Blessed Lughnassadh.

Lughnassadh (pronounced loo-na-sah) marks the almost halfway point between Litha, the summer solstice, and Mabon, the fall equinox and is one of the eight Wiccan sabbats. Back in the day, way back, it was a time to harvest the first grain crop and bake breads for the family and community.

Those of us who are pagan also celebrate this sabbat by baking–breads, cookies, cakes. Yes, even if the outside temperature is a toasty 99° F (37.22°C for those of you savvy with the Celsius scale).

And who doesn’t love cake? Here’s a recipe to get you started:

Delicious Pound Cake

Ingredients

• 3 ¼ cups white sugar
• ¾ pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 6 extra large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour 
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup 1% milk

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 325° F (165° C).
• Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan.
• Cream sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
• Add eggs, one at a time, beating for 45 seconds after each addition.
• Add vanilla extract and beat for 30 seconds.
• Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
• Add 1/2 of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until just blended.
• Add 1/2 cup milk and beat on low speed until just blended.
• Scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula between each addition. Repeat with remaining flour mixture and milk.
• Pour batter into the prepared baking pan, filling no more than 2/3 full. Smooth the top with a spoon or a spatula.
• Lick spoon or spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is just starting to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 1 hour and 25 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 15 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
• Allow to cool completely before serving.
• Top with ice cream, strawberries, whipped cream, or other lovely delights.

While you’re waiting for the cake to bake, write a list of all the things that form your bountiful harvest. Or type the list, it’s all good. Don’t stop until the cake is finished baking.

And here’s an idea, bake a few extra loaves of pound cake and bring them to your neighbors, just like the people did back in the day.

Way back.

May your harvest be bountiful and sustain you through the cold winter months.
May the Goddess protect you.
May you find peace and kindness.
May you live with ease and joy.

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi, mia amata immortale.