Mulled Cider Sweet Potato Tart

Mulled Cider Sweet Potato Tart

This tart is hearty yet sweet ~ the perfect treat for a fall afternoon!

And it’s easy to make!

For the dough:

2 cups whole wheat all-purpose flour

1/3 cup turbinado sugar (or half brown sugar/ half granulated sugar)

a pinch of salt

zest of one lemon

3/4 cup unsalted butter

1 large egg yolk

1 tablespoon milk

For sweet potato filling:

16 oz of sweet potatoes

1/4 packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar 

1 cup mulled apple cider

First make the crust: Combine flour, sugar, salt, and zest in a large bowl. Cut the butter into small pieces over the bowl. Gently rub the ingredients between both hands until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Add egg yolk and milk. Work until dough comes together, handling as little as possible. If dough is still dry you can add water 1 tablespoon at a time. Wrap dough in parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using.

Now make the filling! With a fork, poke holes in your sweet potatoes. Wrap them in foil and place in the oven at 375°F. Let them hangout in there until they are squishy all the way through. Cook time will vary depending on potato size, mine took about 40ish minutes.

Take the potatoes out of the oven and let them cool down enough for you to peel off the skin.

Throw the peeled potatoes in a small saucepan with the cider, brown sugar, and cinnamon sugar. Now mash it all together using whatever utensil suits your personal style (I used an avocado masher). Move the saucepan to the stove and cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble then reduce heat to low stirring occasionally.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Take the dough out of your fridge and roll it out on a lightly flour dusted surface. Roll out a circle of dough a wee bit wider than your tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim off any excess ~ I used these scraps to decorate the top of the tart!

Pour the sweet potato filling into your tart crust and spread it out so it’s good and even.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. Let cool and serve!

Mulled Cider Sweet Potato Tart

November Spice Horoscopes

Madame Saffron

After studying planetary movements and consulting the spirits of this world and the next, Madame Saffron presents her Spice Horoscope.

This month she found your horoscope by a series of card readings. She used a three card spread to search for the spice blend that would help you with respect to LIFE, LOVE, and HEALTH.

Aries:  Reversed King of Cups, Reversed Page of Swords, Two of Coins

You’re always go go go, Aries, don’t forget to take a little time for yourself. The Two of Coins suggests that you need to give your health more attention, it’s easy to brush aside going to the gym or going for a walk or picking up a yoga class because you’re busy and stressed – Well, you know what will help you feel less stressed? Taking care of yourself. So cook yourself a nice meal once a week and RELAX. You might want to consider whipping up a batch of mulled cider, breathing in that lovely fall smell is sure to have a calming effect. While you’re feeling calm, take a minute to really think about your hopes and dreams & what you need to DO to achieve them. The reversed king serves as a kick in the pants, the universe is giving you the green light, you just have to make a move.

As far as love is concerned, you may need to have a serious chat with your significant other. You’re stressed, I get it, but just like with your health you can’t just brush aside your loved ones because you’re too goddamn busy. (If you’re completely self-centered, let me put it this way: Do you want to get gifts this holiday season or not?) If you’re single you may feel like the person you’re attracted to is full of hot air. However you may want to give them a chance, they could be putting on airs because they are intimidated and they just want you to think they are as cool as they think you are. In both cases I would suggest inviting your lover or potential lover to brunch at your place, fixing up a batch of hearty pumpkin pancakes and really listening to what the other person is saying verbally and physically.

Taurus: Reversed Ace of Swords, Reversed Eight of Coins, Ten of Coins

You’re looking good and you’re feeling good, Taurus. Things are pretty fantastic for you. As we move into the holiday season, now is the time to whip up a mug of  hot cocoa & take a minute to think about how you can keep up your positive outlook. Especially since the reversed Ace of Swords often serves as a warning against illusions and falsities, just be aware and think before you before you dive into certain situations.

Having said that, if you are single the reversed Eight of Coins is often a sign that you need to GET OUT THERE! Invite your friends and potential lovers over for snacks and drinks and conversation! If you plan to hit the town in your pursuit of love, eat a good meal, and go get ’em! If you’re in a relationship it’s time for you to do some work too. Make a nice meal for your lover and bring a little romance back into things. In either case, if you want an easy meal just saute some fresh veggies with Mediterranean Oil Blend and toss ’em with pasta and olive oil.

Gemini: Eight of Swords, Three of Wands, Reverse of Cups

All I do is win win win, no matter what. This may not be so true for you right now, Gemini. Maybe you’ve hit a few bumps recently, don’t let that get you down. Invite a friend or two over and put on a big batch of mulled cider. As the fall spices fill the air, let your friends know what is going on in your life. Despite your inconsistencies, your friends are loyal and they are there to help you. The Reversed Two of Cups serves as another reminder that it’s okay to ask for help. Achieving health goals is hard if you don’t have support from those around you, you might want to consider finding an exercise buddy. Or you could start a weekly friends dinner, that way at least once a week you can all have a nice home cooked meal. If you want to get fancy you could start your meals with appetizers as everyone arrives.

In terms of love, things are going pretty good for you. However you may feel like your partner doesn’t take you seriously or treat you as an equal, the Three of Wands says, YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT UP WITH THAT, if you don’t want to. So whip up two mugs of hot cocoa, sit down with your lover, voice your concerns, and take action from there. If you are single, you may be feeling that you have no prospects. Don’t panic and don’t latch on to the first promising prospect. Play the game and you’ll do great.

Cancer: Reversed Nine of Wands, Reversed Five of Swords, Ten of Swords

Cancer, are you alright? The Ten of Swords suggests that it may be time to switch up your health routine, perhaps you’re loosing hope and trust in those who are trying to help you achieve your health goals. Suck it up & find a new way to get right. Maybe you should pray to the gods, maybe you need to join a different gym or try a new sport, or maybe you need a little retail therapy. You must choose what you trust, if you have a negative opinion about those trying to help you, you will not be healed. Speaking of negativity, don’t beat yourself up when you’re already down. Your planet, the moon, has cycles and so do you. Around mid month, you’re probably going to have a lot of feelings going on, don’t be afraid to lean on others for support.

The reversed  Five of Swords signals that you may need to admit you’re wrong at some point this month. You are very determined and persistent but it’s okay to be wrong. As an apology for your pig-headed moodiness bake a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins and give them out to your coworkers and those closest to you. The fall smells coming from the oven are sure to give you some peace and make it easier for you to say, Sorry, I was wrong.

Leo: Two of Swords, The Devil, King of Swords

In general your person-to-person relationships are going great, but maybe take a second to think about the equality of those relationships, are you being treated as an equal? The more effort you put into a relationship the more you’ll get. Except when you don’t get more or even close to it, that’s when you know you need to call it quits – it takes two to tango, Leo. Also take this into account with respect to your love life. The Devil suggests that you or your partner may be feeling restless. Cook a wild meal, maybe some Harissa shrimp with roasted veggies, and sit down and have a chat. If you’re single you may be getting that crazy-eyed look of a poor soul desperately seeking a date to bring home for Christmas to prove to your cousins that you’re not totally uncool, you need to calm down. Whip yourself up a cup of cocoa and think about how you can be happy as you alone, because in the end that’s all you’ve got.

With respect to health, please try to eat better. Sure, your friend is doing the full 30 and they want you to do it  with them. Remember, you are a leader not a follower. Do your research before you dive in, Leo. Find the healthy life style that vibes with you and will make you better in the long run. You are a strong independent individual so sticking to your guns and saying, I’ll do me, you do you, shouldn’t be too difficult but this Sword heavy reading suggests that you will need to make a conscious effort to do so this month.

Virgo: Reversed Nine of Coins, Reversed Pope, Reversed Devil

The reversed Nine of Coins and the Reversed Devil suggest that you may be feeling a little stressed about life. You need to relax, Virgo, remember to breathe. Take a little time out of your day to make yourself some chai tea. The Nine of Coins signals that this is a good time to think about your hopes and dreams and how you can make positive change towards them. As far as health goes, be sure to take the time to get out and be active! You’re stressed & busy, but not taking care of yourself is going to make it worse. Be sure to cook yourself a nice meal at least once a week. This Mediterranean Frittata is simple and delicious & you can definitely get more than one meal out of it if you serve it with a nice fresh salad or maybe some soup!!

With respect to love, if you play by the rules, you’ll do just fine. Don’t expect anything wild this month, it looks like it’s going to be a flowers and chocolate kind of affair not a champagne, fast cars, and explosions in the background sort of fling. Keep up the good work, maybe cook your lover a nice meal (see above) to show them you like where you guys are right now.

Libra: Nine of Coins, Reversed Death, Force

You’re feeling pretty hot right now, good for you, Libra. Don’t get cocky, now is the time to continue improving. With the holidays fast approaching now is the time to reenforce the good habits you’ve already been trying to stick to. Maybe start cooking for yourself three days instead of just two and bring your lunch to work instead of going out. An easy lunch option could be some homemade pimento cheese – just slap it on a slab of bread, maybe add some lettuce and whatever else you desire and you’re set! Because you are feeling good and things are going good, the Nine of Coins serves as a reminder to share the wealth. Have you ever considered volunteering or helping your community in some way?

Reversed Death sounds ominous but with respect to love, it’s not the worst. Maybe you’re incredibly unhappy in your relationship. You don’t like being alone, dear Libra, but sometimes you have to leave the safety of a relationship if it isn’t right for you. If you are single, or soon to be single if the aforementioned is true, now is the time to make yourself a cup of chai tea, listen to your heart and ask yourself, what do I want? Am I killing myself to be lovable, to be awesome, to be perfect for someone else? You gotta be right by you, my friend, because in the end that’s all you’re going to have.

Scorpio: Ten of Wands, Reversed Knight of Coins, Reversed Page of Coins

You are very passionate, Scorpio, you get after projects like a cat after a mouse. But the Ten of Wands hints that it is time for you to take a break, pop some popcorn, season it with some Cocoa Nib Rub, prop your feet up, put in your favorite movie, and RELAX.

The reversed Knight of Coins suggests that you might be feeling bored in love. If you’re single GET OUT THERE and explore. If you’re in a relationship, communication is key – Do you think your lover is a goddamn mind reader? Your partner might be bored out of they’re minds too, but they may be a Libra and are too scared of losing you to say anything. So sit down and have a chat over some hot cocoa. With that in mind, the Page of Coins is a warning, you are brave but you tend to be a little accident prone, this card reversed suggest that you should use moderation when alcohol and drugs are involved because injuries could result from playing too hard (don’t try to get liquid courage if you’re single & and don’t self medicate with an elixir of faded dreams and lost hopes). If you do plan on getting a little wild, eat a good meal first. Some Berbere meatballs and pasta should do the trick. The warm welcoming heat of the Berbere will fill the empty feeling in your heart.

Sagittarius: Reversed Six of Coins, Knight of Wands, The Pope

A reversed Six of Coins is a warning, empathy is a two-way street, Sagittarius, don’t be a road block on either side. You are curious & energetic & open to pretty much everything so this shouldn’t be too hard for you, just be aware. On a different note, now is the time to get yourself into a good routine before the trials of the holiday season start. Get into the habit of going for a walk every day, or cooking yourself a good meal at least once a week. If you make something like a pumpkin soup you’ll have multiple meals for that week!

The Knight of Wands says you may meet someone new this month. If this is the case, take it slow, don’t get too physical too fast. Your element is fire so this may be difficult for you, Sagittarius, so invite them over for some mulled cider and some good old-fashioned conversation.

Capricorn: Reversed Wheel of Fortune, Reversed Ace of Cups, The Magician

Oh Capricorn, look at yourself. The reversed Ace of Cups indicates that you may not be where you need to be to have truly rewarding love life. Don’t you dare for one minute start pointing fingers at your partner or the lack of quality in the dating scene. Look at yourself, and fix yourself. People will help you if you ask them. A little hot cocoa and a little conversation with yourself or a good friend should do the trick to get you back to where you need to be.

The reversed Wheel of Fortune serves as a reminder that whatever change is heading your way, it’s not permanent. As the earth turns we go from day to night and back again. With this in mind, it is possible that you aren’t feeling so hot with respect to your health. The Magician signals that things are about to change, if you want to bring about this change faster,  try eating better. Find a blend that you love and use it on anything and everything. Cook yourself some good food and get back to living the good life!

Aquarius: Reversed Knight of Wands, Reversed Empress, Reversed Ten of Cups

Heads up, Aquarius, the reversed Knight of Wands hints that things might not move as fast as you would like them to. Fix yourself some chai tea and practice some deep breathing. Know that you are moving towards your goals but that you may not be moving as fast as you’d like. You might also want to take the time to think about your health goals, are you doing everything in your power to be healthy? No one is forever young, it may be prudent to work in a daily regimen of turmeric and honey to ease the aches of everyday life.

On another note, the reversed Empress suggests that you may have multiple hunters pursuing you in the game of love. Whatever the case, it is important that you listen to your heart this month. The Empress is a warning that if you do not listen to what your heart is saying, you will eventually regret it. Whip up a batch of mulled cider. The fall spices filling the air should relax your mind and open your ears to the subtle cries of your heart, please listen Aquarius.

Pisces: Reversed Moon, Ace of Cups, Six of Wands

Things have been a little hazy and confused for you recently in life, dear Pisces. This happens from time to time, like the tides of the ocean, it’s a cycle. You will find clarity and strength and in these moments you must strive ahead. Breakfast is a very important meal, might I suggest starting your day with a slice or two of avocado or cheese toast with a little Za’atar or homemade mustard? If you start the day strong you may be able to see through the fog. But the reversed Moon suggests that in the confusion of your current state, you shouldn’t force a matter one way or another, what will come, will come. In that respect, the Six of Wands says that whatever health issues you are stressing over are not as bad as they seem. Make yourself some chai tea and take a deep breath.

With respect to love, good things are coming. Invite your lover or perspective lover over for a pizza party. This dough recipe will take you to pizza greatness but the time you take to build a masterpiece of cheese and sauce and toppings will take you to relationship success.

Good luck this month,

Madame Saffron