hi all - I am digging into the topic of bannock in historical Scotland. I've become obsessed by it, in fact. I'm just starting out, however - does anyone have any suggestions for any physical locations in Scotland where I might be able to find information on the presence of bannock in the history of Scottish cuisine? I'm going to be in Scotland this July and wouldn't mind digging around, if I know where to look.
I'll of course continue to dig on my own, but any suggestions anyone has - archival sources, historical cookbooks, websites, whatever - I'd be most appreciative.
thanks in advance,
Chris
Hi a friend of mine called Catherine Brown a food historian if you want further info I can give you info how to contact her Can u e mail me if u would like contact details She has published many books on Scottish food
Liz
hi Liz - is there a way I can send you my email address off forum? (i'm worried about 'bots' getting ahold of it).
cheers,
Chris
Which is a town in the Scottish borders is the only place I'm aware of with a bannock name/history. (ie. google selkirk bannock and you'll get many hits).
however it's really not much more than a leavened flattish bread - usually sweet, sometimes with dried fruit in. Usually cooked on a griddle/hotplate than in an oven.
-Gordon (Scottish)
hi Gordon - thanks for your reply. There is apparently also a type of bannock in the Orkney Islands called 'bere-bannock', as well as several other regional varieties (including Shetland). What I'm finding out, of course, is that 'bannock' actually refers to a bunch of regionally-specific (mostly) unleavened breads, with a couple of exceptions like Selkirk bannock.
Yes - forgotten about that (and I have relatives who live up there too).
It's an interesting grain, closer to barley than wheat. I've tried to make bread out of it - not with good results. It needs a good portion of strong wheat to carry it.
Unless you're making bannocks out of it. Or biscuits. One of the local bakeries up there (Argos) makes them.
-Gordon
lady who updates/cooks with very old recipes. She is a wealth of information und I'm sure she would be able to point you in the right direction. Her website is http://timetocookonline.com
Cheers,
Ingrid
Hi
I know Selkirk very wel and the wonderful Bannock, there's really nothing like coming back from a day hill walking and tucking into slices of toasted bannock smothered in butter..yum.
If you are visiting Scotland you really must pay a visit to Selkirk where you'll find the bannock is still made and widely available, it's also made in Galashiels, just a few miles along the road, you may also find more information by speaking to the bakers themselves.
The Scottish Borders is a beautiful area to explore and well worth a visit.