HAGGIS

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish.

Haggis is one of those national dishes that is both beloved and reviled by natives, and sometimes horrifies people who hear it described for the first time. And yes, I did eat haggis while in Edinburgh many years ago – probably so many that to actually describe the taste today is impossible.

Traditionally, a Haggis is made from the lung, liver, and heart of the sheep. These are mixed with oatmeal and a few spices and stuffed into the sheep's stomach. After being boiled, the Haggis is brought to the table with a great deal of ceremony. A piper ushers in the Haggis and all raise a glass of Scotch whiskey and "brrreath a prrayerr for the soul of Rrrobbie Burrrns!" It is then served with "neeps and nips," mashed turnips and nips of whiskey. I think you have to drink a lot of Scotch before you can truly enjoy this dish, but a party of Scots without a Haggis is simply not heard of.

Here's a recipe for the beloved Haggis of Scotland. In addition to the other naughty (read 'delectable') bits the lungs are traditionally included in Scotland but are omitted here as it's illegal to sell lungs in the U.S. (Any clues as to why, anybody?).

1 sheep's lung (illegal in the U.S.; may be omitted if not available)
1 sheep's stomach
1 sheep heart
1 sheep liver
1/2 lb fresh suet (kidney leaf fat is preferred)
3/4 cup oatmeal (the ground type, NOT the Quaker Oats type!) 3 onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 cup stock


And NO I have never prepared Haggis myself – like I stated, I did eat some while in Scotland and to be honest, I was not impressed but then, like many foods, it’s an acquired taste! I just never acquired it, thank you very much!

Haggis was "born of necessity, as a way to utilize the least expensive cuts of meat and the innards as well" In fact, in times of famine people would eat whatever it was that they could get their hands on, which is how all those fascinating ingredients became a part of Scottish tradition.

Now, not to spoil the fun there is NO haggis animal—and over the years a certain “stuffed thing” has been tagged a Haggis. Folklore suggests that thousands of years ago they lived in harmony with other denizens of the hills, Brownies and Fairies. So you take all this with a grain of salt and believe what you want. There are many who claim to be Haggis Heads but they are followers and supporters of the “Enter the Haggis” Band as well as other Celtic music.

Hopefull this gives you some insight into Haggis – tis an interesting subject, eh? And now, I am off to take photos of wildflowers and following Wiseacres suggestion I bought a Wildflower book and now, the challenge begins. So far I have managed to correctly identify blue violets that are growing in my back yard…hurrah! Hey, baby steps, remember, all learning is baby steps -- damn, some day I'll get to take a grown up step -- can't wait!

Have yourselves a grand day!