Burns Supper.

No worries, wear what you like @redstar either with or without the scarf. Do you by any chance grow any Heathers? If you did a little bunch pinned to your top would be very appropriate altho not a lot of use if not flowering! I used to always wear a nice cosy full length tartan skirt to the suppers, perfect as I could wear totally non glam thick socks and comfy shoes underneath the skirt so if we were doing a bit of visiting other houses on foot post everybody having had a few "jars" (drinks)I wasn't frozen to the bone. Enjoy the evening that's the most important.

 

Thanks @silu . my heathers are under the snow, not good now. thanks for your suggestions. will see what i can find around, have some time.

 

You might need one of these.



G.

 

While I was having a few days golf around the Ayrshire coast , I visited the Burns croft ,his birthplace. This is now the Burns museum. He had a short life dying at 37.

 

Did your ears get cold?

 

Happy Burns Night to you all.

 

Going again this year (2019) To a Robert Burns Birthday Party. this time lucking out as the party is 5 mins from my house. Here is the link of the location. Wedding Venue in Chester County - Receptions, Parties, Anniversaries - Beale Manor

It will be on Feb. 9. Saturday. I will just be getting back from Bahamas for a week.

This organization that hosts it also had a lovely affair outdoors in September, with bag pipe contests and throwing things contest. And several wonderful bands alternately playing. Its nice to get a little Scottish flavor few times a year. Looking forward to Haggis. Found out they use a local farmer to make it for the event.

 

Hope you have a good time @redstar. When I visited my friend in Texas I discovered her American husband was bonkers on all things Scottish and he was very annoyed that you can't buy Haggis in America other than in a tin I believe. Strictly speaking the celebration is called a Burns Supper not birthday party but it really doesn't matter! Remember you have to have some "gravy" with the Haggis. The "gravy" should be a decent blended whisky!..bit of a waste to use a malt on Haggis.The other thing you traditionally have with the Haggis is clapshot ( why does this word always sound so rude) It is a vegetable accompaniment of mashed potatoes and swede with lashings of butter and black pepper. I usually add onions but that's not the traditional recipe but I like onions.
Glad to read the pipes were being played OUTSIDE! at the last gathering.I am a fan of the pipes and drums and go to The Braemar Gathering every year mainly for the massed pipes and drums. There are anything up to 15 bands playing, it's some sight. However I absolutely hate when the pipes are played inside. Usually this occurs when tourists are involved. Not always as I discovered to my ears' displeasure this New Years Eve. Popped into Tesocs in Perth and they had a band playing inside the store. OMG the noise was deafening and I was as quick as possible getting what I needed. Jeee gods I'd like to know whos idea that was. Not good and judging by the faces on the other shoppers I wasn't the only person who was not impressed!

 

Yes, @silu , it is Burns Supper. Went to it in Feb. 2018 also. Can't recall all the foods offered then, besides the Haggis. I know the whisky ran free. they do, do the Haggis ritual, and the pipping of the Haggis. But, at the Supper, the Pipes are played indoors, as the weather in February was very cold here. But, perhaps if memory serves, some tunes were played outside the building before we entered inside. There is also a harpist. and later poems read. There is no tourists involved here but a Scottish organization connect to a church. The Haggis is made in America by a local farmer, I think you have to know people. So your Texas friend has to reach out for some research in the area of a farm etc.

This is the church that takes care of these events. The Octorara Covenanter Church - Celtic Happenings

 

What's a beef bung?

 

Well this in news to me @Fat Controller . I thought Haggis was traditionally stuffed into a sheep's stomach? while a beef bung is a cow's intestine is it not? I though a beef bung was basically a beef sausage but I am not an expert on Scottish cuisine! You do realise that most people reading this will be put off eating Haggis now that they know what is in it. I have found over the years it is really difficult to find good Haggis. Most of the stuff sold in supermarkets is a pale resemblance of what Haggis should taste like. Mind you that goes for most food we buy these days which tastes of not a lot!

 

Any of you seen on Netflix. Lords and Ladles ? really neat cooking show. Features three chefs from the UK, Ireland, Scotland area. They travel to beautiful historic castles/mansions and have to make a whole meal from menus dating back 100 to 200 years. Some truly interesting combinations and ways of using foods. Its also a nice visual of the historic homes, landscaping, gardens, decorations, etc. Some amusing moments.

 

I know what you mean @Fat Controller BUT the local butcher where my Mum and Dad lived made gorgeous Haggis. It was quite dry. not fatty at all. Have no idea what recipe he used (maybe better not to know what went into the mix!). he also made fabulous beef sausages. I normally will only eat pork ones but his beef links were totally scrummie. Needless to say the butcher retired some time ago. Shop was sold and is now a flaming holiday home like most of the properties are in the village. The village is now dead for about 9 months of the year and heaves for 3 months. Never go near the place now, sad.