Using the Girdle

Never wash the girdle, but dust with a dry cloth after use. Once it has heated up, grease the surface lightly just before use and before each new batch is to be baked. A piece of suet wrapped in a muslin was used for this purpose, but an oil-impregnated cloth or piece of kitchen paper is just as good. Heat up slowly on a very low heat to give an even temperature. Once greased, dust with flour if the baking is a floury bannock or scone, or with oatmeal if the baking is oatcakes. To test the temperature: judge the heat with the palm of your hand held an inch from the surface of the girdle. It should feel comfortably, rather than fiercely, hot.