I made some Soul Cakes for All Souls' Day today. I love symbolic food in a big way and I am intrigued by the history of Soul Cakes. I grew up hearing the Peter Paul and Mary version of A' Soalin'. You can listen to it here—so beautiful, it gives me chills.
These Soul Cakes are not very authentic. They are spiced scones, shaped round, and instead of currants they have mini chocolate chips. This is because the children that live here who go souling like this flavor better. There are lot of recipes online.
About that song (From Wikpedia):
In 1963, the American folk group Peter, Paul and Mary recorded a version of this traditional song, titled "A' Soalin," whose verses include the following:
Soul, soul, a soul cake!
I pray thee, good missus, a soul cake!
One for Peter, two for Paul,
Three for Him what made us all!
Soul cake, soul cake, please good missus, a soul cake.
An apple, a pear, a plum, or a cherry, any good thing to make us all merry.
One for Peter, two for Paul, and three for Him who made us all.
