Pumpkin Pie and Parlor Games

One of the many fun activities of times of old was the hiding of charms in foods as a means of divination. With Samhain being upon us who hasn’t thought of the wonderful aroma and tastes of a pumpkin pie. The following is an old parlor game often played during Samhain.

Choose your favorite recipe for pumpkin pie and prepare. After the pie is cooked but before you add the whip cream cut the pie into eight slices. Into two of the slices hide a ring. Into two other slices hide a coin. Into two other slices hide a marble. Leave two of the slices with nothing in them.

Before you invite your guests to partake of this parlor fun, be sure and advise them of the possibility of the objects in the pie they are about to eat as to prevent any choking mishaps. Serve the pie to each one and advise the recipients of the possibility of the items enclosed.

If one finds a ring, marital bliss is theirs. If they discover a coin, wealth is said to be in their near future. If they find a marble; the coming year will be cold and lonely for them. If they get no treat in their pie, their future is sure to be filled with uncertainty and many concerns.

For a little more Halloween fun visit my personal blog Mother Moon and check out my Samhain Giveaway. 

Onion Shortcake And Thanks

During the season of Samhain is a good time to contemplate what we have reaped. It is good time to reflect all the goodness that has come to us. It is a good time to reflect on the obstacles that we have overcome in the previous year. It is a good time to think back on the desires we had and how we have manifested them in our lives.

As we gather on Samhain as friends and or family such reflection can be shared. Gathering around the fire during the coolness of evening and as the sun set on the previous year is an excellent time to share with one another. Working in a clockwise fashion around the circle ask each to share what they are grateful for. A fresh homemade loaf of bread passed around at the same time allowing each one to break a piece off as they share is symbolic of allowing this gift be become part of one’s whole being.

It is always helpful to share with others yet if some feel uncomfortable allow them to write down their thanks or to silently think their thought. Below is a recipe for Onion Shortcake. A simple recipe to prepare and also to share with the gathering.

Onion Shortcake

2 cups flour   

                     4 teaspoons baking powder  

1 ½ teaspoon salt      

         4 tablespoons shortening     

2/3 cups milk       

               2 teaspoons butter

2 ½ cup sliced onions  

       1 egg            

½ cup light cream

Preheat oven to 400. Sift flour and baking powder with ½ teaspoon of the salt. Cut in the shortening. Add the milk and knead the dough lightly. Flatten into a greased 8 by 8 inch dish.

Melt the butter in a skillet and sauté the onions until golden. I like to combine red and white for an added color. Let the onions cool then spread them over the dough.

Beat the egg, cream, and the remaining salt. Pour over the onions. Sprinkle with paprika and poppy seeds. Bake 15 to 20 minutes.