Raclette Bread Pudding with Caramelized Cabbage, an Imbolc Cheese Plate, and Other Reasons Not to Panic

It’s going to be OK (I think)

I believe in beige food superiority, at least when it comes to this bread pudding.

Hello cheese sluts,

To my fellow Americans: would you like to join me in a collective scream? I know a lot of us are anxious and terrified and doomscrolling, and that’s OK! Do whatever you need to do, for a little while. Then, stop. Take a deep breath and engage in anything that will bring you back to yourself. Call your best friend, stroll through a department store, meditate for 5 minutes, or buy the fancy cheese.

There are a lot of reasons to give in to panic right now, but that will only play into the hands of the billionaire powers that be. They want us scared, easily manipulated, and distracted. We can revolt by staying centered, alert, and in community with one another.

So, keep yourself nourished. Indulge in the small moments of joy and comfort. Take care of yourself, because we the people need you.

We all need to hear this.

There’s a vibe shift right now. Astrologers will tell you that it’s Pluto, the planet of death and transformation, moving into the same position she took during the American Revolution. I believe it, but there’s also something more tangible at play.

Next week is February 1st, which marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere. The ancient Celtic people celebrated this milestone with a festival called Imbolc. They had survived the coldest days of winter, and now the sunlight waxed over a thawing earth. What’s more, Imbolc brought lambing season, and a new source of food. There is now hope on the horizon, or at least longer days and fresh ewe’s milk. In fact, historians believe that Imbolc comes from oimelc, which means “ewe’s milk.”

Roquefort, a ewe’s milk legend, featured on the Imbolc plate below.

Below the paywall, you’ll find an all sheep’s milk cheese plate should you wish to celebrate Imbolc yourself. I’ve also included one of my favorite recipes that I’ve developed recently: a Raclette bread pudding, laced with deeply caramelized cabbage. I hope these offerings bring you comfort and and joy when you need it most.

Thank you for being here, and Cheesus bless!

🖤 Erika

The Imbolc Plate