Feasting for Mabon
Seasonal Foods to Celebrate the Autumn Equinox
As I talked about at the beginning of September, in the Magic of Seasonal Transitions, Mabon—or the Autumn Equinox—is a time of balance, gratitude, and celebrating the second harvest. Sometimes known as the “Witches’ Thanksgiving,” Mabon is the perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones and enjoy the abundance of the season. Food plays a central role in this celebration, with many traditional dishes featuring the fruits, vegetables, and grains of the harvest. Whether you’re planning a feast with friends or a quiet meal for yourself, here are some delicious, seasonal foods to consider for your Mabon table, including a warm apple recipe and the recipe for my husband’s favorite sweet potato casserole—both perfect for the season.
1. Root Vegetables: Roasted and Savory Dishes
Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, and parsnips are at their peak in early autumn, making them perfect for Mabon. Roasting these vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their earthy flavors, making them a hearty and satisfying addition to your feast.
Toss the veggies with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and a sprinkle of sea salt before roasting to create a fragrant and grounding dish. I love doing a sheet pan of carrots and potatoes, and throwing in other veggies like squash, zucchini, and even Brussels sprouts.
For something a bit more indulgent, try this Sweet Potato Casserole with a crunchy pecan crust that brings a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your Mabon table.
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Crust:
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup butter, melted
Mini-marshmallows (optional for alternative topping)*
Sweet Potato Mixture:
3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs, well beaten
1/2 cup butter, melted (1 stick)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a medium-size casserole dish with nonstick spray.
For the crust: Combine brown sugar, flour, nuts, and butter in a mixing bowl. Chill in the fridge until ready to use. This helps the crumble maintain its form and not melt into the sweet potatoes.*
Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs, and butter in a large mixing bowl in the order listed. Beat thoroughly with a hand mixer for about 3-4 minutes to increase the fluffiness of the sweet potato mixture. Add a splash of milk if needed and mix.
Pour mixture into a greased baking dish (around a 2-quart dish works well). Bake for 25 minutes. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to two days.
If refrigerated, reheat the potatoes again for 10-20 minutes before adding the crust. Sprinkle the surface of the sweet potato mixture evenly with the crust mixture and return to the oven for 10-20 minutes or until the crumble is browned. Allow to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
The brown sugar and pecan crust should be slightly browned and crunchy, adding texture to the fluffy sweet potatoes. This dish is a perfect way to honor the season and is sure to be a hit at your Mabon feast.
*Alternative Topping: As I noted, my husband loves this one, but he likes the more traditional Thanksgiving melted marshmallow topping. So, I make the crust without pecans. Then, I put the crust on and sprinkle nuts over half of the casserole and marshmallows over the other half. Then, we have both options for us and guests to choose from.
2. Apples: The Quintessential Autumn Fruit
Apples are deeply connected to Mabon’s themes of abundance, gratitude, and the cycle of the harvest. They can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, adding a touch of warmth and comfort to your Mabon celebration. One simple and delicious way to highlight apples is through a warm, spiced apple sauté that pairs beautifully with your main meal or as a dessert.
Fried Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter (or, use Earth Balance for a vegan option)
1 tablespoon + ⅓ cup water
4 medium to large apples, peeled and sliced ¼” - ½” thick
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Place the butter and a tablespoon of the water into a sauté pan over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the sliced apples and stir to coat with the butter. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes to soften the apples.
In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and remaining water until combined. Add this mixture to the apples along with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir until well combined. (You can skip the cornstarch and water mixture, but the apples will take longer to reduce.)
Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the apples are tender and the sauce is thickened.
This dish can be served on its own, as a warm topping for oatmeal or pancakes, or alongside roasted meats, making it a versatile and comforting addition to your Mabon feast. It can also be topped with vanilla ice cream for a rustic dessert.
3. Squash and Pumpkins: Emblems of the Season
Squash and pumpkins are classic symbols of the harvest, offering a rich, creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the spices of the season. These hearty vegetables are not only filling but also bring beautiful color and a sense of autumnal magic to your table.
How to Serve:
Stuffed Acorn Squash: Halve the squash and fill it with a mix of quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and herbs for a savory and satisfying main or side dish.
Pumpkin Soup: Puree roasted pumpkin with vegetable broth, garlic, onion, and a touch of cream or coconut milk for a vegan option. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra cozy touch.
4. Grains and Breads: Celebrating the Harvest of the Fields
Mabon is a time to honor the grain harvest, making breads, pies, and grain-based dishes particularly meaningful. Incorporating whole grains like barley, farro, and wild rice into your Mabon feast can connect you to the cycles of planting and reaping that have sustained humanity for centuries.
How to Serve:
Herbed Barley Pilaf: Cook barley with vegetable broth, onions, garlic, and plenty of fresh herbs for a hearty and nourishing side dish.
Harvest Cornbread: Bake cornbread with sweet corn kernels, a touch of honey, and fresh herbs. Serve warm with butter for a deliciously comforting addition to your meal. You can find my favorite honey cornbread recipe here. You could easily adapt it for a fall celebration with herbs and fresh corn.
Wild Rice Stuffing: Combine wild rice with sautéed mushrooms, cranberries, and nuts for a savory stuffing that pairs perfectly with roasted meats or stands alone as a vegetarian main dish.
5. Pomegranates and Grapes: Fruits of the Vine
Pomegranates, with their jewel-like seeds, symbolize abundance, prosperity, and the cycle of life and death, making them an ideal addition to a Mabon feast. Grapes, too, represent the fruit of the vine and can be used in both culinary and ritual contexts.
How to Serve:
Pomegranate Glazed Meat: Use pomegranate juice as a glaze for roasted meats to add a tart and sweet flavor that complements the richness of the meat.
Grape and Cheese Platter: Create a simple yet elegant appetizer with a variety of grapes, nuts, cheeses, and rustic bread. This platter not only looks beautiful but also offers a blend of sweet, savory, and salty flavors.
6. Nuts and Seeds: The Hidden Harvest
Nuts and seeds, like walnuts, pecans, and sunflower seeds, are often overlooked but are rich in symbolism and nutrition. They represent the hidden potential within and are perfect for adding texture and flavor to your Mabon dishes.
How to Serve:
Candied Nuts: Toss pecans or walnuts in a mixture of maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper before roasting. These make a delicious snack or topping for salads and desserts.
Seeded Crackers: Make homemade crackers with a blend of seeds like sunflower, flax, and sesame. These pair beautifully with cheeses and spreads and make a great addition to any harvest table.
7. Spiced Ciders: Warm Drinks for Chilly Evenings
No Mabon feast would be complete without a warm drink to sip as the day turns to evening. Spiced ciders capture the flavors of the season and offer a comforting, grounding way to end your meal.
Mulled Apple Cider: Heat apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a slice of orange. This drink fills your home with the scent of fall and is perfect for sipping as you gather around the table.
Final Thoughts on Mabon Feasting
Celebrating Mabon with a harvest feast is a beautiful way to honor the season and connect with the cycles of nature. By choosing foods that reflect the bounty of the Earth, you can create a meal that is both nourishing and spiritually meaningful. Whether you’re preparing a grand spread or a simple meal, let each dish serve as a reminder of the abundance in your life and the joy of sharing it with others.
May your Mabon table be blessed with the magic of the harvest, and may every bite nourish your body, spirit, and the sacred balance within.