Our Scottish ancestors used "real" Oatmeal and just started using sugar according to this 75 year old recipe from "Out of Old Nova Scotia Kitchens" copyright ,1970 by Marie Nightingale Pictou County Oatcakes 2 cups real oatmeal (Scottish oatmeal) 1 cup of flour 1 cup of brown sugar 1 tsp salt 3/4 cup shortening 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/4 cup boiling water Combine dry ingredients and cut in the shortening. Dissolve baking soda in the boiling water and add , continue to mix with a knife. Mold with the hands and shap into a long wedge. Slice off and bake in a 400 degree oven for 10 min.