An Escape to the Glens & Forest

“Wherever I wander, wherever I rove,
The hills of the Highlands for ever I love."  —Robert Burns

Winter traditions are maintained in Scotland for the winter and Holidays. In the moors and mountains, hot porridge is ladled out for breakfasts, mouthwatering berries with triple clotted cream and homemade crumpets. The meals that follow get better and better and bigger and bigger. For dinner you most likely will have the splash of a bountiful salmon from the rivers!

Every Christmas in Woodbury, I dedicated some area of my house to Tartan. Tartans, based on hand-woven patterns the clans once wore into battle. They are the hallmark of the Highlands. (So what if we Gaelic like to drink and fight!)

The traditional garb makes good sense, for the tweeds are thorn and weatherproof, and as the heather tones of one’s kilt are in gentle blues, greens and duns; they blend into the landscape.

These days, at parties men would wear their kilts and hand-knitted socks, and the myriad of tartans made for a galaxy of color.

No jacket is the same in terms of decoration. The adornments are either the wearer’s idea or something that may have descended from his grandfather’s Highland dress. 

If you are thinking of having a Holiday party this year, consider a Scottish Party. I think it is about the ‘adventure’ of getting there. It only requires a little imagination.

Returning home to my little area decorated in tartans, dog prints and traditional Scottish tea-set is just the place to warm up after an adventure; the magical setting is perfect for frayed nerves. I think of the hills in Scotland covered in purple heather, and endless herds of grazing sheep, with no form of human habitations in sight. 

The air is fresh in Minnesota right now. A day in the countryside is just enough to whet the appetite, just like a day at Afton or a jog around Battle Creek Park.

We eat at least four meals in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England…especially in the moors.

Other large breakfasts consists of a ‘fry-up’ with bacon, eggs, sausages, fried tomatoes, white and black puddings and hot buttered toast, and  piping hot tea.

Lunchtime on the hillside picnic includes a thermos of hot soup & some local malt whiskey to warm the cockles. 

Afternoon tea at home follows. The Scottish are famous for Scottish shortbread and Dundee Cakes. 

The Salmon caught earlier in the day could be the featured dinner as well as venison stew.

The first course often would be smoked salmon layered with a galette of grated potatoes fried in goose fat. Dress it up with a dollop of crème fraiche and a sprig of dill. Then, devour perhaps some braised fillet of beef made from the Angus Aberdeen beef from which the Highlands are renowned. (For your party check out The Angus Beef at Cub or ask for something similar. The dessert shall be of an orange floating island in a sea of Grand Marnier custard.

Later, there’s bound to be some reeling and attempts to dance the Highland Fling…the  infectious dance of the Highlands.

The Scottish culture is a vibrant rustic warmth, chasing the dark that falls early on a Scottish winter’s day.  Don’t forget your hot-water bottles to warm one’s toes at bedtime. (I purchased mine at years ago)

Consider a Christmas party focused on making families feel like they’ve been transported to Scotland for a weekend of fun; while enjoying a unique opportunity to learn more about Scottish culture.

A Robert Burns Poetry Dinner is usually held Jan 25th in memory of the Poet.  Never mind the salmon and fancy beef.  It is best to serve Haggis, Scotland’s National Dish (lungs, hearts, liver, mixed with oatmeal, suet, seasonings, and encased with the sheep’s stomach). Once it is stitched up, it is boiled for three hours. Try serving that at your 8-year-old’s next birthday party?!

Some games would include: Knobby-knee kilt contest at your Highland Holiday Party. Who has the finest knees under those kilts? Forget the English archery, fencing, circus skills, and polo.  Sound the bagpipes on CD & dream of golfing on St. Andrew’s grounds. Try a donkey ride, there is always room inside anyone’s house for adults to give donkey rides and piggy backs. Get on the floor and enjoy yourselves.

Make Scotch Eggs. Boldly mix tartans with tartan throws. Cover pillows with tartan.  Deck yourself out in red wool skirts, plaid tights, green wellies, (water boots, leather boots) and look country-wise.

The mood is a guaranteed one of celebration.

For New Year's Day traditions next week—check out First Footing, Redding the House, Fire and how these traditions always brighten the cold and dark winter; not forgetting Burn's "Auld Lang Syne".