Irish Potato Apple Griddle Cake

Instructions

Combine the flour and butter in a mixing bowl. Work the butter into the flour, as for making pastry. When the mixture is crumbly, add the baking powder and salt and mix in well. Now, add the mashed potatoes and use your hands to blend the ingredients, forming a dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly for a few minutes, working in a bit more flour if the dough is sticky. Divide the dough into 2 balls. Roll each one out about 1/2 inch thick. Cover them with a clean tea towel.

Slice the apples thinly directly over a bowl. Add the sugar, cinnamon and cloves and toss the apple slices to coat them. Uncover the dough and layer the apple slices on one of the circles. Dot with some of the butter and cover with the other dough circle, pinching the edges to seal in the filling.

Heat a griddle or cast-iron pan over medium high heat and add a little butter, brushing it over the surface as it melts. Carefully transfer the cake to the pan, brown on both sides, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Great Potatoes .. Kathleen Sloan-McIntosh

Author's Comments

This preparation has much tradition behind it. In the Celtic year, October 31 is a very significant date. It is All Saints’ Day, essentially New Year’s Eve, because—according to the Celtic calendar—the Celtic year starts on November 1, and so begins the ancient Celtic festival Samhain.

A number of sacred foods are included in the celebration, among them apples and potatoes. Here is an ancient recipe that combines both these foods while providing delicious comfort. Serve hot with a wee bit of thick cream, if desired, and cups of hot, strong tea.