The Mystical Cauldron
Imbolg Edition - February 2008
What Imbolg Means
Imbolg falls approximately six weeks after Yule and six weeks before Ostara, or February 2nd. In some traditions, it is celebrated when the sun reaches 15-degrees Aquarius, in which case, the date varies from year-to-year (though it usually falls within the first week of the month). Imbolg is also known as Oimelc (Gaelic), Imbolic (Celtic), Lupercus (Strega), Brigantia (Caledonii), Disting (Teutonic), Candelaria (Mexico), St. Bridget's Day (Christian), Brigid's Day (or Lady Day) The Festival of Lights, The Feast of the Virgin, and the Snowdrop Festival; and in the Muggle world, it is called Groundhog Day.
Imbolg also came to be known as Candlemas, by a not-so-pleasant happenstance. As mentioned before, this day was referred to as Brigid's Day (by the Celts) and, since Brigid symbolized the fire of birth and healing, the Celts would light sacred fires to Her on this day. Sergius I, who was Pope at that time, did not agree with Goddess worship (obviously), but had not been able to stop it so he incorporated Brigid's Day into the Church by renaming it to Candlemas (or the Feast of Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary). Why purification? Well, as you may recall, Mary was supposed to have given birth to Jesus 6 weeks prior to Candlemas and, in those days, women were considered to be impure for 6 weeks after giving birth. Therefore, Mary could not be considered pure again until February 2nd. One can assume that the lighting of myriad candles heralded the re-purification of Mary. Interesting, isn't it, that Imbolg is traditionally thought of by many Pagans as a time for ritual purification. As a Pagan, if you wish to follow this line of thinking, you could interpret this 6-week period as the time during which the Goddess becomes the Maiden once again.
The word 'Oimelc' can be translated as "ewe's milk"; referring to the fact that many sheep gave birth around this time and began lactating. The word 'Imbolg' can be translated either as 'in the bag' (or teat), referring again to the ewe's milk that would feed the newborn lambs and see the farmer's family through the rest of winter, or as "in the belly", referring to the fact that many livestock animals (cattle, sheep, etc.) were pregnant and near birthing at this time. Of course, if you think about it, "in the belly" could also refer to the presence of the Goddess Brigid in the 'belly' of the world, waiting to return as the Maiden.
Imbolg is a fire festival. One of the reasons that fire festivals are called 'fire festivals' is that traditionally a bonfire is lit at these Sabbats. The emphasis of this particular fire festival is on light rather than heat since it is the growing light that will pierce the darkness of Winter and wake the Earth from its hibernation. Of course it is usually far too cold to be outdoors lighting bonfires, so the 'bonfire' at Imbolg consists of myriad lit candles.
The candles represent the small fire of the baby sun/son glowing within each one of us. This symbolism of the candle is particularly powerful because it reaffirms that divinity glows within each one of us. This is gives us the power and strength to make our hopes into realities. 
Most of the Imbolg customs were designed as acts of sympathetic magick to encourage the waxing sunlight and hasten the coming of Spring. It is during Imbolg that we ritually banish winter so it was traditional to gather any and all greenery left from Yule and burn them in the Imbolg fire as a symbol of this.
In some traditions the Mother Goddess has recovered from the Yule birth of the Sun, while in other traditions the Crone of winter is being transformed into the maiden of spring. The God is a young boy, as witnessed by the now noticeably longer days.
In the United States, we have a tradition called Groundhog Day. Each year, we wait patiently for Punxsutawney Phil to emerge from his hole, for it is said that if he sees his shadow, it will frighten him back into his hole and winter will reign for six more weeks. But, if Phil does not see his shadow, it is supposed to mean an early Spring. Of course, the origin of this activity is much older than the United States. In fact, it seems as if it may have originated in Ancient Scotland (as evidenced by this ancient Scottish rhyme)
If Candlemas day be dry and fair,
The half o' winter to come and mair (more)
If Candlemas day be wet and foul.
The half o' winter gane (gone) at Yule.
In other words, if it is nice and sunny on Candlemas, expect six more weeks of cold weather but, if the is nasty and cloudy on Candlemas, expect the weather to start being a bit milder. Sounds a lot like the Groundhog's divination method, Huh?
In Europe, the Candlemas Sabbat was celebrated in ancient times as a torchlight procession to purify and fertilize the fields before the seed-planting season, and to honor and give thanks to the various associated deities and spirits.
The Christianized version of the Candlemas processional honors the Virgin Mary.
In Mexico, it corresponds to the Aztec New Year.
This Sabbat also represents new beginnings and the "sweeping out of the old" is symbolized by the sweeping of the circle with a besom, or Witch's Broom. This is traditionally done by the High Priestess of the Coven while she wears a brilliant crown of thirteen candles on top of her head.
Tradition of the Coins
One old tradition, the origins of which are uncertain, is to do with the giving of magickally charged coins. This is actually very effective when used as a spell (rather than just accepted as a quaint tradition) and is linked with coming out of darkness (the old, your habit) and into the light (the new, the change). To charge the coins, sit and focus your desire or intent 'to change or get rid of a bad habit or other negative energy' into the coins. This can be anything from giving up smoking to getting rid of pessimism and replacing it with a positive outlook. Once you have done this, then give the coins away to a charity or homeless person, as a symbol of your commitment to make that change you have focused on.
Brigid (also called Brigit, Brid, Brigidh... all pronounced Breed) is the Goddess who is honored at Imbolg. She is a Celtic Triple Goddess and at this Sabbat, she is in her maiden aspect. Brigid is the Goddess of fire, inspiration, healing, craftsmanship, and midwifery. She is the patroness of poets, smiths, craftspeople, healers, priests and the hearth.
A smithy Herself, Brigid forges the containers that hold the psychic composition of humanity. All the dreams, joys, loves, heartbreaks, and hopes of life are measured, blended and witnessed by Brigid. Even in the literal middle of winter, Brigid is here, in our hearths and in our hearts. It is during this Sabbat most of all that we let Her know how much She is welcome there.
On Imbolg Eve, it is customary to leave food and drink out for Brigid -- buttered bread, milk, grains, or seeds. Also leave buttered bread in a bowl indoors for the faeries who travel with the Lady of the Greenwood. Next day, dispose of it outside as the "essence" has been removed.
Herbs can play an important role in any Sabbat celebration. At Imbolg, which is still in the middle of winter, the herbs play a practical as well as a spiritual role since they can be used to fortify the physical strength of the individuals that ingest them, therefore making it more likely that you will survive the rest of winter in good health.
Some of the herbs (By no means an all-inclusive list) that are particularly available and/or useful during this season are:
* Ash (leaf or wood) - Imbolg's symbolic tree is the ash tree and it is called the herb of the sun. Medicinally, reputed to clear obstructions from the spleen and liver.
* Celadine - Magickally, reputed to bring joy and cure depression. Medicinally, used to help jaundice and eczema. The fresh juice is used to cure warts, ringworm and corns. The roots are good for hemorrhoids.
* Chamomile - Magickally, it is used for purification and protection as well as Initiative and energy in adversity. Medicinally, it is antibacterial and used for upset stomachs and fevers
* Coriander - Magickally, for healing, especially headaches, love and health. Medicinally, it strengthens the urinary system and eases gas & indigestion
* Dragon's Blood - Magickally, drives away evil and negativity while building love and potency. Medicinally, it promotes healing and stops bleeding (used externally).
* Garlic - Magickally, good for protection and courage. Guards against foul weather. Medicinally, Prevents and cures intestinal worms. Very antiseptic, it is good for sore throats, bronchitis and infections.
* Heather - Magickally, Brings good luck and promotes peace in the home. Medicinally, strengthens the heart, suppresses coughing and aids sleeplessness.
* Lemon - Magickally, used for longevity, purification, love and blessings. Medicinally, it raises the vitamin C levels in the body, thus fighting rickets and scurvy.
* Myrrh - Magickally good for purification and blessings, exorcism, healing, and spirituality. Medicinally, Promotes circulation and increases heart rate and power.
* Rose Hips - Magickally, it is good for love, attraction, healing, sleep, peace of mind and spiritual peace. Medicinally, it provides one of the best natural sources of vitamin C available. They are used to combat acute disease and to build up the body and strengthen the immune system.
* Sage - Magickally, it boosts self-esteem and is good for protection, and exorcism. Medicinally, ensures long life, eases sore throat, dries up breast milk and is useful as a poultice for sores and stings
* Sunflower - Magickally, used for fertility, wishes, wisdom and health, Medicinally, fevers, vomiting, lung and throat problems, coughs and colds.
* Vervain - Magickally, good for purification and peace. Medicinally, used to treat the liver and diseases related to the liver, exhaustion, fatigue, fever, insomnia, asthma, post-natal depression, as well as painful or irregular menses. It will also help increase the flow of a mother's milk (after birth of the child).
* Violets - Magickally, used for protection, luck, and love. Medicinally, they are effective in healing internal ulcers. It is used both internally and externally for pimples, abscesses, tumors, and swollen glands.
* Witch hazel - Magickally, used for protection. Medicinally, used externally for insect bites, burns, bleeding wounds, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Internally it will stop bleeding from internal organs, treats bronchitis, flu, and coughs as well as promotes healing of stomach ulcers.
This is a traditional time to collect stones for new magick circles and general magickal use. Some stones you may want to consider collecting are:
. Quartz - healing, altering consciousness, stimulating psychic abilities, increases inner awareness and concentration.
. Citrine - removes fear, prevents nightmares, and facilitates psychic awareness.
. Tourmaline (green) - draws money and success, stimulates creativity.
. Rose Quartz - takes away fears, resentment and anger and gently replaces them with a feeling of higher self-esteem and confidence. Brings healing to the heart and allows one to love and trust to again.
. Hematite - grounding and stabilizing. Draws illness from the body.
. Lodestone - strengthens loyalty, used in bindings, used for attraction and emotional healing.
. Ruby - increases body's warmth, protects against plague and famine, strengthens psychic defense.
. Garnet - used for healing, protection, and strength. Said to regulate heart and blood.
. Pearls - lengthens life, promotes fertility, preserves health, instills courage and lends physical strength.
. Zircon (red) - vitalizes the body, guards against injury, lends energy in stressful times, and draws pain from the body.
Make a Brigid's Cross
A Brigid's Cross, woven of wheat or rushes, depicts the prehistoric solar wheel and maps out Ireland's four provinces plus the fifth, the blessed Otherworld.
Gather a few dozen shafts of wheat (or reeds) of the same length and soak them in water to soften them, so that they will bend easily.
Step 1: Hold one shaft vertically, and fold another in half around the middle of the first.
Step 2: Fold next shaft over the last one. (It will be parallel to the first shaft)
Step 3:Fold next shaft over shafts one and three.(It will be parallel to the 2nd shaft)
Step 4: Continue to work in a circular fashion, until you have used up your shafts, or created enough of a "woven" center to the cross. Hold the shafts together carefully, and tie each end together with string, so that the cross won't fall apart.
Brigid's Cross Rite
from "Green Witchcraft" by Ann Moura
Make a cross for each room of the house. Place a red pillar-sized candle center to the front of the door, with cross in hand, light the candle, open the door, and say:
"We welcome in the Goddess
and seek the turning of the wheel
away from winter and into spring".
Close the door, pick up the candle, and go to each room of the house. Say:
"Great Lady, enter with the sun and watch over this room!"
Leave a cross in each room and proceed thusly throughout the house. The last room should be the kitchen, and here you say:
"Mother of the Earth and the Sun
Keep us safe and keep us warm,
As over our home you extend your blessing".
You are done.
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Make a Bride's Bed
You will need...
· A bed (can be a small box resembling a corn bin, a basket, or even just a small square of pretty white material
· A representation of the Goddess Brigid (a Brigid's cross, a corn dolly, an ear of corn, or even a doll fashioned from cornhusks).
· A representation of the God (a shaft of grain form the Lughnasadh harvest, or a priapic wand, which can be made simply by taking a stick the same size as the corn dolly and attaching an acorn on the tip of the stick.)
Dress the 'bride' white (a doll's dress or a piece of lace will do nicely) and decorate her as you like.
There are a couple of ways to go from here. In some traditions, the Bride and her consort are laid, side by side, in the ashes of the hearth, in hopes of finding proof of the Gods visit the next morning by his symbol being found in the ashes of the fireplace. (Which represents the impregnation of the earth with the seeds for a full and plentiful harvest in the coming year).
While other traditions place the bride in the bed and lay the God across her so that they form an "X" (this represents the impregnation of the Earth). The next morning, the bride (without her dress) is placed on your front door. There she becomes an amulet of prosperity, fertility and protection, which can remain till after Samhain.
Either way, there is a little rite that can be done to sanctify this activity.
Place two white, lighted candles (one on either side of the bride's bed), and chant to her... something like,
"Welcome Bride,
To your bed and cover.
Blessed be the Maiden,
Blessed be the Mother."
At the height of the chant, extinguish the candles and wait for morning.
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Make a Candle Wheel
A popular candle-lighting custom of Anglo-Celtic cultures was to have a young woman, representing the Virgin Goddess, enter the ritual area carrying a circle of lit candles. This was a lighted Sun Wheel, a symbol of the Wheel of the Year being warmed and lighted again by the returning Sun.
Later, the candle wheel was worn as a chaplet on the head (believed to have originated with Norse Yule customs). IF YOU CHOOSE TO WEAR YOUR CANDLE WHEEL, BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL THAT YOU DO NOT SET YOURSELF OR ANYTHING ELSE FIRE. In their book, A Witches' Bible, Stewart and Janet Farrar recommend wearing a skullcap of aluminum foil on the head to keep wax spatters off the head and scalp. They also recommend using white birthday cake candles. These don't generate much wax to speak of and will burn for the time it takes to complete a ritual.
A Simple, Wearable Candle Crown
You will need...
Thin cardboard strip, at least as long as the wearer's head is in diameter
8 small, white candles, one for each Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year (birthday candle may be used)
Tape,(transparent, masking, duct... whatever kind you prefer)
Aluminum foil
Greenery
Measure a thin cardboard band to the head of the wearer.
Lay a piece of tape STICKY SIDE UP along the top edge of the band.
Position the candles evenly along the crown.
Lay another piece of tape, STICKY SIDE DOWN over the candles.
Secure the candles and tape strips to the crown with more tape.
Cover the crown with aluminum foil, enough to support the candles upright while on the head.
Weave evergreen or plastic foliage around the crown.
It is recommended that the person wearing the crown also wear skullcap of aluminum foil on the head to keep wax spatters off the head and scalp. **Again, be extremely careful that you do not set yourself or your surroundings on fire.**
For the safety minded, here's a couple other ideas...
****************
Use a plastic crown with electric lights. Though these are sold in Sweden, I do not know of anywhere in the States to
a
cquire one.
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Make a decorative wheel to carry or place on a table.
You will need:
8 wooden candleholders
8 white candles to fit in your holders
glue
aluminum foil
pencil
ruler
greenery
heavy cardboard
First decide how big you want your wheel to be and draw your circles on the cardboard. (A good size is an outer circle of 11 inches and an inner circle of 9 inches).
Evenly mark the spots where your candles will be on the cardboard circle.
Glue the candleholders to the cardboard at those spots. (Place something heavy on them as they dry overnight).
The next day, wrap aluminum foil around the cardboard to round its form and lock the candleholders in place.
Wrap your greenery around the foil. Fasten it in place with glue or florist's wire.
After decorating is completed, place the 8 candles in the candleholders and it is ready to use.
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Make a Cauldron Sand Candle
A cauldron is an appropriate shape to use for this candle since Brigid is also a Hearth mother and cauldrons are associated with hearths.
You will need:
A container of clean sand (large enough to accommodate the cauldron plus sand)
Wax (paraffin, beeswax, or left over candle ends)
Candle wicking (preferable the wired wicking)
A small Cauldron
Crayons (for coloring the wax)
Scissors
Coffee Can
Old cooking pot
· Pour sand into the container.
· Moisten sand with just enough water so that it can keep its shape when pressed.
· Press cauldron into sand. You want the top of cauldron flush with the top of the sand. Also, try to maintain about one inch of sand around each cauldron. Carefully remove cauldron, not letting any loose sand particles fall inside.
· Using your little finger, or the unsharpened end of a pencil, press into the bottom of each mold three times, to make little legs. Try to keep them the same depth, and evenly spaced.
· Place the wick into the center of the opening and wind the top of it around a pencil or bamboo skewer to keep it upright and keep it from falling down into the mold.
· Put the wax into the coffee can and place it into the old cooking pot, into which you have put at least an inch of water (preferably enough water to reach the half-way point on the coffee can of wax) or heatproof container in a pan of water, and bring water to a boil. DO NOT LEAVE MELTING WAX UNATTENDED, HOT WAX IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE!
· If you would like to add color, add your crayon now (take the label off of it first!).
· When the wax is completely melted, pour into molds slowly.
· Once the wax has hardened, scoop the candles out to the sand.
· Trim the excess wick, and brush off any excess sand.
· There will be some sand in the wax.
Spring
© Rowan Salamandra
200
3Life to Light to Earth, to Earth
Scatter the blooms the Lady's way
Here are the signs of the Goddess's rebirth
Salute her return on this sacred day
One and all of merrymen
With our blossoms of the spring
Without sorrow are we seen
As our Lady joins our sacred ring
Charge of the God
© Raven Spirit 2003
Now hear the words of the Great Father
Who has been called Pan, Herne, Adonis, Lugh and many others
I am the rising star of the Heavens. The glory of the morning skies
With love of the creatures of the Earth I arise from my slumber
To great you as you wake.
As my rays pierce the darkness and send your troubles to flight
I light the path before you so you may see with inner sight.
I am the wild spirit of the woodland
The horned Stag and the highflying eagle.
I am he who rules the brambles and thickets in the deepest forest
That provides shelter in time of storm
I can be seen in every grain of wheat, and stalk of corn
My blood and bone are poured out upon the Mother to provide for our children
For we reside in you, as you reside in us.
I can be seen in the turning of the Seasons
Mine is the Light half of the Year
From Mid-Winter to Mid-Summer
Till I bow before my Queen.
I am the Warrior
Lean and sure of his actions
Battling for causes that are just
As Father I care for my children
Are provide for their needs and desires
I am too the Sage
The wisest of teachers
To share the lessons and lore.
I am the giver of rest
When all come to their time
I hold you and help heal you
And return you to the Goddess of Rebirth
A Charge of the Goddess
© Raven Spirit
200
3Hear the words of the Great Mother. Known by many names and yet by
none.
Come to me at the time of the Full Moon. When the moon rides at its
peak
Now is the time to gain the wisdom that you seek.
Free from all bonds you should be, bound by chains you be not. Lay your
troubles and cares on the altar. Magick to work through them is
sought.
Sing and make merry in my presence. Let love and laughter fill the
air. For mine is the gift of light hearted. May you feast and live a
life that is fair.
My law is love to all beings. A love of peace that harms none. For
this is the greatest mystery. Here is where battles are won.
Mine is the sacred cauldron. The chalice that is the Holy Grail. I
pour its healing waters upon you. So you grow not stagnate or stale.
I am the queen of the Underworld. I travel the paths of the dead. I
take them to the great Horned one. So they can regain strength and
rest their head
I demand no sacrifice from my children. Harm one to gain for the next.
Looking to gain my sweet favor. Live your life to its best.
I am the bounty of the green Earth giving the gift of the land. The
Great father and I providing bounty for the clan.
But I am also the Dark Mother. That battles in the name of love.
Bringing back the balance. Till peace fly's again as a dove.
I will point you inward. This is the path of the wise. Walking the
path internal, this is where the mysteries lie.
I rule the year of the darkness. From Mid-Summer to Mid-Winter doth
come. This is when the sword goes from me to the Horned one?my love
If what you seek to find not. You are looking in the wrong place. If
you find it not with in you. You seeking will be all a waste.
I am that which is calling. To answer seek out my fire. I am that
which your heart yearns for. The prize at the end of desire.
Foods appropriate to eat on this day include those that represent growth, such as seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower) as well as poppy seed breads, muffins, and cakes. Also befitting are foods from the dairy (milk, sour cream, cheese, etc.) Appropriate meat dishes should contain poultry, pork, or lamb. Spicy and full-bodied foods in honor of the Sun are good, especially foods made with peppers, onions, leeks, garlic, shallots, and/or olives. Spiced wines, herbal teas, honey, and dishes containing raisins are also traditional.
Faery Wine
1-1/2 cups milk per serving
1 tsp. honey
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
dash of cinnamon
Warm milk, being careful not to boil. In each glass or mug, add honey and vanilla. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon.
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Lucia Buns
These buns are shaped from a yeast dough made with saffron. The Swedish-speaking population of Finland claims the saffron Christmas breads for its very own. The breads first appeared on St. Lucia's Day, December 12, a day of special celebration when "little Lucia" - each classroom dubs one of its girls "Lucia"- presents her teacher with these special buns... But what could be more perfect for Imbolg?
3/4 cup warm milk (105° to 115°F)
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) margarine
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
1 tablespoon boiling water
Combine warm milk, sugar, salt and margarine.
Meanwhile, soak saffron in boiling water; let stand.
Measure warm water into large warm bowl. Sprinkle in yeast; stir until dissolved.
Add milk mixture, egg, saffron and saffron water and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth.
Stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff dough.
Turn out onto lightly floured board; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise in warm place, free from draft, until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down ; let rest 10 minutes.
Divide dough into 18 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a strip 12-inches long. Cut in half. Coil both ends of each strip into center of strip.
To form each bun, place two coiled strips back-to-back on greased baking sheets.
Cover; let rise in warm place; free from draft, until doubled in bulk, about 30 minutes.
Press a raisin deep into the center of each coil, bake at 350°F about 15 minutes, or until done.
Remove from baking sheets and cool on wire racks.
Makes 1-1/2 dozen buns.
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Imbolg Salsa by Scott Cunningham
2 very large, very ripe Tomatoes
1 small Onion
1 to 2 canned Seranno Chilies
1 tablespoon Cilantro (fresh Coriander leaves), finely chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
A dash Sugar
Peel and finely chop the tomatoes.
Finely chop the onion.
Remove seeds from chili pepper(s) and finely chop. (WARNING: Two will make this quite hot.)
Place the first four ingredients into a bowl, season to taste, and let sit, refrigerated, for several hours.
Serve cold with tortilla chips.
(This recipe by Scott Cunningham is from Llewellyn's 1993 Magical Almanac, pages 90-91, Llewellyn Worldwide Publications, 1992.)
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Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
3 cups flour
3 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 eggs
2 tablespoons lemon zest
GLAZE
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a small bowl combine flour, poppy seeds, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Cream together butter and sugar.
Add milk, lemon juice, eggs and lemon zest. Mix until combined.
Add flour mixture and stir just until moistened. Do not overmix.
Pour into lightly greased stoneware loaf pan.
Bake 1 hour 15 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.
Allow to cool 10 minutes in stoneware loaf pan.
Remove bread and pour glaze over top of bread, allowing glaze to run down sides.
Cool completely on cooling rack before slicing.
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Garlic Soup
30 cloves garlic, peeled
7 cups chicken broth, divided
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
8 small new potatoes, peeled, diced and reserved in cold water
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
Salt and coarsely ground pepper to taste
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine garlic cloves and 3 cups of chicken broth; bring to a boil and poach 15 minutes or until soft.
Remove garlic cloves to a small bowl and mash with a fork; set aside to make Garlic-Butter Bread.
Cook and reduce chicken broth to a glaze; remove from heat and set aside. (garlic-chicken glaze)
In a large soup pot over low heat, melt butter. Add onion and saute until soft.
Drain potatoes; stir into butter and onion. Season with salt and pepper.
Add 4 cups chicken broth. Increase heat to medium-high; simmer, uncovered, 25 minutes or until the potatoes are softened.
Remove from heat and let cool 10 to 15 minutes.
In a food processor or blender, puree soup; return to soup pot. Add garlic-chicken glaze; stir until well blended.
Stir in heavy cream, milk, salt, and pepper; cook, over low heat, another 10 minutes.
Remove from heat. Serve in soup bowls and garnish with parmesan cheese.
Serve with Toasted Garlic-Butter Bread.
NOTE: The soup can be made 1 to 2 days in advance up until this stage. Refrigerate until ready to finish.
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Toasted Garlic-Butter Bread
6 slices sourdough bread, thinly sliced and lightly toasted
6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
Poached garlic cloves
Preheat broiler.
In a small bowl, combine butter and mashed garlic cloves; mash until well blended.
Spread garlic mixture evenly over the top of the bread slices.
When ready to serve, broil bread for a few seconds or until top is lightly browned and bubbly.
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