In June, there are several pagan holidays that are celebrated by different communities around the world. These holidays have deep historical and cultural significance, often rooted in ancient traditions and beliefs. Although specific practices may vary, they all share a common reverence for nature and the cycles of the seasons. Here are some of the pagan holidays celebrated in June: 1. Litha: Litha is a pagan holiday celebrated on the summer solstice, usually around June 21st. It marks the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer.
It marks the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. This holiday is associated with fertility, growth, and abundance. People celebrate Litha by lighting bonfires, dancing, and making flower crowns.
Chocolate Chip Treasure Cookies
Chocolate Chip Treasure Cookies. The other day I had picked up a bunch of things at the shop to make Magic Cookie Bars. I then spied this easy recipe on The Eagle Brand Milk Site for Chocolate Chip Treasure Cookies.
Chocolate Chip Cookies using Eagle brand milk that are amazingly egg free. These would be the perfect cookies to bake for someone who has an egg allergy. I was intrigued. I just had to bake them!
I wanted to show you my sister's mother rabbit, sleeping bunny cookie jar. She bought it at a yard sale from a man who said it was his mother's. Its very similar to some other ones we have seen, except it doesn't have glass eyes. The ones with the glass eyes were produced in the 1970's.
This one is not as bright as those and is made from ceramic bisque. Its stamped Brazil on the bottom, but we have not been able to find another one like it online anywhere. I love vintage cookie jars, and have two pig ones.
In any case I decided to use her very pretty jar as a prop with my cookies today. Now back to the cookies.
My cookies didn't flatten out like the ones shown on the Eagle Brand Milk page, but I have to say they are incredibly, moreishly delicious! As well as being very quick and easy to make.
In case you don't know what sweetened condensed milk is I will explain. First of all it is NOT evaporated milk.
Evaporated milk is milk which has been heat treated to remove 60% of the water. It also comes in a can and has about the same density as cream. In fact I often use it in the place of cream, as it is lower in fat and calories, especially in sauces and stuff.
Sweetened Condensed milk is milk that has been treated in much the same way to remove roughly 60% of the water as well, but it has sugar added which makes it a lot thicker and of course much sweeter.
They are not the same thing and cannot be used interchangeably. You can however make your own sweetened condensed milk and I have done so in the past, using regular milk and sugar. You can find a good recipe to do that here.
I also used to make my own when my children were growing up using dry milk powder, butter, boiling water and sugar in a blender. You can find that recipe here.
I have made Magic Cookie Bars many times through the years, or Seven Layer Bars, etc. They have a whole bunch of names. Basically they are a cookie bar that is created by layering things in a baking tin.
Usually graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, chocolate chips, nuts, etc. You layer these things in the pan in order, and then bake them. Like magic they make a cookie bar. Easy to make and easy to eat!
These are just as easy to make. As easy as the bars really. You need to beat some softened butter and the sweetened condensed milk together first until smooth. I used my electric hand whisk to do this.
You whisk together a small amount of flour and graham cracker crumbs with some baking powder, which then gets stirred in.
In the UK there is no such thing as graham crackers, but don't despair, you can use an equivalent measure of Digestive biscuit crumbs. The plain ones, not the chocolate ones. Just blitz them in a food processor until they are the consistency of fine bread crumbs. Easy peasy.
Once you have done that it is only a matter of stirring in the remaining ingredients. Flaked coconut, chocolate chips and toasted chopped walnuts.
You don't really need to use toasted walnuts, but I always do. Toasting your nuts really enhances their nuttiness. I do them a bag at a time and keep them in the freezer.
Just spread them out on a large baking sheet in a single layer and pop them into a medium high oven (about 190*C/375*F) and toast them for about 8 to 10 minutes. They will start to smell really nutty when they are done.
DO let them cool before using them. And, as I said, you can keep them in the freezer ready to use whenever. No need to thaw.
I had to break one open to show you inside. They have a goodly amount of chocolate chips in them. Just look at that melted chocolate. Oh my goodness, so yummy!
As you can see they are also perfectly cooked inside. I am not sure why mine did not flatten out. I used a cookie scoop to scoop the batter onto the pans. Perhaps I should have flattened the balls out more?
I have seen other people's online and they look flatter also, so its a mystery to me. Nobody mentions flattening them before baking them.
In any case they taste gorgeous regardless of whether they are flat or puffed. Chewy and crisp at the same time.
They almost have the consistency of a coconut macaroon, but not quite. There are oodles of chocolate chips. It used a full bag of them. I think if I make them again, and I can't think of why I wouldn't, I will use less chocolate chips.
There is a goodly amount of nuts and coconut as well. These are stuffed full of yumminess. I have seen some people replacing the coconut with oatmeal. One recipe I saw replaced the coconut with 3/4 cup of old fashioned oats (3 ounces). Apparently the cookies are not quite as chewy when made with the oats.
So I guess it all depends on what you are looking for in a cookie. If you are wanting dense, chewy moreishness, use the coconut. If you are wanting flatter, dryer, crisper, use the oats.
One thing is for certain however, and that is that these are one very delicious cookie. Perfect to enjoy with an ice cold glass of milk, or a hot cuppa. Just plain perfect to enjoy all round!
Evaporated milk is milk which has been heat treated to remove 60% of the water. It also comes in a can and has about the same density as cream. In fact I often use it in the place of cream, as it is lower in fat and calories, especially in sauces and stuff.
It is a time to honor the sun and the earth's abundance. 2. Midsummer: Midsummer is another pagan holiday celebrated in June, typically on the night of June 23rd or 24th. It is a time to celebrate the height of the summer season and the power of the sun. Midsummer bonfires are a common tradition, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Many communities also participate in traditional dances and rituals, such as the maypole dance. 3. Feast of Epona: The Feast of Epona is a pagan holiday celebrated in honor of the goddess Epona, who is associated with horses and fertility. This holiday is observed on June 25th. People may offer prayers and offerings to Epona, and engage in horse-related activities and rituals. Epona was revered by the ancient Celts and Romans, and her worship continues in certain pagan traditions today. 4. St. John's Eve: St. John's Eve is celebrated on the evening of June 23rd, leading into June 24th. While it is now associated with the Christian feast day of St. John the Baptist, it has pagan roots and is sometimes celebrated as a separate pagan holiday known as Midsummer's Eve. Traditional customs include lighting bonfires, staying up all night, and engaging in divination or other magical practices. These are just a few examples of the pagan holidays that take place in June. Each holiday offers an opportunity for people to connect with nature, honor ancient traditions, and celebrate the abundance of the summer season. These celebrations remind us of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of respecting and cherishing the natural world..
Reviews for "Exploring the Different Pagan Calendar Systems in June Holidays"
1. Samantha - 1 star
I was highly disappointed with "Pagan Holidays June". The plot was thin and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. It felt like the author rushed through the story without giving any attention to detail. The writing style was also subpar, with awkward sentence structures and a lack of descriptive language. Overall, I found this book to be a complete letdown and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.
2. John - 2 stars
"Pagan Holidays June" fell short of my expectations. The story had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was off, with the first half dragging on and the second half feeling rushed. The dialogue between the characters was unnatural and forced, making it difficult to connect with them. Additionally, the ending left several loose ends and unresolved conflicts. While the concept was intriguing, the execution lacked the depth and complexity that could have made this a great read.
3. Emily - 3 stars
I found "Pagan Holidays June" to be an average read. The storyline was decent, but it lacked originality and failed to hold my interest throughout. The characters were somewhat relatable, but their development felt stagnant and predictable. The writing style was simple and straightforward, which made it an easy read, but it also lacked depth and complexity. While this book didn't particularly impress me, it might appeal to readers who are looking for a light and undemanding read.
4. Jacob - 2 stars
I regret picking up "Pagan Holidays June". The plot was cliché and unoriginal, and the characters were bland and one-dimensional. The writing style was unimpressive, with dull and unengaging descriptions. The book lacked depth and failed to evoke any emotional response from me as a reader. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable and unremarkable read. I would advise skipping this one and opting for something with more substance and originality.
5. Melissa - 1 star
I couldn't get into "Pagan Holidays June" at all. The plot was confusing and disjointed, and the characters were uninteresting and poorly developed. The writing style was choppy and inconsistent, making it difficult to follow the story. I struggled to connect with any aspect of the book and ultimately ended up feeling frustrated and unsatisfied. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-crafted story.