What is a kitchen altar? It’s a sacred space you create in your kitchen that brings you joy. For me, it’s the first thing I see that starts my day with a feel good. I see my heavenly mom’s sweet face and the beautiful flowers I’ve arranged each week. It’s a great reminder that I AM grateful for my health, the abundant blessings in my life, and the quote that reminds me to believe something wonderful is about to happen each day. It lifts my spirits the moment I enter and it brings a smile to my soul. The kitchen is the place where I impart love and blessings into each meal I make. 

For those who struggle with cooking I’ve found creating a kitchen altar helps set the mood, making the first thought entering the kitchen a positive one.  The site of your altar sparks a smile and begins the feel good vibes that will permeate your meal.  And over time will hopefully deepen your connection with food and cooking.  It’s a way to bring out the kitchen goddess, and our cooking spirit that lives inside us.

My personal altar sits in front of my kitchen sink.

I planned it that way when we built our home so when standing washing dishes, the inevitable chore for cleaning up my messiness, I see things that make me happy.  On the counter behind the sink sits photographs’ of my sweet parents, vibrant fresh cut flowers, inspiring words of patience and grace, Kwan Yin, and a few meaningful trinkets. Hanging above the sink is a strand of Energy Muse crystals enhancing the energy of the space. And beyond the altar I look out into our yard with lush green trees that make my heart sing! I keep this space clutter free, sometimes rotating special things in and out at different times of the year. 

On a shelf adjacent to the kitchen altar sits a prayer that blesses our food. I take feeding my family with great respect and enthusiasm. With a full heart, I quietly read this blessing that begins my day.  

 

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Here are a few simple steps to creating your own kitchen altar. 

~Identify where you want your altar to live.

Find a spot you will see immediately upon entering your kitchen.

Your sacred kitchen altar can be on a shelf, in a windowsill, on a table or counter space. 

~Choose items’ to adorn your altar. 

Adorning your altar allows your creative juices to flow, and connects your kitchen with your heart.  It also gives you a place to see cherished mementos or meaningful photos. 

• Choose carefully those items you wish to see everyday, ones that fill your heart and bring you a sense of peace, comfort, and happiness. Ultimately it’s these feelings you wish to infuse into the food you prepare.

• Adorn your altar with photos of loved one(s), a special rock or crystal, a candle, or objects that touch your soul.

~ Bless your alter once completed. But note it’s forever changing.

• Take a moment to set your intention and bless your altar.  “This altar represents my heart and spirit so that the food I prepare will be received with grace and delight.  I bless this space and the nourishment everyone will receive.” 
• Before your blessing, you might wish to sage your kitchen to clear any negative energy and or light a candle. You can simply close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, say an encouraging prayer, and exhale. Each person will have their own individual way of blessing their altar.

As we cook, we are planting our seeds of love. These seeds are then passed down from generation to generation. What I believe is that my kitchen truly is the heart of our home where passion oozes into each dish and where I share the magic and love in every delicious bite! 

It’s been found that flowers enhance our mood

Recently Harvard  Medical completed a study how flowers enhance our mood in a positive manner! Who knew those flowers pegs brought into her kitchen really did enhance her mood! Check out the article here! 

Having an altar has assisted me on my path for inspiring others to cook high quality food and to model how to create a loving home that nourishes people, their families and their spirit.  As we support one another with pure loving intentions, I feel in return we receive abundant blessings.

Creating a kitchen altar has its own chapter in Damn Good Gluten Free, a lifestyle recipe cookbook. It is also a part of Curry Girls Kitchen’s private services for individuals or families wanting a more holistic kitchen approach to cooking. Pegs has found it to help her clients better embrace their kitchen makeover.

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FAQs

What is a kitchen altar, and why should I create one?

A kitchen altar is a designated space within your kitchen that serves as a focal point for setting intentions and infusing your cooking and meal preparation with positive energy. It often includes meaningful items such as candles, crystals, herbs, or decorative objects. Creating a kitchen altar can help you cultivate mindfulness, gratitude, and joy while cooking, enhancing your connection to the space and the food you prepare.

What should I include on my kitchen altar?

The items you include on your kitchen altar can be personal and meaningful to you. Common elements include:

• Candles: For warmth and a calming atmosphere.
• Crystals: Such as clear quartz or citrine for clarity and positivity.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, basil, or sage for their aromatic and spiritual properties.
• Decorative Objects: Statues, figurines, or images of deities or symbols that resonate with you.
• Offerings: Such as small dishes of water, fruit, or grains as offerings of gratitude.

How can I maintain and refresh my kitchen altar?

To maintain your kitchen altar, regularly clean and organize the space. Replace worn or faded items as needed, and consider changing the altar’s layout with the seasons to keep the energy fresh. Refreshing your altar can include adding new candles, herbs, or other decorative elements. Take time to sit or stand near the altar and set intentions for your cooking, expressing gratitude for the food you prepare and the nourishment it provides.