Barmbrack

On the day of Samhain the gap between world of the living and the world of the dead becomes very thin and easy to pass through. Ghosts roam the land and often return to their old homes. In days that are now past, people would leave a place free at the table to allow their departed relative to join them for supper.  Offerings would be made at graveyards and welcoming candles were put in windows. There was a palpable feeling that the dead were among the living and that they should be welcomed.

In Ireland Samhain is marked by bonfires – the word derives bone fires where the bones of animals were burnt to ward off malign spirits. On that magical night it was believed that predictions about the future could be made – who would be the first to marry or the next to join the ghost world.  The barmbrack, an Irish fruit cake, is part of this tradition. Items such as a pea, a stick, a rag, a small coin (originally a silver sixpence) and a ring were hidden in the cake. Getting pea meant no marraige in the next year, while naturally the ring signalled impending nuptials. The stick warned of an unhappy, tumultous relationship, the rag an impoverished future and the coin a prosporous one.

While preparing my barmbrack I was left alone by ghosts. Probably I was attuned to the other dimension. I followed this recipe. I was able to obtain some fresh yeast for free from my local supermarket.  I soaked the sultanas and raisins in lapsang souchong. After making the dough, the soaked fruit had to be incorporated into the dough and that was a messy, fun job.  While the dough rose, I played some Civ 4 and tried to take over the world with my Aztec army. After expelling the air (and there was really was an audible sigh) I allowed the dough rise some more. It actually grew to become quite sizeable!

I’m happy to say that the barmbrack met with great approval from all who tried it, including my girlfriend who is an expert in these matters. One thing I didn’t do was to add those magical trinkets.

The Barmbrack in all its glory

A slice: to be enjoyed with a dab of butter and a cup of tea

~ by Slackenerny on November 6, 2008.