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Let’s plant a better world!

  • Pumpkin Muffins

    Pumpkin Muffins

    It’s a pumpkin party for the people! I love any autumnal treat that makes me feel like I’m at Hogwarts. This muffin recipe is easy, tastes like heaven, and isn’t too sweet. The cinnamon sugar sprinkle at the end brings out the pumpkin spice flavor perfectly. This recipe has been a hit for both kids,…

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  • The Franklin Castle Catering

    The Franklin Castle Catering

    Just running around catering for the guests and the ghosts of the castle! (G&G) My dearest gentle reader, I have had the honor to cater through all four seasons at the castle! The Franklin Castle is undoubtably magical all year round. It’s been a privilege of putting on brunches, small dinner parties, holiday dinners, and…

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  • Harvesting Flowers & Herbs
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    Harvesting Flowers & Herbs

    All it takes is watching Practical Magic one time! Drying flowers and herbs are a great way to continue to enjoy your harvest all year long! I always loved growing up seeing the illustrations of “witches’ kitchens” with their bounty of herbs hanging from the ceiling. I just had to figure out the best way…

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  • Ghost Stories From The Franklin Castle

    Ghost Stories From The Franklin Castle

    Here are some of my own authentic and spooky tales of catering at The Franklin Castle! My dearest gentle reader, It’s officially October and with today’s post we’re getting spooky while heading to the notoriously haunted Franklin Castle! Just to provide a little context about me, I have a very intuitive sixth sense. I don’t…

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  • The Magic of a Harvest Moon
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    The Magic of a Harvest Moon

    My dearest gentle reader, Here is a little post about my own harvest full moon celebration! While there was no dancing naked under the moonlight (this time), there were still many magical memories! The harvest moon is all about celebrating life while releasing what you don’t want to bring with you into the next season.…

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  • Old School Canning Tomatoes
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    Old School Canning Tomatoes

    Tomato girl summer just turned into pasta girl fall! Pasta cheers! Canning tomatoes is a fun activity to do with any partner-in-canning-crime! It’s a delicious way to bring that summer flavor into your pantry for fall and winter! This is the old school way of canning; however, you can absolutely save some time my using…

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  • A Pesto Sauce Party

    A Pesto Sauce Party

    Everyone bring your food processor! The smell of pesto sauce always reminds me of summers growing up as a kid, and my mom being armed with mountains and mountains of basil in our kitchen! I remember her pesto sauce recipe never being too heavy, so it was perfect for any summer pasta salads or even…

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  • The Magic of Calendula

    The Magic of Calendula

    An essential herb for any hearth witch! This sunny yellow herb called calendula is from the marigold family, it’s a versatile magical herb often associated with the sun, offering protection, healing, love, and joy. Calendula is known for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, making it a popular choice for skin care, healing wounds, and other…

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  • Carlo’s Sicilian Spaghetti & Meatballs

    Carlo’s Sicilian Spaghetti & Meatballs

    A homemade sacred recipe passed down from generation to generation. This classic dish is a perfect staple for cozy season! Let me introduce you to the man, the legend, the myth: Grandpa Carlo! Carlo Zito was my Sicilian great grandfather who immigrated to Chicago in search of a better life for his family. He was…

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  • Happy Practical Magic Day

    Happy Practical Magic Day

    To those who celebrate…I’m not crying you’re crying! Like so many other witches, I love this movie with my entire heart! I owe so much of my creativity, event designs, and my day-to-day life to Practical Magic! I’m also lucky and grateful to have a Sally to my Gillian. Sisters are the best! To quote…

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About the Author

Maeve Diffenbacher is a Cleveland area native with a love for whipping up delicious food for her people. She highly values fresh ingredients from the land and incorporates this magic into all ofher recipes. Read full bio.