This post is a departure from the regular parent-influenced content, but I just can’t help it this time of year. If you’re anything like me, pumpkin spice season is one of your favourites. There’s just something about cosying up under a blanket and admiring the fall colours while sipping on a steamy mug of some comforting PSL. But did you know that these spices come highly recommended by a Saint, and a doctor of the Church?
Saint Hildegard von Bingen lived in the Roman empire in the 10th Century, whose feast day happens to fall on this very day (September 17th)! She was a mystic and a jack of many trades, including medicinal recipes, and she wrote about this much-beloved spice mix which I might be sipping on as I write this post – I shall neither confirm nor deny.
Although she was only relatively recently canonised (2012), she was known to the crunchy Catholic community for a long time – possibly before crunchy became a thing! And while she is widely known for her health recommendations, I’d like to draw your attention to her signposting joy!
She once wrote, “All of creation is a symphony of joy and jubilation.” She also calls Christians to offer their lives and serve God joyfully, saying “Be not lax in celebrating. Be not lazy in the festive service of God. Be ablaze with enthusiasm. Let us be an alive, burning offering before the altar of God.”
It should come as no surprise then, that the mix of spices we now use in our PSLs were recommended for joy! Here is what she wrote about this delicious blend:
Take some nutmeg and an equal weight of cinnamon and a bit of cloves, and pulverize them. Then make small cakes with this and fine whole wheat flour and water. Eat them often. It will calm all bitterness of the heart and mind, open your heart and impaired senses, and make your mind cheerful. It purifies your senses and diminishes all harmful humors in you. It gives good liquid to your blood, and makes you strong.
From Physica, St Hildegard von Bingen, circa 1151-1158
The recipe has been adapted by many people over the centuries in what we now know as cookies of joy. I invite you to check out this cookie recipe from Andrea (The Kitchen Lioness), inspired by St Hildegard von Bingen! They are perfect to wash down with a hot pumpkin spiced drink!
Had you heard of St Hildegard? Which of her many talents are you drawn to? Have you had cookies of joy? What other recipes do you use this spice blend in? Are you a PSL affictionado like me? What else do you love about this season? Let’s share our joy and our love of pumpkin spice in the comments!
Until next time, let’s pray for each other. And remember, we can do Mom things through Christ who strengthens us!
Mom Things Through Christ 