I suggested that this review which Stephen Hunt wrote for Green Man Review should be up on Sleeping Hedgehog.
I’ll come clean right at the beginning and admit that I’m probably not the kind of person that this author is writing for, as I’m not (a) Wiccan, (b) vegetarian, or (c) a woman.
I am, however, widely (and I like to believe rather affectionately) acknowledged as a spectacularly lousy cook, so maybe it’s no accident that this book ended up in my kitchen.
The idea of “magical cooking” certainly holds a lot more appeal than all that difficult, time-consuming business involving boiling hot oil and lethally sharp implements. Perhaps I hoped that this book would contain hitherto secret spells which would enable me to fill an empty plate by nothing more than visualisation and chanting….
I see a starter
Cayenne, a kedgeree
The meat, a cauli
Banana….
The truth, as always, is something far more prosaic and enlightening. The book presents a selection of simple recipes with accompanying meditations, rituals, and spells. More importantly, Johnson articulates a thoroughly beguiling approach to the whole subject of food.
From the introduction: “we are all inextricably connected to our Mother planet and to the food she gives us, but many of us have forgotten that the connection is a sacred one. When we remember, then food may become the key to sacred experience.” Given a moment to consider the weighty implications of such a statement, it’s refreshing to note that the author doesn’t come across as proselytising, but rather shares her obvious enthusiasm (for both Wicca & nutrition) and leaves the reader to apply the ideas in the manner that best suits. Indeed, she also points out in the introduction that: “How we eat — our frame of mind and heart — may be just as important as what we eat…perhaps the key is to relax, to connect with the earth and the food it gives us, and to live joyously.”
The ingredients for Johnson’s recipes are selected according to Gandhi’s principle of “innocent food,” “food that does not cause suffering to any living creature,” so everything’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans (it’s usually a question of choosing between butter or olive oil.) There’s a strong emphasis on salads and soups, which are easy enough to inspire confidence, and the instructions are refreshingly straightforward, “just dump all the ingredients into a blender”…
Many of the recipes come with exotically witchy names, such as “Tomato Venus Soup,” “Moony Apple Pie,” “Three Sisters Harvest Stew,” and my absolute favourite, “Real Earth Mother Whole Grain Bread.” How could this loaf possibly not be good for you? I’m still unconvinced by the sound of “Lovable Lentils,” and I’m slightly alarmed at the idea of “Sensuous Spinach,” but hey, it could increase the popularity of the green stuff in a way that Popeye never quite achieved.
Those readers who share Johnson’s devotion to her chosen spiritual path will doubtless treasure this book for the seasonal meditations, spells and little rituals that it contains. The rest of us can still learn and apply valuable lessons from her considered approach to food preparation without feeling that we have to try all of her suggestions.
I don’t see myself creating a “magical apron,” (with or without a vulva design, as she suggests) but I can certainly follow the rationale behind the idea. We tend to prepare ourselves mentally and dress appropriately for countless other occupations, so why not “magical cooking?”
Witch in the Kitchen turns out to be quite a recipe in itself. Plenty of healthy debate, fresh ideas, and easily -digestible information, heated over a warm sense of humour and seasoned with a pinch of magical herbs which add a very pleasant hint of “nuttiness.”
Blessed be to you too, Ms Johnson, I suspect that you’re writing for more of us than I thought.
(Destiny Books 2001)
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