From the Hollow

Welcome to the Cabinet of Curiosities—a collection of gothic history, strange traditions, haunted places, forgotten folklore, dark symbolism, and the stories hidden behind art and books.

Here you’ll find ancient festivals, eerie legends, Victorian oddities, supernatural inspiration, book reviews, collector features, and the beautifully strange details that shape my worlds. From haunted Pittsburgh to poisonous gardens, from ravens and roses to old rituals and whispered ghost stories, this is where mystery, history, and art meet.

If you love gothic atmosphere, dark fiction, and the allure of the unusual, you’re in the right place.

Hollow Hearth: Gluten-Free Pasta Bake

There’s something timeless about a pasta bake. It’s warm, filling, and made for sharing. It’s one of those meals that feels like home no matter where you are. As March continues to shift toward spring, this dish strikes a balance between comfort and freshness: hearty enough for a cool evening, but simple and adaptable as the season changes. For those living gluten-free, pasta dishes can sometimes feel like they require a bit more intention. Finding pasta that holds its textur

Mar 253 min read

Hollow Hearth: Budget Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs & Roasted Carrots

March always feels like a month of transition. Winter still lingers in the air, but the light lasts a little longer each evening, and the kitchen starts to lean toward brighter flavors. Lemon and herbs are perfect for this moment—fresh, simple, and just enough to remind us that spring is coming. This week’s recipe (a little late in posting) is a new lucky find. The recipe calls for chicken thighs, but I am not a fan and will always substitute with chicken tenders or chicken b

Mar 213 min read

Hollow Hearth: Creamy Tomato & Spinach Chickpeas

As the days start to hint at spring, it’s time for something bright, nourishing, and easy on the weeknight hustle. This creamy tomato and spinach chickpea dish is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, all without the fuss of long cooking. Serve it over rice for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for meatless nights. This recipe is ideal for busy evenings or for those times you want a little warmth with minimal cleanup. Plus, it pairs beautifu

Mar 112 min read

Gluten-Free Citrus Olive Oil Cake

With Seasonal Winter Fruit By late January, something begins to shift. The cold is still present, but the light changes. Days stretch just a little longer. Winter fruit, citrus especially, feels almost luminous against the gray. This is the moment for recipes that lift without rushing, that brighten without breaking the stillness of the season. This gluten-free citrus olive oil cake is exactly that kind of offering. Moist, fragrant, and gently sweet, it leans on olive oil ins

Jan 212 min read

Gluten-Free Honey Cakes Recipe From The Hollow

Inspired by Roman New Year Offerings The New Year did not always begin with noise. In ancient Rome, the turning of the year was marked with honey cakes—simple offerings meant to invite sweetness, prosperity, and favor in the months ahead. Honey was believed to soften the path forward, to encourage gentle words, good fortune, and stability. This recipe is inspired by those traditions, adapted for modern kitchens and gluten-free needs. It’s less about indulgence and more about

Jan 142 min read

Cozy Up with This Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Loaf

The holidays are sneaking up on us, and there’s nothing like the aroma of fresh citrus and sweet cranberries to make your home feel warm and inviting. This Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Loaf is perfect for those cozy mornings with a cup of tea or coffee—or even as a delightful treat for guests during the season. What makes this loaf extra special is the balance of tart cranberries with the bright, fragrant zest of orange. And because it’s gluten-free, everyone at the table c

Dec 3, 20252 min read

Cranberry Orange Oat Crumble Bars Recipe

These bars are the best use for leftover cranberry sauce — sweet, tart, buttery, and entirely gluten-free. Bake them ahead for a grab-and-go treat for visiting family or a cozy breakfast on Black Friday morning. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups gluten-free rolled oats 1 cup almond flour ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar ½ cup melted butter or coconut oil 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade) Zest of 1 orange Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 pan with par

Nov 26, 20251 min read

Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Warm, hearty, and nostalgic — this creamy chicken and wild rice soup tastes like a hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for a pre-Thanksgiving week dinner, gluten-free comfort at its best. Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced 1 cup carrots, chopped 1 cup celery, chopped 1 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup wild rice (uncooked) 6 cups chicken broth 1 cup coconut milk (or cream for non-dairy-free) 1 tsp thyme ½ tsp rosemary Salt and pepper

Nov 19, 20251 min read

Autumn Apple Cranberry Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing Recipe Share

This salad tastes like Thanksgiving in a bowl — tart apples, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a sweet-tangy maple Dijon dressing. It’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and makes an ideal side or light lunch. Ingredients: 5 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix) 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), thinly sliced ¼ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional) Dressing: 3 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp pure mapl

Nov 12, 20251 min read

Harvest Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Soup (Gluten-Free Comfort in a Bowl)

As the chill of November rolls in, there’s something magical about curling up with a steaming bowl of something cozy. This Harvest Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Soup is smooth, earthy, and rich in fall flavor — with a touch of spice and sweetness that warms you from the inside out. Simple, naturally gluten-free, and beautifully autumnal. Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 ½ cups pumpkin purée (canned or

Nov 5, 20251 min read