Late summer is a time of abundance, with gardens overflowing and the fields and forests offering plenty of wild foods to forage. Since ancient times, people have celebrated this season with harvest festivals, giving thanks for the food that would sustain their families through the long cold winter months.
Celebrating Lammas
Observed on August 1st, Lammas marks the beginning of the grain harvest. The name Lammas comes from the Old English hlāfmæsse, meaning “loaf mass.” Also known as Loaf Mass Day, it is a Christian holiday that originated in medieval England. Families would bake a loaf of bread from the first grain harvested each year and bring it to church to be blessed to express their gratitude and hopes for a bountiful harvest.
Lammas has its roots in Lughnasadh (pronounced LOO-nuh-suh), the ancient Gaelic harvest festival. Both celebrate the abundance of the harvest and mark the change of the seasons with rituals of gratitude. Today, many people continue to celebrate Lammas by baking bread, making corn husk dolls, and enjoying a harvest feast.
While a fresh-baked loaf remains the most recognizable Lammas tradition, it’s also the perfect opportunity to enjoy other homemade treats that showcase the flavors of late summer. These Apple Sumac Muffins combine orchard-fresh apples with the bright, tart flavor of wild sumac, making them a delicious way to celebrate the season.
Bake Apple Sumac Muffins for Lammas
Apple Sumac Muffins combine the first apples of the season with citrusy wild sumac, making them a delicious addition to a Lammas feast or a late summer brunch.
To make them you will need:
- Flour
- Oats
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Sugar
- Sumac spice
- Egg
- Milk
- Water
- Olive oil
- Apples
Directions:
Mix flour, oats, baking soda, salt, sugar, and sumac together in a large bowl. Stir in the egg, water, milk, and olive oil until well incorporated. Then fold in the apples.
Pour the batter into a muffin pan that has been greased or lined with muffin liners. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown.
Ingredients
Method
- Mix flour, oats, baking soda, salt, sugar, and sumac together in a large bowl. Stir in the egg, water, milk, and olive oil until well incorporated. Then fold in the apples.
- Pour the batter into a muffin pan that has been greased or lined with muffin liners. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown.
