Barmbrack (from Irish Gaelic baìrin breac – “speckled loaf”) is a traditional Irish Halloween recipe. 
Usually prepared in flattened rounds, the barmbrack is yeasted bread with sultanas and raisins.
It’s often served toasted in the afternoon along with a cup of tea.
But what make this recipe so special?
Barmbrack is centre of an Irish Halloween Costum. As well as fruit, the cake should also contain several objects.
Wich object you get is meant to predict how the coming year will turn out to you: it’s a kind of fortune-telling game!
If you find…
- the coin: you will enjoy good fortune or become rich!
- the ring: wow, you will be wed within the year: romance is in the air!
- the stick: you will be in disputes with your partner
- the rag: sorry, you are going to be poor!
- the pea: you are not going to get married next year… maybe next-one?
You can find two Barmbrack recipes at this link!
If you are going to re-enact this amazing tradition at home, make sure that your friends know about the objects inside the cake… before they eat their slices in a single mouthful!
Good luck with your slice of Barmbrack!
Luca Cattaneo
