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Scottish Bannocks

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I’m delighted to welcome Paige Shelton to my blog to celebrate her new release, THE STOLEN LETTER! Thanks for visiting with us, Paige, and thanks for your yummy recipe and book giveaway!

 

 

I always crave Scottish food around the time a new Scottish Bookshop Mystery is about to publish. Well, not really. What I crave is the fried fish and chips we found at a Grassmarket takeaway when we visited Scotland. They were so good. The other things we tried, like haggis, don’t really come to mind. But that fish and chips; yum!

In researching other Scottish foods I thought I might like, I found bannocks.

From Wikipedia: a bannock is a variety of flat quick bread or any large, round article baked or cooked from grain. A bannock is usually cut into sections before serving. (Cinnamon & Sugar’s Note: we really liked these split in half like an English muffin and toasted! The traditional way is delicious too.) 

My goal, when looking for something to make, is always to simplify. I found a variety of bannock recipes – some cooked in the oven, some on the stovetop, and some fried. I simplified. I chose to use a cast iron skillet on the stovetop. These bannocks are biscuit-y. Some recipes I found were of the same texture, but some weren’t. I don’t know if you’d find my exact recipe anywhere in Scotland, but I do think it’s yummy.

 

 

This simplified and version of Scottish Bannocks uses a cast iron skillet to get a nicely browned exterior yet the interior retains a biscuit-y texture. Recipe shared with permission granted by Paige Shelton, author of THE STOLEN LETTER.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Paige Shelton for providing a hardcover copy of  THE STOLEN LETTER. Contest ends Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

This simplified and version of Scottish Bannocks uses a cast iron skillet to get a nicely browned exterior yet the interior retains a biscuit-y texture. Recipe shared with permission granted by Paige Shelton, author of THE STOLEN LETTER.

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Scottish Bannocks

From Wikipedia: a bannock is a variety of flat quick bread or any large, round article baked or cooked from grain. A bannock is usually cut into sections before serving.

My goal, when looking for something to make, is always to simplify. I found a variety of bannock recipes – some cooked in the oven, some on the stovetop, and some fried. I simplified. I chose to use a cast iron skillet on the stovetop. These bannocks are biscuit-y. Some recipes I found were of the same texture, but some weren’t. I don’t know if you’d find my exact recipe anywhere in Scotland, but I do think it’s yummy.

Ingredients
  • Cast iron skillet
  • Oil for the skillet (I use olive oil)
  • Pastry blender/cutter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup Crisco shortening (or lard)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • About 3/4 cup water. (I use tap water.)
Instructions
  1. Oil the bottom and sides of the skillet and place over a low flame. This is a low and slow cook so as to make sure the inside cooks well and the outside doesn’t burn.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients together.

  3. Cut in the vegetable shortening (or lard), until the mixture is an even, crumbled consistency.

  4. Mix in the raisins.

  5. Mix in the water. For me it’s about 3/4 cups, but I have tried 1/2 a cup and one full cup and those worked okay too, just changing the density slightly.

  6. Bring the dough together and knead for a bit. About five to ten times. Be careful to not overwork the dough.

  7. Divide the dough into six balls. Smash them down with a spatula so you have six small pancake-looking things. (about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick)

  8. With the heat still on low, place three bannocks in the skillet to cook on one side, and then flip to the other side to cook. Again, the goal is to cook the insides without burning the outsides, so use your best judgement, but, for me, it’s about ten minutes per side.
  9. Remove from heat and serve right away, but they’re good when cooled too. Repeat with the other three.
  10. Serve with butter, honey, jam. Again, these are biscuit-y and work with the same sorts of yummy toppings that you’d put on any biscuit.
  11. Enjoy!

This simplified and version of Scottish Bannocks uses a cast iron skillet to get a nicely browned exterior yet the interior retains a biscuit-y texture. Recipe shared with permission granted by Paige Shelton, author of THE STOLEN LETTER.

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

My Review

Click on book to visit Amazon

THE STOLEN LETTER is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery Series by Paige Shelton. In this newest release, I love how the tragic historical figure of Mary, Queen of Scots, is woven into a current day murder mystery. It is obvious that the author did considerable research on the beheaded queen, yet the way the information is presented is anything but a dry history lesson. I was captivated with how she uses Mary Stewart, a woman claiming reincarnation of the long-ago queen, intertwined with her doppelganger, protagonist Delaney Nichols. Ms. Shelton often includes a slight mystical element to her stories yet keeps them firmly in the “whodunit” cozy mystery category. As the layers of the story unfolds, the author’s deft skill weaves historical events into her clues, while providing intrigue with each turn of the page. A surprising Agatha Christie-style reveal wrapped the plot and subplots together into one rewarding read.

Another thing I love about this series is the setting, which is as charming as they come. Delaney works in the mysterious, yet inviting bookshop, The Cracked Spine, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Ms. Shelton’s strong descriptive voice brings life to the locations and the reader can see the ancient castle and cobbled walkways, feel the cold, damp rain, hear the brogue of the locals, and smell the time-worn books and treasures that clutter the bookshop. She also creates memorable characters that invite the reader to spend time with them. Delaney is a caring individual and, in the short year she’s been in Edinburgh, has made her co-workers and the elderly people she rents from, into a tightknit family. I’ve also enjoyed seeing her relationship with Scottish pub owner, Tom Shannon, progress throughout the series, and now that they are married, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them both. THE STOLEN LETTER combines everything I enjoy about a cozy mystery making this another fascinating addition to one of my favorite series!

Amazon Synopsis

Delaney Nichols is confident she’s doing what she loves—case in point, just one day after returning from her fabulous European honeymoon, she’s eager to get back to the Cracked Spine, the bookstore where she works. But as she disembarks her bus and hurries toward the shop she and another woman collide, sending a stack of books the woman is carrying to the ground.

Delaney’s hapless victim’s name is Mary, and the two women can’t help but notice that they bear an uncanny resemblance to one another. According to Mary, they both also look like the long-beheaded Mary Queen of Scots. Even stranger, Mary believes she is the reincarnation of the Scottish queen. But peculiar as Delaney’s doppelganger is, she doesn’t have time to dwell on it: on her arrival to the bookshop, she learns the Edinburgh city council wants to close the Cracked Spine, citing code violations, and she’s determined to stop them.

But when Mary’s husband dies in a car explosion—and Delaney learns he was the very member of city council who proposed that the city take a closer look at the bookshop’s construction—she starts to wonder if her meeting with Mary wasn’t an accident. Edinburgh has become as filled with intrigue and deception as any European court, and Delaney is determined to get to the bottom of this royal mystery.

 

 

 

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This simplified and version of Scottish Bannocks uses a cast iron skillet to get a nicely browned exterior yet the interior retains a biscuit-y texture. Recipe shared with permission granted by Paige Shelton, author of THE STOLEN LETTER.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

 

I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

This simplified and version of Scottish Bannocks uses a cast iron skillet to get a nicely browned exterior yet the interior retains a biscuit-y texture. Recipe shared with permission granted by Paige Shelton, author of THE STOLEN LETTER.

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69 thoughts on “Scottish Bannocks”

  5. The recipe for Scottish Bannocks sounds delicious and something I want to try making.

    I do enjoy reading historical fiction. If the author’s done proper research, it gives me a glimpse of how it was to live in a different era while reading a great book. I often learn things I didn’t know before too.

    Can’t wait for the opportunity to read Paige Shelton’s new release THE STOLEN LETTER.

  7. I like some historical fiction. And those bannocks look yummy. Thanks for the giveaway.

  8. Historical fiction is a wonderful way to take us back to a different time. Thank you the recipe, and for this chance.

  9. I do enjoy reading some historical fiction. I love reading about the fashions of the times and the different locales. Thank you so much for this chance.

  10. I don’t read historical fiction generally, but I do have several historical series that I love.

  12. I love clean historical fiction. Especially if it is in the western times. I love the cover on your book. It sounds like a wonderful read. Thank you for the recipe. These look delightful.

  13. Yes. I enjoy reading historical fiction. I love to read about a time before I was born.

  18. I love to read Historical Fiction but I struggle with the sadness when a beloved character inevitably passes away.

  19. I enjoy reading Historical Fiction and thinking about the ways in which society has changed or not really changed. It is fun to immerse myself into another world.

  22. I love this series, and with the thought of a storyline weaving historical fiction into a present day storyline I am excitedly anticipating the latest release of Paige’s Scottish Bookshop series.

  24. I have recently started reading some historical mysteries and have been enjoying them. Thank you for the chance to win!

  27. Historical fiction is one of my favorite go-to genres. Paige Shelton is an incredible author and I would love to receive a copy of her book. Thank you for doing this, especially now when everyone is shut in, scared and vulnerable!

  30. I do like some historical fiction. I’ve just started reading more of it recently and am enjoying the genre.

  37. Love reading historical fiction. I tend to alternate between historical fiction and psychological suspense books. Such a thoughtful gesture you are doing with this giveaway. Hope you and your family are healthy

  38. Your new book sounds very interesting. I am currently watching the Outlander series so I am in a Scottish food mood.

  43. I love historical fiction. Your recipe sounds delicious – will be making soon since we’ve been issues stay-at-home order in MO.
    madamhawk at gmail dot com

  44. Love reading historical fiction, and reading cozies with bookstores, and Scotland. Sadly can’t cook to save my life, though

  45. I like historical fiction when it is connected to something more current as in this series.

  50. So much in this interesting book ?
    Historical Fiction-fabulous itself 🙂
    This book has a beautiful cover & fun title
    This recipe-cross between a bagel & English muffin
    Husband is new cook/baker, I vote he tries it
    I also am tickled at the writing so far – the name of the
    Bookstore..magnificent. I love it
    On my need to read list – need to have is better.
    Blessings for bringing this us – and to Paige
    Prayers to each one here for good health &safety

    Kathy in nc
    [email protected]

  52. I enjoy reading historical mysteries. I’m going to try to make your recipe. It looks delicious. Thank you for the chance stolen letter Looks interesting and fun to read. [email protected]

  53. I do enjoy reading historical mysteries. It’s fun to step back in time and immerse yourself in another time and be swept away with a different type of mystery.
    scarletbegonia5858(at)gmail(dot)com

  54. I do enjoy reading historical fiction.

    donna (dot) durnell (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

  55. Yes, I do read historical fiction. I have enjoyed most of those books I have read, and I plan to continue to read them.

    donna (dot) durnell (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

  56. Love the Scottish Bookstore series! I do read some historical fiction. I will keep an eye out for yours.☺

  57. Indeed I do. Just finished Amanda Carmack’s “Murder at Fontainebleau” as a matter of fact.

  67. The recipe for Scottish Bannocks sounds delicious. I do enjoy reading historical fiction.

  69. As I just found out that I’m 37% Scottish I would love to win! I love historical fiction and stories with bookshops in them. Thanks for the recipe for the bannocks! They look similar to Welsh cakes! Love being 97% British!

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