Making Scottish Oatcakes

I decided to make something from my cultural background. I have a strong Scottish lineage so I searched traditional Scottish recipes online and found Scottish oatcakes. Oatcakes are kind of like crackers mixed with pita bread. Many people in Scotland still eat these for breakfast in a similar fashion to toast. You can put jelly, butter and numerous other toppings to add flavor.

I did realize my lack of expertise in cooking when I saw the recipe and had no idea what shortening was. When my mother and I went to the store we bought the ingredients. Sadly I couldn't have my mother make these as I sit and watch because I get my lack of cooking skills from mother so I was on own.

Here is the recipe for the Scottish Oatcakes.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chilled solid vegetable shortening, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup buttermilk

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 2 heavy large baking sheets. Place oats in large bowl. Sift flour, sugar, baking soda and salt into same bowl. Using fingertips, rub in shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk; stir until dough forms. Transfer dough to floured surface. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out rounds. Arrange on prepared sheets, spacing apart. Gather scraps, reroll and cut out additional rounds.

Bake oatcakes until edges are pale golden, about 12 minutes. Transfer baking sheets to racks and cool 5 minutes. Transfer cakes to racks; cool completely. (Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.)
 

 

                                                                    Oats that I used.

                                                                   All the ingredients.

                                                           Measuring out the sugar.

 

                                                        First batch coming out the oven.

                                                                    Second batch.

                                                               Top view of oatcakes.

                                                                         Side view.