The witch's new year is almost here, so I'm sharing 100 recipes to celebrate Samhain. Whether you're dressing up for Halloween or having a simple dumb supper with your ancestors, make sure your feast is extra awesome.
What is Samhain?
Samhain is kind of a big deal for witches. It's really our day. And even though I'm not really a spooky, goth-style witch, I still connect with the energy in the air at this time of year. There's a feeling that anything can happen, that magic is real, and that we are truly powerful.
Samhain is an Irish word that means summer's end, and this was the time of the final harvest. Some traditions believe that any crops left in the fields after November 1st were for the fairies, and the last thing you want to do is take food from the Fae. Any extra animals that families didn't have the resources to look after through the winter were also slaughtered at this time. If the summer was kind, this is a time of great abundance as well as a time to prepare for the long dark of winter.
Samhain is also believed to be a time where the veil between worlds is thin. There are many traditions around the world that honor their deceased ancestors at this time of year. Common traditions include creating ancestor altars, leaving out food or other offerings for ancestors, and cleaning of graves and tombs.
And with all those spirits around, of course, protection magic is very important at this time of year. Children used to dress as ghosts and spirits and go from house to house asking for offerings. They were gifted with "the seeds of life" which usually came in the form of fruit and nuts, especially hazelnuts. People would also light candles in their windows to guide spirits safely to the other side. They would carve scary faces into turnips to ward off any spirits with malicious intentions and put them in front of the door to protect their homes. It all sounds very familiar, doesn't it?
Samhain is the prime time for a feast with friends and family, and the foods that are in season at this time of year are some of my favorites. I might have gotten a bit carried away with this list of recipes to celebrate Samhain, but I just wanted to eat everything. I hope you find something you love.
Apples & Cider
Apples are associated with the afterlife and the Fae. And with their hidden pentagram inside, they're also commonly associated with witches. Given their abundance at this time of year, they're perfect to bring to your feast. Cook or bake with them, or drink them in the form of cider, both fermented and fresh.
- Orange & Amaretto Cider - Add a bit of sunshine to your pint of cider with a splash of orange juice and a shot of amaretto.
- Sausage Egg & Cheese Biscuits with Apple Butter - Add a bit of sweetness to an already awesome breakfast.
- Apple Margarita - Bring in some Dia de los Muertos energy with this cocktail.
- Apple Butter - Preserving was a major part of the action at this time of year. Set yourself up for an awesome winter by making some apple butter.
- Cloudy Cider Cup - Add some herbs and fruits to your scrumpy cider this autumn.
- Apple Butter & Sharp Cheddar Grilled Cheese - Best grilled cheese ever? It's certainly up there.
- Spiced Sparkling Cider Cocktail - This sweet cocktail is full of those amazing autumn spices.
- Caramel-Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies - For the truly modern witch who doesn't mind cooking with processed ingredients if the end result is something outrageously delicious.
- Pork & Apple Hot Pot - This is a great slow-cooked dinner after a hard day of harvesting abundance.
- Green Apple Martini - A truly witchy cocktail. If you wanted to get out your dry ice, use it here.
- Cider Braised Chicken Thighs with Spring Vegetables - Use frozen veg and substitute heartier lettuces to bring this into the current season.
Autumn Herbs & Spices
Samhain is a fire festival, which means we get to celebrate with cinnamon. Plus all the other awesome herbs and spices that are so attached to this season. I'm talking nutmeg, sage, rosemary, allspice. All the good stuff.
- Prosperity Spice - Those pumpkin spices we all love so much are actually all associated with prosperity. So make your own pumpkin spice blend and super charge it with prosperity energy to see you through the winter.
- Smoked Cheddar & Sage Biscuits - Banish negativity with some delicious biscuits.
- Double-Glazed Chai Spice Muffins - For a portable Samhain feast.
- Chaitini - It's common to share libations with your ancestors at Samhain. I think my mom would really like this one.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Cake - A humble loaf cake that's anything but boring.
- Herbs of Protection Poultry Seasoning - Mix up a big batch to use in spellwork and recipes.
- Garlic & Herb Focaccia Bread - Get creative with the herbs you add and the way you arrange them if you like.
- Whipped Ricotta - Weave a spell as you add all your favorite herbs to this fluffy cloud of cheese.
- Garlic & Thyme Baked Camembert - The world's easiest and possibly most delicious recipe.
- Lemon & Thyme Pound Cake - Herbs is dessert is definitely awesome.
- Chicken & Goat Cheese Pasta - This big pot of pasta with fresh rosemary is perfect for feeding a Samhain crowd.
- Spiced Honey Vodka - This is the perfect libation to warm you at the bonfire and drink a toast to your ancestors.
Corn
There are lots of legends and myths about the passing of corn deities at this time of year. The harvest represents a sacrifice made by the corn god or goddess so that the people may thrive. Then this deity is reborn again in the spring. Corn is also a symbol of abundance, luck, prosperity, and fertility.
- Skillet Cornbread - A traditional Southern-style cornbread that's great with a big pot of chili.
- Cheddar Habanero Cornbread - Invoke the fire festival by adding a bit of habanero fire to your cornbread.
- Corn & Green Onion Biscuits - A simple three-ingredient recipe that's perfect for soup dipping.
- Bacon & Corn Risotto - Rice has strong protecive qualities, ideal for a holiday when there are spirits about.
- Chicken Corn Chowder - Keep your cauldron bubbling throughout the season with this hearty, chunky soup.
- Cheddar Corn Soup - Made with cheese infused with chillies, this soup has a fiery kick.
- Vegan Sweet Corn & Roasted Bell Pepper Soup - Something delicious for vegan witches.
- Cornbread Chili Casserole - A perfect cozy dinner for the beginner kitchen witch.
- Mexican Mac & Cheese - This spicy mac will keep you cozy on a cold October evening.
- Jalapeno Hush Puppies - I know my ancestors would just love an offering of these spicy little fritters.
- Lemon Polenta Cake - This gluten-free cake brings a little bit of sunshine to the dark half of the year.
Cranberries
Cranberries honor both water and fire, and the way they're harvested certainly makes them look like a lake of fire. They are a symbol of abundance, energy, healing, and love. And from a culinary standpoint, they provide a punch of acidity and color to what can sometimes be a bland meal.
- Cranberry Margarita - Sweet, tart, and ready to party.
- Cranberry Mule - Cranberry gets combined with fiery ginger in this cocktail. Drink this around the bonfire.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies - Oats and grains are also celebrated at this time of year.
- Cranberry Bakewell Tart - Invoke your English ancestors with this traditional bake.
- Brie & Cranberry Tartlets - A super simple party nibble for the sophisticated witch.
- Holiday Brie - Cheese means happiness, and gooey brie topped with dried cranberries, nuts, and caramel is pretty much euphoric.
- Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail - Make a big pitcher and watch the vibrations rise.
- Cranberry Cocktail Sausages - Fresh sausages would be made at this time of year to last through winter.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Macadamia Nut Cookies - Ask each ingredient to bring you blessings for the season.
- Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatloaf - This is what I make every year for Thanksgiving instead of roasting a turkey.
- Cran-Orange-Apple Juice - Mix up some fruit juices as a base for cocktails or homemade sodas for the kids.
Hazelnuts
Before fun-size Snickers bars, children used to receive the fruits of life at Samhain, which often included hazelnuts. They're associate with wisdom, luck, fertility, and granting wishes. Plus, it's an excuse to eat as much Nutella as you want.
- Pumpkin & Hazelnut Crostini - Okay, I've got one thing that's not Nutella based, and we're bringing back the pumpkin and spreading it on crunchy toast. It's definitely a good thing.
- Nutella No-Bake Cookies - No oven? No problem. Witches are resourceful, and these cookies are delish.
- Nutella Fairy Toast - Let your kids make their own Samhain treat and go crazy with the sprinkles.
- Nutty Nutella Boozy Milkshakes - A treat just for the grown ups.
- Nutella Cheesecake Parfait - Simple enough for a beginner cook, fancy enough for a seated Samhain feast.
- Nutella Oatmeal - Start your Samhain morning with a hearty breakfast that brings the gift of wisdom.
- Nutella Buttercream Frosting - Add a layer of sweetness to your favorite cake recipe or make a storebought treat extra awesome.
Potatoes
I love the earthy, grounding energy of potatoes. And with all the psychic energy floating around at this time of year, we could all use a bit of grounding. They're also good for protection, stability, and absorbing harmful energies.
- Potato Rolls - I wish I could wave my wand and make you as excited as you should be about potato rolls. They're so good.
- Grilled Potato Foil Packets with Lemon Dill Creme Fraiche - Another one to cook outside on the bonfire, these potatoes are sprinkled with cayenne and topped with a sunny lemon and dill sauce.
- Potato & Spinach Curry - So many spices to play with to invoke your ideal intention.
- Chicken & Potato Bake - A simple five-ingredient dinner with fresh rosemary and garlic.
- Ham & Potato Soup - A great use for leftovers from a whole ham.
- Miatraillette - Look, we're basically putting French fries on a burger and topping it with spicy mayo in this Belgian street food recipe. It just sounded so good right now.
- Chili with Gnocchi - Add some grounding potato energy to your pot of chillie to make it feed your entire coven.
- Black Pudding Hash - Animals were traditionally slaughtered at this time of year, and black pudding was a way to make sure that every part of the animal's sacrifice was put to good use.
- Rosemary Potato Rolls - I make these every year at Thanksgiving, and they're awesome for Samhain as well.
- Chorizo & Potato Breakfast Burritos - Samhain is a fire festival, so start your day with a little bit of spice.
- Za'atar Potato Salad - Another delicious use for an amazing spice blend.
Pomegranate
Persephone was bound to the underworld forever after eating pomegranate seeds. The juice can also be used as a symbol for blood in spells and rituals. It also invokes protection and wisdom. Clearly, I mostly just like to mix the juice with alcohol.
- Ginger Pomegranate Cocktail - Bring a bit of ginger's fire energy to this absolutely delicious and low-alcohol drink.
- Pomegranate Martini - If you're more into the spooky side of Samhain, this cocktail is probably the most blood-like.
- Pomegranate Margarita - I've for sure partied very well with this cocktail in the past.
- Sweet Potato Chickpea Dip - This bright orange dip is scattered with jewel-bright pomegranate seeds for an appetizer or snack that's almost too pretty to eat.
Pumpkin
It can't be Samhain without pumpkins. Whether you've got your own pumpkin patch, you're roasting your jack-o-lanters, or just popping open a can of pumpkin puree, you're in for a treat. Pumpkins are a symbol of protection, abundance, and fertility.
- Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake - With all the prosperity spices and a caramel topping, this cheesecake will definitely make you feel rich.
- Pure Pumpkin Cheesecake - For the witch in search of a bit of pumpkin purity.
- Pumpkin Spice Gooey Butter Cake - Take some help from a cake mix with this gooey sweet treat.
- Pumpkin Pancakes - Good morning abundance and prosperity. Let's do this thing.
- Pumpkin Cake - I just made this cake last week, and it is chef's kiss.
- Pumpkin Stuffed French Toast - Turn any excess pumpkin into pumpkin butter, then make this totally awesome breakfast treat.
- Pumpkin Spice White Russians - If you can get your hands on some pumpkin spice creamer, this is the cocktail you want.
- Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes - Cute, portable pumpkin offerings.
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins - Single-serving pumpkin goodness with a sweet, hidden surprise.
- Pumpkin Scones - You should probably share the wealth, but you won't want to.
- No-Bake Double-Layer Pumpkin Pie - I learned this one from my mom, so it's a great way to honor the ancestors.
Sweet Potatoes, Root Vegetables & Squashes
Following the Wheel of the Year is all about eating the seasons. We're looking at root veggies and squashes right now, and I'm all about the sweet potato. Sweet potatoes invoke friendship, harmony, grounding, and nurturing.
- Baked Sweet Potato Brulee - Just have a sweet potato for dessert topped with cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Sweet Potato Rolls - Something a little bit different to dip in your soup.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Spiced Maple Butter - We've got a hit of fire energy in this simple, sweet recipe.
- Maple Glazed Carrots - Carrots are asociated with clarity, fertility, and passion.
- Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells - A hearty, warming, meatless dinner.
- Cajun Sweet Potatoes - Spicy and simple for the beginner cook. Get a rotisserie chicken from the store, and serve this alongside to say you made something from scratch.
- Carrot Ginger Orange Mimosa - For the champagne witch.
- Vegetarian Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie - Okay, technically shepherd's pie has mutton, but we're modern witches, and we do what we want.
- Zuchinni & Potato Pancakes - In case your garden was overflowing with zuchinni, shred them with some potatoes and top them with creme fraiche.
- Cornish Pasties - Filled with meat, potatoes, and carrots, it's an entire meal wrapped in a pastry shell.
- Butternut Squash & Carrot Soup - This vegetarian recipe is a bubbling cauldron of autumn flavors.
Bonus recipes
There's always a few things that just sound really good to me that I think you might like to eat right now. Things that are in season like nuts, things that grow underground like peanuts, or things that just sound awesome. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
- Chestnut Soup - Nuts are abundant this time of year, and this soup is surprisingly good.
- No-Fail Sugar Cookies - These cookies are ideal for cutting into your favorite shape and decorating for Samhain. Get creative.
- Mini Pork Pies - There's just something so autumnal about this quintessentially English dish.
- Caramel Butterscotch Muffins - There's something about burnt sugar that just makes me think of Samhain. Maybe it's Halloween candy, but I think it runs deeper than that.
- Sloppy Joe Casserole - I don't know. It's just perfect autumn comfort food full of nostalgia.
- Chocolate Toffee Muffins - Bonfire night is right around the corner here in the UK.
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Burger - With its combination of earth and fire energy, this is the perfect Samhain burger.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies - I don't think peanuts have an association with the underworld, but they do grow undergroud, so let's eat cookies.
- Peanut Butter Gooey Butter Cake - You just want it. Isn't that enough?
- Salted Caramel White Russians - Way better than trick or treating.
- Lofthouse Cookie Bars - Decorate with Samhain colors and sprinkles.
I hope you enjoy these recipes to celebrate Samhain. If you make any of these recipes, I'd love to see them. Share a photo on Instagram and hashtag it #awesomeon20. And if you're looking for more inspiration, be sure to listen to the Samhain episode of The Coven of Awesomeness Podcast.
I wish you a joyful and abundant feast. May you laugh too loudly, eat too much, be overwhelmed with love, and be grateful for it all. Blessed be.
Leave a Reply