Sandy

So there was a hurricane. It came through, knocked our power out for a bit, and whipped a lot of...things...against the house in the wee hours of the morning.

I cannot believe how happy I am to have so little damage, to my home and to the area. After the flooding last year, I don't think this area could take another large scale disaster.

But, dear gods, looking at the reports coming in from friends and family... If anyone needs anything, please let me know. 

Spaghetti squash

My squash cup runneth over. My CSA was magnificent in making sure its members were well stocked with storage vegetables- root veggies and winter squash. So I find myself seeking out ways to work with new (to me) and interesting foods. Again, part of the reason I joined the CSA.

The noble spaghetti squash. Solid. Probably would work well as a bludgeoning tool. Also, goes damn well with a garlic butter sauce, Parmesan cheese, and mushrooms.

1 small spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/4 cup finely minced parsley, basil, or Italian herb blend
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
one bag of frozen or one package of fresh mixed mushrooms

Bake the spaghetti squash for an hour at 375, just until you can easily pierce it with a knife. Let it cool. While it is cooling, melt the butter, add in garlic, salt, herbs, and mushrooms, saute until the mushroom water has reduced down, keep on low as you deal with the now cooled down squash.

Slice the squash open, length-wise, and scrape out the seeds. Use a fork to then scrape away the squash- it should easily form strands. If the strands seem reluctant to form, put it back in the oven for 10 minutes. The squash should have texture though, a slight crunch. It should not be mushy.

Add the squash in with the butter-seasonings-mushrooms, stir together. Turn off heat and stir in parmesan cheese.

Top with a little more cheese or salt (garlic salt is a magnificent thing to have on hand) to taste when served.

Samhain

Saturday night I was able, after three years of being out of state whenever it was planned, to attend a Community Samhain. I don't get to Community events as often as I want, and they end up being a sort of family reunion for me, more than any sort of ritual, when I do. I appreciate the Intent, and the Work, behind each ritual weekend, but at heart I am a solitary little hearth witch and group ritual baffles me. But, this is my family, and I love them. For all the fluster and flaws, there are hugs and smiles and perfect conversations. Much like any blood family.

corvus_animus made some adjustments to my headdress and I was able to wear it to the ritual. 




( Cut for pictures of the headdress and my home away from home )