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Issue: Winter 2009
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Beaudry Wins a Reviewer's Choice Award! From ecataromance.com
Farewell Winter With Fire
This point in the wheel of the year, midway between Yule and Soring, is traditionally the Feast of Light to honor Brighid, ancient Celtic goddess of fire. Fire of the spirit. Fire of the imagination. And fire of the forge.
Also known as Candlemas, the word "Imbolc" means, literally, "in the belly." The seed of light that was planted in the womb of Mother Earth at Yule is growing stronger. Only recently has the goddess Brighid's flame been rekindled, tended around the clock by a group of 19 women in Kildare, Ireland.
From all over the world, Lovers of Brighid the goddess and the saint have joined these women in symbolic support by signing up at Ord Brighideach to take shifts keeping the flame lit. Every 20 days, members light a candle at sunset and keep it lit (attended, of course!) until sunset the following day. Each time a candle is lit, it is dedicated to some form of healing.
It's easy to set up a simple Imbolc altar: - white and red candles - an easy to make Brighid's Cross - a small hammer - a book of poetry - healing herbs such as dried lavender or rosemary
St. Brighid's Oatcakes
1/2 teaspoon baking
powder
Mix oats oats and buttermilk in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Bake until the cakes are light golden brown and firm to the touch, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool slightly on a rack, and serve with butter and jam or preserves. Makes 1 quartered loaf (4 farls), serving 4-8. Source: irishcultureandcustoms.com |
Carolan's Cauldron Sick of the winter cold? Or just sick WITH a winter cold? After the holiday sweets orgy, I for one would kill for something savory. Here's a wonderful recipe to chase away the chills, the sniffles, and best of all it's light on calories.
White Bean & Chicken Chili
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 1 tsp olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 1 Tb. minced garlic 1, 15-oz. can Great Northern white beans 1, 19-oz. can cannellini beans (white kidney beans) 1 small can chopped green chilies 1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. white pepper 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper 1, 14-oz can fat-free chicken broth 2 Tb. cornstarch 2 Tb. water Optional: Shredded monterey jack cheese Reduced fat sour cream
If chicken is frozen, microwave for 2 minutes on high to partially thaw. Meanwhile, heat the oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Peel and coarsely chop onion, add to the pot.
Cut chicken into bite-size pieces and add to pot. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally.
Rinse and drain both cans of beans and drain the chilies, and add it all to the pot. Add cumin, white pepper, cayenne and broth. Raise heat to high and cover pot. While it comes to a boil, mix cornstarch and water so there are no lumps.
Once the pot is boiling, chicken should be cooked through. Add cornstarch mixture a little at a time, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly.
Serve with hot cornbread, shredded cheese and sour cream, if desired. Makes four servings.
Cooks Notes: This can be made really fast with prepared ingredients like bottled minced garlic and pre-chopped onions tossed in the freezer. Chicken doesn't need to be thawed all the way. It can be ready to eat in 20 minutes to a half hour and it's DELICIOUS!
For milder garlic flavor, add a whole, uncut clove and remove after cooking. The garlic and peppers are great for you if you have a cold.
What's Cooking...On the Keyboard?
A Ghost of a Chance released Dec. 30th! Book 3 of the series is percolating in the back of my fiendish little brain.
Check out the brand new AGOAC video!
~~~ Got an iPhone? Now you can download Dunvegas 2007 from the DearAuthor.com iPhone Bookshelf! ~~~ My fellow Beyond the Veil blog denizens are gleefully planning the next installment of this wildly popular, FREE short story collection. To download volume 1, click here. (18 and older only, please! This one's hot!)
Feb. 27-March 1, 2009, Portland, OR
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games July 9-12, 2009
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 Copyright 2008 Carolan Ivey, All Rights Reserved. |
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I don't know about y'all, but I've
had just about enough of
winter. I'm ready to light a fire under its butt to hurry it on its way.
Lucky for us, Imbolc (Feb. 2) is the perfect time to do just that. 
2
cups uncooked, old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
