The moon doesnβt just light up the night skyβitβs a powerful guide for our energy, intentions, and even our meals. Yesterday, we explored how to align your planning and self-care with the moonβs phases. If you havenβt snagged your free Lunar Phase Tracker, grab it here, or dive deeper with the comprehensive Lunar Phase Planner.
But why stop at journaling? Letβs bring the moonβs magic into the kitchen with these 8 recipes inspired by each lunar phase. Whether you’re setting new intentions or reflecting on the past, these dishes are as nourishing as they are symbolic.
1. New Moon: Dark Chocolate Lavender Mousse
A silky, calming dessert to match the introspective energy of the New Moon.
Dark Chocolate Lavender Mousse
Equipment
- 1 whisk
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Heatproof bowl
- 1 Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 2-3 Mixing bowls medium and large
- 1 Silicone spatula
- 1 Electric mixer or hand whisk for whipping cream
- 1 Microwave or double boiler for melting chocolate
- 4 Serving glasses or ramekins 4 individual portions
- 1 Plastic wrap or foil for covering while chilling
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp dried lavender buds culinary-grade
- 8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
- 3 egg yolks large
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Edible flowers or powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
Infuse Lavender
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and lavender buds over medium-low heat until it starts to steam (donβt let it boil).
- Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the cream into a bowl to remove the lavender.
Melt Chocolate
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat gently in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth, or use a double boiler.
Prepare the Base
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
- Slowly whisk in the warm lavender-infused cream.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly (donβt boil).
Combine and Cool
- Pour the warm mixture over the melted chocolate.
- Stir until smooth.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Whip Cream
- Whip the remaining Β½ cup of heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
Chill and Serve
- Divide the mousse into serving glasses, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Garnish with edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Why it Fits the Phase:
The New Moon is a time for setting intentions and finding calm in the stillness. This silky, indulgent mousse combines the richness of dark chocolate with the floral, calming notes of lavender, perfect for a reflective dessert. Β Link this recipe to your New Moon Intentions Planner, perfect for jotting down your goals and reflections while savoring this calming treat.Nutrition
2. Waxing Crescent: Lemon Basil Risotto
Bright and zesty, this risotto mirrors the optimism and momentum of this growth-focused phase.
Lemon Basil Risotto
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Large skillet or saucepan
- 1 Saucepan (for broth)
- 1 Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- 1 Fine grater or zester
- 1 Knife and cutting board
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth warmed
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Β½ cup dry white wine optional, or substitute with more broth
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- Β½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra basil leaves and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Broth
- Warm the vegetable broth in a saucepan over low heat and keep it warm while making the risotto.
SautΓ© Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Toast the Rice:
- Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent around the edges.
Deglaze the Pan
- Add the white wine (if using) and cook until mostly absorbed.
- If not using wine, skip to the next step.
Add Broth Gradually
- Add 1 ladle of warm broth to the rice, stirring frequently until absorbed.
- Repeat this process, one ladle at a time, until the rice is creamy and tender, about 18-20 minutes.
Incorporate Flavors
- Stir in the lemon zest, juice, butter, Parmesan, and chopped basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
- Divide the risotto into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and lemon slices.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Why it Fits the Phase:
The Waxing Crescent is all about building energy and optimism. This vibrant risotto, bursting with citrusy lemon and fresh basil, mirrors the phaseβs uplifting and growth-focused vibes. Itβs a comforting yet refreshing dish to fuel your forward momentum. Β Link this recipe to your Waxing Crescent Growth Planner to encourage your readers to pair this uplifting dish with goal-setting activities during this energetic lunar phase.Nutrition
3. First Quarter: Spicy Crescent Moon Tacos
Channel the fiery energy of action with these bold, flavorful tacos.
Spicy Crescent Moon Tacos
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- 1 Skillet or frying pan
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Knife and cutting board
- Taco holders (optional)
- 1 Serving platter
Ingredients
- 8 small taco shells soft or hard, crescent-shaped
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Β½ tsp ground cumin
- Β½ tsp salt
- Β½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup lettuce shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- Β½ cup tomatoes diced
- Β½ cup sour cream
- 1 avocado sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
Cook the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the ground chicken or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
Spice It Up
- Stir in chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt.
- Add the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the taco shells if desired.
- Divide the meat mixture among the shells, then top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Serve
- Arrange the tacos on a platter in a crescent shape for a fun nod to the lunar theme.
Notes
Why it Fits the Phase:
The First Quarter is all about taking bold action and making decisions. These tacos, with their spicy kick and crescent-shaped shells, mirror the dynamic energy of this lunar phase. Perfect for a fiery boost of courage and determination! Β Encourage readers to enjoy these tacos while planning bold actions for the First Quarter moon with your Action Plan Lunar Planner.Nutrition
4. Waxing Gibbous: Herb-Crusted Salmon with Wild Rice
This refined dish helps you fine-tune your goals while savoring a balanced meal.
Herb-Crusted Salmon with Wild Rice
Equipment
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Medium saucepan with lid
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 Small mixing bowl
- 1 Knife and cutting board
- 1 Fork (for fluffing rice)
- 1 Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Β½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Β½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Wild Rice
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2-1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- Β½ tsp salt
Optional Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Additional fresh herbs
Instructions
Prepare the Wild Rice
- In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil.
- Add the wild rice, butter, and salt. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Herb Crust
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, dill, parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each fillet.
- Sprinkle the herb mixture generously on top, pressing gently to adhere.
Bake
- Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.
Assemble and Serve
- Divide the wild rice among plates.
- Top the rice with the herb-crusted salmon.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and extra herbs if desired.
Notes
Why it Fits the Phase:
The Waxing Gibbous is a time for refining and fine-tuning your intentions. This dish reflects thoughtful preparation with its balanced flavors and nourishing ingredients, helping you align with the focus and attention of this lunar phase. Β Pair this meal with your Waxing Gibbous Reflection Planner to refine your goals and actions while savoring this refined dish.Nutrition
5. Full Moon: Lunar Lemon Meringue Pie
Celebrate abundance with this radiant, show-stopping pie.
Lunar Lemon Meringue Pie
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- 1 pastry cutter or food processor
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 9-inch pie pan
- 1 Parchment paper and pie weights
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 whisk
- 1 Hand or stand mixer
- 1 Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Β½ tsp salt
- Β½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 3-4 tbsp ice water
For the Lemon Filling
- 1 cup sugar
- ΒΌ cup cornstarch
- ΒΌ tsp salt
- 1-1/2 cups water
- 3 large egg yolks lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- Β½ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed, about 3 lemons
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
For the Meringue
- 3 egg whites large
- ΒΌ tsp cream of tartar
- Β½ cup sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Trim and crimp the edges, then prick the bottom with a fork.
- Chill for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Let cool.
Make the Lemon Filling
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually stir in water and cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened and bubbly.
- Temper the egg yolks by whisking in a small amount of the hot mixture, then return it all to the saucepan.
- Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in butter, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
Make the Meringue
- Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, beating on high until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing it to the edges of the crust.
- Swirl into peaks with a spatula.
Bake and Cool
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
- Cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill for 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Why it Fits the Phase:
The Full Moon represents abundance and celebration, making this glowing meringue-topped pie the perfect dessert to honor its energy. The tart lemon filling and airy meringue capture the brightness and beauty of a full moon night. Β Celebrate the Full Moon with this showstopping pie and reflect on abundance with the Full Moon Gratitude Journal.Nutrition
6. Waning Gibbous: Harvest Moon Soup
A heartwarming soup perfect for gratitude and togetherness.
Harvest Moon Soup
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 Knife and cutting board
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Immersion blender or standard blender
- 1 Ladle
- 6 Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 large carrot peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Β½ tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Β½ cup toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish Optiona
Instructions
Roast the Vegetables
- Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
- Place butternut squash, sweet potatoes, carrot, and onion on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Prepare the Soup Base
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Blend the Soup
- Add the roasted vegetables to the pot along with the vegetable broth.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.
Add Creaminess and Spices:
- Return the pureed soup to the pot.
- Stir in coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and thyme sprigs, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of the season.
Notes
Why it Fits the Phase:
The Waning Gibbous moon is a time for gratitude and sharing. This hearty and nourishing soup, made with seasonal ingredients, reflects the warmth of this phase, encouraging togetherness and reflection. Β Pair this heartwarming soup with the Waning Gibbous Reflection Planner to share gratitude and reflect on the seasonβs abundance.Nutrition
7. Last Quarter: Detoxifying Moon Salad
Light and cleansing, this salad helps you let go of what no longer serves you.
Detoxifying Moon Salad
Equipment
- 1 Large salad bowl
- 1 Small jar or bowl with a lid (for vinaigrette)
- 1 Knife and cutting board
- 1 Salad tongs or wooden spoons
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and kale)
- 1 cup radishes thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber sliced into half-moons
- 1 avocado sliced
- Β½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ΒΌ cup sunflower seeds toasted
- ΒΌ cup red onion thinly sliced
For the Lemon-Ginger Vinaigrette
- ΒΌ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- ΒΌ tsp salt
- ΒΌ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, radishes, cucumber, avocado, pomegranate seeds, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
Make the Vinaigrette
- In a small jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, ginger, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Shake well until emulsified.
Assemble and Serve
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to coat.
- Divide into individual bowls and enjoy fresh.
Notes
Why it Fits the Phase:
The Last Quarter moon is a time for letting go and cleansing. This light, detoxifying salad embodies the simplicity and clarity of this phase, helping you reset and refocus. Β Pair this refreshing salad with the Last Quarter Reflection Planner to focus on releasing what no longer serves you and embracing clarity.Nutrition
8. Waning Crescent: Dreamy Chai Latte
End the cycle with this soothing, spiced latte for quiet introspection.
Dreamy Chai Latte
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Strainer or fine mesh sieve
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Mugs for serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk dairy or plant-based, such as almond or oat milk
- 2 bags black tea or 2 tsp loose leaf black tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cardamom pods slightly crushed
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 small piece fresh ginger about 1 inch, sliced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup for vegan option (adjust to taste)
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
Simmer the Spices
- In a small saucepan, combine milk, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and sliced ginger.
- Heat over medium-low heat until the milk starts to steam, but DO NOT let it boil.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
Brew the Tea
- Add the black tea bags or loose tea to the milk mixture.
- Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired tea strength.
Sweeten and Strain
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract and honey or maple syrup.
- Strain the mixture into mugs to remove the spices and tea bags.
Serve and Garnish
- Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
- Serve warm.
- Pair with your favorite cozy activity or quiet reflection time.
Notes
Why it Fits the Phase:
The Waning Crescent moon encourages rest, introspection, and quiet preparation for new beginnings. This warm, spiced chai latte is the perfect companion for winding down, journaling, or meditating. Β Enjoy this soothing chai latte while reflecting with the Waning Crescent Introspection Journal to prepare for the next lunar cycle with intention and calm.Nutrition
How to Use This Guide
- Pair each recipe with its corresponding moon phase for a complete lunar-inspired experience.
- Use the Lunar Phase Tracker download it free here to jot down how each recipe supports your energy and goals.
- Level up with the Lunar Phase Planner for in-depth journaling and planning prompts.
Let the moon inspire not just your mind but your taste buds too. Which recipe will you try first? Comment below or pin this guide for later!
#LunarRecipes #MoonInspiredCooking #LunarPhaseMeals #MoonPhasePlanner #SelfCareWithFood #VoguegenicsLiving #HarnessTheMoon