I'm so glad that you decided to join us! Autumn parties are just so much and especially one that's inspired by my favorite movie, Practical Magic! As you can see we're ready for a fun evening; The horses are hitched and ready for a moonlit hayride and shots of Dragons Breath are waiting on a tray for you in the parlor. Be careful though as they'll definitely take your breath away! I've left you a few of my favorite songs....remember that you can turn them off at anytime by simply pausing the ipod, (just like you would in real time!)
When you return from the woods you'll most assuredly be hungry so there's pumpkin soup waiting in the kitchen along with fresh tomato sandwiches and a steaming mug of my fresh sage, ale and apple tea! Just go curl up by the hearth and I'll be back in a few moments to read your cards for you! Who knows? Will this be the year for abundant good fortune or romantic blessings? I'm sure that I see good luck and much love in YOUR future.......
If when you leave you want to conjure some of that delicious Dragons Breath at home all you'll need is :
1 jigger of Absolut Pepper vodka
3 dashes of your favorite hot sauce (I use tabasco Chipotle for a smoky kick!)
1 jigger of drambuie
Shake with a little bit of ice and pour into your favorite shot glasses!
If you'd like to try the Sage tea all you will need is:
1 quart of fresh apple cider
2 cups of white grape juice
2 bottles of hard cider
1 cup of fresh sage that you have tied into cheesecloth so it can steep
Several long cinnamon sticks
Maple syrup to taste
Put all ingredients into a pot and bring to a simmer. Let the tea simmer slowly for at least 10 minutes and serve each mug with a slice of sugared apple and fresh fall grapes.
And, here is my recipe for Enchanted pumpkin soup.....
Take a chunk of excellent butter and melt it in a soup pot. Add several chopped spanish onions and a shallot or two! Saute the onions until they are translucent and add 3 large cans of cooked pumpkin and several quarts of really good chicken stock. Bring the whole of it to a simmer and let the flavours brew! The magical ingredient here is chunky peanut butter!!!!!! I whisk in a cup of it or even more depending upon the taste. After it has simmered for about 20 minutes, stir in a quart of organic half and half. I always use organic milk or cream if possible because I've discovered that the texture is much finer and the taste is just that much better.
Add salt and pepper to taste and about a tablespoon of good curry powder or pumpkin pie spice if you like it! You can also add a 1/4 of a cup of Calvado's (an apple brandy) if you'd like. I've also made this soup with butternut squash, halved and roasted with butter,olive oil,cinnamon and a bit of real maple syrup. I usually roast about 4 large acorn squash to get the amount of pulp that I need. The canned squash just doesn't seem to have the nutty flavor that the roasted does and the texture is exquisite. Making this will take some extra time, but I promise you that it's worth it. A lovely glass of wine and a bit of cheese while you're waiting should make the task really bearable, let alone the aroma of the roasting squash!
This soup will stand alone as a meal with a tossed salad with some ripe pear, pecans and warm camembert cheese or as a starter for a wonderful roasted pork tenderloin. I've also served it with grilled gruyere cheese and apple sandwiches.
I'm sharing this space with some pretty fabulous bloggers who are hosting parties of their own! Please go to the Practical Magic Blog Party to read them all and show them some love!
Blessed Be my dears and much love to you all,
The Windesphere Witch
