The Spirited Kitchen: Recipes and Rituals for the Wheel of the Year

by Carmen Spagnola

Weave magic into every day with seasonal cooking and craft designed for each solstice, equinox, and halfway point in between! In  The Spirited Kitchen , practicing witchcraft means nurturing a relationship with the seasons and drawing on ancestral roots to find magic in small details. From the Halloween festivities of Samhain to Midsummer celebrations and the return autumn at Harvest Home, witch and animist Carmen Spagnola will be your guide through the modern pagan Wheel of the Year. Here, you’ll learn to channel folk magic into every ingredient, feast, and centerpiece. In winter, Cranberry Custard Tarts encourage health and well-being; in spring, Deep Dish Nettle Quiche ushers in resilience after cold months; and Calendula Chicken embodies the abundance of summer. Along the way, ritual crafts like Salt Spells, Witches Ladders, and Corn Dollies set the scene with extra symbolism. Complete with stunning photographs, tips on foraging, and a glossary of spirited symbols and ingredients, this book is an enchanting guide to seasonal magic. 100 color photographs; 20 black-and-white illustrations

Genres: Cookbooks, Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Cooking, Spirituality, Paganism, Art

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 31, 2022

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret that I LOVE cookbooks! When @zgstories reached out to me about this stunning book I was in immediately!

This book is filled with the most gorgeous photos! We created Roast with Garlic Herb Crust and Madeira Gravy with Super Deluxe Potato Gratin. Sooooooo delicious!!!🤤 There's a Carrot Fortune Cake with Creamsicle Frosting I can't wait to make!

I was also wowed by the rituals. I look forward to learning more!

Thanks to @zgstories and @carmenspagnola for my gifted copy. Highly recommend! 5 stars!

[Zi Yuan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of The Spirited Kitchen for MONTHS and it did not disappoint! It's by far the most beautiful cookbook I've ever bought, 100% worth the price. The whole book is so thought out and easy to use, the recipes are organized by the wheel of the year so depending on the season you're in you can go straight to that section to pick out recipes you can make. There are also many beautiful photos that went with the recipes and a bunch of fascinating stories and rituals to go along with the recipes. It's a timeless cookbook and I'm really excited to try out all of the recipes!

A cautionary tale: At first, I only bought one for myself, but after I received my copy I knew it would make the perfect gift for any of my friends.... so I ended up purchasing 3 more copies haha! Don't make the mistake I did! I would recommend just buying a bunch at once because they make the best gifts! Everyone I gifted it to loves it!

[Lara Therrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is honestly the cookbook/spiritual ritual book I've been looking for, for literal YEARS. As someone with European lineages living as a settler in the Northern hemisphere, it's important for me to find ways to honour these lineages as well as the lands I live on according to the rhythms of the seasons, and what better way to do that than with delicious food and creative crafting!? I appreciate Carmen's approachable writing style, and the important historical information and corrections to culturally hegemonic narratives about holidays that have flattened and erased the cultural specificity of many peoples. I know I'll be coming back to this book again and again. I believe this is a genre-defying cookbook/spiritual handbook that will stand the tests of time.

[Katey Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook's opening pages are a gift in and of themselves--even before the first recipe appears. I do not identify as Christian or as witchy or even very strongly with my European ancestry, yet this book is FILLED with inspiration and inclusion for the kind of cooking and mindset I hope to embody in my kitchen. Gorgeous to hold and touch, and delicious to use.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spirited Kitchen inspired a gathering of friends shortly after getting the book.
Heading into winter, I cooked from the Yuletide chapter. Herbs from the garden were mixed with blessings for each person to make a delicious crusted roast, which was paired with incredible wine gravy and the rapini dish. The leek and camembert tart got the most compliments of the evening - every morsel was eaten and my Scottish friends in attendance said it was the best leek recipe they’ve tasted (while stressing that they’ve eaten a lot of leeks in their lifetimes). It was a beautiful meal and I will definitely use these recipes again.

Overall, this book is a wise guide toward the grounded magic available when we orient to the seasons, offerings of the land, and practices of our ancestors. As someone exploring my own mixed-European background, I value the recipes, research, stories, and practical instructions for ritual. They inspire me to continue my path of connection to nature, spirit and others.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A True Feast for Body and Spirit

This book is INCREDIBLE. It is visually stunning and bursting with magic. I’ve been waiting for a book like this for years. The recipes are the kind you’ll be so proud to serve to all the people you love the most. This is so much more than a cookbook- it is an invitation to connect deeply to the seasons and the natural world and create something beautiful and nourishing to honor that bond. This book will be an instant classic. Be sure to savor every page.

[LC Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this as a gift but, after opening it, I was spellbound. I guess I'll have to purchase another one! This book is visually compelling and has a beautiful rhythm to it. It is so much more than a cookbook. It invites you to take notice and celebrate the changes of the year. Carmen's multi-faceted talents shine through as she shares everything from simple honouring rituals to gourmet French cuisine. This one's a keeper!

[Bek (MoonyReadsByStarlight) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like her sort of philosophy and attitude around rituals. I've read the chapter bits (though obviously not ALL the recipes - that's just not how recipe books are to be read). Used it a bit as reference some of this year, looking forward to incorporating some of the things from this more next year.

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent volume on kitchen witchery through the year. The recipes look excellent, combining both traditional ideas and new flavor combinations. Everything is well rooted in the wheel of the year.

[Aurelie Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a rare author who has the vision to present not only a well-researched cookbook backed by foodie history and folklore, as well as good gastronomic theory, but that is balanced by an infusion of her own lived experience, embodied social justice, and authentic kitchen witchery. The book is not only a manual of Spagnola's unique take on French cuisine but is a subversive treatise on how to live well and in right-relationship in turbulent times. Rooted in folk tradition and blossoming into animist futures, this book is now a centrepiece of how I gather myself and those I love to my table, around exquisite, delicious food and in celebration of how we nourish each other.

[Rowan]

it's really frustrating to see new pagan publications continue to just regurgitate the same things people have been saying since the 70s. i need more queer, socially conscious pagan books please. the author's menus are very meat-focused, with no discussion on this choice and zero vegetarian or vegan options. also, it's the typical white person paganism that just grabs other cultures' traditions and tosses them together like a nice salad. the book itself is really lovely, in that pinterest kind of way.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t even finished the introduction, because I keep getting blown away! Reflecting on ritual as well as the magical correspondences has already shifted my perspective on my most “mundane” recipes finding magical intention. And what is the point of magic if it isn’t standing up against imperialist white supremacist capitalist patriarchy?!?! I share some European lineage with Carmen and love that I have a source of practices I can use as a jumping off pointed to try to connect with my ancestors without appropriating other cultural practices. This book is stunning even as a coffee table book, I just know that I will read it through every wheel of the year event even if I can’t/won’t do all the recipes myself. I highly recommend!

[Cass (whatcassreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spirited Kitchen is a must have cookbook in the kitchen if you're looking for recipes to prepare for the Wheel of the Year.

Divided into eight chapters, it includes recipes, traditions, and rituals to accompany four Gaelic festivals (Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnasadh) and four other personal observances (of which the author named Harvest Home, Yule, Ostara, and Midsummer, to represent the Autumn Equinox, Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox, and Summer Solstice, respectively.)

I love how the author weaves in the history of folk magic and witchcraft practices by sharing her personal family traditions through feast rituals and recipes. The difficulty and type of recipes included in the book range from simple and "homey" to complex and "once-in-a-year treats" - which is perfect, given that this book is for special occasions and festivities.

Included in each chapter is a short introduction of the celebration, a list of rituals practiced during it, and recipes for dishes that complements the accompanying feast. Most of the dishes are French and British cuisines and includes over 60+ recipes for soups and appetizers, lunch and dinner entrées, desserts, and drinks.

Here are recipes that I’ve bookmarked:
- Corn Chowder
- Shallot Gravy
- Colcannon (Creamy Garlicky Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage and Kale)
- Roast Pork Coppa with Wild Mushrooms and Pomegranate Seeds
- Carrot Fortune Cake with Creamsicle Frosting
- Ribeye Roast with Garlic Herb Crust and Madeira Gravy
- Super Deluxe Potato Gratin
- Cranberry Custard Tarts
- Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Tart
- Caffè Mocha Bûche de Nöel
- Gougère
- Macarons Violettes
- Kemon Tart with Almond Crust
- Calendula Chicken with Gravy
- Sun Wheel Puff Pastry
- Vanilla Pound Cake with Fresh Summer Fruits
- Tarte aux Pommes

Thank you Zg Reads for providing me a hardcopy to review.

[Katherine Golub · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this book and have already gifted it to several friends.

As a white person with Scottish, Irish, English, Polish, and Sicilian ancestry, I am always looking for resources that decidedly step out of the far-too-common realm of appropriating traditions from historically oppressed people and that help me reconnect with my European lineages. Carmen's book does precisely that.

And as someone who works hard for collective change, I hold a commitment of weaving more deliciousness into my life. Through her beautifully written and presented guidance for aligning my life with the Wheel of the Year, Carmen's book helps me do that, too.

Thank you, Carmen, for the heart, thought, sweat, and tears you invested in writing your book. It is a treasure trove and a classic in the making.

[Christi L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough about this creation. Even if you weren't a cook, it's so satisfying in the hand and beautiful to look at...geez.
But the recipes and rituals within are so fulfilling. It's lovely to find such care in the descriptions and explanations, as well as the richness of story throughout. I'm experienced in the kitchen but Carmen's ability to articulate nuances of technique in cooking is very educational.
That being said, this collection is not only for the cookery accomplished. The recipes are a great range of deeply complicated to simple; all with an elevated experience in the finished product.
I look forward to cooking my way through the Wheel of the Year, in this book of ritual and recipe.

[Bekah]

Many of the recipes were a little too involved for the reasons I personally picked the book up for, but it is a lovely book and I love that it revolves around the seasons with some information about each one. I can appreciate that the author is writing from her own experiences and background and shared that with the readers as well as her encouragement to build our own rituals and connections to our own Lines. The introduction was refreshing to read in that pagans need to be more mindful of cultural appropriation and insensitivity.

I did get some nice ideas and inspirations for my own rituals and gatherings. I think the only thing I'd like to have seen were some more drink-based recipes. Still, this was inspiring, helpful, and contemplative.

[Shila Soni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first got this book and read the introduction, I teared up. I could really feel the care Carmen poured into creating this book. I appreciate that it is thoughtful and has depth and richness in its discussion of seasonal lore, practices, and recipes. I also noticed that the nuanced discussion of ethical considerations and this makes it a keeper and adds to its usefulness.

I anticipate that I will use it both as a reference for seasonal practices and lore and to dive deep into a particular ritual or recipe. The recipes are detailed and slightly elevated from what I normally make, so they feel special to share with my loved ones.

[Marlaena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a beautiful and thoughtful gift that I have given to my own spirit. Every time I feel a need to regroup from my busy life and reconnect, this book reminds me of who I really am and what really matters. Beautiful delicious soul nurturing food. Connection to nature and the sacred. Sharing time with loved ones. Celebrating the rich histories and cultures of my ancestors. I just love it. It inspires to go into the forest and pick nettles, gather my littles up to hang wishes on a clootie tree, and drink from sacred wells. I am really excited to try the recipes around the wheel of the year! Especially the Rainbow trout with orange butter, capers with mint; the crushed baby turnips and radishes (from our garden), Deep dish Nettle Quiche and the Vin d'orange. Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Tart too, of course! Thank you Carmen for listening to your heart and sharing your gift with the world. You inspire me to be true to myself and to slow down and enjoy a small and delicious life. This book is a gift that keeps giving to my heart and one that I plan to give to my other soul sisters as well - I know they will cherish it as much as I do.

[Karen Mitton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for some affordable and accessible ways to find meaning in the face of the crumbling post industrial world? Carmen seems to alchemize many survival skills in this book (community building and self soothing through what feels like a branch of pleasure activism, contemplative grieving, ancestral work, buying/foraging local, reintroducing pre-industrial crafts like basket weaving and hand made toys, bringing intentionality and reciprocity to one’s relationship with humans and beyond humans.) And while this generously jam packed hardcover could not be fitting into anyone’s escape bag, every time I use it, it’s so relevant and intuitive that it kind of seeps in like osmosis, stitched into the hems of my skirts, absorbed into the marrow of my bones. #Such-a-mom-move #What-a-freakin'-witch!

[Jennie Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been wanting a book that offers ways to celebrate the Wheel of the Year, and that's exactly what this book provides. More than just recipes, I'm especially excited about the ritual crafts and love the folklore and knowledge that is being shared. The glossary in the back of the book that outlines the magical qualities of ingredients is so thorough and I can see how this book will quickly become a resource I'll turn to again, and again. If you have a witchy person in your home or someone who is curious about the equinox, and solstices then this book will surely be a hit.

[Megan Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first whiff that this book was coming, I knew I wanted it. A combination of ancestral, animist recipes and rituals? Yes please! I've been absolutely delighted with the essays, the recipes, the stories and the pictures. I'm so excited to make the yuletime recipes for this upcoming season, and I love that it creates relationship between seasons, what we eat and how we interrelate with our earth. An absolute stunner of a book - loved it so much, I bought 3 because I knew I'd want to give them away!

[Danielle Gauld · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is visually stunning and deeply inspiring. I love that this book could be equally supportive for someone who is new to witchy seasonal living or someone like myself who has had a practice for decades. The way that Carmen integrates an anticapitalist, social justice lens into her work feels really authentic and refreshing. I haven’t finished it yet because I’m savouring it slowly but I already love this book and know I’ll refer to it for many years to come.

[Vanessa Lindsay-Botten · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spirited Kitchen is a beautiful cookbook and soulful resource for my family, helping us find and return to a sense of belonging to place and a deepening integrity in our relationship with the land, plants, and all beings. A family treasure we will return to, and cook from, year after year, season after season!

[Erica E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeously illustrated. Feels like that friend who makes the impressive dishes (that are fancy, original and delicious) has invited you into her kitchen to observe her in action. The whole book feels warm and inviting. It's organised according to the seasons, and includes ideas for rituals to make everything a little more magical. Excited to try some of these out (and I am never excited to cook!)

[Alysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful to have this resource and roadmap for the year ahead to share delicious ritual meals with my loved ones and ancestors. This is more than a cookbook: it's an anchor for responsibly bringing cultural practices, seasonal attunement, and magical correspondence into my life as a settler of mixed european ancestry.

[Fi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is stunning, gorgeous, lush, and inspiring.

Of course, there are a lot of recipes that I can’t do, because of my own allergies (and lack of skill) but that’s not the book’s fault. Carmen Spagnola is very knowledgeable and this book was truly delightful to read. I’m sad to give it back to the library.

[Liz Bajema · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this season by season over the course of a year. I loved that it brought some additional intention and awareness to the changing seasons, and provided a little history and magic for each. I’m not much of a chef, but I loved the recipes. I made the colcannon mash and have a few others in mind to make when the mood strikes!

[Patricia Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful and visually stunning! The photos are eye-catching, and Carmen's stories in the book are informative and magical. I can foresee myself using this book often and placing it next to the many classic cookbooks I have.

[Alex Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this book! There are so many ways to “read” it. Read the historic bits, flip through the glorious pictures, focus on a season, look up recipes. I bought one other as a gift and now I can’t decide who will get it! May just have to purchase more.

[Rachel Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is far more than a cookbook - more a guide to living in rhythm with the world around us and within us. I love it so much!