The Secret History of Christmas Baking

The Secret History of Christmas Baking - Recipes and Stories from Tomb Offerings to Gingerbread Boys by Linda Raedisch, ISBN 978-0-7387-7235-6, RRP $17:99. Published by Llewellyn Publications. (8 Sept, 2023)

This is a magical exploration of the sometimes dark and always intriguing history of some of our most beloved baked Christmas treats. Many have surprising origins with many twists and turns in their development into the festive delights that we enjoy today. 

The 300 pages of this book are delightfully crammed with recipes, and also crafts! Good old fashioned wholesome crafts like making your own Christmas star shaped cookie tray or a paper angel! Homemade marzipan and how to make your own candied peel to name just a selection of treats. All the instructions are easy to follow and offer the relevant historical information of each.

Gathered from all over Europe and sometimes dipping into the ancient exotic cultures of Persia, Arabia, and Egypt, Linda Raedisch delivers everything you need to get you in the mood for the season. Written with wit and passion, it is an unexpected page turner. 

 

Seeking Dragons Book Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: SEEKING DRAGONS by Virginia Chandler. Published by Llewellyn Publications. ISBN 978-0-7387-6970-7 RRP $19:99

Dragons! The very word conjures up all sorts of 
stirrings of the imagination, and magical sparks of enlightenment.

Virginia Chandler is an active Druid and a valued member of the pagan community. She has brought to life these majestic and mystical of beings within the 207 pages of this wonderful book. It is packed with information and inspiration. She leads us through a wide variety of topics and formulas for interacting and working with the Dragon energy that is very prevalent in the world today.

I felt a revelation dawn as I studied the pages. Many of us cannot help but think about fairy tales and folklore associated with these great mythological beasts. However, it is in this modern digital age that the presence and power - and the love and affection - for Dragons has blossomed as we are able to share our collected knowledge and experiences about such amazing beings.