cover image Kitchen Witchery: Unlocking the Magick in Everyday Ingredients

Kitchen Witchery: Unlocking the Magick in Everyday Ingredients

Laurel Woodward. Llewellyn, $24.99 (336p) ISBN 978-0-7387-6784-0

Witch and tarot reader Woodward debuts with an accessible cookbook that blends healthy, sustainable eating with the magic found in the natural world. Aiming to create a “nature-centric practice” that “transforms chore into ritual,” Woodward turns to the magical aspects of plants to help readers infuse intention into everyday activities like gardening, shopping, preparing meals, and eating. For instance, black-eyed peas are good for fortune and prosperity, banana bread attracts love and abundance, fruit salads enhance health and beauty, and garlic can protect against evil. Woodard also charts the different moon phases and suggests corresponding days of the week that are considered optimal for certain recipes. Many delightful recipes and thumbnail histories of ingredients’ spiritual usages (such as of the seven sacred grains of Europe) make this stand out from similar fare. Woodward’s eclectic guide will appeal to witches, home cooks, and those interested in building a deeper relationship with food. (Aug.)