Best Way To Source Milling Oats

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell about a humble grain that's been making headlines in my kitchen - milling oats. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Oats? Really? Isn't that stuff just for horses and granola-loving hipsters?" Well, hold onto your hats, because I'm about to blow your mind with some oat-tacular revelations.

Why Milling Oats, You Ask?

Well, let me tell you, milling oats are like the superheroes of the breakfast world. They're packed with more protein than an avocado on toast (yes, I went there), and they've got more fiber than a forest after a rainstorm. Plus, they're like the Goldilocks of grains - not too big, not too small, but just right for absorbing all those delicious flavors you throw at them.

Now, Where Do You Find These Oat-tastic Grains?

First things first, you've got to know your oats. There are rolled, steel-cut, and stone-ground, but for milling, we want the whole, unprocessed deal. Think of them like the original gangsters of the oat world - rough, tough, and full of potential.

Now, you could go the easy route and hit up your local grocery store. They've got oats coming out of their ears, but they're usually rolled or steel-cut. Not what we're looking for, my friend. So, you've got to dig a little deeper.

Enter: The Oat Whisperers

These are the folks who know their oats like a sommelier knows their wine. They're the ones who can tell you the difference between an oat grown in the Scottish Highlands and one that's been cultivated in the rolling hills of Kent. They're the oat whisperers, and they're your key to milling greatness.

You can find these oat whisperers in all sorts of places. There are online retailers who specialize in all things oaty, like Creamery's in the UK or Bob's Red Mill in the US. Then there are the local, artisanal mills who are keeping the oat tradition alive. A quick Google search should turn up some gems in your area.

But Wait, There's More!

Now, you might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but I don't have a milling stone in my kitchen. What am I supposed to do, mortgage my house to buy one?" Well, fear not, dear reader, because there's a solution that doesn't involve selling your soul (or your house).

Enter: the blender. Yes, you heard me right. That trusty kitchen appliance that's been sitting on your counter, gathering dust and judging you for your lack of smoothie-making prowess, can be your key to milling greatness. Just throw in your whole oats, pulse a few times, and voila! You've got oat flour. It's not quite as fancy as a stone mill, but it gets the job done, and it won't break the bank.

Surprising Oat Facts to Blow Your Mind

Alright, let's take a little detour here. You might think you know oats, but I've got some facts that are going to make your oat-loving heart skip a beat.

Did you know that oats were once used as a form of currency? I know, right? I can just imagine the ancient oat barter system - "I'll give you five bushels of oats for that shiny new plow!" It's like the oat version of the stock market.

And here's another one for you - oats were once banned by the Catholic Church. Yep, you read that right. The Church declared oats to be "the food of the laity," which was basically their way of saying, "This stuff is too good for you, priests." I mean, can you imagine a world without oatmeal? Terrifying, right?

Now, Let's Get Cooking!

Alright, enough about the fascinating (and slightly bizarre) history of oats. Let's get down to business. You've got your milling oats, you've got your blender, now what?

Well, first things first, you've got to soak those oats. It might sound counterintuitive, but soaking your oats before you mill them makes them easier to blend and gives you a smoother flour. Plus, it helps to neutralize some of the phytic acid in the oats, which can make them a little harder to digest.

Once your oats have had their little soak, it's time to get blending. Pulse your oats in the blender until they reach your desired consistency. If you're going for a fine flour, you might need to sift the mixture a few times to get rid of any larger pieces.

And there you have it, folks. You've just milled your own oat flour. Now, go forth and make some oat-tastic baked goods. I suggest starting with some oat flour pancakes - trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

So, next time you're in the market for some milling oats, don't just grab the first bag you see. Do a little digging, find yourself some oat whisperers, and get ready to revolutionize your breakfast game. Your taste buds (and your horses) will thank you.