A brief history of the glorious Staffordshire Oatcake & Staffordshire oatcake mix.
WHAT?
What am I? Am I a pancake? No. Am I an oatmeal cracker? No, definitely not. Am I a crepe? No, no, no.The regional oatcake is to Staffordshire, what the pasty is to Cornwall. Totally different from Scottish oatcakes, which resemble a cracker or biscuit, and not to be confused with the much thicker Derbyshire oatcake.A Staffordshire oatcake is made from oatmeal, flour and yeast to make a batter, which is then fried, similar to when making a pancake.In the Potteries, oatcakes are considered a local delicacy with many oatcake addicts happy to debateat length regarding the best recipe and which oatcake shop you should buy them from. True oatcake aficionados are known to be fiercely territorial regarding their preferred oatcake supplier. Many independent oatcake shops across the Potteries are closely guarding their particular special recipe. Try our original Staffordshire oatcake mix recipes
WHERE?
The oatcake is a local speciality in the North Staffordshire area of England, specifically Stoke-on-Trent (The Potteries). Commonly referred to as Staffordshire oatcakes by non-locals, because they were made in and around Staffordshire and Cheshire; locally they are simply called "oatcakes". Traditionally oatcakes were cooked on a hot plate over an open fire. Sometimes sold from the front windows of terraced houses, ‘The Hole in the Wall’ being one such vendor.The origin of the oatcake is shrouded in mystery. One urban myth is that the oatcake is a distant cousin of the Asian chapati or flatbreads when British soldiers serving in Colonial India took such a fancy to them that they tried to recreate them back home. There were certainly regional variations of the oatcake in nearby Derbyshire and Lancashire. However, locals believe the home of the Staffordshire oatcake to be Stoke-on-Trent.No wonder this tasty, nourishing and economical food quickly became a regular staple amongst families working in the pot banks of this region, rich in industrial heritage.
WHEN?
Families across Staffordshire and the region have served this delicious savoury-style pancake, typically at breakfast or brunch, for decades. However, they can be eaten at any time of the day and are an ideal brunch, lunch or supper option. Oatcakes are traditionally enjoyed simply oozing with melted cheese, but other favourites such as bacon, sausage, eggs, mushrooms, and beans are common fillings. They can also be devoured with sweet fillings; golden syrup, jam or banana and chocolate (if you're a bit posh).If food on move is a requirement, any oatcake advocate worth their oats will contest to the power of the oatcake to fulfil this need. Cooked oatcakes will retain their heat when wrapped in foil and can be eaten on the go. Alternatively, they can be pre-rolled with cheese and warmed through camp-side, at work or wherever you have access to a grill, stove top or microwave.Allow your culinary oatcake imagination to run wild with Staffordshire's most loved and original street food!
WAIT...WHAT!?!
Foodie lovers, do not despair; the humble oatcake can quite easily be elevated to gourmet status! Those who like their nosh more posh can view our online videos and recipes for examples on our website and social media posts.
Oatcakes are the ultimate local comfort food and deserve to be given the respect they deserve all year round. The delicious aroma of oatcakes cooking on a weekend should not be missed!An oatcake mix is for life and not just for Christmas, or Staffordshire Oatcake Day (8th August, if you were wondering). We acknowledge not everyone is fortunate enough to have easy access to the Potteries and their abundant oatcake shops.But fear not...we have the solution!
Our 'make your own oatcake' mix gives you the freedom to make delicious oatcakes at home, on holiday or whenever you fancy, all year-round.You don't have to be posh to be privileged!Each oatcake mix pack makes a dozen oatcakes; this is a great value, conveniently packaged food cupboard staple.Our oatcake mix is a firm favourite with ex-Potter pats pining for a familiar taste of home. We believe in sharing the oatcake love! Check out some of our ex-Potter pats cooking up their oatcake mix on our Instagram account.
