Pitcaithly Bannock

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Pitcaithly Bannock is actually more what we would think of as shortbread.

It is made as a large, round circle, from a mixture of wheat and rice flours, sugar, and butter, along with chopped almonds, and candied citrus peel.

You mix the flours and sugar, rub the butter in, then mix in the nuts and the peel.

You form the dough into a thick circle, prick it with a fork, transfer it to a baking sheet and cook it anywhere from 3/4 hour to an hour.

Some people decorate Pitcaithly Bannock with sugar right after removing it from the oven.

Let it cool, then serve.


History Notes for Pitcaithly Bannock

Pitcaithly Bannock is named after Pitcaithly, Perthshire, (near the Bridge of Earn) which was famous in Scotland for its five mineral springs. Hotels and tea rooms were built to accommodate the tourists coming there to take and to bathe in the waters.


"Pitkeathly Spa was never more gay than at present. The hotels are overflowing and the numerous private lodging houses in Bridge of Earn are nearly all occupied."

-- Perth Courier, 1825.

Language Notes about Pitcaithly Bannock

Also spelled "Pitkeathly."
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