Product Description

: With menus and recipes for each of the ten sabbats, this is a major resource for anyone planning a dish for the countless potlucks we hold at every season. I began reading it with some fear and trepidation. When the authors began speaking of Medieval customs, I was terribly afraid that the recipes would concentrate on things like boar's heads and roast oxen, or whatever the Witches of Old might have at their seasonal gatherings. On the contrary, the recipes that Wood and Seefeldt include in this attractive collection tend to be simple and very good, at least to judge from those that I've sampled. And no, the ingredients are not at all exotic. I tried making latkes, which were quick and easy to mix in my medieval Cuisinart. With a bit of apple in the mix, they were very good. I also had no problems with soups, which were simple and delicious.

But the recipes are only the beginning. A fascinating introduction gives a positive, brief picture of Neo-Pagan Witchcraft, as background for anyone new to the Craft. Then, for each of the sabbats and for each recipe, there is an introduction, suggesting, among other things, rituals for blessing the meal and for invoking the appropriate Deities. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed reading the whole book, from cover to cover, which is something I've never done with any of the hundred-or-so other cookbooks sitting on my sagging shelves. This is likely to become my favorite cookbook, and I suspect it could be yours, too.

Not just a cookbook, this unusual publication outlines the spiritual relevance of the eight major pagan holidays and offers appropriate rituals, menus, and recipes for each occasion. The recipes are easy to follow and make use of ingredients at their seasonal peak. From dandelion wine to medieval honey cakes, the dishes preserve a culinary tradition closely connected to natural rhythms and enduring symbolism. The authors also include an appendix on growing an herb garden and a resource list of herb seed companies and nurseries.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #311498 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-27
• Released on: 2000-09-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

From Booklist
A witches' cookbook need not be simply a hodgepodge of recipes calling for "eye of newt." Wood has compiled The Wicca Cookbook to inform followers of the relationship of ancient paganism to eating. Those merely curious about this nature-based religion will also find good information here. Spell-casting and creation of sacred spaces precede a discussion of medieval cookery, source of many of these updated recipes. Nature forming the core of this religion, the authors organize recipes through seasons from Candlemas into the dark days of winter solstice. This nonorthodox book may offend some readers; others will enjoy its unique viewpoint. Mark Knoblauch
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
“Offers tasty mood food. . . .a fascinating read..” —Toronto Star Week “Delightful, informative cookbook . . . [recommended] especially to customers looking for fresh, meaningful ways to interpret and celebrate the sabbats.”—New Age Retailer“This book is so full of interesting tidbits that I have yet to even tell you about the great recipes.” —3Circle Magazine “Absolutely a feast for the eyes, and provides ways to create feasts for the other senses. What a treat..” —Pagan Network News

About the Author
Jamie Wood is a practicing Wiccan who lives in Southern California. She is a mother, writer, children's book author, and teacher of classes on herbal healing.

Tara Seefeldt is a practicing Wiccan of twelve years who teaches cooking classe s while earning her Ph.D. in medieval history.

Customer Reviews

You don't have to be into Wicca to enjoy this
You don't have to be into Wicca to enjoy this book. I enjoy cookbooks and it is hard to find many that have good recipes that are easy to fix. I don't follow Wicca or practice it, but I loved this cookbook.

The recipes are comfort food style recipes that are generally easy to make. They have covered everything in this book from Bread to Dessert. I love the bread recipes and the basic stuffing recipe is easy and delicious.

Just don't avoid this book because it is Wiccan, if you do you are missing a gem of a cookbook. The history and lore and interesting reading, but it's the recipes that are wonderful and savory.

What I like most is that this book has recipes that are good quality without being pages and pages of ingredients and recipes. Many of them are basics that you can use in a variety of different ways. This is my favorite cookbook. My only complaint is that it isn't longer, but that's not really a complaint at all:)

Fascinating Book, Yummy food!
I have always been interested in learning about Wicca and I was really excited to find this book! The Wicca Cookbook gave me all kinds of information about Wicca in a really easy, comfortable way. I didn't feel intimidated by it at all. The rituals, herb knowledge, and history all blended together is fascinating. The medieval woodcuts that illustrate the book give it a special, historical feel. The recipes are really wide-ranging and yummy, and the rituals give me something to think about whenever I am cooking.

First time I read a cookbook cover to cover!
I'm so glad I was lucky enough to acquire a copy of this book. The recipes are organized around the eight sabbats, with a delicious dish for every season! The historical information and folklore included with each recipe makes it truly unique. Cooking is transformed into a personal, spiritual experience. The ingredients include lots of fresh herbs, fruits, and even edible flowers. I'm delighted with it, and I haven't even cooked anything yet!