Scottish Oatcakes

Homemade Scottish Oatcakes are simple to make and totally delicious. Perfectly crunchy and sturdy enough to support all your favorite cheeses and spreads, you're gonna want to eat them every day.

Scotland definitely has it's own vibration, a wild and unrelenting type of magic that is born of harsh conditions and undeniable beauty. The ancestors who made their lives here faced a harsh landscape and even harsher political challenges, but through it all, they remained fierce but loving. I've always felt deeply welcome in Scotland. When nature is tough, people learn to support one another.

Scottish food is also reflective of the ingenuity it takes to survive in the wild North. It is simple and rustic, and it definitely does not waste. It understands that resources are precious and warmth is essential. They never seemed to bother with the aristocratic trappings of say, French cuisine, with it's many fiddly sauces. Scottish food relies on really good ingredients provided by the land and prepared with an honest purity. I totally respect that.

What makes Scottish Oatcakes so awesome?

Oatcakes are crunchy crackers made very simply with rolled oats, a bit of baking soda, melted butter, and hot water. That's it. Oh, and of course, a pinch of salt. Sure, you can buy these in any shop in Scotland, but if you don't live in Scotland (or even if you do) these are simple to make at home. Making them yourself also means you can control the salt level, which for me is usually a pinch more than you would get in the storebought variety. I like for my crackers to have great flavor all on their own.

You can really spread anything on oatcakes. Smoked salmon and herby cream cheese would be very appropriate. But for me, it's all about the cheese. This is a beautiful way to enjoy a beautiful bit of atrisan cheese and a nice chutney or fancy jam. The oatcakes are crispy and crunchy with a hearty texture. And they're sturdy enough to support whatever you want to stack on top of them.

Magical Properties of Oats

As a staple grain, oats hold the energy of stability and abundance. One source indicates that oats carry feminine or receptive energy and earth energy. They're also corresponded to the planet Venus. Use oats in a spell to attract money and prosperity. I think they would be particularly good for helping you to attract the base income you need to keep your family secure. (Source: Pinterest)

For more on the magical properties of the ingredients in this recipe, check the Kitchen Magick page.

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need for this recipe. All the details are in the recipe card below.

• Quick-cooking oats - you want oats that are fairly processed for this so they hold together. If your oats are too oaty, you can always add a dusting of flour.
• Salt
• Baking soda - aka bicarbonate of soda
• Butter - melted
• Water - from a just boiled kettle

Tips for making Scottish Oatcakes

Making Scottish Oatcakes is simple. Stir and smash all your ingredients together into a stiff dough. Dust a surface and a rolling pin with flour, and roll them out as thin as possible. The dough may be a bit sticky, but remember, this is rustic food. Don't panic if it doesn't look perfect. I use my offset spatula to help unstick the cut crackers from the counter and transfer them gently to the baking sheet.

Bake your oatcakes for about 15 minutes or until they're lightly browned and crunchy around the edges. Cool them completely on a wire rack, then store them in an airtight container until you're ready to pile them with great cheese or other toppings.

If you want to make a lot of oatcakes all at once, just divide your dough and roll it out in stages so it's easier to work with.

Scotland may be rugged and wild, but it's also beautiful and delicious. Make some Scottish Oatcakes and get into it. It's gonna be awesome.

Looking for more awesome ingredients for your cheese board? Try this homemade Apple Butter or some Homemade Spice Crackers.

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