Hosting Your Own Burns Night: Culinary Tips and Ideas from Scottish Chefs
Hosting a Burns Night celebration this year? The annual tribute to Scotland’s most renowned poet falls on a Sunday, and while the capital teems with tempting supper options, bringing the haggis home may be a wiser choice—especially if you want to leave time to indulge in a wee dram of whisky. A quintessential Burns Night dinner traditionally features haggis, unveiling it with a reading of Robert Burns’ Address To A Haggis. But how else can you elevate your dinner experience? Four esteemed Scottish chefs share their culinary tips and creative ideas for celebrating Burns Night at home, blending tradition with a twist.
A Traditional Burns Night Dinner
When it comes to hosting a traditional Burns Night, it’s all about setting the right atmosphere and menu. According to Peter Howarth, executive chef at Glenapp Castle, your meal should embark with cock-a-leekie soup, a classic chicken and leek broth that warms the soul. Following that, serve haggis with neeps and tatties—mashed swede and potatoes—before transitioning into a hearty Scottish roast beef. To cap it off, treat your guests to cranachan, a chilly delight made of whisky-soaked oats, cream, raspberries, and honey.
To start your festive gathering, recite the Selkirk Grace, expressing gratitude for the meal ahead. Keep the ceremonial reading of Address To A Haggis queued for its arrival, with the famous line “An’ cut you up wi’ ready slicht” providing the cue to carve. Don’t forget to toast with a distinguished single malt to bring the affair full circle.
Brunch and Breakfast Ideas
Why limit the celebration to just dinner? For those eager to kick off the celebrations early, Calum Montgomery, chef-owner of Edinbane Lodge, believes that the morning deserves its fair share of Burns Night joy. “Start with pan-fried haggis and duck eggs,” he suggests, sharing that it’s his favorite breakfast every opportunity he gets.
Emily Black, the talented baker behind Ems & Co in Crieff, Perthshire, echoes this sentiment. “I love celebrating with a morning meal,” she says, recommending potato scones paired beautifully with haggis and hollandaise—a delightful and hearty way to honor the day.
Drinks to Pair
No Burns Night is complete without the right libations. Peter Howarth advocates for a classic Rob Roy cocktail, a sophisticated variation of a Manhattan that swaps rye whiskey for Scotch. He garnishes it with a maraschino cherry for that appealing finish.
Calum Montgomery has a different suggestion: a rich and smoky whisky, the perfect partner for any meal. He recommends Torabhaig Cnon na Mòine for those who enjoy a bold flavor, or for those preferring something more mellow, a glass of Glenrothes 18 serves as an easy-drinking nightcap to toast to Rabbie Burns.
Sweet Treats to Finish the Night
As the evening winds down, every good feast necessitates a sweet conclusion. Darcie Maher, owner of Edinburgh’s Lannan Bakery, recommends a traditional dessert—cranachan, but with a unique twist. Her version integrates a hint of Scottish Crowdie cheese folded through the whipped cream for a delightful tang. Present it in a crystal trifle bowl to create a celebratory experience.
Another beloved dessert is the clootie dumpling, a dense fruit cake enjoyed by Scots on Hogmanay and Burns Night. Serve it freshly wrapped in a cloth, ‘cloot’, and be sure to accompany it with a dollop of marmalade and cold whisky custard for that quintessential Scottish touch.
For a lighter option, Emily Black advocates for Atholl Brose, a creamy creation of oats, honey, and whisky—perfectly paired with blood oranges or a slice of marmalade cake.
How to Make Atholl Brose
To craft this delightful drink, soak 20g of oats in 180ml of water overnight. After straining to extract the oat liquid, stir in four teaspoons of honey, 180ml of whisky, and 120ml of double cream. This concoction embodies the spirit of Burns Night in a glass.
With these insights from leading Scottish chefs, your Burns Night celebration is all set to be a memorable event, marrying tradition with culinary creativity in the comfort of your own home. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast that sets the tone or a decadent dessert to end on a sweet note, the warmth of Scottish hospitality will undoubtedly shine through.