5
Reestit mutton
Reestit mutton is a delicacy of Shetland. The mutton is prepared by soaking it in a saturated salt solution for three weeks, and then taken out and dried. If kept dry, the meat will be good for years. Originally, the meat would be dried in the smoke of a peat fire. It can be hard to source reestit mutton outside Shetland, but it is well worth the effort. It’s best used as the base of a soup with potatoes, swede and cabbage, and served with oatcakes or hot, fresh bread.
4
Kippers
Kippers are one of those quintessentially English foods that leave us open for mockery. A kipper is a herring, sliced in half before being salted and smoked. It was once a common breakfast food, especially for the lower classes in the cities where fresh fish would be rare and expensive. Kippers can be enjoyed at any time though, and make a great item to throw on a barbecue.
3
Fish and Chips
Chips were apparently first made in the UK in the 1860s. The English chip is much larger than French fries, and so it has a much different texture. Although a recent vogue for chips fried three times has given us a much crisper chip, those served in Fish and Chip shops usually have a much softer texture. Almost as soon as chips appeared in England they were paired with battered fish, and a cultural icon was born. With the over-fishing of cod, other fish are being used more commonly so there’s all the more excuse to keep revisiting the chip shop.
2
Mince pies
It is not Christmas without mince pies. The history of the mince pie may have contributed to its unusual reputation. It seems the recipe of the original mince pies was brought back by the crusaders and has been evolving ever since. They were banned by puritans as part of the celebration of Christmas; defying puritans only adds to their flavor. The mince pie used to contain meat, hence the filling being called mincemeat, but now is a mixture of dried fruits, spices, fat and brandy. Mince pies are best made fresh and eaten hot from the oven, but a cold pie is never unwelcome. Pair with a dollop of clotted cream.
1
Haggis
“Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o’ the puddin-race!”
Great chieftain o’ the puddin-race!”
Even though haggis didn’t originate in Scotland, it is certainly where it is most enjoyed these days. Scotland’s adopted national dish has a fearsome reputation, but it is undeserved. Haggis is made from the less popular parts of a sheep – that’s true, but the taste makes you forget your preconceptions. It has a gamey flavor and should be peppery on the tongue. Haggis should be served with mashed neeps and tatties (swede and potatoes). Whisky sauce complements it beautifully. Don’t let this Burns Night go by without giving it a try.
If you wish to combine haggis with fish and chips, then visit any Scottish chip shop where you will find slices of it battered and deep-fried.
0 comments:
Post a Comment