Renaissance Faire Lore and Love

When visiting a renaissance faire, you usually see quite a number of folk wander into the herb shop. 



It's always a wonder to look around and see the assortment of items they carry.  Some such as amulets, talismans, potions, charms, and spells could be used as components, more often than not, used to draw love to the one purchasing the herbs. Drawing of money or success I'm sure is quite popular too.

As a little girl I learned to pull the petals from daisies ~ “he loves me, he loves me not.” Twisting an apple stem while reciting the alphabet tells the first letter of the future spouse’s name. On and on ~ so many ways to learn of that one true love. And let’s not forget leap years. According to tradition, women proposing to their chosen mates are not considered to be forward during this time.

Many wish to learn of their lover, draw someone back to them, or feel more secure in the relationship they already have. In a sense, all potions, charms, and spells are a means of visualization ~ helping a person to focus on that which they truly desire. Some people will do anything to find out their future love. Then there are those who feel you should give up completely, decide it would be a pain in the patootie and avoid it at all costs. It will then, undoubtedly, sneak up and take you by surprise.

Talismans are often made to bring love. An easy way to remember the talisman/amulet quandary is that talisman starts with a “t” as does “toward.” Amulet starts with an “a”, as does “away” ~ thus amulets keep things away. A very simple love talisman is made by stringing rose hips into a necklace and wearing it about the neck. A more precise talisman might go something like this: start with a square of cloth ~ red for love. 

After considering what characteristics would be desired, find herbs (and other objects) that will represent and correspond to those traits.  Someone down to earth? Add a pinch of patchouli. Spicy lover? Cayenne pepper. You get the idea. Traditionally, it would seem that rose petals are an absolute must have.

Now make a romantic beverage to add to the mood once you’ve found that special someone. This can also be made ahead in anticipation.

Nectar of Venus Cordial

The flowers give it a beautiful deep pink color 

and can be served with ginger ale and lime slices.

The following ingredients should be placed in a ½ gallon jar with a tight fitting lid that allows for shaking. Be sure to label and date the jar. Put out of sunlight while it sits for 1-6 weeks. Shake occasionally. All herbs and flowers are dry.

Ingredients

For alcohol:

1 fifth of good quality vodka
½ cup red rose petals
½ cup hibiscus flowers 
½ cup rose hips
½ cup spearmint 
¼ cup granulated orange peel
¼ cup cinnamon bark chips

For syrup:

1 cup Grand Marnier
4 cups simple syrup made from 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon either rose water or orange blossom water

Directions

• After sitting for 1-6 weeks, this mixture is ready to decant. Strain through fine cheesecloth or muslin into a pitcher large enough to also hold the additional 5 cups of Grand Marnier and simple syrup.
• Add syrup ingredients to the vodka mixture and blend well. Allow this to rest for a couple of weeks so that the flavors can become well acquainted.  
• Pour into beautiful bottles, cork, label, and enjoy.

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Getting Down and Dirty: How To Clean An Oven

Dirty oven? When you have a spill its best to clean it up right away, but whether you have an electric or gas oven,  here's tips for cleaning your oven

There are two paths to getting the full life expectancy out of your oven: either you don’t use it, or you keep it clean. For most of us, the first path isn’t an option.

The importance of a clean oven is one of longevity and efficiency. Baked on dirt makes the oven heat up more slowly, making it less efficient. Yes, there are commercial oven cleaners available, but most contain harmful chemicals. Something you don’t want to expose yourself and your family to.

Then there’s the self-cleaning oven. It sounds like the perfect solution, but just say no. Your oven is not designed to withstand the extreme temperatures for the prolonged period of time required to incinerate the grit, grease and grime. It will cause your oven to wear out prematurely. 

Learning how to clean your oven without these hazards is not impossible (Hint: There is actually a homemade oven cleaner that makes the task both safe and easy.) 

Materials Needed for Cleaning Your Oven

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Dish washing detergent
• Sponge
• A dry cloth or paper towels

How Often You Should Clean Your Oven

Wondering, “How often should I clean my oven?”? Well, that depends on how often your oven is used. If your oven is used on a regular basis, you should make it a part of your monthly cleaning routine, in addition to wiping it down weekly. Of course, the best thing to do when you have spills in the oven is to wipe them up immediately, before the spills become baked on. Baked-on food and grease can cause the oven to smoke and smell bad, affecting the taste and smell of your food.

If you hardly ever use your oven, just look in on it every now and then, and give it a quick wipe.

The Best Way to Clean Oven Racks

Most oven racks slide out of the oven. A good place to clean oven racks is in the bathtub. Simply put a towel in the bottom of the tub so the racks don’t scratch the tub finish. Then, place the racks on the towel, fill the tub with hot water until the racks are covered and dissolve a half cup of dish washing detergent in the water. Let the racks soak for at least four hours or overnight. Loosen any stuck on particles with a soft brush or sponge, rinse them to remove the soap and dry them off. Easy
peasy!

Cleaning an Electric Oven

Consider using baking soda to clean the oven. Simply make a paste with one half cup of baking soda, mixing it with three tablespoons of water. (Use a cup of baking soda with one-third a cup of water if the oven is really dirty.) With the racks removed, use a paper towel or sponge to remove any loose particles from the bottom, sides, top and door. Use a soft bristled brush to scrub the inside surfaces with the baking soda paste, being careful not to scrub the heating element. Let the paste soak for one to three hours or overnight for a really dirty oven. To remove the paste, you can spray it down with vinegar or use a paper towel or sponge soaked with vinegar. Replace the racks.

Cleaning a Gas Oven

For gas oven cleaning, use the same method as above, with the following addition:

The gas burner is under a panel in the bottom of the oven. There are vent slots in the panel. Be careful not to let any liquid run down through the slots and onto the burner.

Before and After A good job done!

A good job done!

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