Samhain is the Celtic festival of the dead on 1st November. This was usually celebrated with bonfires and the making of special cakes (enter Parkin). But like many Celtic festivals, these were absorbed by the Church. When Guy Fawkes gave the church a reason to celebrate bonfires in 1605, the Samhain tradition was adopted and moved to 5th November.
Parkin cake has its origins in Yorkshire, with its first published sighting in 1728, and in Leeds, 5th of November is known as Parkin Night. The cake is traditionally made and eaten around the first week in November, when oats are harvested as this created the best Parkin.
That said, we think this is a winner beyond November and is always a hit after group swims when we gather around to crack open our flasks and cakes.
Ingredients
- 200g butter plus extra for greasing
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp milk
- 200g golden syrup
- 85g treacle
- 85g light soft brown sugar
- 100g medium oatmeal
- 250g self-raising flour
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
Method
- This is a slower-burner recipe (traditionally known as a poor cake, it was cooked on a griddle, not in our fancy fan ovens). Set the dial to 140 degrees fan and start prepping the tin.
- Use a nice deep square tin, 22cm. Butter the tin and then line it with baking parchment. This will make it easier to get out later.
- In a bowl, beat the egg and milk together with a fork.
- Once that is done, place the syrup, treacle, sugar and butter in a pan on a low heat and fill your kitchen with lovely smells as the mixture slowly melts. Remove from the heat once done.
- Now add the oatmeal, flour and ginger, and mix it up.
- Stir in the beaten-up milk and egg.
- Pour your Parkin mixture into the lined tin and pop it in the oven.
- Bake for 50 minutes to an hour (or until the cake feels firm and a little crusty on top).
- If in doubt, get a knife and stab the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean, then you are good to take it out.
- Allow to cool in the tin.
- Wrap it up in some foil.
- The knack with this is to leave it for a couple of days (5 max) so it gets softer and stickier. Yum!
And don't forget...
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match
Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring
Holler boys, holler boys
God save the King!
