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Pine Forest Braucherei
Gretchen Swank
Dec 7, 20232 min read
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...
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Gretchen Swank
Nov 25, 20237 min read
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...
234 views2 comments
Gretchen Swank
Jul 12, 20237 min read
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...
274 views3 comments
Gretchen Swank
May 7, 20232 min read
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...
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Gretchen Swank
Apr 5, 20233 min read
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...
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Gretchen Swank
Mar 27, 20239 min read
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...
132 views2 comments
Gretchen Swank
Mar 25, 20234 min read
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,...
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Gretchen Swank
Feb 13, 20231 min read
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...
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Gretchen Swank
Jan 31, 20232 min read
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...
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Gretchen Swank
Jan 5, 20231 min read
Pennsylvania Dutch Beef Pot Pie
INGREDIENTS - Egg Noodles: 3 egg yolks ...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 25, 20223 min read
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...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 24, 20222 min read
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...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 17, 20221 min read
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...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 12, 20225 min read
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...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 9, 20221 min read
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...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 6, 20221 min read
Anti-Inflammatory Soup
As we enter the Winter cycle, a time of going within, hibernation, self-reflection, and healing, everything slows down, including our...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 5, 20222 min read
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...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 4, 20221 min read
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...
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Gretchen Swank
Nov 25, 20222 min read
"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...
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