This year for Lammas, I had enough energy to bake a simple loaf of bread. To celebrate the grain and harvest, bread is one of the most prevalent symbols of Lammas and it was nice to make a loaf with my own hands. I baked two loaves – one for me and my partner for our Lammas spread and the other to share with some dear friends as a hostess gift for a late summer get-together.

However, one does not need to bake their own loaf or be gifted one to properly celebrate Lammas – treating yourself to a nice store-bought loaf is still a great way to connect to the spirit of the holiday. In addition to bread, some foods associated with Lammas include corn, beer, berries, and squashes. If you are not already familiar with the growing/harvest schedule for foods grown in your region, I highly suggest researching that as well and indulging in the foods at the peak of their season. A Lammas spread can be as simple or as complex as you like, but focusing on the season’s harvest is an excellent goal for connecting to the holiday.

This year, my Lammas spread included my fresh baked rosemary bread (with accompanying olive oil, balsamic, and freshly cracked black pepper), a wheaty Texas amber ale (about as hoppy as I can stand), apricot and raspberry cookies, butter Chessman cookies, and a perfectly juicy plum.

I shared this spread with my partner, and while I was eating it I considered the journey each ingredient took to reach our plates from the fields. All the hands that labored, all the weather conditions, all the miles it took to get to my kitchen. In the 21st century, we take so much for granted regarding the food production chain. Lammas is the perfect time to give thanks to the earth, the laborers, and the harvest for the things that nourish our bodies.