Practical Magic is one of my all time favorite movies to watch for Halloween.

The belladonna that Gillian and Sally use to poison Jimmy looks JUST like Grains of Paradise to me so this loaf cake is a Hazelnut Cider Loaf with Grains of Paradise and a Meringue topping. The meringue topping is inspired by the shaving cream Sally makes and jokes that her late husband couldn’t stop eating. Overall I wanted to evoke the feeling of being in their greenhouse amongst the herbs and greenery that they use both for spells and shampoos!

All of my spices, including the rare but amazing Grains of Paradise, are from @thespicehouse .

Have you seen Practical Magic?

Ingredients

1 1/4 c all purpose four

3/4c hazelnut flour

1 1/4 tsp baking soda

3/4tsp salt

1 1/4 tsp ground grains of paradise

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4c unsalted butter, room temp

1/3 c molasses

1/2 c granulated sugar

1/2 c packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/3 c apple cider

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Butter an 8×5 inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Butter the parchment as well.

In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the flour, hazelnut flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and grains of paradise.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the butter, molasses and sugars. Add the eggs and beat until just combined. Add the flour mixture in alternating parts with the cider, mixing each addition until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared laid pan and bake 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan 30 minutes. Remove from pan and transfer to wire rack and allow to cool completely.

If desired, follow this recipe to make the Italian meringue topping: How to Make Italian Meringue