Of all the Wiccan holidays, I like Yule the best. Maybe it's because it's become an established tradition in our household, or maybe it's because it's such a non-commercial holiday (compared to Christmas where you have to get everybody something otherwise you're a Grinch). Whatever it is, I love the simplicity and symbolism of it.It's almost as though you can feel the warmth of the sun the next day. Those precious few seconds quickly extend to a minute, and then two and three. Somehow the winter doesn't seem to be as dark or as long. Your mood feels lighter and your body feels as though it might make it through another winter. Spring is on its way.
Thankfully, the weather wasn't too cold to make a fire, so we were able to burn the Yule log outside. Arthur insisted upon carrying it to the fire pit and throwing it into the fire. He also wanted his fire poker so that he could help me keep the fire going. His hands got cold quickly and he was ready to go in way before the Yule log burned completely. He commented that it was "quite a little bit chilly" outside; which it was, even for an adult.After warming up inside, we had some apple crisp. Here's the recipe:
On the Menu: Apple Pecan CrispMakes 12 servings
Topping
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted (if desired)
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
Filling:
3 lbs. apples, your choice, chopped or sliced
1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all filling ingredients together. Mix well, then pour into a 13x9 inch pan. To prepare topping, mix together all topping ingredients and then sprinkle over filling mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. Uncover, then bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until topping is crisp and juices are thick and bubbly.
A happy and blessed Winter Solstice to everyone.
Blessed be.
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