Wednesday 28 February 2018

Och; me sporran's all of a tremble.


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.



40 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I'm speechless. All I can say is you must have had some awful Haggis.

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  2. Ack it’s touching my fork, get it off, get it off!

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    1. Now now Doc. I don't want you having a heart attack. I won't force you!

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  3. Didn't know what Haggis are - Looked it up - No thank you.
    Greetings Maria x

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    1. Ha ha. Not another one. You have to try it; not read the ingredients!

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  4. Never 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.

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    1. It really is good, and the ingredients don't worry me one bit.

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  5. Haven'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.

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    1. Obviously a pukka fresh Haggis is out of the question here (unless Kimbo brings one), but these tins are an excellent alternative.

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  6. I've never tried haggis or played the bagpipes but I have worn a kilt.

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    1. I have done all three. Two badly, one with gusto. I'll leave you to work out which was which.

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  7. My 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.

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    1. A pukka Haggis, cooked in a Sheep's stomach, is wonderful. Your grandfather was a man of impeccable taste.

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  8. I 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

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    1. I 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.

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  9. I 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 )

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    1. It'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.

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  10. We 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.

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    1. I used to buy haslet in thin slices for sandwiches. Nice.

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  11. I have never fried it. This is probably why I rarely buy it. I have always steamed it.

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    1. This 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.

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  12. I'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.

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    1. I'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.

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    2. That is absolutely true. They are one of very few creatures who are born thus.

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  13. My 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.

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    1. I'm quite a fan of black pudding too, but eat it rarely.

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  14. I 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.

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    1. That sounds excellent. I have used Haggis in a Turkey stuffing, and in the middle of a meatloaf; both were superb.

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    2. Eleanor, How did you think of that. I am so impressed.

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  15. I 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.

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    1. I can buy very good local made, artisnal, black pudding here. My favourite is 'Boudin Viande' which is rich in lumps of pork. Delicious.

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  16. I 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.
    I would try haggis especially if it is fried like you said.
    The Japanese make some wonderful offal dumplings.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. My favourite Polish sausage is Kabanos (sp?). Slightly spicy, and perfect to keep in your pocket!

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  17. I 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.

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    1. When you think about it, Haggis is a perfect substitute for minced beef; and already seasoned. I imagine it would make great Lasagne.

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  18. Replies
    1. I'll come round and blindfold you. that way you'd love it.

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