Honoring Mabon Through Food

As the days grow shorter and the air begins to carry the crispness of autumn, we find ourselves approaching a moment of great significance in our seasonal calendar - Mabon, the fall equinox. It is a time when the balance of light and dark is momentarily held in equilibrium, inviting us to reflect on the beauty of this delicate balance and the abundant harvest it bestows upon us.

At Mabon, we celebrate not only the turning of the wheel of the year but also the essential connection between ourselves and the natural world. One profound way to honor this moment is through the act of preparing and sharing food. Food, in its many forms, has always held a sacred place in human culture, serving as a bridge between the physical and the spiritual, the mundane and the divine. It reminds us of our place in the grand tapestry of life, where every season has its purpose, and every harvest is a gift to be cherished.

Gathering around a table laden with seasonal delights is a powerful way to connect with the energy of the season. It allows us to pause, to be present, and to savor the flavors and aromas of nature's bounty. It's a time to appreciate the labor of the land and the dedication of those who cultivate it, and to give thanks for the nourishment it provides.

With that intention in mind, I would like to share three recipes that embody the essence of Mabon: Caramelized Onion and Barley Soup, Roasted Root Vegetables, and an Apple Oat Crumble. Each dish not only delights the senses but also pays homage to the season's harvest.

Caramelized Onion & Barley Soup

Warm hearty, and infused with the essence of autumn, our Caramelized Onion & Barley Soup is the perfect way to start your Mabon celebration. Caramelized onions bring a rich, sweet depth of flavor, while barley adds a comforting, wholesome touch. This soup will warm your soul and fill your heart with gratitude for the season's abundance.

Ingredients

• 3 large onions
• 2 quarts soup stock - mushroom, veggie, or beef stock work great
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup pearled barley
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• salt & pepper
• pecorino cheese

Directions

1. Peel & thinly slice onions. Add onions & oil to soup pot. Cover & cook over low heat for 25-40 minutes. After cooking covered, raise heat to medium & remove lid. Stir often until onions brown.
2. Add tomato paste & stir for 5 minutes until paste is worked into onions.
3. Rinse barley & add to the pot along with soup stock. Cover & bring to boil.
4. Lower heat to simmer, tilting the lid to leave pot partly covered. Cook until barley is fully cooked, about 30-40 minutes.
5. Add salt & freshly ground pepper at the end to taste.
6. Serve steaming hot with grated or shaved pecorino on top and extra on the side.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Nothing says Mabon quite like a platter of Roasted Root Vegetables. This dish captures the essence of the earth's bounty, showcasing the vibrant colors and earthy flavors of fall. It's a delightful way to savor the season's harvest and nourish your body and spirit.

Ingredients

• Potatoes
• Beets
• Parsnips
• Carrots
• Onions
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Thyme or rosemary
• Salt & pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Wash & dry root veggies. Peel onions & garlic. Leave the garlic cloves whole & cut everything else into similarly sized chucks or wedges.
3. Place beets in their own bowl & everything else in another. This prevents your veggies from all turning purple. Add olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, & herbs to both bowls & toss to coat.
4. Spread veggies out on pans in a single layer. More space around the chunks ensures more crispy edges. Roast for 45-60 minutes, rotating pans & switching racks halfway through for even roasting. Veggies should be fork tender when done.

You'll probably want to eat them straight off the pan, but the possibilities for dressing up your vegetables are endless. Serve with extra olive oil or butter, salt flakes, fresh ground pepper, red pepper flakes, grated cheese of your choice, a sprinkling of nutritional yeast, or a large dollop of sour cream.

Apple Oat Crumble

The fragrance of a crisp, ripe apple is unmistakably sharp and clear. And come the fall equinox, apples are everywhere. What's wonderful about a good crumble is that you can use any ind of apple and any kind of flour for the crumble part. It's the perfect sweet recipe for celebrating the fall harvests.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs apples
• 1 cup brown sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1/2 cup thick rolled oats

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Peel & core the apples. Cut apples into large chunks & place in large saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of the sugar, zest of the lemon, & toss together with apples to distribute.
2. Cover & cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until apples have softened a bit. Remove from heat to coll.
3. In a separate bowl, prepare the crumble. Add flour, oats, & butter, cubed. Using your hands, rub and squish the mixture together until it's the consistency of bread crumbs. Add remaining 1/2 cup of sugar & roughly toss.
4. Spread cooled apples into a 9"x13" baking dish & distribute the crumble mixture evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the crumble is golden and everything is bubbly.
6. Serve hot with ice cream, fresh whipped cream, or vanilla custard.

Substitute or add in pears, blackberries, rhubarb, pomegranate. Instead of lemon zest, use orange or lime zest. Try a different flour for the crumble, such as spelt, amaranth, barley, buckwheat, or semolina.

As we come together to mark this special time of year, let us remember that the act of sharing food is a powerful expression of love, community, and gratitude. May your Mabon be filled with warmth, laughter, and the nourishment of both body and soul.

Before you start enjoying your meal, we encourage you to take a moment to light a Mabon candle. This simple yet profound act not only adds a touch of enchantment to your gathering but also serves as a symbolic gesture. As the candle's flame flickers and dances, it invokes the spirit of the season, casting a warm, inviting glow over your table.

The lightning of this candle carries with it an intention of gratitude for the bountiful harvest that sustains us and for the connections we cherish, both with each other and with the Earth itself. It's a reminder that in this moment, we are part of a timeless cycle of life, where the changing seasons mirror the ebb and flow of our own lives.

Som as you light the Mabon candle, take a deep breath, let your heart be filled with gratitude, and let its gentle flame remind us of the delicate balance in our lives and the beauty of the ever-changing world around us.