What is the standard recipe for making bannock?

Classic Bannock Recipe (Yields 8-10 bannocks)

Ingredients:

* 2 cups all-purpose flour

* 2 teaspoons baking powder

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 1/2 cup shortening

* 1 cup buttermilk

* 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cut in shortening: Add shortening to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender, two forks, or your fingers to cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Knead dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for just a few seconds, until it comes together in a ball.

6. Shape bannocks: Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 1/2-inch thick circle or flatten into a rectangle.

7. Bake: Place the bannocks on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Variations:

* Sweet bannock: Add 1/4 cup sugar to the dry ingredients.

* Cheese bannock: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients.

* Herbed bannock: Add 1 tablespoon dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the dry ingredients.

* Bacon bannock: Add 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon to the dough.

Tips:

* Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in a tough bannock.

* Use buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to create a light and fluffy texture.

* Grease the baking sheet: This will prevent the bannock from sticking.

* Cook over low heat: Bannock can be cooked over a campfire or on a griddle. Just be sure to cook over low heat to prevent burning.

Enjoy your homemade bannock!