Saturday 25th January!
Hello! I am well aware it is only Wednesday, but this is your advance notice to get prepared for the weekend! With the cold, wet and dreary weather, and having passed the alleged most depressing day of the year (Blue Monday), what better thing to do than to plan a fabulous weekend special meal!
Make a list, go out shopping, gather your ingredients. Invite your friends, family, kids, partner and treat them to a delicious Burns Night Supper.
Burns Night
If you are outside the UK and have no Scottish friends or family, you might be wondering what Burns Night is? Burns Night is celebrated annually on or around 25th January, marking the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. It is traditionally an evening of poetry, food, drink and good company, centred around a ceremonial supper. Many of the Burns Night traditions are symbolic rather than formal. Small rituals help to turn a simple meal into a meaningful occasion. Even if you’re not Scottish, Burns Night is a wonderful excuse to gather people together. Enjoy some comforting food, and embrace a bit of fun during the darker winter months.
The Burns Night Plan
Start with a glass of something fizzy whether you drink alcohol or prefer alcohol-free! Offer prosecco, champagne, sparkling wine or even a sparkling fruit drink. They all work well in a nice stemmed glass. The idea is simply to mark the occasion and set the tone for a relaxed and celebratory evening. Traditionally, Burns Night is also associated with Scotch whisky, often enjoyed as a dram during toasts throughout the meal. The whisky can be acknowledged (there are plenty of alcohol-free versions available) whether or not you choose to drink it.
Play (or speak) your Toast to the Haggis. Traditionally known as the Address to a Haggis, this is a short poem written by Robert Burns. The poem is often read aloud with a bit of theatrical flair. At more traditional Burns Night Suppers, the haggis is piped into the room to the sound of bagpipes. Don’t worry if you’ve never done this before! Reading it from your phone, printing it out, or even playing a recording all count. It’s meant to be enjoyable, not intimidating!
You could choose to play this version of the Address to the Haggis. This makes it slightly more fun to listen to with all the different people speaking.
The Menu
Haggis with Neeps & Tatties: A Burns Night Supper wouldn’t be complete without this iconic dish. As a plant-based blog, this haggis keeps everything fully vegan. Great also if you’re partaking in Veganuary), while still delivering all the traditional flavours and hearty satisfaction you’d expect.
Cranachan: A classic Scottish dessert, often made with oats, fruit and cream. A vegan version works beautifully and makes the perfect light but indulgent finish to your Burns Night feast.
What do I need?
Hopefully you will have time to buy any last minute ingredients you need to have the most wonderful Burns Night! If you are looking for any extra kitchen items, here are a few items you might like. These links will take you straight to Amazon where you can then search as usual for anything you need. If you follow these links, Amazon might pay us a small commission, which goes towards paying the website hosting fees. We’d be very grateful if you do, thank you! Have a look at these: chopping boards, kitchen knives, mixing bowls, or alcohol-free whisky and other items which you might need. Much appreciated!
Serving
Serve your Burns Night Supper with friends, family and a toast to the haggis! The haggis is generally served with neeps (swede) and tatties (potato), and of course you can make these into any form you like! Try: roast potatoes and swede puree; baked potatoes and steamed swede; mashed potatoes and pan fried swede cubes; both mashed; both roasted; both fried… your Burns Night, your choice!
There are no strict rules, the most important thing is that everyone enjoys the meal. Serve everything family-style for a relaxed feel, or plate it up individually if you’re after a more elevated style dinner.
Storing
The cooked ‘haggis’ will keep stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, so you can prep in advance so you have more time to spend practising your address to the haggis! Cover it, or pop it in an airtight container – you can even freeze it (label and date) if you have any leftovers.
Sharing
I hope you will consider hosting your own Burns Night Supper this weekend coming! Let me know if you’re buying, or baking! Also, this weekend is the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (23rd-25th Jan) – remember to sign up, get a comfy spot near the window and count the birds! If you are yet to discover the Merlin app, it is a great tool for discovering which birds you can hear!
As always, I love hearing about any recipes of mine you try, any ideas you adapt or suggestions you have for future recipes. Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or X.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x
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