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Pine Forest Braucherei


Gretchen Swank
Jan 6, 20243 min read
57 views
1 comment


More Than Pennsylvania Dutch Sugar Cookies
When I was a child, my best friend and I walked to visit my grandmother nearly every day in the summertime. A widow, she lived alone in...
Gretchen Swank
Dec 7, 20232 min read
38 views
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A People of Equality and Integrity- The Pennsylvania Dutch
Recently, a friend and I were driving home from celebrating Erntfescht, the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch "Thanksgiving," with our...
Gretchen Swank
Nov 25, 20237 min read
234 views
2 comments


The Pennsylvania Dutch: Reflections on the Past and Pathways Forward
Traffic on the Walt Whitman bridge was relatively light as I gazed out the passenger side window into the waters of the Port of...
Gretchen Swank
Jul 12, 20237 min read
285 views
3 comments


Harvesting & Processing Magical Burdock Root
Walking into my studio last week, I was both surprised and overjoyed to discover an abundance of Common Burdock growing near my flower...
Gretchen Swank
May 7, 20232 min read
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Dandelion on Griedunnerschdaag (Green Thursday); a Pennsylvania Dutch Tradition
The Dandelion. Perhaps one of the most misunderstood gifts provided by Mother Nature. Their bright yellow heads pop-up everywhere, and...
Gretchen Swank
Apr 5, 20233 min read
41 views
1 comment


The "Witches" of Tyrol & the Ripple Effect the European "Witch Hunts" Had Upon Folk Healers
Growing up, I knew two things-- I was "German & Swiss", and I was "Pennsylvania Dutch." The former I learned from my mother, who told me...
Gretchen Swank
Mar 27, 20239 min read
134 views
2 comments


HEALING WITH FOOD
As a Healer, I live by the philosophy of Hippocrates, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." Our bodies house our hearts,...
Gretchen Swank
Mar 25, 20234 min read
25 views
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Yarrick Kaundi Pefferminzkuche (York County Peppermint Pie)
I am revisiting one of my favorite recipes today, from one of my favorite Pennsylvania Dutch recipe books by William Woys Weaver; Yarrick...
Gretchen Swank
Feb 13, 20231 min read
16 views
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der Butzemann; Not Just a Scarecrow.
Groundhog Day is so much more than the spectacle on display in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania every February 2nd, it marks the beginning of a...
Gretchen Swank
Jan 31, 20232 min read
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Pennsylvania Dutch Beef Pot Pie
INGREDIENTS - Egg Noodles: 3 egg yolks ...
Gretchen Swank
Jan 5, 20231 min read
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The Christmas Gift
Last year, I gifted my parents our family tree for Christmas. I spent a few months pouring myself over, and into, the project which...
Gretchen Swank
Dec 25, 20223 min read
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Where did the Christmas Tree Take Root?
The Christmas Tree tradition as we now know it began in 16th century (the region what is now) Germany when Christians brought decorated...
Gretchen Swank
Dec 24, 20222 min read
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Winter Dry Skin Remedy
'Tis the season for dry skin. My son suffers terribly from itchy, moisture-deprived skin every winter. My Lemon Balm Oil remedy works...
Gretchen Swank
Dec 17, 20221 min read
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The Art of Braucherei for Alcoholism
The most common inquiry I receive from fellow Brauchers is for referral to charms related to Alcoholism. While our central grimoires are...
Gretchen Swank
Dec 12, 20225 min read
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The Waning Gibbous Moon Rising
Nature is fundamental to the practice of Braucherei, and Astrology plays a significant role in the lifestyle of a traditional...
Gretchen Swank
Dec 9, 20221 min read
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0 comments


Anti-Inflammatory Soup
As we enter the Winter cycle, a time of going within, hibernation, self-reflection, and healing, everything slows down, including our...
Gretchen Swank
Dec 6, 20221 min read
20 views
0 comments


Saint Nicholas Eve Feast
Today, December 5th, 2022, is the eve of Saint Nicholas Day. My family and I celebrated with a big dinner and the movie "Krampus." My...
Gretchen Swank
Dec 5, 20222 min read
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Happy Saint Nicholas Day!
Tomorrow is the day of Krampus and the eve of Saint Nicholas! This is a wonderful holiday that is celebrated throughout Pennsylvania...
Gretchen Swank
Dec 4, 20221 min read
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"Harvest Home" - an early Pennsylvania Dutch tradition
The tradition of Thanksgiving took root in the 1600's in the New England colonies, and eventually became a National Holiday in 1863 when...
Gretchen Swank
Nov 25, 20222 min read
20 views
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