The most elaborate Burns Supper I’ve ever been to was actually in New Zealand. Where at the embarrassing age of 30 I learned that addressing the haggis did not involve a postcode.
I wasn’t really sure why I’d never been into this event until I Googled it today. This East Lothian’s Burns Club pic says it all. It’s just a bit erm…. Old fashioned.
Of course upholding traditions has its place but I think if Rabbie was alive today he’d actually be quite a mover and a shaker. Or maybe even a rapper. As in a wordsmith and a Master of Ceremonies who reflects the times. So this post is all about old traditions, with a twist. Emcee Rabbie B. is in da house.
OUR CHIEFTAINESS
Though it’s maybe too politically sensitive to mention right now, all good parties end up in the kitchen. Our kitchen is certainly where a lot of the best stuff happens and the Chieftainess (or Cheftainess) in charge is Liela.
You can see her and her Burns themed goodies (so far) in the main picture. I tried a bit Tattie Topped Haggis Pie (see above) then scoffed the rest. Squeezed in some Findlays Gluten Free Haggis along with Liela’s perfectly mashed neeps and tatties (see above). All absolutely delicious. And her salmon pate (below) was so good I took a whole tub home with me.
Liela also made some classic Lentil Soup, has plans for Cullen Skink and her own Scottish twist on Beef Wellington. This swaps out the mushroom duxelle for, yes you guessed it, a haggis wrap. Beautifully sliced and served with pepper sauce. All these homemade goodies are available from the deli counter. Ask in store and/or follow our FB or Insta for updates.
GAUN YIRSEL
Planning a DIY Burns Supper? Just pick up your own haggis in store. If you are wanting a Chieftain haggis (feeds 4 – 5 people) let us know via here. We will order direct from Findlays Butchers. In addition to the delicious gluten free variation I tried, they also do a traditional haggis, vegetarian haggis and an Asian Haggis! Each of these feeds 1 – 2 people.
Stahly also has a very cutely packaged haggis. Available in original (red) and vegetarian haggis (green).
If Findlays Asian spiced haggis is not enough to blow your traditions then how about some Haggis Nachos. Made exactly the same way as traditional nachos, just substitute the minced beef or beans with your haggis of choice. And of course add some fine Scottish cheddar on top.
In store we have both Orkneys coloured mature and white mature cheddar. And from the deli I recommend the very tasty Isle of Mull cheddar from the Isle of Mull Cheese co.
JUST A WEE DRAM
In my opinion it’s far easier to ‘stomach’ all the animal innards and poetry if you have a wee dram. So I’ve selected 3 from our vast range of Scottish Whiskies. Two old hats and a newby.
Glengoyne Highland say they distill their mid priced 10 year old Single Malt “slower than anyone in Scotland”. As a mindfulness instructor this is a concept I can get behind. And if there was ever a drink that encouraged mindfulness it would be Whisky. All that swirling between sips and mulling over nutty notes and crisp green apples. Which is exactly how Glengoyne describes this whisky.
Tobermory’s 12 year old Steach Don ùr is another investment in time as well as money (just shy of £200). This bottles Gaelic invitation translates as “Into The New”. Asking us to consider the new year ahead and maybe revisit your intentions (to save money?) every time you indulge?
The dark horse in this race is Wee Smoky who definitely believe that the rules are there to be remixed. Their packaging is certainly not traditional, nor is their marketing. This bottle is a special edition celebrating the release of the track ‘Wee Smoky’ by the, “legendary neo-trad trio, Project Smok”. £1 from every every sale helps fund the bands next music ventures. I think if Emcee Rabbie B. was truly in da house, he would certainly approve.
Slainte, Stella*
