Notice anything different? Look at the URL (and blog title) above. That’s right, my blog is now ‘Relishing It’, with the profanity in my web address (though it provided a few chuckles) now gone. Let me know what you think.
On to today’s post. Oatcakes? No doubt the title of this recipe alone is so inviting that you can’t wait to try it. Alright, it may not sound exciting, but these little creations are incredible. I want implore you to make them to prove that even with a title like ‘oatcakes’, these are delicious. Did I mention that they’re also easy and convenient? I stumbled across these hearty cakes in another recently published cookbook, Super Natural Every Day by Heidi Swanson. Heidi authors the blog 101 Cookbooks , which I’ve been following for some time. This book is fantastic, with a concentration on healthy and vegetarian foods. I’ve made these oatcakes several times over the last couple of weeks, as my family (mostly my husband) devours them. These are most certainly not muffins. To be honest, I’m not really a muffin fan. While they’re sweet and cake-like, I find that I always choose something else if given the option. Yes, these oatcakes have that tell-tale ‘muffin shape’, but the comparison ends there. These are very dense, hearty, and flavorful, though not particularly sweet. Even better, they’re filled with ingredients that are nutricious and tasty. You’ll see that the recipe contains a few items that you may not have on hand. Don’t let that stop you from making them. My guess is that once you have the ingredients on-hand, you’ll make this recipe again and again.
Whole grains, oatmeal, and whole wheat pastry flour provide the heft here. The original recipe also called for whole flax seeds, though my variation relies on flax meal. Whole flax seeds are too hard for your body to break down. They simply pass through, without giving you the healthy benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants that you get in the ground form. Whether you use whole seeds or ground meal, store them in the refrigerator once opened. Heart-healthy walnuts add a nutty crunch to the cakes, and also contain omega-3 fatty acids that are good for you. The cakes are sweetened with raw cane sugar, honey, and maple syrup– a sublime combination. Here I deviated from the original recipe as well, as it called for just the maple syrup and sugar. I was feeling a bit stingy about my dwindling maple syrup supply being depleted by another 3/4 cup, so I substituted half with honey. It really paid off, as the honey and oat combination is heavenly. There are also two different oils that keep the cakes moist– butter and extra virgin coconut oil. The latter is emerging as a healthy alternative oil that’s seeing more use in cooking and baking. You can read about some of it’s health benefits here. When you go to purchase it, take note that it will not be a liquid. It will be white and solid.
These oatcakes are a perfect snack for your busy summer. They keep well and transport easily. Take them on walks, bike rides, camping, or for a simple morning breakfast. They are very filling, and they’ll satisfy your hunger for longer than you think. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
The Recipe: Oatcakes
(makes 1 dozen)
3 cups rolled oats
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour or spelt flour
1/2 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 cup flax meal
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
1/3 cup extra virgin coconut oil
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup (Note: just to be clear — 3/4 cup total of equal parts maple syrup and honey)
1/2 cup raw cane sugar or natural cane sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Preheat the oven to 325°F with a rack in the top third of the oven. Butter a standard 12-cup muffin pan.
Combine the oats, flour, baking powder, salt, flax meal, and walnuts in a large mixing bowl.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the coconut oil, butter, honey, maple syrup, and sugar and slowly melt together. Stir just until the butter melts and sugar has dissolved, but don’t let the mixture get too hot. And if it does, let it cool a bit – you don’t want it to cook the eggs in the next step.
Pour the coconut oil mixture over the oat mixture. Stir a bit with a fork, add the eggs, and stir again until everything comes together into a wet dough. Spoon the dough into muffin cups, nearly filling them.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges of each oatcake are deeply golden. Remove pan from oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Then run a knife around the edges of the cakes and tip them out onto a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. They are especially good with a smear of butter and a drizzle of honey. Enjoy!
Source: Adapted from Super Natural Every Day Cookbook by Heidi Swanson
Thanks again for stopping by!
Laurie
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I can not wait to make these! The are exactly what I need in my house, something healthy and filling I can grab on the go as I chase the kids!I loved the ones I tried of your last week, hope I can pull off making them before we take off! So glad you posted it:)
Glad you’re loving them, Kim!
I know we would love these. I might make a batch once the temperature shifts to something cooler.
And I LOVE the new name, and URL. Perfect!!
Glad you approve of the name change, Kate! Now go and bake these oatcakes, since it’s freezing here once again!
I love that I have ALL of these ingredients! Can’t wait to make them sometime!
Now I’m hungry for these again. Please make ’em soon.
OK, baby.
I think it was a good move. 🙂
Thanks, Susan! I’m feeling like it was a good decision, too 🙂
These are amazing! Kim gave me one to try yesterday and I already made my own last night!
They’re addicting, right?! Glad you’re diggin’ them!
They look good. Where would I be able to find flax meal?
Most grocery stores, co-ops, or health food stores carry either flax meal or flax seeds. If you can’t find either of those, wheat germ would probably be a good substitute. Good luck!
My daughter made these and I was lucky enough to get to try them!!!! Delicious and very filling! We had one for breakfast with our coffee and it held me till lunch!!! I’m making them today! Can’t wait!
I adore Heidi’s recipes. These are divine. Hubby and three year old eat them up. Have made them three times. Glad to see your version here. I also prefer them with the flax meal. I think it makes them a tad lighter too.
They are one of our family favorites! Glad to hear you like them as much as we do. 🙂
Recipe says only one half teasp baking powder
And two teasps salt?
Are these correct?
Yes, it’s correct. 🙂
Wow. Is there something about the use of non sugar sweeteners and or using coconut oil that call for so much salt?
Hi Ida– I know it sounds like a lot of salt and feel free to reduce it if that suits your needs. But, trust me when I say that these oatcakes taste delicious as is. We love them. The salt really enhances the flavor. 🙂