23 Comments

That pumpkin chiffon pie sounds glorious, Kate! In my English childhood, Halloween was trumped by Guy Fawkes Day (November 5), although I do remember a couple of fun Halloween parties, and nearly drowning myself bobbing for apples!

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One tradition I read of, Annette, says that when one catches the apple, perhaps by the stem, the peel is then removed and the apple tossed over the left shoulder. The one who catches the biggest apple is predicted to receive the largest fortune!

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News to me, Kate, but then in the 70s, everybody gave up things, and watched TV instead! 😂 Maybe regional? I know Halloween was definitely bigger in Scotland, but not yet so American with elaborate costumes or trick or treating. 😀

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Thank you. Made your pumpkin pie with coconut milk this week and it was superb.

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Wonderful! Did you make it with eggs or egg replacer?

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I was taking it to a non vegetarian dinner so I got to use real eggs!! Wow.

I have spent this cold day in my flannel nightgown and bathrobe. It has been a non public day, hair not combed. I remembered I might get trick or treaters at dark so I started to jump up and dress. But I decided this can be my costume!!! I don't have to dress. Trying to decide my character. 💕

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Zombie nightgown!

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Oct 31, 2023Liked by Kate McDermott

I spent so many years in the classroom dreading the chaotic Halloween parties and the "sugar highs" of the day after! I don't think I had the time or took the time to think about other Halloween traditions and their significance. Thank you, Kate, for this post today and all the good reminders🧡

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You're so welcome, Pam. I can only imagine the sugar highs you had to navigate through. Thank you for all you did.

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Happy Halloween, Kate! Thank you for including me in your beautiful post ✨🧡

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Nov 1, 2023Liked by Kate McDermott

I downloaded your Soul Cakes recipe from your post on the 30th. I'm looking forward to making them. I think of Peter, Paul and Mary when I think of Soul Cakes.

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We grew up celebrating Guy Fawkes Night which was always meant Parkin and treacle toffee. Even now they both make me think of the beginning of winter and bonfires.

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I hear you! I love winter bonfires. Do you have a favorite Parkin recipe, Julia?

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I think I have yet to find a Parkin that I didn't like! But it needs some texture from the oats, and a nice hit of ginger. I also add some pepperberry, which is a native pepper for a little heat. But it really needs to sit for several days before you attempt to eat it, and just gets better with age.

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Ok! Great tips, Julia. Thank you!

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Nov 1, 2023Liked by Kate McDermott

Kate, do any of your books have your mincemeat filling? I can look in the books tomorrow, but I'm sitting in front of my computer tonight. *grin*

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I do have a recipe but not in any of the books. How about we plan on me posting it close to Stir Up Sunday!?!

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Nov 1, 2023Liked by Kate McDermott

I prefer Samhain. I guess all my Celtic DNA speaks the loudest. Blessed Samhain!

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Me too, Mel! But, I imagine you already knew that.🧙‍♀️

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Nov 2, 2023Liked by Kate McDermott

I wish I had emoji's here. (hugs)

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Nov 2, 2023Liked by Kate McDermott

I'm ok with that! I'm having such a hard time finding Nonsuch Mincemeat and I'd really like to break free and make my own. Thank you!

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I’m gonna need more on that Betty Crocker kids’ cookbook. How did I miss this growing up??

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Get yourself a copy, Amie! Better late than never, eh? (Mine is the 1957 edition when it first came out.)

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