make your sunday morning tasty and sweet.

this is the only cinnamon roll recipe you’ll ever need.

drinks

mulled apple cider: a warm drink simmered with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices, perfect for setting intentions of warmth and protection.

pumpkin spice latte: a homemade version with real pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and steamed milk

chai tea latte: a comforting blend of black tea, spices (cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves), milk, and honey, providing a cozy ritual for grounding.

autumn equinox herbal tea: a blend of dried herbs like chamomile, rosemary, and sage, often brewed with intentions of balance and gratitude.

spiced hot chocolate: a rich hot cocoa with a pinch of cayenne, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a cozy, warming treat that channels autumn's magic.

ginger and pear tonic: a refreshing drink made with fresh pear juice, grated ginger, and a splash of sparkling water, providing a crisp balance to heavier autumn flavors.

cranberry and rosemary cocktail: a tart cocktail made with cranberry juice, vodka or gin, and a sprig of rosemary for a touch of earthiness.

maple bourbon old fashioned: a classic old fashioned with a fall twist, using maple syrup as the sweetener and garnishing with an orange peel and cinnamon stick.

pumpkin smoothie: a creamy, spiced smoothie with pumpkin puree, banana, spices, and almond milk, great for an autumn breakfast or snack.

apple and ginger punch: a non-alcoholic punch with apple cider, grated ginger, cinnamon, and sparkling water, garnished with apple slices and star anise.

now that you have your recipes, i’m going to share some kitchen tools and baking supplies i love, especially for autumn and seasonal baking.

kitchen tools and supplies:

-crockpot: for stews, chilis, applesauces, dips, and more.

-kitchenaid stand mixer: the quintessential bakers machine for cookie baking, cake mixing, brownie making, etc. i always have mine on my countertop for easy access so it’s ready to go if i find myself in a baking mood.

-vintage debbie mumm halloween plates set: another cute set here. the matching mugs, too.

-pumpkin waffle maker: for a quick and easy festive breakfast. the ghost and skeleton waffle makers are adorable, too.

-autumnal hand pie molds: for baking fruit and custard pies.

-autumn and halloween cookie cutters: not just for cookies, but you can cut your sandwiches into spooky or cozy shapes.

-potter barn dupe ghost candy bowl: for candy corn and/or other small candies. the real ghost bowl is on sale right now (it’s larger than the dupe). the entire set is on sale if you like all the ghosty decor.

-apple corer: for all of your apple baking adventures

-pumpkin patch loaf pan: the best bakeware in my opinion. this one is great for pumpkin bread.

-pumpkin mug for seasonal drinks: not a need, but a need.

-copper measuring cups: i love the look of copper pots and pans (but they’re very expensive). this feels like a nice compromise. still pricey, but the perfect edition to your baking collection.

-tapered candles for intimate dinner parties: black fluted taper candles to make your dinner party cozier and more intimate.

-mini glass bottles and jars for spices and herbs: perfect for storing all of your spices.

-my favorite wooden spoon: a classic kitchen staple that will last you for years to come.

-witchy cookie cutters: moon and star, planchette eye, moon cycle, and luna moth

-cast iron pot: staub and le creuset are my two favorites- depends on your preference, but both work wonderfully in the kitchen.

-this cauldron and witchy mug set was too cute not to add.

-spices: harvest herbs, dried mushrooms, mulling spices

-i buy this spiced chestnut hand soap and dish soap for the kitchen every year in autumn. it smells so cozy and warm without being too sweet or overwhelming while eating and cooking. it’s perfect and i highly recommend.

you didn’t think i would leave you without media recommendations, right?

movies:

• practical magic – features scenes of witchcraft centered around the home, family, and the magic found in everyday rituals, including making potions and herbal brews in the kitchen.

• the love witch – though more focused on glamour and love spells, it has a distinct vintage aesthetic that includes brewing potions and preparing herbal concoctions.

• hocus pocus – a fun, nostalgic movie set in the fall with witches, spells, and a small-town atmosphere. it's lighthearted and packed with classic autumn vibes, from pumpkin-filled streets to magical shenanigans.

• the craft – though more of a coming-of-age, dark magic film, it still captures the moodiness of autumn. its depiction of young witches exploring their powers resonates with the mystical side of the season.

• kiki's delivery service – a delightful animated film by studio ghibli. it follows a young witch as she sets out to find her place in the world. the cozy, small-town setting and focus on everyday magic make it a perfect autumn watch.

books:

• the kitchen witch by skye alexander - a guidebook on creating a magical kitchen using natural ingredients, sacred rituals and spellwork.

• susan branch autumn - features charming handwritten and watercolored illustrations that celebrate autumn with easy family recipes and insights on topics like woods-walking, entertaining, and halloween.

• gooseberry patch fall - featuring over 240 easy and delicious dishes perfect for autumn, from mom's sweet potato waffles to gigi's thanksgiving turkey, along with creative tips for enjoying the season with family and friends.

• silver palatte cookbook - one of my favorite cookbooks- 350 flawlessly seasoned recipes, vibrant ingredients, and a wealth of kitchen wisdom, now celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary with full-color photographs throughout.

• cold weather cooking - over 300 soul-warming recipes, from mixed winter squash provencal to sweet potato pancakes, focusing on late harvest ingredients and featuring chapters on winter grilling and hearth cooking.

• wiccan kitchen by lisa chamberlain - 40 magical recipes, menus for the eight sabbats, and guides on using natural ingredients and turning your kitchen into a sacred space for creating fulfilling dishes.

• encyclopedia of magical herbs by scott cunningham - a comprehensive guide to the magical uses of over 400 herbs and plants, featuring illustrations, common names, uses, and rulerships, making it an essential reference for natural magic practitioners.

• witch in the kitchen: magical cooking for all seasons by cait johnson - over 80 vegetarian recipes, spells, and rituals that celebrate the earth's seasonal changes, guiding readers to align their kitchen practices with the eight pagan holidays through cooking, meditations, and magical decorations.

  

baking and cooking podcasts/youtube:

- Alison Roman (youtube): her thanksgiving episodes are my absolute favorite. the lasagne video and cheesy baked shells are a dream.

-claire saffitz (youtube): her videos bring me so much comfort and her recipes are brilliant.

-cherry bombe (podcast): conversations on food with chefs, bakers, creatives, and more.

-she’s my cherry pie (podcast): each week bakers and culinary creatives take a deep dive on their signature baked goods.

-old bon appetit (youtube): specifically this ba test kitchen perfect thanksgiving episode.

-be my guest with ina garten (podcast): it’s ina… need i say more?

playlist:

music for kitchen witches to cook to on a rainy autumn day

okay, that’s all i have for today. i hope you enjoyed this cozy letter.

if you’re not ready to become a paid subscriber and you have the capacity to leave a tip, that would be so appreciated. 

i love you.

bye.

(follow ig, tiktok, pinterest and spotify for more)