Yule Oatcakes

Nikoma's Note:

I've been making these oatcakes at Yuletide for the last 5 years or so. They've become one of my favorite parts of the Holiday! I originally began making them to leave as gifts for the deer and other animals around our home, and under the trees we decorate in the woods. However nobody can ever keep their mitts off them! (especially right out of the oven) I had no idea they'd be so tasty. So now the baking of the Yule cakes has become an event. We usually pick a night and roll out about 4 batches. These are super easy to make (we usually partake of some wine during this event - that tells you how easy they are lol) They come out crispy and sweet. Perfect for breakfast or just snacking.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 12 16

• 3 ½ cups old fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons flour
• ½ cup vegetable shortening
• ½ cup water (up to, probably less)
• ½ cup sugar (you can use up to 1 cup of sugar, or leave it out entirely for a plain oatcake. Personally I think t)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients except the water in a bowl. Add water JUST TO DAMPEN until you can roll it into a ball. Let the ball alone on the counter for about 10 minutes. Now take a handful and roll it out about 1/8 - 1/4 inch thick. Cut into circles with cutter or top of a drinking glass. Place on ungreased baking sheets and bake 350 for 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

Reviews

[Honolulubelle]

Terrific idea - you must be a genius! I found it is easier to stuff them into mini mufin pans than roll them out and cut them. I jazzed them up by increasing the sweetener (Splenda) to 1 and 1/2 cups and also added 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp ground ginger. I used real butter instead of shortening. Also found that the flour isn't necessary but still use it now and then. My husband and I have become hopelessly addicted to them. The taste reminds us of shortbread cookies - but these are sooo much healthier. Thanx for sharing them with us!

[Diana #2]

These are wonderful. :) I'd only ever had oatcakes (store bought) once before this, and I wasn't impressed. But based on your description, and the current review, decided to give them a try. I had all the ingredients in the pantry, so there was nothing to lose. I went with the brown sugar idea (3/4 cup) and 1/2 tsp vanilla. I only needed 1/4 cup water. Rolled to 1/8" and baked for 25 minutes. I ended up with 26 - 3" cookies. These are really, *really* good. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe.

[Chef Christophe]

This is the best oatcake recipe I've found on this site. I think it's the white flour that makes this so good as far as consistency goes. Is it okay if I make these all the time instead of just Yule? ;) I really have been. This one stands on it's own as great tasting recipe, I have tinkered with it a little bit though. I use brown sugar and also give it a try with a teaspoon of vanilla extract. I also tried a 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. However I think it alters the flavor too much to make it worthwhile. It does make it a bit crunchier on the outside though.