Flemish Fields Soothing Oatmeal Bath

     Oats have traditionally been important crop in northern Europe and an integral part of the cereal production system since the Middle Ages. In their triennial system of crop rotation, lowland farmers divided up arable land into three fields one containing oats,one wheat, one fallow.While the peasants needed every grain for sustenance, among the burghers of Bruges or Antwerp (Europe's most important fragrance and spice market in the sixteenth century), the ladies night have afforded themselves the luxury of an oatmeal bath enhanced with a hint of vanilla a whiff of heaven.

1 cup oatmeal (or almond-or cornmeal)
1 1/2 cup warm milk or warm water
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth.Smaller particles make for a richer bath and prevent a clogged drain.Pour under running water into the bath.soak in the bath for 20 to 30 minutes.Then finish off with a cold sponge or shower.