Soulcakes were given to the performers by the farmers after a performance in the farmhouse. The performers would also try to collect other food and drink to supplement their ‘income’ in periods of no work after the harvest had been gathered in. They would have been very simple, basic items, probably not containing much in the way of ingredients.
Comberbach Soulcakers continue and modify this tradition by handing out home-made biscuits (soulcakes) at our performances. However we try to make them slightly more palatable. The recipe below is just one that is used, in this case by Phil Pugh who plays Black Prince.
Ingredients
4oz Sugar
4oz Butter (or margarine or olive oil based spread)
8oz Plain Flour
2 teaspoons Cinnamon (or mixed spice)
Milk to bind
Method
Cream butter and sugar, sieve flour and spice into mix. Mix together adding a little milk, sufficient to just bind the mixture. Roll out thinly and cut out to whatever shape you like!
Bake in a moderate oven (160C Fan) for 15-20 mins. They should not really change colour much!
Allow to cool before eating!
