Welcome to our delightful Mabon feast, where we gather to celebrate the season’s abundance and nourish both body and spirit. Here’s the simple yet satisfying menu for our Mabon celebration, complete with recipes:

Comforting Warm Beverage

Spiced Apple Cider

Indulge in the warmth of spiced apple cider, a comforting elixir that captures the essence of autumn. Infused with cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of orange zest, this beverage will envelop you in cozy flavors.

Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

Warm, fragrant, and brimming with the flavors of fall, spiced apple cider is the quintessential beverage for our Mabon celebration. Here’s a simple recipe to create this comforting elixir:

Ingredients:

• 8 cups (64 ounces) of apple cider (unfiltered for richer flavor)
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 6-8 whole cloves
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, thinly sliced (optional for garnish)
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of whole allspice (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon of whole nutmeg (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Combine the Cider and Spices: pour the apple cider into a large pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and any optional spices like allspice and nutmeg.
2. Simmer and Infuse: place the pot over medium heat. Allow the cider to gently simmer, but not boil. It will take about 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld. As it simmers, your kitchen will also be filled with the delightful aroma of the spices, setting the stage for the feast.
3. Add Sweetness: stir in the brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Keep in mind that the cider’s natural sweetness will vary, so start with a smaller amount of sugar and add more if needed.
4. Citrus and Apple Slices: add the thinly sliced orange and apple to the pot. These will infuse the cider with a lovely citrusy note.
5. Simmer Further: allow the cider to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes after adding the fruit slices. This extra time lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Strain and Serve: once the cider has simmered to your satisfaction, remove it from heat. Using a fine-mesh strainer or a ladle, carefully strain the cider into mugs or heatproof glasses. This step will remove the spices and fruit slices.
7. Garnish (Optional): if you like, garnish each serving with a fresh apple slice or a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of visual appeal.
8. Enjoy: Serve your spiced apple cider while it’s still warm. Sip, savor, and revel in the flavors of autumn.

This spiced apple cider is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to embrace the essence of Mabon. Share it with friends and loved ones or savor it during your harvest reflections as you celebrate the season’s blessings.

Hearty & Hot Main Dish

Butternut Squash & White Bean Stew

This hearty stew celebrates the bountiful harvest with the earthy sweetness of butternut squash and the protein-rich white beans. Enhanced with aromatic herbs, it’s a savory tribute to the season.

Butternut Squash & White Bean Stew Recipe

This delightful stew captures the essence of Mabon with the earthy sweetness of butternut squash and the wholesome goodness of white beans. Here’s a simple recipe to warm your heart and belly during the season’s festivities:

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed
• 1 can (15 ounces) of white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8-12 ounces of corn, tomatoes or other fresh vegetables from your garden harvest (optional)
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: in a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
2. Add Vegetables: stir in the diced carrots and celery. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
3. Introduce Butternut Squash: add the cubed butternut squash to the pot. Sauté for another 5-10 minutes, letting the squash begin to caramelize and develop a rich flavor.
4. Season and Simmer: season the mixture with dried thyme, salt and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the seasoning. Toss in the bay leaf for added flavor.
5. Pour in Vegetable Broth: pour in the vegetable broth, covering all the ingredients in the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Simmer and Cook: reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes or until the butternut squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Add White Beans: once the butternut squash is tender, add the drained and rinsed white beans. Stir gently to combine.
8. Simmer Again: allow the stew to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
9. Taste and Adjust: taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
10. Serve and Enjoy: ladle your hearty butternut squash and white bean stew into bowls. It’s a comforting taste of autumn that’s perfect for your Mabon celebration.

This stew is not only delicious but also a nourishing way to celebrate the harvest season. Enjoy it with a slice of our warm, Herb & Produce Focaccia and the company of loved ones for optimal satisfaction.

Savory Harvest Bread

Herb & Produce Focaccia

Savor the aroma of freshly baked focaccia, a golden bread that pays homage to the grains of the earth. Its crisp crust, accompanied with fragrant herbs and rich harvest produce, make it a perfect accompaniment to your Mabon feast.

Herb & Produce Focaccia Recipe

Focaccia bread is a wonderful canvas for showcasing the flavors of Mabon. With fragrant herbs and fresh produce, you can create a delightful bread that embodies the essence of the season. Here’s a simple recipe for our Herb & Produce Focaccia:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Topping:

• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and/or sage), chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Sliced red onion
• Coarse sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: in a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

2. Mix the Dough: in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough comes together.

3. Knead the Dough: turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball.

4. First Rise: place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

5. Preheat and Prepare: preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Oil a baking sheet or a rectangular baking dish.

6. Flatten the Dough: once the dough has risen, gently punch it down. Transfer it to your prepared baking sheet or dish.

7. Press and Top: use your fingers to press the dough evenly across the baking sheet or dish. Create dimples in the dough with your fingertips. Drizzle olive oil over the top and spread minced garlic evenly. Sprinkle with the chopped herbs.

8. Add Produce: arrange halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion on top. Season with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

9. Second Rise: cover the focaccia with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 15-20 minutes.

10. Bake: place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the edges are crisp.

11. Cool and Serve: allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing and serving. It’s best enjoyed warm.

This Herb and Produce Focaccia is a flavorful addition to your Mabon celebration. The combination of fresh herbs and seasonal produce creates a taste sensation that embodies the essence of the harvest season. Enjoy it as a side dish to our Butternut Squash & White Bean Stew, or as a delicious snack during your festivities.

Rich Seasonal Dessert

Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream

End your feast on a sweet note with a classic pumpkin pie. Its velvety filling, infused with warm spices, and a dollop of freshly whipped cream, is the epitome of autumn indulgence.

Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Few desserts capture the essence of fall quite like a homemade pumpkin pie. Here’s a straightforward recipe to create this seasonal classic:

Ingredients:

For the Pie Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups of canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups of evaporated milk or half-and-half

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Mix the Filling: in a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.

3. Beat the Eggs: in a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Then, add them to the pumpkin mixture and stir until well combined.

4. Add the Dairy: gradually stir in the evaporated milk (or half-and-half) until the filling is smooth and well mixed.

5. Prepare the Crust: if using a store-bought crust, follow the package instructions for pre-baking or skip this step. If using a homemade crust, pre-bake it for about 10 minutes. This helps prevent a soggy bottom crust.

6. Fill the Pie: pour the pumpkin filling into the pre-baked pie crust.

7. Bake: place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The center may still jiggle slightly, but it will set as it cools.

8. Cool and Serve: allow the pumpkin pie to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.

Whipped Cream Recipe

No pumpkin pie is complete without a dollop of whipped cream. If you have the time, this indulgent topping is even better when homemade.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Chill Your Equipment: place a mixing bowl and beaters or a whisk in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. A chilled bowl and beaters will help the cream whip up faster.

2. Whip the Cream: pour the cold heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the cream on medium-high speed until it starts to thicken.

3. Sweeten and Flavor: add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the cream forms stiff peaks. Be careful not to overbeat; otherwise, you’ll end up with butter.

4. Serve: dollop the freshly whipped cream onto your slices of pumpkin pie, and enjoy!

With these simple pumpkin pie and whipped cream recipes, you can savor the flavors of autumn and celebrate the season’s bounty, perhaps even blessing your friends and family with a nostalgic treat too. Whether it’s for your Mabon feast or any fall gathering, this classic dessert is sure to delight.

We hope you enjoy this Mabon feast as a testament to the season’s generosity, rich with flavors that resonate with the earth’s transition into fall. May your celebration be filled with warmth, gratitude, and the joy of the harvest. Enjoy your feast and the blessings of Mabon!