Happy Halloween, and Samhain blessings to all who celebrate! The Celtic holiday marking the midpoint between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice, Samhain (pronounced “SAH-win”) is also the time of the year when the veil between the realm of the living and the spirit realm is believed to be at its thinnest, and is thus a time for divination magic, and a time to honor well ancestors.*

My maternal grandfather and I were very close, and I feel his absence long after his death. He was a curious, intelligent, and deeply charming man who lived many lives. An amateur painter, I have one of his landscape paintings in my studio, and I regularly use the well-worn hole punch I inherited from him— an odd heirloom, to be sure, but one that brings me joy each time I use it. As seen below, it is what I use when tagging Ancestral Bells for the shop, which I’ve always felt adds another layer of magic and intention to each bell.

This Samhain, one way I intend to honor my grandfather and other well ancestors* is by leaving offerings, including a small plate of cookies— the man had a terrible sweet-tooth, and always kept a well-stocked cookie jar for me to raid as well. This chocolate crinkle cookie recipe is a family-favorite, and guests at the 3rd Annual Halloween Sale will be able to sample these cookies, but if you can’t make it to the shop in person, you can still enjoy these sweet treats at home! Since the dough needs to be refrigerated for a minimum of 2 hours before baking, they’re a great option to prepare in advance and then pop in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES

Ingredients
– 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
– 1/4 c. unsalted butter
– 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
– 1/2 c. Dutch process coco powder
– 2 tsp. baking powder
– 1/4 tsp. salt
– 4 large eggs
– 2 c. granulated sugar
– 1 tsp. vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 c. confectioners sugar

Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a bain-marie. Heat, stirring often, until the butter and chocolate melt. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

In a bowl, stir together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a mixer, combine eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until light in color and thick, about 3 minutes.

Beat in the melted chocolate mix on a low speed until blended.

Add the dry ingredients incrementally (I do about a cup at a time) and beat until incorporated. Mix in the chocolate chips.

Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.

With the rack in the middle of the oven, preheat to 325ºF. Line one baking sheets with parchment paper.

To form each cookie, use a small ice cream scoop and roll the ball in confectioners sugar. Place on baking sheets about 3″ apart. Bake one sheet at a time (this is actually really important don’t try to rush it by fitting both trays in!) for approximately 13-17 minutes. (It’s okay if they still look a little wobbly when you take them out!) Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!

CONNECT WITH WELL ANCESTORS…

PS: One of my favorite podcasts does a great episode on Samhain…

PPS: I understand that not all ancestral/familial relationships are healthy, and I honor and applaud everyone breaking the chains of generational trauma. This is why I emphasize well ancestors in my spiritual work!

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