Setting

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Walking onto the grounds of Bristle Crios Welcome Center, party goers will find it has changed with the season once more! Recycled milk jug ghosts light the way to stone stairs littered with brightly colored leaves in hues of orange, red and gold. Nestled in the crooks and crannies are pumpkins carved with silly faces, detailed patterns and even black cats with glowing orange eyes to set the mood.

At the top of the stairs huge stone platform allowing guest to look out over the grounds spotted with bonfires and a perfect view of the race to come! Tables twinkle under candle light in their rustic finishes and mismatched chairs. Center pieces of cream pumpkins fit to burst with orange, red and gold roses, mignonettes, honeysuckle, sunflowers and moonflowers. Black witch's hats filled with bright color ribbons and small flowers.

The dance floor lit with floating chandeliers dripping with flowers as if they want to dance too. Each tile of the floor a stunning polished piece of bog oak and chestnut lined in mahogany wood as symbols of the light and dark half of the years.

In one area of the platform has a cupboard of stone. It's ledge waiting for handmade treasures. Open the doors and choose an item. Ribbon, candles, paper, scissors, all manner of writing utensils, all sorts of objects and small treats. Pick what you would like to offer up to the spirits this night as they walk the realms. The more the merrier at blood moon!

(It is traditional during Samhain to honor those who have come before you. It is this celebration that they are allowed to roam the earth once more and in small ways let them know you are thinking of them. An extra place setting at the dinner table, displaying the family coat of arms or setting up an ancestral alter. For example:Miranda family has a long history of blacksmiths. To honor them she would be inclined to place a small hammer on the alter; one of the main symbols of the trade. For more information click Here)

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On various days and times in the month of October, The Academy of Bristle Crios will be holding special two hour seminars on the history of Samhain, the Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Hour cooking workshops will also be held to learn more about and to create your own delicacy below. Learn more about Irish dishes in the culinary classes at The Academy of Bristle Crios.

Dishes Served: Battered Sausage " Pork sausage dipped in batter and fried to a golden brown. Served with fried, thick cut potato wedges. Corned Beef Sandwich " Corned beef brisket on whole grain fresh bread with homemade mustard. Served with a pickle spear on the side. Colcannon " Creamy mashed potatoes with chopped leaks and boiled cabbage. A well in the center serves to hold rich, melted butter. Boxty " Golden brown fried potato cakes made from grated and mashed potatoes seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Irish Stew " A thick, hearty stew of lamb, potatoes, carrots, onions, and parsley to keep you warm inside and out. Cottage Pie " Baked casserole of mutton, potatoes, carrots, and onions, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Desserts Served: Barm Brack " Rich bread with raisins and sultanas, flavored cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and strong black tea. Apple Amber Pie " Traditional apple pie with a decadent baked meringue layer covering the sweet apples. Bread-and-Butter Pudding " Raisins, sultanas, and bread soaked and baked in a rich custard spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon. Donegal Oatmeal Cream " Creamy oatmeal, thickened with egg and gelatin. Covered with raspberry sauce and a dollop of whipped cream. Carrigaline Whiskey Pie " A rich souffl" pie flavored with orange juice and whiskey, featuring almonds and creamy mashed potatoes. Carrageen Citrus Pudding " The natural gelatinous carrageen provides a based for this orange and lemon flavored creamy pudding.

Images: www.europeancuisines.com

Daring Drinks

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Jack O'Lantern

1 shot aged whiskey 1 bottle of hard cider Pour the cider into a double old fashioned leaving room for one or two shots of whiskey depending on your tastes.

The Black Cat

2 ounces apricot brandy 2 ounces coffee liqueur 2 ounces sambuca Add all ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a martini glass. Serve with a vanilla bean pod.

Witch's Brew

1/2 ounce cranberry juice 1/2 ounce sweet and sour mix 1 ounce vodka 1 ounce chambord In a double old fashioned glass add all ingredients and stir. Add ice to taste.

Liquid Candy

1/2 ounce Irish cream 1/2 ounce honey liqueur Layer the two liquids in a shot glass that has a rimmer of white, yellow and orange sugar and enjoy.

Blood Moon

1 ounce cranberry juice 1 ounce chambord 1 ounce vodka chilled club soda In a shaker with ice add all ingredients except club soda. Shake and strain into a martini glass and top off with club soda.

Traditional Drinks

Mulled Red Wine Red wine that slowly simmers with a mixture of spices and sugar. Served in a mug with a cinnamon stick.

Honey Mead A sweet white wine made from local honey and seasoned with cloves.

Pumpkin Mead Partially cooked pumpkin (minus the stem and seeds) slowly fermented with yeast, cinnamon, honey and cloves.

Irish Whiskeys Connemara, Greenore, Kilbeggan, Locke's, Jameson, Redbreast and Knappogue Castle.

Pumpkin Ales Made by Great Lakes, Blue Moon, Rouge, Lighthouse and Shipyard.

Drinks listed are part mun creation and part idrink.com. Traditional drinks are real brands and descriptions of drinks that date back 100's of years so no author can be given credit.

Off to the Races!

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg486/Matildas_Bloomers/bc-moon-race-finish_zps0e22530e.jpg Starting Line (near the tree).



http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg486/Matildas_Bloomers/balesoffun_zps7f13ed60.jpg Finish Line.

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg486/Matildas_Bloomers/scarecrow-race-markers_zps5153fbb0.jpg Colorful Scarecrows mark the course.

Horse Race Results

We had Morgan, Kruger, Ammy, Ripper, and Christine in the horse race.

Turn 1: Rounding the back of Warrior House and across the field Christine was in first with Morgan and Ammy fast on her heels. Ripper and Kruger brought up the rear.

Turn 2: Following the edge of the forest near Werewolf House Ripper and Christine were in the lead with Kruger close behind. Ammy and Morgan tied for last place.

Turn 3: Rounding the side of Alchemy House Ripper and Christine were still neck and neck. Ammy and Morgan closed behind while Kruger fell in last. Turn 4: Running along side the lake just inside the forest Morgan took the lead with Ripper drawing in close behind. Christine came in next while Ammy and Kruger brought up the rear.

Turn 5: Race along the side of greenhouse of Mage House Kruger had the lead with Christine closing in. Morgan, Ammy and Ripper are all tied behind them.

Turn 6: Rounding the edge of Eternal House A tie for first between Morgan and Kruger. Ripper was stuck in the middle with Ammy and Christine falling behind.

Finish Line: A flat out run back towards the party Christine took the lead with Kruger, Ripper, and Morgan all coming in second. Ammy in third.