Witchy Woman Walking

Many of us were relieved to leave the heavy energy of 2025 in the rearview mirror. The desire to return to the "good old days" was experienced by more than a few people. But is a return to the past likely for 2026? No one knows what this next cycle will bring, but there's astrological indication that we may be looking toward sweeping change. As Neptune and Saturn move into Aries, we have the potential for massive shifts on a societal level; long held systems may begin to dissolve. So what do we do in the face of uncertainty? Especially, if you find yourself clinging to the familiarity of the past? As we stroll along on this darkening January day, consider how you might tap into a deeper level of acceptance, courage, trust, and authenticity as we hold the Aries energy of 2026. What am I reading?The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland by Rachael Herronhttps://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781538767320Could Should Might Don’t: How We Think About the Future by Nick Fosterhttps://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780374619350https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalkingWhat’s playing on repeat?A Change is Gonna Come by Sam CookeWhat’s for dinner? Hobbit Inspired Roasted Potatoes & BaconIngredients:Baby potatoes, halved or quarteredThick-cut bacon, choppedOnion, slicedGarlic, mincedOlive oil or butterSmoked paprika, thyme, rosemary (optional)Salt & pepperFresh tomatoes (cherry or diced)Fresh parsley (for garnish) Instructions:Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet.Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy; remove bacon.In a bowl, coat potatoes, onions, garlic, oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.Spread on the sheet and roast for 35-40 mins, stirring halfway, until golden.Add tomatoes for the last few minutes of roasting.Stir in bacon and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!Tips for Extra Hobbit Flavor:Creamy Touch: Add a dollop of cream or cheese for extra richness.Hearty Additions: Serve with leeks or kale for more earthy goodness.Twice Baked Honey CakesIngredients:1 ¾ cup flour1 ½ tsp baking powder½ tsp salt½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature (plus about 3 TBSP for greasing muffin pans)zest 1 lemon¼ tsp freshly ground nutmeg¾ cup milk2 eggs¾ cup high quality honey + 1/4 cup honey for drizzling on top1 tsp vanillaInstructions:Preheat the oven to 350F.Using a silicone pastry brush and really, really soft butter, "paint" the inside of the muffin wells to grease them. Set aside.In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and lemon zest.Using a fork, or very clean fingers, mix in the room temperature butter to the flour mixture until it looks like a sandy/gravely mixture. Set aside.In a small bowl whisk together the milk, eggs, honey, and vanilla.Pour the liquids over the dry mixture and combine until just combined - do not over-mix.Spoon the batter into 12 muffin wells - it will be between 1/4 cup and 1/3 cup of batter each.Bake for 16 minutes, or until mostly done but not quite golden enough.Remove from the muffin pan (Be super careful, its hot! This is why you want to grease the pan really well!) and place the muffSupport the show

Happy New Year! 2026 is officially here! Many people dive into the new year with reckless abandon hoping to meet all of their elusive life goals. This often leads to self-loathing when we fail to meet the unrealistic expectation we’ve hastily set for ourselves. But what if this year we take a gentler approach? Rather than jumping in with both feet, instead we tiptoe into the next calendar year with an intentional, well-laid plan. Instead of rushing, what if we paused, considered, and took our time plotting a thoughtful journey? As we consider the year before us, take the time you need… this may be the key to creating the life you truly desire. What am I reading?The Silver Witch by Paula Brackston https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781250086341Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books by Hwang Bo-reumhttps://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781639737796https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalkingWhat’s playing on repeat?C’Mon Down by Poor Man’s Poison What’s for dinner? French Onion Soup Ingredients:6 large yellow onions 4 tablespoons unsalted butter2 tablespoons olive oil1 teaspoon granulated sugar1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste6 cups rich beef or veggie broth 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves – or 1 tablespoon dried thyme2 bay leaves1/2 teaspoon black pepper6-8 thick slices of day-old baguette1½ cups grated Gruyère cheese – Swiss or Provolone work as alternatives1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheeseInstructions:Slice all onions uniformly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Shred cheese, set aside.Heat butter and olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt, stirring to coat evenly. Cook onions for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 8-10 minutes. Take your time, slow stirring makes for great flavor! Once onions reach deep caramelization, add 1/2 cup of beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful brown bits. Add remaining broth, thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe crocks, top with bread slices, and generously cover with mixed cheeses. Broil for 2-4 minutes until cheese bubbles vigorously and develops golden-brown spots. Enjoy!Spiced Pear TeaIngredients:– 2 cups water– 1 ripe pear, sliced– 1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste)– 1-2 cinnamon sticksInstructions:1. Start by boiling the water in a pot. Add the sliced pears and cinnamon sticks. 2. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This will blend the flavors beautifully.3. After simmering, strain the tea into cups. Sweeten with honey to your liking.4. Serve warm and enjoy the soothing flavors.Support the show

After weeks of buildup and anticipation, Christmas and Yule have now passed. Whether your holiday was joyous or challenging, you’ll likely be experiencing a let-down after the outpouring of holiday energy. There’s a great temptation to dive headfirst into the new year without taking time to pause… but pause we must. Nature shows us that January is not the time to push and bloom, it’s the time to rest and plan. Before taking action, follow nature’s lead and lay dormant for a little while. Allow yourself to envision without the need to produce. The time will come to bloom, but for now simply be. What am I reading?Witches of Honeysuckle House by Liz Parkerhttps://bookshop.org/a/111301/9798892421997The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response by Ellen Vora, MDhttps://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780063075108https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalkingWhat’s playing on repeat?Worst Enemy by Marino What’s for dinner?Black Lentil SoupIngredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil1 large onion, finely chopped2 carrots, diced2 celery stalks, diced3 cloves garlic, minced1/2 teaspoon turmeric1 tablespoon tomato paste1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes2-3 tablespoons miso paste 1 cup black lentils, rinsed and drained4 cups vegetable broth or bone broth1 cup baby spinach1 tablespoon lemon juiceSalt and pepper to tasteInstructions:In a large pot, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat for 30 seconds.Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook for 6-7 minutes or until the vegetables have softened slightly.Add the garlic, tomato paste, miso paste, and turmeric. Cook for one minute until fragrant.Add the diced tomatoes, lentils, and broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until the lentils are softened.Remove from heat, then stir in spinach and lemon juice.Let the soup sit for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Divide into bowls and season with salt and pepper to taste.Baked Stuffed Apples Ingredients:4 Honeycrisp apples are preferred½ cup of rolled oats½ cup of brown sugar4 tablespoons of butter, softened or melted1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon¼ teaspoon of saltInstructions:Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.Carefully core your apples, leaving the bases intact. Use a sharp knife or an apple corer.In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, softened butter, ground cinnamon, and salt. Use your hands or a rubber spatula incorporate ingredients.Fill each apple with the mixture. Avoid overfilling to prevent the mixture from spilling over as it bakes.Arrange apples on the baking sheet and place them in the oven. Bake for 45–50 minutes. The apples should become tender yet maintain their shape, with the topping turning a lovely golden brown, emitting a sweet, spicy aroma that fills your kitchen.Allow the apples to cool slightly before serving. The filling should be lightly crispy on top with a buttery, caramel-like ooze. Pair with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!Under Morana’s Sky by SanjaInstagram- @sanja.slavic.artSupport the show

Happy Winter Solstice! This is a time for rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings. It’s also a time to receive, which is something that many of us struggle to do. Do you freely accept the generosity of others or does it make you feel vulnerable? Do you keep a tally of these “transactions” in your mind so that you can quickly repay the giver? Maybe you fear that when it really counts, others will let you down. What if this Yule, you learned to graciously and lovingly accept the kindness and love of others? As we sit by the fire, contemplate how you might be blocking blessings in your life. It’s a perfect time to clear the path for something new.  What am I reading?The Winter Witch by Paula Brackstonhttps://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781250042705uWinter in the Highlands: Eating, Drinking, and Celebrating in Scotland by Flora Shedden https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781837833689https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalkingWhat’s playing on repeat?The Solstice Carole by Saffie What’s for dinner? Savory Solstice PieIngredients:1 lb ground beef or plant-based meat1 onionGarlic2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp ground black pepper 1⁄2 tsp salt 1 cup stock 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen 1 cup diced carrots 1 cup diced potatoes 2 sheets of store-bought or homemade shortcrust pastry 1 egg, beatenInstructions:Preheat oven to 40O degrees f. Heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat to the skillet. Cook until browned.Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, pepper, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes.Sprinkle flour over the meat and stir to combine. Pour in stock, stirring continuously until mixture thickens.Reduce heat to low and add peas, carrots, and potatoes. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.Roll out one sheet of the pastry and line a 9-inch pie dish with it. Trim any excess pastry.Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into the pie dish.Roll out the second sheet of pastry and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie.Cut a few slits in the top pastry to allow steam to escape.Brush the top with beaten egg.Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy!Sparkling Cranberry Rosemary MocktailIngredients:2 cups unsweetened cranberry juice2 cups sparkling waterJuice two limes 2 rosemary sprigsFresh cranberries1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Ice cubesInstructions:Fill glasses with ice cubes.In a pitcher, combine cranberry juice, sparkling water, and lime juice. Stir gently to mix.Stir in sweetener until dissolved.Lightly bruise rosemary by tapping sprigs with the back of a spoon to release their aroma. Add to pitcher or place in the glasses.Add a few fresh cranberries into each glass.Pour the cranberry mocktail into glasses. Enjoy!Support the show

Do you ever find yourself fighting against the moment? Sometimes the season we’re in is not the one we would choose for ourselves. This can be especially difficult during the holidays, a time when we just want things to feel easy and merry. It’s tempting to create an illusion, rather than looking at the moment for what it truly is. But what if laying bare the truth will actually set us free? Instead of wasting energy on conjuring a false reality this holiday, perhaps we can simply let it be… however that might look. As we walk through the rainy woods, consider the illusions in your life this season. What can you release to make space for a truer, more meaningful holiday this year? What am I reading?Sleigh Spells by Bella Fallshttps://bookshop.org/a/111301/9798561945052Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering by Joseph Nguyenhttps://bookshop.org/a/111301/9798893310153https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalkingWhat’s playing on repeat?Let it Be by the Beatles What’s for dinner?Sheet Pan GnocchiIngredients:1 pound potato gnocchi1 bunch broccolini1 pint cherry tomatoes½ small red onion, thinly sliced2 garlic cloves, sliced2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil½ teaspoon sea salt½ teaspoon fresh thyme ½ teaspoon za’atar¼ teaspoon red pepper flakesFreshly ground black pepper6 ounces feta cheeseFresh parsleyInstructionsPreheat the oven to 450°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large bowl, toss together the gnocchi, broccolini, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, thyme, za’atar, red pepper flakes, and several grinds of pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.Roast for 10 minutes. Stir, then scatter the feta on top. Roast for 15 to 20 more minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the vegetables and feta are browned. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Season to taste and serve.https://www.loveandlemons.com/wprm_print/sheet-pan-gnocchiHealthy Peppermint Hot CocoaIngredients:2 cups cashew milk2 tablespoons cocoa powder2 Medjool dates2 drops of peppermint extract One tablespoon dark chocolate Coconut cream1 cup coconut milk1/2 teaspoon coconut sugar1/4 teaspoon vanillaOne pinch of saltInstructions:In a small pan, heat cashew milk and cocoa powder on low heat. Add Medjool dates cut in 2, then stir regularly. Turn off the stove, then add dark chocolate and peppermint extract and stir until smooth consistency.Pour in a blender, then mix for 1 minute until totally smooth.Beat coconut milk with vanilla and a pinch of salt. When it starts to foam, add coconut sugar and keep beating until it takes a firmer texture.Pour peppermint hot chocolate into 2 cups and serve with one dollop of coconut cream. Enjoy!Support the show