Soul Cakes are the traditional trick or treat goody. Irish peasants would go door to door on All Hallows Eve and beg for a Soul Cake.
Trick or treat began hundreds of years ago. The Halloween we celebrate today goes back to ancient Celtic times.
In the 8th century, Pope Gregory designated November 1 as a time to honor all Saints and Martyrs ( All Saints Day). The evening before, (October 31) is known as all hallows eve (hallow meaning holy) then later known as Halloween.
The tradition of trick or treating began as peasants and children went around begging for food (souling). Families would give them soul cakes and in return they would sing songs and promise to pray for the families dead relatives still in purgatory. The soul cakes have now been replaced with candy, but you can still enjoy a soul cake. Here is a recipe they may have used way back when.
These soul cakes are more like a cookie. Like a oatmeal and raisin cookie. I wouldn’t try to give them out on Halloween though. People may think you are weird and call the police or something. It is best that you enjoy them with your family and friends. Friends that appreciate this sort of thing, and wont call the police because they think you may have put something in them.
Just saying.
Soul Cake (cookie)
Ingredients:
3/4 cup molasses
2/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
3 cups oatmeal
1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup raisins
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine molasses, brown sugar, milk and butter in a mixer until blended.
In a large bowl combine oatmeal, cream of tater, flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet. Fold in raisins. Using a ice crea scoop add dough to cookie sheet. Flatten dough slightly and cut a cross in the top of each cookie.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Peace be with you,
Veronica
