We are getting close to the spirit times of Samhain, Halloween, and Dia de los Muertos. I blend all of these traditions together and usually have an altar dedicated to those friends, families, and pets that have passed away. I will also dress up (usually concepts or themes, not something specific), eat dead bread, and drink hot apple cider.

I love this week because it’s also when I bust out my warm winter spices. I can finally indulge in cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger without odd looks from those with a warm constitution. I begin to eat more butternut squash and pumpkin, and think of all the ways I can ingest the color orange.

One of my favorite recipes is to make orange sugar (thank you Greg & Elaine!). It’s super easy, just grate the peel of a few tangerines or oranges and mix evenly with coconut or raw sugar. The sugar becomes tinged with orange and it makes a delicious addition to any pie, latte, or hot tea. I love to add it to my hot spiced cider too!

Orange Sugar Cider

4 cups of Apple Cider

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Nutmeg

1/4 tsp Cloves 

Gently simmer all ingredients for 15 minutes. Take off heat and add 2 tsp of the orange peel sugar. Strain out herbs if you didn’t use powdered. Enjoy a mug of spiced cider by a warm fireplace or cuddled up with a loved one.

For the love of plants,

 

Jessica 

when energy flows, wellness grows