oats and cake

April 28,2009

We planted oats today. A plot 50 feet by 60 feet which should yield about 5 bushels. We tilled the area first and than broasdcast the seed by hand. The goal was one seed per inch. After that we racked in the seed. Now we leave it to grow and keep all animals and humans off the patch. It is suppose to rain tonight which is good for the crop. Oats do best in a cool, moist climate. They actually yield heavier in more nothern areas.

Scotland's production of oast prompted the famous Englishman Dr. Johnson to scoff at his Scottish friend, the equally famous Mr. Boswell, "They feed men in Scotland what in England they only feed to horses." Boswell retorted, "Yes. Better men. Better horses."

Life in the Middle Ages was full of hard labor. Most things were done by hand since they did not have machines, yet. Since our plot is small, we will be doing things also by hand. No reason to buy a big combine, tractor, etc. This certainly will give us a taste of times past.

Porridge was usually oats cooked. Peas porridge hot...peas porridge cold..peas porridge in the pot..ten days old..

Oat cakes..This was often made in old Scotland. Mix your oat flour with enough water to make a dough. Knead as you would bread. Then roll out as thin as you can. Cut into squares. Fry on an iron plate or griddle or in a pan that is shiny with oil. Serve warm with butter and honey.

It took two hours to broadcast and rake the oats. Now we will see how they grow and what kind of harvest we will receive. Also oats are very high in protein. The side benefit is the oat straw that can be used in gardens or bedding for animals.