Soul Cakes

Bakers... some biscuits for after worship tomorrow, perhaps? 
(said the Minister, hopefully!) 

A seasonal recipe from our friends at Hoddom, Kirtle-Eaglesfield and Middlebie Parish Church...

If you have time today, why not try making traditional Soul Cakes? 
They are a rich, buttery biscuit and the tradition seems to go back close to a thousand years. It seems these were once widespread across all of England. I'm told that they are only for eating on Hallowe'en, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day (Monday) - any left over after that have to be given to the birds! 

Take 6oz butter, 6oz sugar and cream them together; 
mix in 3 egg yolks; 
mix with 1 lb plain flour, pinch of salt and teaspoon spices; 
add warm milk to make dough; 
roll out and cut or shape. 
Mark each 'cake' with a cross, like in the photo. 
Bake at 180C (160C for fan ovens), or Gas Mark 4 for 20-25 minutes; 
sprinkle with sugar whilst still hot. 
I am not sure how many this recipe will make, but I am guessing quite a lot! 
Thanks to Laura Sinfield for the recipe.