Cooking By Moonlight

The Harmony of Nature and Cooking

In our modern world, we often find ourselves battling against nature. We build houses to shield us from the elements, construct dams to redirect rivers, and use chemicals to enhance our food artificially. However, it's equally important to learn how to work in harmony with nature, particularly with the seasons and lunar phases, to nourish both body and spirit.

The Magic of Moonlit Cooking

"Cooking By Moonlight" by Karri Ann Allrich is not just a cookbook; it's a guide to infusing your culinary practices with the magic of the moon. Each phase of the moon is discussed in detail, offering insights into what ingredients to use, what to look for in recipes, and how to prepare food with blessings and love. This book encourages you to develop your seasonal intuition and enjoy the sensual experience of cooking with "love foods and practical magic."

Key Sections of the Book

• Stocking A Moonlit Pantry: Learn how to keep your pantry stocked with essential ingredients that align with the moon's phases.
• Using Herbs and Spices Magically: Discover the magical properties of various herbs and spices and how to use them in your cooking.
• Lunar Lessons and Menus: Get detailed menus and lessons on how to cook according to the lunar cycle.
• Over 100 Recipes: Enjoy a wide range of recipes, many of which come with vegetarian alternatives and serving suggestions.

Interesting Stats

• Lunar Influence on Agriculture: Studies have shown that the moon's phases can affect plant growth. For instance, the full moon is believed to enhance the absorption of water by plants, making it an ideal time for planting certain crops (source).
• Seasonal Eating: According to a study by the University of California, eating seasonal produce can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 10% (source).

Featured Recipe: Crab Cakes with Cranberry Orange Salsa

Crab cakes are a delightful treat, perfect for celebrating the waxing or full moon. Here's a detailed recipe to get you started.

Ingredients

Crab Cakes

• 1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over
• 1 cup Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
• Dash of cayenne pepper
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped scallions (white part only)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

Garnish

• Cranberry Orange Salsa (see recipe below)
• Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, gently combine the crabmeat and bread crumbs. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and scallions. Add this mixture to the crab, tossing lightly with a fork until evenly moistened.
3. Lay out a sheet of waxed paper and divide the mixture to form 8 round crab cakes.
4. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the oil over moderate heat and fry the crab cakes until golden brown, about 4 minutes on each side. Drain briefly on a paper towel.
5. Garnish with a spoonful of Cranberry Orange Salsa and a wedge of lime. Serve warm.

Cranberry Orange Salsa

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 2 oranges, peeled, pith removed
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded, cored, quartered
• 1 red onion, peeled, quartered
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 jalapeno or poblano chili, seeded, stemmed
• Dash of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, stems removed
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar or honey
• Juice from 1 fresh lime
• Sea salt

Instructions

1. Process (or finely chop) the cranberries and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Process (or finely chop) the oranges and add to the cranberries.
3. Place the garlic, red bell pepper, onion, cumin, jalapeno, and cayenne in the food processor and pulse/process for 1 minute.
4. Add the cilantro, brown sugar, and lime juice, and continue to pulse/process until the cilantro is finely chopped.
5. Stir this mixture into the cranberries and mix well. Season to taste with sea salt. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestion

Serve the crab cakes on a bed of mesclun salad greens. The Cranberry Orange Salsa can also be served with a basket of tortilla chips.

Moonlit Kitchen Tip

During cranberry season, stock your freezer with bags of fresh cranberries to have on hand through many moons.

Conclusion

"Cooking By Moonlight" is more than just a collection of recipes; it's a guide to enriching your entire culinary experience. By aligning your cooking practices with the lunar cycle, you can create meals that nourish both body and spirit. So grab your favorite wooden spoon, open your mind, and stir a little magic into your life.

For more information on the influence of the moon on agriculture, check out this Scientific American article. To learn more about the benefits of seasonal eating, visit the University of California's food news page.