Oat flour is flour made by grinding oats, to a fine or extra fine, medium or coarse grind.  This healthful grain has a similar texture and taste to that of stone ground whole wheat flour, although it tends to be a bit more bitter. More recently embraced by the gluten-free world than other alternative flours, oat flour can, with much practice, be used on its own in baked goods. It is often combined, however, with other flours to make the item in question a bit lighter. You can also make your own by simply grinding regular oats in the food processor to a fine powder. If you are lucky enough to come across roasted oats, buy them immediately! Roasting helps sweeten the oats. You can also roast your own oats by spreading them on a baking sheet and roasting them in a 350 oven for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring the oats often. Oat flour is also my flour of choice when making a roux. I tried several different flours and always seemed to come back to oat flour which gave it the correct flavor and texture.

Nutritional benefits:

• High in fiber
• High levels of the B vitamins, vitamin E,calcium,and minerals