Beltane Honey Oat Bread, Berry Tarts, & Tea

Beltane Honey Oat Bread

A heartwarming loaf made with oats, honey, and love—perfect for spring rituals

 Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 ⅓ cups warm milk (or plant-based milk, like oat or almond)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter or plant-based butter

• ¼ cup honey (plus more for glazing)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)

• Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth

• Optional: handful of sunflower seeds or chopped dried fruits (like apricots or cranberries)

Directions:

1. Activate the yeast:

   Warm the milk to about 110°F (not hot!). Stir in the honey and sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix the dough:

   In a large bowl, mix in the melted butter, oats, salt, and any optional spices or dried fruit. Add the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour until the dough comes together.

3. Knead it:

   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is soft and elastic (but not sticky). Add flour as needed.

4. First rise:

   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.

5. Shape and second rise:

   Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased loaf pan or form a round rustic loaf on a parchment-lined tray. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.

6. Bake:

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

7. Optional honey glaze:

   While the bread is still warm, brush the top with a bit of honey mixed with warm water for a glossy, sweet finish.

✨ Serving Ideas:

• Eat warm with fresh butter and herbs

• Serve alongside a Beltane feast (roasted veggies, fruit platters, floral teas)

• Offer a slice to the land—leave some outdoors for the fae or spirits

• Use leftovers for Beltane morning toast with strawberry jam or honey

---

Gluten-Free Beltane Berry Tarts

Mini tarts bursting with ripe berries, honey, and Beltane blessings

Ingredients:

For the crust (gluten-free):

• 1 ½ cups almond flour

• ½ cup gluten-free oat flour (or sorghum flour)

• 3 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar

• ¼ tsp salt

• ⅓ cup melted butter or coconut oil

• 1 egg (or flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1 ½–2 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)

• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch

• Optional: pinch of cinnamon or rosewater for extra enchantment

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven:

Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a tart pan or mini tart molds (you can also use a muffin tin!).

2. Make the crust:

In a bowl, combine almond flour, oat flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter (or oil), egg (or flax egg), and vanilla. Mix until a dough forms.

Press the dough into tart pans (about ¼" thick), working up the sides evenly. Prick the bottom with a fork. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until just golden. Let cool.

3. Make the berry filling:

While the crusts cool, gently heat the berries in a small pan with honey, lemon juice, and starch. Stir until the juices thicken (3–5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. Fill and chill (or bake again):

• Option A: For a fresh tart, spoon the berry mixture into the crusts and chill for 30 minutes. Serve cold or room temp.

• Option B: For a baked tart, return filled crusts to the oven for 5–7 minutes for a more jammy effect. Cool before serving.

✨ Serving Magic:

• Garnish with edible flowers like violets or pansies for full Beltane flair 🌸

• Drizzle with extra honey or a dollop of whipped cream or coconut cream

• Perfect for altar offerings, picnic baskets, or late-night stargazing feasts under the May sky

---

Beltane Bloom Tea

A fragrant floral tea blend for love, joy, and seasonal awakening

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried hibiscus petals (adds color and tartness)

• 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers (for calm + warmth)

• 1 tsp dried rose petals (love + beauty vibes)

• ½ tsp dried lavender (for harmony and fae charm)

• 1 tsp dried lemon balm or mint (light, uplifting energy)

• Optional: A pinch of dried strawberry or raspberry leaf (for grounding, fertility, and body connection)

💡 Optional Add-Ins:

• A sliver of fresh ginger (for fiery energy and passion)

• Honey or maple syrup (sweetens and brings in Beltane’s honey-rich symbolism)

• Fresh lemon juice (a bright burst of spring)

Directions:

1. Mix all your dried herbs in a bowl. Use about 1 tablespoon of tea blend per 8 oz cup.

2. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the herbs—around 190–200°F is ideal for delicate flowers.

3. Steep for 5–7 minutes. Cover your cup or teapot while steeping to preserve the aromatic oils.

4. Strain, sweeten to taste, and sip with intention.

✨ Serving Ideas:

• Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or edible flower (like violets or nasturtiums)

• Serve warm with your Beltane tarts or chill it into a magical iced tea for a daytime ritual or picnic

• Infuse under the moonlight the night before Beltane morning for an extra mystical touch

• Sip and journal your intentions, dreams, or blessings for the season

---

Beltane Bloom Tea Blessing

(in a traditional-style rhythm and tone)

"By leaf and bloom, by root and flame,

I call the season in thy name.

With honeyed sip and flower fair,

Let Beltane’s breath enchant the air.

With rose for love and mint for cheer,

Let joy arise and hearts draw near.

By blossom's kiss and fire’s light,

May blessings bloom both day and night.

This brew I bless, this charm I steep,

To stir the soul from winter’s sleep.

So let it be, as stars align—In Beltane's grace, in spring divine."

You can whisper this over the tea while it steeps, or speak it aloud as a formal part of your celebration. If you’re brewing for others, it makes a lovely spoken moment before serving—like a toast to the season 🌸🔥