Imbolc Poppy Seed Lemon Bars

Halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, we observe Imbolc. As the days grow lighter and warmer, we are reminded of the beginning of spring.

And although Ostara typically gets the recognition of fertility and new beginnings, Imbolc is a critical day to plant new seeds. A day where we can honor Brigid and her representation of fertility and fire. To become the keeper of our own personal sacred flame.

It’s a powerful day where we have one foot in winter and one foot in spring. This allows us to see our potential and plan for what is vital. A time of proper balance between the dark and the light. Mindfulness and motivation.

Ingredients and Their Magickal Properties

As I always mention in my recipe posts, the purpose of what I do as a kitchen witch relies on knowledge and intention.

Yes, this recipe will still taste delicious without transforming it into a spell. However, knowing your ingredients is highly important if you wish to utilize this recipe to help change your mind, body, and spirit.

Below is a list of each added ingredient and its extraordinary power for this recipe. Please note that this is not every magickal benefit of this plant or herb, just the areas I believe should be focused on for this specific recipe.

Lemon

As a beautiful representation of spring, lemon trees become beautifully fertile with fruit this time of year. And although when it comes to symbolization, different cultures have opposing ideas regarding lemon representations. While some cultures attach bitterness and fidelity, others find it a symbol of wealth and longevity.

Using lemons in spellwork is a great way to bring uplifting properties (which is the focus of this recipe). This is no shock when you understand it also has great power of purification and cleansing, making it easier for the practitioner to allow in the energy we want to enable.

For this recipe, using lemons brings us blessings with new beginnings, awareness, and the longevity we need to follow, not only to plant our need for seeds of happiness but to ensure they blossom.

Magickal Powers: Cleansing/Purifying, Awareness, Rejuvenation, Happiness/Love, Longevity, Clarify, New Beginnings

Sugar

Whereas salt is known in witchcraft to purify and repel, its friend sugar cane does the opposite, it attracts. It can be used to extract external attention. Still, here I want you to focus the intent on inviting in sweet and comforting opportunities guided by your soul’s purpose and happiness.

Magickal Powers: Attraction, Sweetening Situations, Comfort, Love

Poppyseeds

Poppy seeds are an obvious representation of this spell recipe, the planting of seeds. Utilizing seed magick in our recipe helps us not only interpret our inspiration and potential but can help us bring clarity.

The fact that we are using poppy seeds only helps our endeavor. Poppy’s magickal properties are beneficial for fertility and luck, helping ensure our manifestations.

Magickal Powers: Fertility, Luck, Manifestation

Spell Recipe

How to Implement Magick into the Recipe

*When adding your ingredients, remember to focus on the intention of the ingredient while working with it. (I.E., when adding the lemon juice (or zest), focus on the intention of your new beginning. Not just the idea, but how do they make you feel? How does having these things in your life manifest?

I also recommend using the intentional stirring and speaking method to add to this spell. Simply stir counterclockwise for energies that need to be removed and clockwise for energies that you wish to implement while speaking your incantations (or intention) out loud.

For example, when adding lemon, I would stir counterclockwise three times while speaking to the pot.

Spirit of lemon, bless this dish with cleansing and purification of unwanted, unuseful energies.

Then, I would stir clockwise three times while focusing on activating the properties of the plant I wish to invoke into the recipe.

Spirit of lemon, bless this dish with the love and happiness of new beginnings. So mote it be.

When the recipe is all said and done, I recommend concentrating on an incantation. Although I always recommend creating your own, as spells tend to be more powerful, you can also use the incantation below:

Through lemon, sugar, and poppy seed. I bring in the manifestations that align with my soul’s purpose. I see the love and happiness of new opportunities and beginnings and have the clarity and strength to follow them through. So as it has been, so as it is, so as it may be.

Ingredients

Crust

• ½ cup butter (room temperature)

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 cup flour

• 1 tbsp poppy seeds

• 1 pinch of salt

Lemon Custard Top

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp flour

• ¼ tsp baking powder

• 1 large lemon juiced (around 5 tbsp)

• 2 tsp lemon zest

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients for the crust until it forms into loose crumbs. I recommend using a food processor if you have one since it will be easier to work with the butter.

2. Preheat the oven to 325 F. Press the crust into an 8x8 pan and place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This helps the dough chill and gives us that nice flakey layer.

3. Once chilled, bake for about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool before adding the lemon topping. The crust should start to look golden brown.

4. While the crust is cooling, increase the oven temperature to 350 F.

5. Whisk together all the ingredients for the lemon custard.

6. Pour lemon custard over the shortbread base and make for 20-25 minutes. The top should be set and jiggly.

7. Remove from oven and allow lemon bars to cook thoroughly so the custard correctly sets before dusting with powdered sugar.