Wednesday 21 January 2009

Don't forget Burns Night this Sunday

I bought my haggis today in preparation for the celebrations on Sunday (click on the picture for a link to the makers Macsween). We'll serve it with mashed potatoes and mashed swede, all made with lots of cream, butter and a pinch of salt and pepper. I spent my early years growing up in the North East where we called swede turnip and I understand it's called rutabaga in the US. How to confuse people...

Although supposedly traditional we wont be pouring whisky over the haggis and we certainly wont be throwing half a bottle of whisky over it as seen by Oz Clarke in episode 3 of his latest venture with James May and the BBC - Oz and James drink to Britain.

For further links on information for Burns Night I highly recommend the following...

Address to a Haggis by Robert Burns
- you can read the poem but even better, click on a link to hear the lovley John Gordon Sinclair reading this famous poem. Worth it, for his voice alone.

Biography of Robert Burns


Burns Night - the running order of what traditionally happens at a Burns Night celebration.

The Works of Robert Burns

The Menu
Cock-a-leekie soup, my Dad used to make the best Cock-a-leekie soup.
Haggis with bashed neeps and tatties. Click this link for how to make your own haggis.
Clootie Dumpling, or I love the sound of a Typsy Laird, a Scottish Sherry Trifle

12 comments:

FH said...

I have heard of Haggis, never tried to eat it though, not brave enough! :D

Enjoy. Yeah, everything British has a different name here! I love Rutabaga, I add it to make Cornish Pasties! :))

Katiecakes said...

Oh, I love neeps and tatties!

Mashed turnip, throw some apple sauce in there and I'm yours ;)

I've never had haggis before, I'm told it has a strong herby flavor? Hmmm.

Katie xox

Rosie said...

Oh yes with neeps and tatties washed down with a glug of whisky :)

I adore the veggie Haggis too!

Happy Burns Night to you and yours!

Rosie x

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

Hi Asha, I forget you lived in the UK for a while. Haggis is delicious, much better than meat loaf I'd say which is possibly the nearest thing you have to it.

Hi Katie, I've had some which were quite herby but I really love strong flavours so possibly not the best person to ask.

Hi Rosie, I've not had veggie haggis, I'll have to look out for it. Happy Burns Night to you and yours too.

Thank you for your comments.
Amanda x

Caffienated Cowgirl said...

Oh man Amanda...I am now craving haggis! Have a fabulous feast :)

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

Hi CC, Thank you! I'm sure we will. ;D

KJ said...

I've not heard of Burns Night before. Sounds like fun. Hope you have a great time.

Anonymous said...

Hi Amanda,
I went to a Burn's night at my friends house the other year and we had the traditional menu. it was a great night.
Haven't been over for a while so Happy New Year To you and Your family.
Kind regards
Sara from farmingfriends

glamah16 said...

I have never tried Haggis. One day...

Marie Rayner said...

I think I'd go for the tatties and neeps and the Tipsy Laird, not sure about the Haggis though, well, not unless it was vegetarian!

Cheryl Arkison said...

We got ourselves a babysitter and are going to a party that night. If they have haggis I will try it. I've never been served it before. Otherwise I will be baking shortbread or oatcakes for The Monster during the day.
Thanks for the links.

Gemma said...

Enjoy your haggis. I have never liked the meaty version but am a big fan of the MacSween's veggie version, might go and buy one as well!

LinkWithin

LinkWithin Related Stories Widget for Blogs