Yule is almost here . . .

So, I've been a slacker with the blog.  Again.  Who knew buying a house would take away all my time?  I've been trying to put together so ideas before Yule on Tuesday.  I've been ripping apart the house for my favorite Winter desert: Red Velvet cake.  Guess what?  I own 20+ cookbooks and not one of them has a recipe for Red Velvet Cake in it!  The one I used to use was from a Southern Living December issue a couple of years ago (my mother keeps them all).  Now, it's missing in action.  I think the fae took it.  They always do this!

The picture is from another issue of Southern Living, but it isn't the same recipe.  This one is much too dense.  If only I could find it!

Monday Recipe Swap: Summer Favorites

Everyone has their favorite summer recipes.  I thought I'd share one of mine with you.  Use the Linky at the bottom to post links to your own blog or post your recipe in the comments section.

Shrimp and Penne with Dill

1lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
8oz pasta (I use Barilla Plus)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup plain yogurt (low fat or non fat if you'd like to be healthy)
3 scallions sliced fine
2Tbsp chopped fresh dill *see below for Book of Shadows notes
1Tbsp capers, rinsed, drained and chopped
2tsp finely grated lemon zest
salt and pepper to taste

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil.  Add shrimp, return to a simmer, and cook until pink (1-2 min).  Transfer shrimp to a large bowl.  Keep the water boiling on high heat.

2. Add pasta to boiling water and cook to your liking.  I'm a fan of al dente.  Drain pasta (do not rinse) and add to bowl with shrimp.

3. Add tomatoes, yogurt, scallions, dill, capers, lemon zest, salt and pepper to the bowl and toss well.  Serve warm.

Dill in Ritual Use
Dill is often used for unity and fellowship.  It is perfect to use in recipes for family, especially if there have been some tensions or fighting between anyone.  If you want to use this recipe for such purposes, light a white candle next to your stove.  Mix the dill in last.  When mixing it in with the other ingredients, say the follow (or your own blessing):

Goddess make it your will
and work with this dill
to fight off any ill
So mote it be!

This is also a great article from The Examiner on Dill and its magical uses.