Self-Love Caprese

This is my Caprese Salad for self-love, protection from negative energy, and attraction of positive love energies. To be used whenever you’re feeling down, if you need a boost of confidence, or if you’re feeling that Full Moon and just need to draw in more positivity. Manifest love in a way that makes you feel like a god or goddess or just really, really need a mood boost: whether that be by attracting more compliments or boosting your confidence. 

Ah, Basil. Vibrant green leafs, delicate white flowers, and an alluring scent of sweetness and earthiness. There are various references in magic to Basil, and they all come back to love, protection, and even abundance. In Scott Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, he explains that Basil was once used to sprinkle over one’s body at night, focusing near the heart, to make sure one’s spouse or lover remained true. Basil was even used in the herb bundles burned by priests during exorcisms. For us Italians, Basil near a window or doorway was sufficient to keep negative energy at bay. 

Maybe that’s why Mom kept it near our front entrance in her garden . . .

Basil is my favorite herb. I use it in salads, sauces, and gluten-free focaccia bread. Today, I’ll be sharing a quick and easy Caprese recipe. Anyone can make a Caprese Salad. It’s really a basic way to create an elegant appetizer or light lunch. You can alter it how you’d like, using halved cherry tomatoes and small mozzarella balls or maybe adding a chicken breast. The main idea here is to focus your intentions on the ingredients and the outcome. 

What’s your favorite herb to cook with?

Tomatoes are mainly viewed for love, fertility, and passion. Back in the 1500’s, however, tomatoes were looked at in a different way – The Tomato was an evil vegetable associated with witchcraft since it was used in – you guessed it – kitchen magic. (Because healing people was totally evil, amiright?) Tomatoes are still used for these “potions” such as tomato soup, bisque, sauce, and puree. Tomatoes have many nutrients and vitamins, great for healing. I’m no nutrition expert, but a hot cup of tomato soup could always cure a stuffy nose. 

I mean, I guess if you threw hot soup at someone’s face on purpose, it would be deemed unholy back then. Take that! *”Witch” throws tomato at ex boyfriend’s face.* Since he’s negative energy, the hope is he would disappear, right? I’m just saying . . . angry people spread rumors so this could’ve all stemmed from a rotten tomato. 

Mozarella! Smooth, creamy, mozzarella. Milk is associated with healing, fertility, and life. Cheese has often been placed as an offering to goddesses and deities. I have yet to leave cheese out for fear of the Squeakers that could manifest. – Side note, when I was young, my Mom and I absolutely jumped on the dining room table together as a mouse crept along the floor. She is the reason I’m still skittish around them. No thanks, Mr. Mouse, I do not want to say hi to you or leave you cheese. 

Prepare the Ingredients! Prepare your Space!

This will make enough for about 4 people. You can adjust as-needed. Caprese is a pretty forgiving salad, and can even be made using one tomato and a few slices of basil and mozzarella for a light lunch. 

Before I cook, I always do a quick wipe down with some soap and water. I usually take a few deep breaths as well, just to cleanse myself of the day’s stagnant energy. If extra energy is needed for a meal or intention, I may also light a candle depending on the need. (White for purity, cleansing, or protection. Green for an abundance meal.)

Ingredient Notes: 

I prefer Galbani Pre-Sliced Mozzarella Log specifically for its convenience, consistency, and flavor. I’ve tried other brands from the local grocers and a lot of them tend to be a bit on the hard / chewy side. I’ve always had good luck with Galbani. As for Olive Oil, I’ve actually really been enjoying the stronger flavor profile of Filipo Berio’s Robusto Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). 

I’m in no way affiliated with either brand, but the tongue likes what the tongue likes. Just remember to use products that taste good to you. This is not just about a recipe, but the intention and emotion that goes into it too. Cooking should always be enjoyable in some way. 

• 1 Platter or plate
• 3 – 4 Vine Tomatoes or 2- 3 larger Heirloom Tomatoes
• 1 log of mozzarella 
• 1 bunch Basil – about 2 loose cups 
  • (I don’t measure the leaves since this essentially acts as our “lettuce”)
• 2 TBS Olive Oil
• 1 TBS Balsamic Vinegar, or Balsamic Glaze
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Slice it Up!

Directions: 

1. Slice the tomatoes about 1 / 4 “ – 1 / 2 “ wide. Do the same for the Mozzarella if not already pre-sliced. You may need to place these ingredients on a plate before assembling. 
2. Prepare the basil by separating the leaves from the stem. 
3. Have your olive oil, salt, and pepper handy

Create With Intention.

Take a deep breath. Take a moment to ground yourself and truly see the ingredients. Magical cooking is all about taking your time and putting your love and energy into each step.

Start to build the Caprese by stacking a slice of tomato, slice of mozzarella, and a basil leaf slanted so they are half on each other, half on a plate or platter. As you do this, focus on yourself. Think about your power, your energy, your passion. Imagine a gold light surrounding you and enveloping you. 

Moving clockwise, continue placing the pattern of tomato, mozzarella, and basil. 

Think about the ingredient energies. With that imaginary golden glow around you, believe that you are drawing in positive energies, love, and protection. Inhale slowly and deeply, enjoying the sweet aroma of basil. 

Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic on the salad, top with salt and pepper to taste.

Add Your Magic

Once complete, You can opt to really infuse your simple salad with some extra magical energies by speaking your intent. You could also do this when drizzling the oils too, if it feels right to you. 

To bring in self-love, positivity, and that goddess-feel, I usually speak a short incantation. You can hover your hands over the platter, gaze at it, or close your eyes. Do what feels natural and right to you. It does not have to rhyme. An example:

A shorter example:

With this fresh salad
I bring in light
Filling me with confidence
Powerful and bright

Whether or not you choose to say anything is up to you. And you do not have to rhyme. There’s been times when I would cook something and say one sentence such as, “This meal will bring me luck and abundance that will benefit myself and my family.” 

When you are ready to eat, be mindful of all the effort you put into this salad. Yes, it is simple, but the flavor and energy packs a punch. 

Bon Apetite!