Welcome!

Welcome to Kitchen Witchery & Other Spells! The purpose of this blog, vlog, and Patreon is to share with you foods that were available in a pre-Columbian diet…and then make them gluten-free!

A little about myself. I have been diagnosed with celiacs, lupus, and hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Eating, sometimes, is a chore–especially when I eat something that doesn’t agree with me! Over the past five years, I have developed intolerances to things I love–like whiskey! I decided to try an elimination diet, but I’m really bad at keeping track of macros. Since I also play in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), I decided to see if I could “Live like a Medieval” for a month. That, of course, becomes a challenge with, “Medieval…Noble? Lower Class? Middle Class? Medieval whom!?” After a brief discussion, it was decided that it would be a Pre-Columbian Exchange Diet. If it was available before 1500 C.E., it’s fair game.

This still opens up a number of opportunities for gluten-free cooking! I will, eventually, try some of the ancient grains that may not be gluten-free to see if I react; however, for the most part, the first 3-6 months of this experiment will contain only gluten-free breads, pastries, and thickeners.

Come along with me for this ride! Some of my posts will be available to everyone (this one will also be on my regular blog); some will be available early for certain tiers, and some will only be available for high tiers.

What you can expect…Each post will be about some aspect of gluten-free cooking with pre-Columbian recipes. Most posts will have recipes attached. Higher-tier posts, however, will have Patreon-only content that will branch into folk medicine and provide information and recipes for in-home use when you can’t get to a doctor.

CaveatsI am in the throwes of a dissertation in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. I have submitted my proposal for review. My goal is to make one blog post per week and two videos per month. There may be a month where I only get one video out, and that’s okay. That’s how you know my dissertation (on the use of Dungeons & Dragons for leadership development) is going well! I hope to graduate by October of 2020. Because I’m a nerd and that just is perfect in every way. By subscribing to my YouTube channel, my blog, and supporting me through Patreon, you will be contributing to a Critical Success!

Side NotesIf you play in the SCA, I’m known in the Kingdom of Caid (and elsewhere, but Caid is my home) as Lady Batu Sechen Tsagaajin. I just recently received a Harp Argent for my sciences in alchemy and apothecary. Please come find me at the next Caid event you’re at and I’ll be happy to talk with you about the science of medicine and perfumery!