Mabon ~ Autumn Equinox ~ Carrot Honey Cake

 

Mabon ~ Autumn Equinox, September 21st to September 29th in the Northern Hemisphere, celebrates Autumn, Autumn Equinox and the second harvest. It is also known as Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering, Meán Fómhair, An Clabhsúr and Alban Elfed (in Neo-Druid traditions). At this time the moon is at its closest and is known as the Harvest Moon. It also marks the midway point between Summer and Winter.   

Summer has turned to Autumn. Night and day are of equal length, and as the sun begins to wane, the nights grow longer and the days shorter and cooler. The leaves begin to turn and fall from the trees and the flowers are fading. Think rest, reflection and giving thanks as we gather and celebrate abundance and transition. 

Other Autumn celebrations and festivals at this time are: Stonehenge Sunrise (UK), Dożynki (Slavic, August 15th/28th, September 23rd in Poland), The Snake of Sunlight (Maya & Mexico), Higan (Japan), Moon Festival (China & Vietnam), Michaelmas (Global, Christian), Chuseok (Korea) and Navaratri (Hindu, September 26th to October 5th, Goddess Durga).

This autumnal recipe for Carrot Honey Cake is a simple sweet and delicious cake that celebrates Mabon and the Autumn Equinox wonderfully. Happy Mabon/Autumn Equinox! 

 

Carrot Honey Cake

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4 eggs

1 1/2 cups honey

1 cup oil

2 cups unbleached all purpose flour 

2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

3 cups grated carrots

1 cup chopped walnuts, optional

Icing sugar, for decorating

Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC).

Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Line the bottom with baking parchment paper.

In a large bowl beat the eggs, then add the honey and oil and mix well. Add the grated carrots and stir together. 

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Whisk together until well blended. Add the chopped walnuts, if using, and stir to combine.

Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture  and stir until combine. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Sprinkle with icing sugar just before serving.