Recipes to Celebrate Imbolc

I'm sharing 100 awesome recipes to celebrate Imbolc, Candlemas and Brigid's Day. This is the cross-quarter festival celebrating fertility, creation, and milk, which means we get to eat all the cheese. Who's ready for a feast?

Imbolc has become one of my favorite sabbats. Yes, getting to eat cheese is a strong influence, but that's not the only reason. In the UK, winters are long and grey, but Imbolc reminds us that even though the sun is still regaining its power, life is stirring underground.

So when I see those first snowdrops and crocuses pushing through the frosty ground, I get excited. It's a reminder to check in with what's stirring beneath the surface in my own heart and mind. It's an invitation to prepare for the spring ahead by laying the ground work for new creative energy to come into the world. It's an absolutely beautiful day.

And of course, so delicious.

What is Imbolc?

Imbolc literally means "in the belly" and refers to the growth of new life in the womb. Falling on or around February 1st, this cross-quarter sabbat honors the first signs of new life following the winter solstice. As we begin to see crocuses blossom and animals come out of hibernation, we are reminded that the wheel of the year keeps turning and the sun is growing stronger.

This day also honors Brigid, an Irish goddess of fire and fertility. She's often depicted with a cauldron, symbolizing creation of all kinds. While some of us may still be hoping for plentiful crops and the birth of farm animals, many of us are hoping for fertility of a different sort. Imbolc is a great time to practice any type of creativity and work any type of abundance or fertility magic.

After the arrival of the Church, she became St. Brigid, and this is still her feast day.

Mother's milk is also an important aspect of Imbolc, and it's also a symbol of fertility and abundance. This is the lambing season, and other animals are also pregnant or giving birth around this time, so milk is plentiful. Honor new life by bringing this ingredient in all its glorious forms into your Imbolc feast.

Learn more about how to celebrate Imbolc in The Coven of Awesomeness Podcast.

• Imbolc Rituals
• Imbolc Revisited

Seeds

Imbolc is the perfect time for planting seeds, both literal and metaphorical. I love to use this sabbat for intention setting for the year ahead, planting the energetic seeds that I'd like to tend and harvest throughout the year. Bring this energy into your kitchen witchcraft by cooking with seeds.

Here are some recipes that feature poppy seeds, sesame seeds, pine nuts, and chia seeds.

• Gorgonzola Focaccia Bread - This cheesy bread gets topped with buttery pine nuts for a hit of cleansing energy.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes - Imbolc is celebrating the return of the sun, and what feels more sunny than lemon?
• Whole Wheat Lemon Chia Seed Waffles - A healthyish Imbolc breakfast option.
• Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad - Fresh strawberries may be hard to find, but you could get creative with the fruit and still use the poppy seed dressing.
• Orange Poppy Seed Muffins - A sunny twist on a classic, it's a great afternoon treat.
• Sesame Turmeric Dip - Made with thick, creamy yogurt, this dip is absolutely full of flavor.
• Everything Breakfast Pastries - With herby, cheesy eggs inside, these pastries are topped with everything bagel seasoning full of delicious seeds.

Blackberries

Blackberries are sacred to Brigid and carry the energy of fertility and protection. In February, you're unlikely to find fresh blackberries that are grown sustainably, but blackberry jam and frozen blackberries could still be worked into your spells.

• Cinnamon Whole Wheat Pancakes with Brown Butter Blackberry Syrup - Add the fire energy of cinnamon to your Imbolc breakfast. Make the syrup with frozen berries.
• Brie & Blackberry Grilled Cheese - Cheese and blackberries are the perfect Imbolc spell. Use blackberry jam or make your own with frozen berries.
• Lemon & Blackberry Pound Cake - Invite sunny citrus to the party with this simple loaf cake.
• Blackberry & Bourbon Spritzer - Sip on this fruity, herbaceous cocktail to get things started.

Basil

Basil represents new life, which is what Imbolc is all about. The green, leafy herb is also associated with money drawing. Use it fresh if you've got an indoor plant or incorporate cheese and pine nuts for a basil pesto.

• Strawberry Lemon Basil Infused Water - Purify yourself with this gorgeous infused water.
• Roasted Tomato & Mozzarella Salad - Roasted baby tomatoes, cheese, and a fresh basil vinaigrette for a twist on a caprese salad.
• Turkey Pesto Sandwich - Between the gooey cheese, the crunchy bread, and the earthy pesto, this might be my favorite sandwich.
• Pesto Mashed Potatoes - Bring a fresh flavor profile to a classic comfort food.
• Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken - This super simple dish combines store bought ingredients to delicious effect.
• One Pot Lemon & Ricotta Pasta - Bring a bit of sunshine to this winter feast, and add fresh basil to the pot for some abundance magic.
• Italian Grilled Cheese - Fresh mozzarella, crispy prosciutto, pesto, and balsamic all cook together between two crispy slices of bread.
• Strawberry Basil Balsamic Dutch Baby - Top this oven pancake with spring flavors. Use frozen berries for Imbolc.
• Spinach Pesto - You can slather this vibrant green sauce on everything from pasta to toast.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a kitchen witch's faithful companion. This versatile herb carries the energy of the Sun and is sacred to Brigid. Include it in your Imbolc feast to connect to Spirit and create beautiful memories.

• Chicken & Goat Cheese Pasta - We've got cheese, pasta, chicken, and a bunch of rosemary. Simple and delicious.
• Rosemary Potato Rolls - A perfect side dish for any sabbat feast.
• Chicken & Potato Bake - Simple roast chicken and potatoes are heightened with lemon and rosemary.
• Italian Roasted Potatoes - Elevate your regular roasties with polenta and fresh rosemary.
• Italian Panissa Rice & Beans - This hearty rosemary-infused dish is perfect for keeping warm in winter.
• Rosemary Potato Soup - This hearty soup would make a great starter or a delicious lunch after a reflective nature walk.

Muffins, Scones & Biscuits

I saw a couple of references on Pinterest mention muffins and scones for Imbolc, but I haven't found a source that says why. I'm running with it, though. Share them with your coven mates or leave one as an offering on your Imbolc altar. And we might as well throw some biscuits in there just for fun.

• Sour Cream Scones - Add a bit of dairy to these tangy cousins of the buttermilk biscuit.
• Caramel Butterscotch Muffins - Feed your sweet tooth.
• Double-Glazed Chai Spice Muffins - Wintery spices full of prosperity energy in a sweet little package.
• Vanilla Muffins - They seem plain, but they're full of beautiful flavor and sensual energy.
• Chocolate Banana Muffins - Bananas have serious fertility energy.
• Chocolate Toffee Muffins - These might be my favorite muffin.
• Pumpkin Scones - An autumn favorite can be enjoyed well into winter, especially when it's made with prosperity spice.
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins - Wintery pumpkin muffins get stuffed with sweetened cream cheese.
• Corn & Green Onion Biscuits - Made with just three ingredients.
• French Toast Muffins - An extra eggy batter and a hint of cinnamon make these absolutely awesome.
• Bacon Goat Cheese & Green Onion Biscuits - These will be perfect alongside a cauldron of delicious hot soup.
• Herb Biscuits & Creamy Sausage Gravy - Possibly one of the most comforting breakfasts of all time.
• Banana Macadamia Nut Muffins - Use your favorite nuts, mine just happens to be mac nuts.
• Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuits - These savoury babies bring all sorts of Imbolc correspondences in one delicious package.

Onions & Garlic

Onions and garlic are both associated with the element of fire, so perhaps that's why they are commonly eaten at Imbolc. These are both vegetables that can be stored for a long time, so there's a chance you'd still have some around in February. Onions bring fertility energy while garlic is associated with passion. And they both go great with cheese.

• Pork & Onion Hand Pies - Carve sigils into the top crust of each little pie.
• Garlic & Herb Focaccia - I like to use parsley and thyme, but go for whatever herbs make you happy.
• Black Pudding Hash - Fresh green onions add a brilliant pop of fresh flavor to this deeply savoury dish.
• Mexican Spinach Dip - Stir in spicy salsa along with plenty of cheese for a Tex Mex sabbat celebration.
• Garlic Bread Mac & Cheese - With a thick garlicky breadcrumb layer, this is two awesome dishes in one.
• Garlic & Thyme Baked Camembert - You gotta have at least one whole wheel of cheese at an Imbolc feast. Top it with fiery garlic to add to the spell.
• Red Bean Salad - This vegan, no-cook side dish features quick pickled red onions.
• Lemon Garlic Pasta - This super simple pasta dish is fresh and light.
• Garlic & Herb Baked Chicken - When Imbolc is on a weeknight, this dish would be totally doable for a family sabbat feast between basketball practice and science homework.
• Garlic Herb Toast - Serve this as an accompaniment to an Imbolc pasta dish.
• Loco Moco - Fresh scallions are a must for me in this Hawaiian favorite.
• Homemade Chunky Salsa - Use canned tomatoes to make salsa your way.
• Creamy Garlic Spinach Dip - We've got cheese and garlic plus a bit of spinach to call in prosperity.
• Easy Garlic Mac & Cheese - Mostly cheese with a bit of garlic plus a simple no-cook sauce.
• Baked Chicken Taquitos - Filled with cheese, these crunchy rolls are a Tex Mex treat.

Peppers & Chilies

Peppers and chilies are definitely bringing that fire energy to the table. The spicier you get, the more fire you invoke. Many peppers are used to help speed up spells, and I would certainly love to speed up the return of the sun.

• Spicy Alfredo Sauce - Add this to your favorite combination of pasta, protein, and veg for a fiery kick.
• Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels - Create sacred spirals of spicy chicken and cheese.
• Cheddar Habanero Cornbread - Serve this with your favorite chili for some added fire energy, and the fertility magic of corn.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Spiced Maple Butter - Milk can take so many delicious forms, but cayenne-infused melted butter has to be close to the top of the list.
• Vegan Sweet Corn & Roasted Bell Pepper Soup - Lots of the work for this soup is done in the oven, the modern kitchen witch's hearth.
• Mexican Mac & Cheese - We've got plenty of cheese plus peppers, onions, and garlic, not to mention chicken and corn.
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake - Each bite is cheesy and spicy and freakin' awesome.
• Cowboy Spaghetti - A twist on bolognese with a healthy dose of hot sauce.
• Spicy Cheese Fries - Chop some potatoes, cover them in chili powder and other spices, bake them until tender and crispy, then douse them in cheese.
• Cayenne Candied Bacon - Who knew bacon could get even more awesome?
• Jalapeno Cream Cheese-Stuffed Burgers - Mix some jalapenos with some cream cheese and stuff it inside a juicy burger.
• Turkish Eggs - Poached eggs sit on a bed of garlicky yogurt, then get topped with chili-infused butter.
• Spicy Chicken Chili - This dish is legendary in my household. Everyone who has ever tried it has asked me for the recipe.
• Jalapeno Hush Puppies - We're frying up balls of spicy corn batter, and it's so awesome.
• Easy Cheesy Stuffed Peppers - This is just such a beautiful dish, and a great way to call in color magic.

Dairy

Okay, we know that dairy is the big hitter for this festival. Here I've got recipes that are more milk and cream based. I figured cheese needed its own category. This ingredient is to honor the fertility and creative power of mothers, but we can all express mother energy regardless of gender or the state of your reproductive organs. We all have the power to create. Let's call on it with these recipes.

• Biscoff Trifle - With layers of cake, custard, and whipped cream flavored with cinnamond and spice, this dessert is a real show stopper.
• Brown Elephant Amarula Cocktail - A creamy, fruity cocktail that calls in friendship.
• Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce - Bring some vibrancy to a comforting winter meal.
• White Russian Milkshake - This is deceptively potent.
• Chaitini - Combine milk with the abundance energy of chai spices.
• Mudslide Milkshake - Bailey's and Kahlua mixed with ice cream is a celebration in and of itself.
• Buttery Nipple Milkshake - Something sexy if you're celebrating Lupercalia, a possible forerunner to Valentine's Day.
• Queen of Puddings - Use blackberry jam beneath your layer of custard for more Imbolc vibes.
• Greek Meatballs with Tahini Yogurt Sauce - You're definitely not going to want to stop eating this.
• Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta - A hearty all-in-one dish that everyone will love.
• Salted Caramel Pudding - Making pudding from scratch is definitely like magic.
• Nutty Nutella Boozy Milkshake - Nut energy is perfect for winter, and this milkshake is perfect for a party.
• Creamy Parsnip Soup - This is my husband's favorite, and it's so easy to make.
• Cookies & Cream Fridge Cake - Get the little witchlings to help you make this one.
• Spinach Alfredo Mac & Cheese - A cream based sauce plus cheese makes this a brilliant Imbolc pasta bake.

Cheese

It's here, kids. It's time for cheese. I whittled this list down from 150 contenders and brought you only your favorites. Can you tell I really love cheese? This amazing food calls in the energy of transformation, success, and happiness.

• Breakfast Pizza - Sure there's suasage, eggs, and hash browns, but it's really the cheese that holds it all together and makes this so awesome.
• Spaghetti Quesadilla - My favorite way to eat leftover spaghetti. Add some basil for Imbolc.
• White Cheddar Fondue - Dip all your favorites into this delicious cauldron of cheese.
• Frito Chili Cheese Wrap - This one's for those Sonic Drive-Thru witches. Anything you make counts as witchcraft.
• Cheddar Cheese Risotto - Kind of like mac and cheese but with rice instead of pasta.
• Sloppy Joe Casserole - It's the American cheese that makes this 80's throw back so awesome.
• Smoked Cheddar & Sage Biscuits - Bring some cleansing energy to the Imbolc table with these little quick breads.
• Sausage Rolls with Ham & Cheddar - Bring something a little bit extra to this British favorite.
• Whipped Ricotta - Add dried rosemary, crushed red pepper flakes, and all your favorite herbs to this cloud of cheese.
• Maple Cheesecake - Brilliant for a touch of wintery sweetnss.
• Mini Cheddar Meatloaves - I had to include this as one of my all time favorite dishes.
• Whipped Feta on Toast - This recipe is the perfect base for any number of toppings, but basil and tomato is delicious. Or try basil with strawbery and balsamic vinegar.
• Apple Butter & Sharp Cheddar Grilled Cheese - Call on the protective pentagram of the apple in this season of new life.
• Mac & Cheese with Cheez-Its - Use these cheesy crackers for a crunchy crumb topping that's irresistible.
• Brie Grilled Cheese with Ham & Cherry Jam - Bring a touch of summer sweetness to your winter feast.

I hope you enjoy these recipes to celebrate Imbolc and that you don't suffer any indigestion from mild lactose intolerance. Seriously, though, I hope you feel the deep hope of this season. Plant the seeds of what you'd like to create for the year ahead.

If you make any of these recipes, be sure to share them and tag me on Instagram. I can't wait to see how you honor this sabbat.