Beltane is a festival that celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the earth. One way to honor this festival is to make traditional Beltane cakes, also known as bannocks. These oatcakes were traditionally made and eaten during Beltane to symbolize the new growth of the season and to honor the spirits of the land.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making traditional Beltane cakes:

Materials:

• 1 cup of oatmeal (steel cut or rolled oats)
• 1/4 cup of flour (optional)
• 1/4 cup of sugar (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 cup of butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup of milk
• Edible flowers, seeds, dried fruit or other mix-in of your choice (optional)
• A mixing bowl
• A wooden spoon
• A baking sheet

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
3. Cut in the butter or margarine until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Add the milk and mix until the dough forms a ball.
5. Add any desired mix-ins to the dough (optional).
6. On a floured surface, roll out the dough until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Use a cookie cutter or a cup to cut out the dough into small circles or shapes.
8. Place the cakes on a greased baking sheet and prick them with a fork.
9. Bake the cakes for 15-20 minutes or until they are lightly browned.
10. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Your traditional Beltane cakes are now complete and can be enjoyed as a delicious and symbolic treat. Whether you are celebrating Beltane with a group or on your own, making traditional Beltane cakes is a wonderful way to honor the spirit of the festival and to connect with the energy of the season.

Written with the assistance of AI via ChatGPT