81 results for author: brenda

Gie her a haggis

Today, the 25th January marks the birthday of Scotland’s most famous bard and one of our national heroes, Rabbie Burns. Long standing traditions at Burns’ Suppers have become as much a tribute to Scottish food and drink, as to his work. But few probably realise just how closely each of the courses from Scotch Broth to Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Cranachan and Cheese and Oatcakes washed down, most likely with more than just, a wee dram of whisky ties in with Burns the man, from his childhood experiences to his writing and his, shall we say, vivacious love for life. Much of Burns’ work, is itself, littered with Scottish culinary references. ...

Scottish Smoked Salmon – your where to buy for Christmas

Last minute food shopping? Fear not.  Here is our recommendation on where to get the bare essential starter item for making it an ultra special Scottish foodie Christmas:  the quintessential king of smoked fish, Salmon. Although Scottish Smoked Salmon is still considered somewhat a luxury food item, steady supply has maintained the prices at relatively the same levels they were years ago, making it an affordable food item that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack. Salmon can be of course be farmed or wild. The latter is rarer and more expensive. Both are delicious and any preference will be a matter of your own ...

An altogether Scottish Christmas Canape

At Christmas there's nothing better than a few canapes and a glass of fizz with your friends and/or family is there? Why not try this canape? It's our favourite this year. It's easy to make and showcases some of the produce from local and passionate Scottish producers. It's cooked on a Salt Block which we love, but if you don't have one, you still have time to add it to your Santa list (or use a hot griddle/pan in the meantime). Christmas Canapé:    Partridge with Chestnuts, Kale, Mushrooms & White Truffle Oil. Served on Seaweed Water Biscuits. Makes 30 2 Partridge breasts (skin off) 20g Unsalted Scottish Butter 20g dried ...

Christmas Gift for the Curious Cook: Food Smoking & Pink Himalayan Salt Block Cooking Workshop

Is it because we are in the age of molecular gastronomy, where you could argue food is sometimes tricked into being something it isn’t, that it feels so good to unleash your culinary creativity using salt, one of nature’s purest minerals in an altogether different way?The concept of using a Himalayan Salt Block for curing, cooking, chilling and serving was brought to my attention recently by the Scottish company Salt House.  From curing Scottish salmon for gravadlax, searing super fresh tuna, cooking prime Aberdeen Angus steaks, making a delicious chilled salted caramel, or using it as a serving plate, I am in no doubt, after using it over the ...

St Andrews Day Cooking: For the Patron Saint of Fishermen

It's always frustratingly difficult to choose a dish to cook on St Andrews Day. Essentially you could choose anything iconically Scottish. But having that huge repertoire at our disposal can sometimes make it feel even tougher. Much easier to have a straight forward 'go to' dish like the haggis for Burns' night on 25th January. Lucky for us and hopefully for you that dilemma can be extinguished with a fish dish that pays homage to St Andrew, the patron saint of Fishermen. Chris Naylor, one of our guest chefs and of 'Bespoke Catering' fame, cooked this incredibly tasty Gigha Halibut fish dish in a recent culinary class for our guests. Give it a try ...

Foodie Conversations from Scotland: #ScotFood returns tonight

Wherever you are in the world there is no better time to soak up a few Scottish food and drink insights than during the #ScotFood Twitter hour.  But what is it, when is it and how do I get involved?  It’s a Tweet Up, same as the others that exist in Twitter in this world of digital and pretty much instant everything. Perhaps you have already joined in on #ScotlandHour?  If you have a Twitter account follow us @TastingScotland (and do @Eat_Scottish too as ‘Scotland Food & Drink’ are hosting the new series of #ScotFood, which starts tonight.Between 9 – 10pm (GMT) the conversation will feature a range of questions and answers which are ...