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by The Hairy Bikers

Staffordshire oatcakes are wholemeal oat pancakes. Here they are filled with bacon, mushrooms and melted cheese. This makes a big batch – ideal for when you have guests, but the cooked oatcakes also freeze beautifully.

Brunch

Buyer's guide

Oatmeal comes in several grades, ranging from pinhead, which is made by dividing the whole oat kernel and removing floury meal, to super-fine. In between, there are the popular rough, medium-rough (coarse medium), medium and fine grades. Buy according to what you plan to use oatmeal for.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Preparation

Different grades of oatmeal suit different dishes. Fine and medium grades are best made into porridge, oatcakes and cookies, or used in stuffings. Larger grades can be used as a topping for breads; because they hold their shape well, they also add bulk to hearty soups and casseroles.