The Burns Night 2010 thread - and good news for US fans of haggis!

[Zulu Romeo]

Yes, tomorrow, the 25th of January, is Burns Night - the traditional Scottish night of haggis, neeps and tatties, whisky-soaked recitations, song, toasts to lassies (and their replies), and many other things connected with Robert Burns.

And, it seems, there's some good news this year, for Americans who for over 20 years have had it tough when it comes to having haggis from Scotland:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8477432.stm

The US government said it is planning to relax the ban on imported meats which prevents the sale of haggis.

The Scottish government said it was greatly encouraged by the move, which was also welcomed by haggis producers.

The ban was introduced in 1989 because of concerns about the safety of British meat during the BSE scare.

On the eve of Burns night, the US Department of Agriculture said new regulations were being drafted, in line with international standards.

Now this generation can enjoy the pleasures of haggis in a big way, hopefully - either the traditional way, or even all year round served in pizzas (something I'm now only beginning to accept, I will admit) - although the article's mention of "haggis nachos" seems somewhat strange.

And of course, as Frankie Boyle once said, there is a vegetarian option...

Spoiler: There is a vegetarian option

but it tastes awful.

 

[StolenThunder]

My proper Burns' night supper was tonight. Haggis, Scottish ale, and whiskey. Excellent stuff.

 

[WillsBabe]

Neaps, tatties and haggis in our house last night for Burns' Night. Missed out on the whiskey, though. Really fab haggis this year in proper sheep's stomach.

 

[M'Sharak]

Now this generation can enjoy the pleasures of haggis in a big way, hopefully - either the traditional way, or even all year round served in pizzas (something I'm now only beginning to accept, I will admit) - although the article's mention of "haggis nachos" seems somewhat strange.

I'd only been made aware the other day of the existence of such a thing as haggis pizza--this, from someone who spied that very item in his local Tesco--but I'm not expecting I'll be able to find it in my local Fresh & Easy just yet. Haggis nachos... I'm trying to decide whether that's even a good idea, but I'll endeavor to keep an open mind about it.

Scottish ale

Yes, please!

 

[jamestyler]

I seem to be in the minority of Scots who just can't be bothered. And I hate haggis. Whenever I express this hatred, someone tries to encourage me to try it again... which is frustrating.

 

[Tim]

Thanks to this thread, all I could think about was haggis when assisting in abdominal surgeries today.

 

[M'Sharak]

^ I trust you managed not to snicker too loudly?

 

[FPAlpha]

Funny thing is when i attended my cousins funeral in Edinburgh they served Haggis too at the wedding.

At my table i was the only one who knew what that was and what it was made of. My family asked me and i just told them to try it.. they did, most of them liked it but when i revealed what it is most of them stopped immediately and continued with the chicken

Personally i thought it was not too bad though not my favorite.. at least i can say i ate Haggis once

 

[Rhionnach]

Yuck! Rather you than me. When I first read the recipe for haggis it was enough to put me off for life! I never liked meat in any case so am now vegetarian but I am even reluctant to try veggie haggis.

 

[Tim]

^ I trust you managed not to snicker too loudly?

I was too busy tugging at the dude's mesentery.