Litha themed tree

I've been trying to incorporate the Summer Solstice into our celebrations without raising any alarm bells amongst our Christian friends and family. My husband and I decided to keep the 'Christmas' tree but we tried to decorate it with a Summer's theme. We focussed mainly on reds and golds. I made some clay sun ornaments last year that we hung on the tree, and a friend made me some felt ornaments.

My husband and I also each made a charm to invoke the strength of the Sun. Basically it's four matchsticks that are tied together with red thread in the form of an eight-spoked wheel.  The live matches represent the fires of the Sun and it can be lit one-by-one during this period to release energy as you need   it. *As a safety precaution I don't think we'll be lighting the charm but rather loose matchsticks.

And here is my decorative Litha wooden spoon done with acrylic paint. This year I'd like to make a decorative spoon for each of the sabbats and esbats.

And we've definitely decided to add a candle ceremony to our celebrations. It just needs some tweaking.

Litha Preparations

This year I have decided to celebrate 'Litha' - The Mid-Summer Solstice which will be taking place on 21 December 2012 in the Southern Hemisphere. Instead of sending out Christmas themed cards this year I have made some 'Litha' inspired greetings cards.

I also crocheted myself 2 'Litha' inspired bracelets (I used colours associated with the Sun) that I intend wearing for the rest of Summer to remind myself that I must enjoy the sunshine and spend as much time outdoors as possible!

Tasty Pasta for Two

Last night I felt like pasta so I whipped up this pasta dish for my husband and myself.

Ingredients:

• A medium-sized onion, chopped
• 2-3 Traditional Country Sausages, Enterprise, sliced
• clove of garlic, chopped
• 175g sliced white mushrooms
• 410g Mediterranian Style Ratatouille All Gold
• Feta cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Dried mixed herbs
• Black pepper

Method:

1. Fry the onion until translucent. Add some dried mixed herbs.
2. Next add the sliced sausages, garlic, and mushrooms. Add some black pepper. Fry until the mushrooms are cooked.
3. Add the Ratatouille.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-10 min.
5. Crumble in some Feta cheese.
6. Serve on a bed of pasta, and top of with some grated Cheddar cheese.

Simple Guava Fridge Tart

This Guava Fridge Tart is ridiculously easy to make and tastes delicious! It is a light, yet creamy dessert perfect for a hot summer's day!

Ingredients:

• Canned Guava halves in syrup (410gr)
• Ideal Evaporated Milk (380gr) *chilled
• Strawberry Jelly Powder (80gr) *Cherry or Rasberry Jelly Powder will also work
• 1-2 Packets Tennis Biscuits

Method:

1. Separate guavas from syrup. Do not discard the syrup!
2. Mash or cut guava halves into fine pieces. You might want to remove the pips as they can be quite hard.
3. Add the jelly powder directly to the guava syrup. Place the mixture in the microwave on high for 30-60 sec., or until the sugar in the jelly powder has dissolved. Allow to cool.
4. Beat the Ideal Milk until thick and creamy. Add the jelly syrup and guava pieces and mix well. 
5.  In a glass dish, alternate between layers of Tennis Biscuits and the Ideal Milk mixture (2-3 layers).
6. Sprinkle a layer of 2-3 crushed Tennis Biscuits over the top of the tart.
7. Refrigerate until set.
8. Consume within 2 days.