The Ostara festival, celebrated around the spring equinox, is a celebration that marks the awakening of nature, the renewal of life, and symbolizes both fertility and the sacred feminine. This time of year features equal day and night lengths, heralding the imminent arrival of longer and warmer days. For an Ostara meal, it is customary to favor foods that symbolize fertility, renewal, and youth.
Foods to Favor for Ostara
It is essential to use seasonal foods in your sabbat meals, specifically those of spring. Here are some ideas that are easy to cook with.
| Fruits |
Strawberry, apple, banana, lemon, apricot, raspberry
|
| Vegetables | Asparagus, young shoots, radishes, lentils |
| Herbs | Chives, mint, parsley |
| Meats and Proteins | Chicken, egg |
| Seeds | Sunflower, pumpkin, poppy |
| Dairy | Milk, cheese |
| Sugars | Honey |
Ostara Cake Recipe
This cake is based on a banana bread recipe, with ingredients adapted to use as few processed foods as possible. You will use lavender honey (French), whole sugar, whole wheat flour, very ripe bananas, and dark chocolate (for indulgence). This very simple and affordable cake is perfect for dessert or a snack. Let’s get started!
Ingredients (for a 20cm round pan)
- 4 very, very ripe bananas (almost black!)
- 2 tablespoons lavender honey
- 160g T80 flour
- 60g whole sugar
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 3 eggs
- 130g semi-salted butter
- 150g dark chocolate chips
Steps
Step 1
Mix the eggs and whole sugar together until you get a frothy mixture (ideally use an electric mixer, several good minutes will be needed).
Step 2
Mix the flour and baking powder together. Gradually add this to the egg/sugar mixture to avoid lumps, until you get a smooth texture.
Step 3
Preheat your oven to 180°C (convection).
Step 4
Melt the butter in the microwave (30 seconds to 1 minute max) and add it to the mixture. Mix well.
Step 5
In another bowl, peel and mash the very ripe bananas with a fork. Try to leave some chunks; it will taste better.
Step 6
Add the bananas to the mixture and mix well. Warm the honey slightly if it is solid, then add it to the mixture. Finally, add the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful.
Step 7
Oil a 20cm diameter pan (ideally a springform for easier removal). Pour in the mixture and sprinkle the top with the reserved chocolate chips.
Step 8
Bake for about 40 minutes (check with a knife tip). Once cooked, let cool before removing from the pan.
Step 9
Enjoy!
There you go, you’ve made a delicious cake that will have its place during Ostara, and you’ll enjoy it too!
[bloctwist]
