While we may think of Halloween as an American holiday, food writer Beth Dooley says the holiday actually has roots in a harvest festival celebrated in Ireland on Nov. 1 each year. It’s called Samhain.

It marks the end of the harvest and the lifting of the veil to the spiritual world, allowing spirits to “walk among us” in the human world.

People enjoy a variety of foods for Samhain such as barmbrack, a traditional bread with currants; and colcannon, a hearty cabbage and potato dish. During this time, food will also be left out for loved ones who have passed away.

For more on Samhain, click play on the audio player above. Dooley’s barmbrack recipe is below.

Recipe: Irish Barmbrack

Makes 1 large or 3 small loaves, freezes nicely • 3-1/3 cups whole wheat flour

3-1/3 cups whole wheat

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