BONUS CHAPTER: DEEGIE’S RECIPES
I’m pleased to share some more of Deegie’s recipes with you. Well, actually they’re my recipes, but I let her think they’re hers. Enjoy!
My poor little Deegie is so sick at the beginning of this book! I like to think she brewed up a pot or two of these wonderfully soothing herbal teas. It’s always best to use organic ingredients whenever possible.
Cold and Flu Tea Version #1
1 tablespoon dried sage leaves
1 tablespoon catnip (yes, catnip!)
1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves
1 quart spring water
Juice of one lemon
Honey to taste.
Place dried herbs in a large heatproof bowl. Bring water to a boil and pour over the herbs. Let steep for fifteen minutes, strain, and add lemon juice. Sweeten to taste with honey.
Sage, honey, and lemon juice have antiseptic properties, and peppermint helps with congestion. Catnip is a mild sleep-inducer, is good for headaches, and contains vitamins C and E.
Important: It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor or healer before using herbal remedies, as they can react with certain medications. Pregnant women should not use catnip as it can stimulate menstruation.
Cold and Flu Tea Version #2
¼ cup dried lemon balm leaves
2 tablespoons ground fennel seed
1 quart spring water
Juice of one lemon
Honey to taste
Brew as for Version # 1 (above). Lemon balm helps bring on a sweat that is good for relieving colds and flu, and it also contains an anti-viral agent. Fennel is good for respiratory issues, and helps with sore throat and coughing.
Important: It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor or healer before using herbal remedies as they can react with certain medications.
Rose Petal Jelly
(Jelly-making skills are required for this one!)
4 to 5 cups organic, washed rose petals
2 teaspoons chamomile buds
½ teaspoon lavender buds
3½ cups boiling water
1 package pectin
4 cups organic, unrefined cane sugar
Canning jars
Place rose petals, lavender, and chamomile into a bowl and pour in the boiling water. Cover and let it steep for an hour. Strain the liquid into a stainless steel pot and discard the herbs. Add the pectin to the liquid, bring to a boil, and add sugar all at once. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly, then boil for one minute. Remove from heat, skim off foam, then pour into sterilized, hot jars, and seal. Makes about five cups.
Spiced Wine
(non-alcoholic version)
4 teaspoons cinnamon
4 teaspoons ginger
2-inch piece of vanilla bean
3 cups red grape juice
With a sharp knife, make a series of shallow cuts along the length of the vanilla bean to release its essence. Place grape juice in a pitcher or bowl, and add the herbs and vanilla bean. Cover and place in refrigerator for a couple of days, then strain and serve. For the alcoholic version, replace the grape juice with three cups of red wine.
Pet Protection Charms
Brown felt or other cloth
Brown thread and a sewing needle
A bit of dried cedar (you can use the cedar shavings for small animal cages)
A few hairs from your pet (go check the couch)
1 dried bay leaf
A few black peppercorns
A few pinches of catnip (no matter what kind of pet you have)
Cut two 2-inch circles from the brown fabric and sew them together with the needle and thread, leaving a small opening. Stuff the pouch with the rest of the ingredients and sew it firmly closed. If you wish, you can write or embroider your pet’s name on the pouch. Hang it near your pet’s bed and take it in the car with you when you take your pet for rides. You can also hang it from your pet’s collar, but make sure they don’t mind first, and be sure the pouch is sewn tightly shut and securely attached to the pet’s collar.
Werewolf Protection Charms
(because hey, you never know!)
Black felt or other cloth
Black thread and a sewing needle
A hefty pinch of dried marigold petals, or wolfsbane, if you can find it
A small piece of silver, like a ring or a coin
A small piece of hematite or tiger’s eye gemstone
Cut two 2-inch circles from the black fabric, and sew them together with the needle and thread, leaving a small opening. Stuff the pouch with the rest of the ingredients and sew closed. Write your initials on it if you like. Carry it with you during the full moon—just in case!
Coconut and Honey Facial Cleanser
¼ cup organic, unrefined coconut oil
¼ cup of raw, unfiltered honey
Put the coconut oil and honey in a saucepan over gentle heat and stir until the mixture is warm and thoroughly mixed. Massage mixture over your face and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Store covered in the fridge. If the cleanser solidifies, just place the container in a bowl of hot water until it liquefies. This stuff makes a great make-up remover, and coconut oil and honey have moisturizing and anti-bacterial qualities, making it perfect for zits and wrinkles!