*Electuaries!* *Kitchen Magic*

I went all out for a class I did last fall. The bonus is that I still have all these herbal powders to use in food, preparations, teas and today: ELECTUARIES 💜

I am giving myself permission to write a quick how-to post. With the quarantine going on I haven’t spent as much time at home because I work in a co-op grocery store. (necessary to stay open) So, I am working there 4 days a week. The extra day off is welcome.

A class I recently taught at the Co-op where I work. Another great spicy kitchen remedy. Learn how to make your own delicious Fire Cider! We are in the novel phase of the novel virus. Doing our best to provide goods and services to our community of customers during this quarantine and pandemic.

And, yesterday… out on a hike. Not many people out and we gave each other necessary physical space. We got to enjoy this lovely water way of the spring in the desert mountains above our city.

Sending love out to all who are suffering or have suffered during this time. And, all the brave, hard working people serving their families, loved ones, friends, strangers and communities.

A lot of traditional peoples are recommending spicy remedies right now. This is not a substitute for medical care if needed but, as a way to keep our bodies strong. Keeping the terroir or terrain of our bodies strong.

Minimizing cooling dampening foods and emphasizing the spicy foods. And, fruits and vegetables too!

There is honey in this recipe. Not recommended for children younger than two years of age due to naturally occurring micro-organisms that could harm an infant/young child. But, safe once their bodies are old enough to have a strong immune system.

This is a post on making Electuaries. A traditional method of preserving, enjoying and preparing herbal powders.

I use raw honey in this recipe. It contains enzymes and trace amounts of minerals such as: Calcium, Magnesium, Chromium and Manganese. And, trace amounts of vitamins such as: B, C & K. It also contains amino acids and antioxidants. Here is more info about Raw Honey Nutrition.

It is a form of sugar so you can opt for stirring the powders into nut/seed butters or Coconut Manna. (I haven’t tried that last one but, it sounds like an idea that could work.) Also, ghee, maple syrup or agave syrup. Rice syrup… You get the picture.

I prefer nut butter or raw honey for the many nutrients they offer.

I always just eyeball this recipe. 👁️ I stirred it in the jar I wanted to store it in but, you can start with a larger bowl to make the stirring easier.

The ratio is 1/2 honey or other spreadable ingredient to 1/2 powders. More or less. Just add enough of each to make a thick honey paste. Not a dry paste.

I put the honey, in this case, in the bottom of the jar. Then add powders. Alternating layers until you have enough to fill your container. Then just stir or stir and blend in as you go.

Measure by volume… Teaspoon by teaspoon for powders and honey, for example. You can change your measuring amounts. Just keep it consistent throughout. Tablespoons, cups, etc.

I made just a 4 ounce size.

I thought this was funny. I was stirring with one hand while filming with the other. The mixture seems to be breathing out little puffs of powder.

The great thing is you probably have spice powders in containers or bags in your kitchen. Spicy herbs that come to mind are cinnamon, ginger, curry, turmeric, masala, red chilé, chili powder, clove, turmeric, cumin, garlic, Chinese five spice powder, etc. What spices do you use in your region, culture or country? Any food spices will work. 🌿

All these herbs above are aromatic and diffusive. They promote diaphoresis (sweating.) And, bloodflow throughout your system.

Have fun making your Electuary. I found the best way to mix the powders is to twirl the mixture with a fork until no dried powder remains. Scrape the sides and bottom of your bowl or jar to really mix it all together.

Adding some red chilë honey but also added red chilé powder as well.

It may combine just fine in a mixer or food processor but, will be sticky. I just use a fork to mix.

Obvious one handed blooper! But, the twirl method works best as long as you also hold onto your jar. LOL

Over a few days or weeks the powder may expand in the honey and it may look a bit dry. Just add more honey and stir in. Store in a cool cabinet or your refrigerator. Enjoy within 6 months. Use daily if you like. It also promotes digestion and spices are very health giving. This gives you another reason to add spices to your food.

I am still feeling warmed and tingly after my spoonful. Take a spoonful 2 or 3 times a day. For a warming aromatic that can disperse the inklings of damp colds and infections. Along with all the guidelines. Quarantining and making Electuaries. Keeping slim chances for that Novel virus to linger. That is my hope and with much soap.

I gave looking glass bear a nice soap wash for the event. So, my electuary is a thick cream consistency that will stick to your spoon without dripping off. Unless gravity finally takes hold. Haha!

My electuary contained~. hawthorn, red chilé, nettle, Angelica, tulsi, clove and mace (from nutmeg). red chilé honey, raw honey and a love of kitchen remedies and foodways.

Besides making Electuaries… Nothing beats the blues for me better than gardening. Whether you have an indoor pot, a sprouting jar, window box, container, community plot, field or orchard….or, if you forage and glean. I wish you many happy days of foraging, planting, tending and harvests. May You All Be Well!

Last year’s cilantro, catnip, hollyhock all thriving this early spring. We will get hollyhock flowers this year. What a treat!

Nibbling on the bounty of last year’s Thyme. Thyme and Rosemary powder would make a savory, spicy electuary. Dry and grind or use ready made dried spice powders. 🌿

Poppies are thriving here and showed up in our community garden space. We gardened alone today. A sign of the times and to Health!