Good ol' wiki for an explanation of Burns supper:
"A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of many Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, sometimes also known as Robert Burns Day or Burns Night (Burns Nicht), although they may in principle be held at any time of the year. Burns suppers may be either formal or informal. Informal suppers typically include haggis (a traditional Scottish dish), Scotch whisky and the recitation of Burns' poetry"
Since Lyn is here visiting, we have the party at Bayswater (i.e. bigger table vs. our wee flat!).
Scott insist on celebrating it every year and we do the full hog...meaning
1) cullen skink soup (made with smoked haddock, potato, cream and celery) - no pic...we were hungry and down it before we can take a pic!
2) As tradition dictates, before we eat our second course, Scott will recite one of Robert Burn's poem. The poem is written in 'old Scottish' and hence should be read as such (i.e. doesn't sound like English!)
3) It was a good laugh for everyone at the table
2nd course...
4) haggis, neeps (swede) and tatties (potatoes) with whisky cream sauce. Funny story about buying the haggis...but before that a brief introduction to haggis if you don't already know - by wiki again, "Haggis is a dish containing sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally simmered in the animal's stomach for approximately three hours"....which essentially means it's not for everyone!
OK back to the story of buying it. I was looking for it in the supermarket, found it but it only came as a huge serving for 10 people or a vegetarian option (what's the point eh!). I guess I must be looking perplexed as I was poking around the shelves looking for a smaller haggis when an elderly (English) man questioned me:
Man: Excuse me...do you know what is it that you are holding?
Me: Yes ...a haggis. I'm looking for a smaller portion
Man: umm...are you sure?
Me: Yes...my bf (side note: it still sounds odd to call Scott 'fiancee') is Scottish. I know what a haggis is (smile)
Man: Ah...ok..... (turning to walk away before turning back just to reconfirm I know what I am intending to buy)....you do know that haggis is made of pig's...
Me (butting in his conversation): Yes..pig's blood. Trust me...I'm asian...I have eaten worst
Man: You're right (swift turn and walk away)
Me (under my breath): Take that ang moh! Muahahahah
ok back to the dinner...
Or you can also have a small portion of chicken breast stuffed with haggis wrapped in bacon with it!
5) Dessert time! Tipsy trifle!!!
It's what I call 'heart attack in a bowl'!!!
It's made of sponge fingers soaks in orange juice and whisky (free-pour to your heart content love), layer up with custard, scatter some raspberries, then top it with whipped double cream and mascaporne. Finally, scatter more raspberries and white and dark choc shavings
the beauty of this pudding - no hard measurements required...just add and add until your thigh wobbles then you know you have got it right!
oh yes yes yes....load it up....wedding dress diet can start tomorrow!
heaven....the end!
