Best way with oats

TRY some oat cuisine

SCOTS have long since known the benefits of the humble oat – as usual, the rest of the world is just catching up.

Lowering cholesterol levels and providing an energy boost are just two of the many claims for this miracle food. Here are my five best ways of using this wonderful cereal.

PORRIDGE This is best described as a simple dish made by boiling oats in water or milk (I use both), and salt, of course. I also add cranberries and goji berries to mine, and my husband adds cream when I am not looking. If you are the competitive sort, you could go for the Golden Spurtle award. This is the prize for the world porridge-making competition held every year in Carrbridge, Inverness-shire. It is now in its 15th year and is to be held on 12 October.

MUESLI Muesli could be considered the designer porridge. This can be made from any mix of oat, wheat, barley and rye flakes, with additions of dried fruit, nuts and seeds. There are many brands on the market to suit every taste, but I started making my own by roasting the flakes in a little oil and honey and then adding whatever takes my fancy. Equally good as a snack with no milk.

CRANACHAN A delicious Scottish speciality pudding, and one with many variations. But how could you go wrong with a mixture of oatmeal, cream, raspberries and honey? The addition of a nip of whisky makes a good finishing touch for that special occasion.

OATCAKES Oatcakes have been called the traditional bread of Scotland. They are another healthy option, and there are so many ways to use them. Commonly eaten with butter and any number of fine Scottish cheeses, but how about trying them with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon? Nowadays, you can buy the small cocktail-size cakes to give an added flavour to your canapés.

SKIRLIE You need butter or dripping to soften the onion before adding the oatmeal. But how do you eat it? Skirlie is really a side dish and a Dundee favourite would be to have it with a dish of stovies – but a more upmarket version would be to use it as a bed on which to serve a fillet steak. It is tasty however you choose to use it.