Spiced Milk for Imbolc

[Lark]

In my coven for Imbolc we traditionally substituted spiced milk for the usual wine in the ritual chalice.  Since Imbolc means either "first milk" or "ewe's milk" depending on which spelling you use this seemed very appropriate to us.  This is a simple recipe and really delicious.

    *  1 quart milk
    * 1 tablespoon honey
    * 4 cardamom pods
    * 4 whole cloves
    * 1 cinnamon stick
    * 4 whole allspice or spice bush berries
    * 1/4 teaspoon shavings of fresh nutmeg
    * 1 bay leaf

Tie up all the spices in a cheesecloth square, or strain out before serving. Combine spices, milk and honey in a saucepan. Heat gently for 20 minutes (do not boil). Serve hot.

-Lark-

[Labrys]

That sounds yummy enough to make me regret my lactose intolerance/iodine-dairy issues more than usual!

Of course, we don't really do Imbolc.  Our February fire is at mid-month, closer to the ancient date of Lupercalia.  We will do it at New Moon this year, our Feast of the Wolf.

[MyValenwind]

Ooh, that sounds really delicious! Quick question though, which would be more preferrable when it comes to taste: Whole, 2%, or Skim? XD

[Lark]

You can make it with any of them, but it will taste richest with whole milk.  I suppose you could even make it with soy milk, but that sort of doesn't fit the meaning of the season.  Still, if you're lactose intolerant that's an option

-Lark-

[Brijrian]

Mmm....thanks for sharing! I'll have to write this one down for next year!