The haggis mixture was converted to a mousse recipe and then to a moose [mouse].
The clapshot of neeps [swede] and carrots was supplemented with fennel.
Potatoes in the Macaire style are baked and the centre made into cakes. At this meal, the centre was mixed with grated Campbelltown cheese, parsley and other herbs. It was baked in the oven with a cheese topping to gratinate.
The Cranachan was made with apple puree and whiskyed oatmeal. A spoonful of that was set on a bed of creamed rice, raspberrries on top and glazed with a raspberry coulis.
-----------------------------------------
Here's a representative pic of the haggis moussie as I forgot to take photos when dishing up. [I also forgot to give shortbread with the Cranachan.]
All the items served are shown. Moussie appreciated having cooked niblets for once. As for straw potatoes - she's in heeven'.
The haggis was piped in to the sound of small-pipes.
Here is the Address to a Haggis
Address to a Haggis - translated - shortened version
Fair fa' your honest, sonsie (lovely) face,
Great chieftain o the pudden'-race!
Aboon (above) them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm: (stomach words)
Weel are ye worthy o' a grace
As lang's my arm.
The groaning trencher (old-style plate) there ye fill,
Your hurdies (hips) like a distant hill,
Your pin (long leg-bone) wad help to mend a mill
In time o’ need,
While thro’ your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.
His knife sees rustic Labour dight, (it is used properly)
An' cut you up wi’ ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like onie (any) ditch;
And then, Oh, what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin, rich! (reekin - smells nice) [ all words with ight in them end in the sound ikt ]
Ye Pow'rs, wha (who) mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o, fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking (watery) ware
That jaups (spills) in luggies (wooden bowls with 'ears' or handles):
But, if ye wish her gratefu', prayer,
Gie her a Haggis
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
At many Burns Dinners or Suppers, I follow the "Address" with this:
The Philosophical Reply from the Haggis
sonsie - comely/cheerful etc
slangiva - cheers
richts [the ikt sound again] - rights
a’ – all
thocht - thought
------------
Rabbie said I’ve a sonsie face
(Better than some in the human race)
Look aroon’ ye (!) an’ jist you see
There’s nain sai sonsie as little me
Perhaps no’ so wee , as there I sit
Waitin’ for that dreadful slit
The look in Alan’s e’e shows his intention
My richts richt oot .. a la EU Convention
But haggises are made oota pretty strong stuff
Stiff upper-lip when the goin’ gets rough
One last thocht, to mak’ it even
It’ll no’ matter when I’m in heeven
Ne’r mind Auld Scotland’s prayer
Wa’ aboot me, my life laid bare
Bu’ I can tak it, as ye’ve tak-en me
Enjoy your meal .. indigestion free
An’ to a’ Scots here an’ ither kin
Toast me wi’ whisky and no’ wi’ gin
I gi’e a toast to a’ both near an’ far
It’s goodbye from me .. an’ slangiva
----------------------------------
During coffee, Bill gave us a very presentable Toast to the Lasses which was ably replied to later by Nicola.
The Immortal Memory
This is the last of the traditional speeches and on 7 Feb it began with the notion that Robert Burns spoke for the common man. However, the poem selected to demonstrate Rabbie's elequence applies to all of us [we're all John Thomson's bairns] on an everyday basis. It has been adjusted to fit the situation and is punctuated by supporting events.
TO A MOUSE ON TURNING HER UP IN HER NEST WITH THE PLOUGH
And so the [three-hour!] meal drew to a close. Its host explained the aim of showing Anne and Bill how the others sometimes get together with the rest of the local IWFS to enjoy meals and camaraderie. Jim led the chorus of invitation for Anne and Bill to come to a later event as guests.
On most previous occasions, I have given a printed souvenir menu card with all the necessary translations. Those events were catered for by others and all I did was breeze in as MC etc. It just wasn't possible to shop, cook and type before this meal was put on the table.
Considering that I may be like others who have drawers full of such menus, theatre programmes etc and can never find anything specific a year later, it's as well to keep the account of this event where it is.
