Spicy Cauliflower and Peas

Yuletide approaches and I am looking forward to the fun. Unlike the commercial christmas, or the Christian Christmas, Yule is a recognition of the long night and a celebration of the return of the power of the sun. Starting at sunrise the next day, the sun begins to rise higher and linger a bit longer in the sky each day. Although the winter begins and the cold weather deepens, Yule is the celebration of the certain knowledge that the sun will, indeed, rise again. As a part of our celebration we will extinguish the hearth fire in the morning, experience the chill of a cold hearth, and relight the fire to began cooking our celebratory meal. The effectiveness of this ritual lies in the fact that we heat exclusively with wood. Putting out our hearth fire is dangerous, to an extent lesser than that of our ancestors, but still unsettling. There is great joy when the fire takes and the stove begins to warm again.

If you happen to be a pagan who is celebrating Yule, Merry Meet! Blessings on your celebration!

What do all the hippest Witches serve at Yule? Well, for me and mine, here is our menu for the evening celebration.

Spicy Cauliflower and Peas

Roasted Pork Loin w/ sage stuffing

Brussels Sprouts Salad w/ Almonds, Craisins, Bacon and Blue Cheese

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Buttermilk Biscuits

Caesar Salad

Baked Apple Dumplings

Spiced Hard Cider

Eggnog

Which recipe to share...hmmmm. Ok.

Spicy Cauliflower and Peas

1 head of Cauliflower, cut into small, flat planks

1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes

1/2 c frozen peas

1 small onion, diced

2T Olive oil or Ghee

1T Garam Masala

1t chopped garlic

salt and pepper to taste

Lightly steam the cauliflower. Heat a grill to hot. Add Olive oil or ghee and heat to just smoking. Add the cauliflower and let it start to brown. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent. Add the tomatoes and peas and heat through. Sprinkle generously with garam masala and salt and pepper. Serve immediately, very hot.

Blessed Yule, everyone. And a Merry Christmas.