Mystical Minis

When people think of magic, they often think a complex ritual of spells.  I am here to say that is not always true.   For example, these mystical minis are a simple dessert that can bring a touch of magic into your life.  With a little love, a dollop of creativity (or whipped cream), and a pinch of whimsy (or salt), you can have delightful delicious desserts that can do wondrous things for you and those around you.

MARVELOUS MYSTICAL MAGICAL MINIS

 Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake for 18 -20 minutes. Use mini tart pans lined with mini cuplets or 1-2” foil and paper cups (a good place to find them is Michaels). Makes about 60 -72 tiny bite sized desserts. I often divide the recipe in half but the mini cheesecakes do freeze very well.

·         1¼ cup graham wafer or Oreo  crumbs

·         ¼ cup melted butter

Mix together and press about 1 tsp. into each cuplet.

• 2- 8 oz. pkgs. of brick cream cheese
• 1 cup white sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp. of lemon juice

Beat well and fill each liner about ¾ full. Bake until tops look set and have a touch of golden color. Cool completely.

  Magical Touch

There are a variety of things you can do to add magic to these tasty treats.  It would take forever to list them all but here are four to get you started.
Apple Cinnamon Caramel - Attracts love and passion and calms anxiety. Apple
Cinnamon
White sugar

Caramel sauce (make your own, melt soft caramels, or use sundae topping)

1. Core and pare apple and cut into little tiny pieces.
2. Mix in cinnamon and sugar to taste.
3. Put in the microwave and cook for one minute.
4. Spoon your apple mixture into the center of the mini.
5. Pour the caramel sauce on top.

Sea Salt Chocolate - Cleanses the soul.  Milk Chocolate bar
Pinch of Sea Salt

1. Cut the chocolate into small pieces.
2. Add 2-3 drops of vegetable oil.
3. Put in the microwave for 20 second intervals. Stir after each interval until melted.
4. Spoon the melted chocolate into the center of the mini.
5. Take a pinch of sea salt and sprinkle on top.

Lemon with Berries - Gives a surge of joyous energy. Lemon Pie Filling
Raspberries and Blueberries

1. Spoon lemon pie filling into the center of the mini.
2. Place one blueberry and one raspberry in the center.

Mint and Basil:  - Protects against negativity. Mint Jelly
Pinch of dried Basil

1. Spoon mint jelly into the center of the mini.
2. Sprinkle the basil on top.

Simple right?  But what makes them so magical?  The beginning of all magic comes from intention.  Arrange the desserts on a pretty plate, and play a little music.  Concentrate, wave your hand over the minis, and put your energy into them.  When you put in love and joyous energy, they instantly become magical. 
I hosted a Boxing Day Party and served the desserts. They were big hit and everyone was happy and having a great time.  Of course, I also served wine and cocktails.

Dragon Fire Tonic: Fights a Cold and Flu

Got a cold?  Or a flu?  It's can be miserable when you get sick with these two ailments.  That's why I have a recipe here from the Nether Realm that will help.  It is a very simple recipe and a surprisingly tasty one too.  According to all the best wizards, witches and witch doctors it is the best tasting medicine in all of the Nether Realm and fast acting too.  It has been developed and adjusted over centuries and with a little help from the dragon's fire, we got the best medicine we could ask for.  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup of Orange juice
1 teaspoon of Lemon juice
1 squirt of Honey
1/8 teaspoon of Ginger
1/8 teaspoon of Turmeric
1 tiny pinch of Cayenne Pepper
1 stick of Cinnamon

Instructions

1. Mix the first six ingredients together.
2. If you are in the Nether Realm and have a dragon present or have access to a dragon's den, have the animal breath fire for about 2 seconds to heat the concoction.  If you are in the Earth Realm, put the mixture in a microwave safe container and heat for 2 minutes.
3. Pour into a cup, add the cinnamon stick to stir.
4. Wave your hand over the concoction while focusing on its power to heal.  This will transfer your positive energy into it and therefore making it more potent.
5. Drink it slowly and enjoy! 

*Helpful tips:

·         Try to do this as organic as possible.  It works better this way.

·         Watch out!  It may be hotter than hellfire!

You may never find a dragon in the Earth Realm but that doesn't mean you can't have a spicy tonic inspired and perfected by them.  It will fix you right up and have you feeling great in no time.  To quote the witch doctor that first gave the recipe to me, “The heat of the dragon energize thee." 

 

How did this recipe work for all of you?

Monster Cookies

October is all about monster mayhem.  Monster movies, monster costumes and (as I have discovered) monster trucks.  Now that November is here and the festivies are done, we have to forget all of that until next year.  Luckily, I have a monsterously magnificient momento to remember the Halloween season.  A recipe for monster cookies.  Everyone is afraid of a monster but these monster's are friendly and yummy.  Don't worry they like to be eaten so its not animal/monster cruelty.   



You will need:

1 Angel Food Cake Mix Box (I prefer nice monsters)

2 Cups of M&Ms

½ cup of softened butter (take out first thing in the morning and let sit) 

½ tsp. vanilla

1 softened 8 oz. Cream Cheese Bar (take out first thing in the morning and let sit)

1 egg

Powdered Sugar

Food Coloring

Candy Eyeballs (I found these in Michaels but you can find them in any craft store)

Instructions

1. Beat butter, vanilla, egg and cream cheese together in a large bowl until fluffy.
2. Add the cake mix, then divide batter into bowls for the amount of colors you want.
3. Add food coloring for your desired color to each individual bowl and mix until all combined.
4. Divide M&Ms into different colors (This is optional) and add them into your cookie mix.  Stir
5. Put batter in refridgerator for 30 minutes to chill.
6. Take out of Refridgerater, roll into balls and dip in a bowl of powdered sugar.
7. Place the balls on greased cookie sheet and pat down slightly.
8. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes
9. Add candy eyeballs on while cookies are still warm.  
10. Eat, Exchange and Enjoy!

 

As you can see that these cookies are easy to make and are ready in a flash.  Kids love them (Don't worry.  They won't be scared), and they are very popular at bake sales.  You make one batch of these beauties and BAM!  Watch them disappear as fast as the last month does.  My mother always says to keep the monsters outside but these cookies are too good to pass up.  They are a friendly reminder of my favorite holiday.  How do you remember your Halloween?

 

 

Black Magic Smoothies

Feel like you are in a spell? Feel like you are in a web that is weaved so well? Like the song written in 1942 and sang by Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and even Marilyn Monroe in the movie “Bus Stop” says, it must be that Old Black Magic. As many of you know, I believe in kindness, compassion, joy and light. I am no fan of black magic. But with Halloween just around the corner and winter fast approaching, it makes good sense to take measures to improve your own health and strength.

So I have a solution for you. This “Black Magic Smoothie” will smooth over any spells or curses and help you avoid colds and flus. The recipe makes 4 servings but I like it so much it is really about 2 servings for me.

Ingredients

1 cup of black cherries

1 cup of blackberries

1 cup of blueberries

1 cup of greens (try spinach, kale, or Swiss chard)

2 cups of pomegranate juice

1 tablespoon of chia seeds

1/3 cup of black beans (optional)

Throw everything into a blender and blend really well. Drink and enjoy.  Put leftovers in a jar for the next day.

Hints

I highly recommend frozen fruits and vegetables. Unless they are in season where you live, frozen is a more economical and nutritional option. Less preparation and waste too. I often buy mixed fruits and pick out just what I want for a specific recipe.

The black beans are optional but they are the “secret” ingredient because they are magical. And not in the sense of “Beans, beans, the magical fruit.  The more you eat, the more….” well, you know the rest. More relative to the fairy tale about Jack and the Beanstalk. Beans provide a wealth of fiber and protein and help you feel full. And let's face it, they are delicious!

Remember that in the Earth Realm, we are more susceptible to illness and injury. We are approaching a season of superstition, cold weather, and change. Be aware, keep fit, and stay strong.

Fairy Garden Salad

Back in the Nether Realm, my mother would make Fairy Garden Salad for the first time each year for the May Day celebration. She would gather the greens, berries, nuts or seeds, and herbs from the Enchantra Forest where we lived.  The fairies always picked and delivered the flowers to provide the finishing touches. For May Day and for the rest of the celebrations in the summer, we had this wonderful fresh, healthy, and delicious salad. We always made extra to leave outside to repay the fairies for their contribution.  Fairies love this salad and since I am of the fey species, it is my favorite summer salad.

In this world, you do not need to search the forest for the ingredients. Most are available at your local supermarket. Make sure the flowers are edible; not all are.  I encourage you to plant a couple of pots of your own herbs and edible flowers. That way you can make sure they have not been sprayed with pesticide or insecticide.


Salad Ingredients
* About 6 cups of spring salad mix (medium size package)
* 3 cups berries (I used 1 cup each of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries)
* ½ cup nuts or seeds (my favorite is sunflower seeds)
* Edible flowers (I used violas for the salad in the picture. Nasturtiums, rose petals, and chive blossoms are all lovely)

Dressing Ingredients
* 1 part olive oil
* 1 part lemon juice
* Squirt of liquid honey
* Small bunch of chives, chopped
* A couple of mint leaves, muddled or finely chopped

Instructions
Invite your friends over, put on some happy music with a lot of percussion and shake your mystical booty. Put all salad ingredients in a bowl. Toss the ingredients and flip your hair or flip the ingredients and toss your hair.  Either way works.  Mix dressing ingredients together while dancing.  Feel free to use your dressing bottle as a maraca.  Dressing is best left to sit for a bit to mingle the flavors. So in the meantime mingle with your friends. 

Add dressing just before serving. This salad is lovely with a toasted croissant, a wedge of warmed brie cheese, and a glass of ice cold sangria.  Fun, friends and fresh salad, what could be a more fabulous feast?

Voodoo Rice and Beans Recipe

That's right.  Voodoo rice.  I had the pleasure to visit New Orleans earlier this year.  As most of us know, New Orleans is famous for it's history, spiritualism, parties and, of course, food.  I remember that everything I had to eat there was so good that I was sad to leave. I was lucky enough to have this spicy, exotic dish on my visit there.  The locals are very open and friendly and they like to share some of their culinary secrets.   Here is what they shared with me.

Voodoo Rice and Beans 


Ingredients
1/2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. salt

1/2 cup rice
1/4 cup red pepper, chopped
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup of vegetable stock
1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup of corn
Hot pepper sauce to taste

Saute' onions & seasonings until onions are soft.  Add remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil and then cover and simmer about 20 minutes.  Stir occasionally.  Eat!

Some of you will want meat with this.  That's perfectly reasonable and very easy to do.  You can replace the vegetable stock with chicken stock and add some meat pieces of your choice.  For the siren clan, the best thing to put in is shrimp.  The locals at New Orleans swear that shrimp is the best meat to have with this meal.  However, for all you shape-shifters out there (especially werewolves), get yourselves a fresh cut steak and cook it rare.  The last time I checked, that is how you prefer it. 

This dish is great for a casual night at home when you feel the need for a little adventure.  I recommend having this dish with a lovely chilled rose' wine and a fresh garden salad.  The cold wine and the crisp salad are nice counterpoints to the heat of this dish.  Every mystic knows that a great meal is all about balance.  That is the secret to a magical meal. 

For more on my New Orleans experience, See:

http://earthrealmguide.blogspot.ca/2015/02/new-orleans-post-1-food.html
http://earthrealmguide.blogspot.ca/2015/02/new-orleans-post-2-shopping.html
http://earthrealmguide.blogspot.ca/2015/03/new-orleans-post-3-museums-and-culture.html
http://earthrealmguide.blogspot.ca/2015/03/new-orleans-post-4-tours.html
http://earthrealmguide.blogspot.ca/2015/03/new-orleans-post-5-mardi-gras.html

Mermaid Beauty Bath

 

Forgive the lateness of my post but I had to travel back to the Nether Realm and get my favorite beauty potion.  It's called Mermaid Beauty Bath and it is a genius infusion that really works.  The best news is, I have the recipe.  If you all want an easy, magical and nourishing bath oil then you all have to try this. 

Ingredients

• A bottle of fresh spring water
• A handful of dead sea salt
• 3 strips of seaweed (found in most health food Stores)
• 1/2 a cup of rose petals (preferably pink)
• 1 sprig of lavender
• 1 cup of coconut oil
• 1 enchanted white pearl (optional)  

What you need to do:

1. Take the rose petals, lavender and seaweed and mix them using a mortar and pestle until well blended.
2. In a small saucepan, bring the spring water to a boil and then turn it right down to low.
3. Add coconut oil and remove saucepan from stove.
4. Put in your favorite bottle (Non-breakable and heat resistant is a must) 
5. Put your plant mixture in with the oil and water.
6. Stir or shake it until blended.
7. Add the sea salt.
8. Drop the pearl in and shake everything.
9. Wait an hour before use.

Tips from the Mermaids:
*Store in a cool dry place

*When you use this product in your bath make sure you have the atmosphere to match because it helps the process work quicker.  In otherwords, have some subtle sea-smelling candles burning, play some light string music and use a natural sponge. 

*The mermaids have a special mantra that they sing to themselves that helps them calm their minds and feel wonderful about themselves.  "Vie estas benlegla , vie trios, vie estas amora"  Loosely translated from the siren language, it means "You are beautiful, you are desire, you are love."

Hot Chocolate to Heat the Soul

Need something to warm you up on a dreary day?  Want a really good treat that lifts you up?  Try out this out.  This wonderful concoction will make you feel good, give you energy and boost your immunity as a bonus.

Here's what you need:

Depending on your preferance -> 1/2 to 1 milk chocolate bar (You can use any bar you want but I prefer lindt swiss chocolate) 
1 cup of milk (or soy milk depending on your preference)
1 cinnamon stick
a pinch of chili pepper

Why do we need these ingredients?

Chocolate:  Chocolate has some good antioxidents in it but lets face it, it cures you if you are ever feeling down.  Plus if you are apart of the Faye Clan it'll recharge every part of your body including your magical powers.

Milk:  Rich with Vitamns A, B, B12, D as well as protien, calcium and a great number of things.  Milk is pretty much what keeps our bodies working and reduces alot of painful, deadly diseases like diabetes, cancer and anything bone related.  It keeps us all strong no matter who you are.  (Vampires are the exception.)

Cinnamon:  Excellent anti-inflammatory.  Cinnamon prevents alot of diseases including colds, flus and colon cancer.  Not only does this completely detoxes your body but magically speaking it will protect you, attract money or spice up your love life.  A very good all-around spice to have.

Chili Pepper:  They put you in a good mood, help with weight loss and fight off infections.  What's not to like?  Plus this will get rid of any nasty curses that someone might put on you.  A word of caution!!!!, only use a small amount otherwise you'll never be able to drink it and it burns your mouth from the inside out. 

How to make it:

1. Break up the milk chocolate and put into a coffee cup. 
2. Add milk into the coffee cup 
3. Heat in the microwave for __ for 3 or 4 intervals (every microwave is different so adapt this to your own microwave)
4. After you retrieve your chocolate/milk mixture from the microwave, put in your chili pepper and stir it in with your cinnamon stick.  Leave the cinnamon stick in it. 
5. Enjoy!