After most rites, such as Esbats and Sabbats, somewhere in you're to take part in what is called The Simple Feast. For different holidays and occasions this can consist of many different types of items. Juices that are approperiate for the season can take the place of wine if you choose, and simple cookies (what you would find in books refered to as "cakes") can be served. Even if you are working solitary, you can, and should, partake of the Simple Feast. I say should, because it's just as much a part of the ritual as anything else that you are doing. Here I have added a few recipies of things that you can make that will work for the Simple Feast whether you are working soitary or with a group or coven.
3/4 cup softened butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
2 cups flour
1 cup finely chopped pecansb
Cream the butter in a large cast-iron cauldron (or mixing bowl). Gradually add the brown sugar, beating well. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and rind, and then beat by hand or with an electric mixer until the mixture is well blended. The next stpe is to stir in the flour and pecans.
Cover the cauldron with a lid, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
When ready, shape the dough into one-inch balls and place them about three inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake in a 375-degree preheated oven for approximately eight minutes. Remove from oven and place on wire racks until completely cool.
This recipe yields about 36 cookies which can be served at any of the eight Sabbats, as well as at the Esbats and all other Witchy get-togethers.
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup finely chopped citron
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons anise seeds
2 1/3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Add honey, citron, sugar, and anise seeds. Stir until the sugar completley dissolves and then remove from heat.
Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices and fold into the hot honey mixture. Turn the batter into a well-greased 9 X 5 X 3-inch loaf pan and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for one hour. Turn out on a wire rack to cool. (This recipe yields one load of bread.)
Covenstead Bread improves if allowed to stand for a day and it is an ideal bread to serve during Lammas and Autumn Equinox Sabbats as well as all coven meetings.
