September 29 - Michaelmas

Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel is a major feast day in the church year.  It marked the end of the farming year.  The harvest was in and the bailiff or manager of the manor would be making out his accounts.  In Great Britain it is one of the four quarter days whereon servants were hired, school terms began and rents were due.  In some instances this feast also honored angels Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel.

Archangel Michael is regarded as the greatest of the Archangels.  He fought and defeated Satan in the war in heaven.  The origins of Michaelmas date to 5th century Rome when a church was dedicated to Michael. 

Foods specially prepared for the feast include goose, a bread of barley, oats and rye called struan michael in remembrance of absent or dead friends, a cake St. Michael's bannock made without metal implements and blackberry pie.  It is said that when Lucifer was cast out of heaven he landed in a blackberry bush.  He cursed the fruit, scorched them with his breath, stomped and spit on the so they wouldn't be fit to eat.  

Struan Michael - 3 loaves

• 7 c high-gluten bread flour
• 1/2 c uncooked polenta [coarsely ground cornmeal]
• 1/2 c rolled oats
• 1/3 c wheat bran
• 1/2 c brown sugar
• 4 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. instant yeast + 1 tsp. instant yeast or 3 Tbsp. active dry yeast
• 1/2 c cooked brown rice
• 1/4 c honey
• 3/4 c buttermilk
• 1 1/2 c warm water
• 1 egg
• 3 Tbsp. poppy seeds for top

Mix 2 c flour and all dry ingredients through yeast.  Add the cooked brown rice, honey, buttermilk & water.  Beat for 2 - 3 minutes to mix well.  With a wooden spoon, gradually add the rest of the bread flour (or as much as it takes).

Knead for 12 - 15 minutes by hand.  The dough will lighten in color and become more elastic and evenly grained.  The finished dough should be tacky but not sticky, lightly golden, stretchy and elastic.  If it flakes or crumbles, add a little more water.

Wash out mixing bowl and dry thoroughly.  Put the dough in bowl and cover with damp towel to rise for an hour, doubling in size. 


Cut the dough in 3 parts and create loaves.  Place seam side down in greased loaf pan.  Brush with egg wash solution (1 egg beaten in 4 c water) on top and sprinkle poppy seeds. Cover and allow dough to rise till it crests over the pan.  Bake at 350° for 45 minutes.  Allow to cool thoroughly before slicing.