It may not surprise you, but certain Scottish 'specialities' are not readily available in France.
So, another of my Amazon follies is this 6 pack of tinned Haggis, which has just arrived (I still had one tin in store).
I know that the very name 'Haggis' brings a shiver to many a sassenach's taste buds, but let me assure you that this stuff is absolutely bloody delicious.
Imagine a slightly spiced, coarsely ground, peppery, Paté. Cut into 2 cm slices, and fried for about 6 mins, so that each side is very slightly crispy; this is heaven, and anyone who says otherwise is either crazy, or is lying about having tasted it.
I have never understood why people can have such phobias about Haggis. I shall say no more.
TRY IT.
Shiver, shiver!
ReplyDeleteI'm speechless. All I can say is you must have had some awful Haggis.
DeleteAck it’s touching my fork, get it off, get it off!
ReplyDeleteNow now Doc. I don't want you having a heart attack. I won't force you!
DeleteDidn't know what Haggis are - Looked it up - No thank you.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
Ha ha. Not another one. You have to try it; not read the ingredients!
DeleteNever eaten haggis but I know it's offal. Would have given me the heeby jeebies years ago, now I wouldn't mind trying it, especially after your description.
ReplyDeleteIt really is good, and the ingredients don't worry me one bit.
DeleteHaven't had it for some time. When I did it was made locally by a Scottish butcher and was absolutely delicious. Must try and get some.
ReplyDeleteObviously a pukka fresh Haggis is out of the question here (unless Kimbo brings one), but these tins are an excellent alternative.
DeleteI've never tried haggis or played the bagpipes but I have worn a kilt.
ReplyDeleteI have done all three. Two badly, one with gusto. I'll leave you to work out which was which.
DeleteMy grandfather moved from Dumfries to Dorset and had a monthly haggis sets down from Mr.Fleming, the butcherb every month.a big boil-in-the-bag one. Had to be eaten with neeps and tatties.Lovely stuff.
ReplyDeleteA pukka Haggis, cooked in a Sheep's stomach, is wonderful. Your grandfather was a man of impeccable taste.
DeleteI love Haggis although I haven’t had it for a while. I think people decide they don’t like it before they’ve even tried it....... it’s delicious. Very much like guzzards ...... I first had them as a starter in a tiny restaurant in Mont-Saint-Michel ..... also delicious.We always told our children to try everything once ..... it could be the most delicious thing you’ve ever tasted !!!! ( I’m not so sure about eyeballs though !!!! ) XXXX
ReplyDeleteThat’s gizzards !!! XXXX
DeleteI never use the word 'gizzards' with my grandsons; I always call it 'Duck'. It is so silly to decide if you like something or not by eyesight; things have to be tasted, otherwise we'd never eat Crab or Lobster or Oysters, or Whelks, etc. Life would be very dull.
DeleteI don't think I have ever had haggis, but imagine it is somewhat similar to haslet, and I used to love that. Walkers butchers in Leicester used to make it , and it looked rather like a small round loaf of bread. Mum would buy it in slices and we had it fried, with heated tinned tomatoes and potatoes. It was very tasty ! ( A cheap meal I guess )
ReplyDeleteIt's 'looser' than haslet, and has a spicier flavour. If you liked haslet, you'd probably like haggis. Look out for the tins of Grant's.
DeleteWe used to eat haslet when I lived in Newcastle, and black pudding. I have never had haggis either but not because I am squeamish, just because I have never had it.
ReplyDeleteI used to buy haslet in thin slices for sandwiches. Nice.
DeleteI have never fried it. This is probably why I rarely buy it. I have always steamed it.
ReplyDeleteThis stuff comes out of the tin as a long tube and can be sliced into rounds; perfect for frying. I'm sure it gives it a better flavour, and texture.
Delete...and experience...
DeleteI've only had haggis once. It was a take out from a fish and chip shop in Scotland. It was unfortunately, as I hadn't realized till I opened the newspaper to eat it, a battered Haggis. And not as good as yours, I dare say.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that the left legs of a haggis are slightly longer than his right legs. This is so he can run around steep mountain sides in a clockwise direction without falling over.
DeleteThat is absolutely true. They are one of very few creatures who are born thus.
DeleteMy son, who is vegetarian, eats veggie haggis - heaven knows what's in it. Me? I have never tasted it. It sounds too much like black pudding to me - ugh.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite a fan of black pudding too, but eat it rarely.
DeleteI live in Scotland, so have access to some really good butchers haggis. My husband loves me to make him a haggis lasagne. Just fry your haggis, mash a little with a fork, then layer with quite runny cheese sauce and lasagne sheets, grate some extra cheese for top and bake @ 190c for about 40 mins. Try it.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds excellent. I have used Haggis in a Turkey stuffing, and in the middle of a meatloaf; both were superb.
DeleteEleanor, How did you think of that. I am so impressed.
DeleteI used to like haggis, I havent eaten meat for a few years now. But the best I have ever had came from a family run butchers in Lockerbie. Black pudding we also liked. The best black pudding was/is Ramsays, they are mail order http://www.ramsayofcarluke.co.uk/product-category/black-pudding/?trk_id=df-roc&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw9nUBRCTARIsAG11eieXvPBquAzQhRA-uIb9jpXkfs32nO6fe_L4HN1EMvusH0BGYZKaWiUaAva2EALw_wcB I see from their website that they also do haggis. But I havent had it from them. They sell the black pudding in the garden centre near my In laws house.
ReplyDeleteI can buy very good local made, artisnal, black pudding here. My favourite is 'Boudin Viande' which is rich in lumps of pork. Delicious.
DeleteI haven't has Haggis but growing up Polish you get to eat all kinds of savory different foods. Salceson (head cheese), Kaszanka (blood sausage), Kielbasa, (sausage) and Liverwurst.
ReplyDeleteI would try haggis especially if it is fried like you said.
The Japanese make some wonderful offal dumplings.
cheers, parsnip
My favourite Polish sausage is Kabanos (sp?). Slightly spicy, and perfect to keep in your pocket!
DeleteI sure learned something today. Haggis lasagne is something I never thought could be put together and I would try it too. I have had haggis but not in ages.
ReplyDeleteWhen you think about it, Haggis is a perfect substitute for minced beef; and already seasoned. I imagine it would make great Lasagne.
DeleteNot me. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteI'll come round and blindfold you. that way you'd love it.
Delete