Burns Night

We are a long way from Scotland but Burns Night is celebrated throughout the world so here are some thoughts.  Burns Night is on 25 January. It celebrates the birth in 1759 of Scotland’s most famous poet Robert (Rabbie) Burns.

Many people and organizations hold a Burns' supper on or around Burns' Night. These may be informal or formal, only for men, only for women, or for both genders. Formal events include toasts and readings of pieces written by Robert Burns. Ceremonies during a Burns' Night supper vary according to the group organizing the event and the location but the evening centres on the arrival of the haggis.The food associated with Burns Night includes: cock-a-leekie soup (chicken & leek), haggis, neeps (mashed turnips or swedes) & tatties (potatoes).

For dessert cranachan is served.  As a pudding lover I thought I’d include a recipe!

Ingredients for Cranachan

3 oz (85g) pinhead oatmeal

1/2 pint (280ml) double/whipping cream

5 oz (150g) raspberries

2 tablespoons (30ml) of whisky

The oatmeal should be toasted in a pan over a high heat then dust should be sifted out. The oatmeal is soaked in whisky overnight and then added to the whipped cream, with a little more whisky added to the mixture. Some raspberries are placed in the bottom of the serving glass before adding the cream mixture. An option is to break up some of the raspberries and gently blend into the mixture. The volume of whisky used may be adjusted to personal taste, but it should be a subtle hint rather than a strong flavour.

Have you got a favourite recipe?  If so, send it in! needhamlink@gmail.com