And so the Scottish Adventure begins.
Mayes opened the chapter with the quintessential Stone House they had rented for their time in Scotland, so I thought it would be a good way to begin this virtual adventure as well.
Mayes' rental was probably a great deal like the traditional stone house above.
Scotland has a history of stone houses dating far back before 100 BC. Some of the stone abodes tucked beneath sod hills are Tolkeinesque and look more like Hobbit Holes.
The Traditional Blackhouses were common less than 150 years ago...and are still being built today.
The stonework and sod roof has also been integrated into more modern endeavours as well as shown here. These may be rented by the week.
https://www.visitscotland.com/info/accommodation/the-stonehouses-ullapool-curved-stone-house-p610901
And a very nice tour of a restored Blackhouse Village from 1974.
https://youtu.be/7c3m4cbksAc
I enjoy the cameraman's description of the weather as "shite" and you can hear how fierce the wind is blowing.
Ironically, it is the same wind, rain and skies I started this adventure on, today.
Oatcakes are a traditional bread to accompany meals.
They are made of
and when combined with a bit of buttermilk come out looking like this
They are somewhat crumbly but have a (surprisingly) delicious rich buttery oatbread flavor that would go very well with soup or stew.
Oatcakes Recipe
1 1/2 cups old fashion oats
1 cup flour.
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter chilled solid and cut into small pieces
1/4 cup buttermilk
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and shape into small cakes.
Bake at 350 degrees until edges are browned.
Serve with stew, or dot with butter and jam as a cracker/bread substitute.
Outstanding!
More anon...
