Burns night, beyond haggis and Auld lang syne

January 25th is Burns Night, and to most, the Scots poet Robert Burns is a complete unknown and Burns Night a complete mystery. Yet, every New Years Eve we all link arms and mumble the words to ‘Auld Lang Syne’, do we not?’ Of course we do , and if you’re like most people, you don’t actually know the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne beyond “should old acquaintance be forgot”, etc but did you know that in the midst of your New Year frivolities you were are in fact reciting the words of Scotland’s most notable poet? Yes, ’tis he of the tartan lands, the Scottish Shakespeare, the notable Robert Burns. More famous than a blue painted Mel Gibson in a skirt with a sword! Yes indeed, ‘tis the Bard himself, and every January 25th in pubs and clubs across the land Burns night suppers are held in his honor.

So, what’s this all about again?

Actually, joking aside, the Scots poet Robert Burns is a big deal in Scotland and Northern Ireland and as such I thought it very fitting to write a wee blog in his honor and then follow up with a wee recipe that hails from Scotland to warm us all up on these cold and wet winter nights.

And who is he, this Burns guy?

Well, our wee Robert Burns is a hero who lived in the 18th century and is regarded as Scotland’s favorite son. (Think of what Thomas Jefferson means to America, get it?) He is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and after his death he became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism and a cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish Diaspora around the world. And so, every year we dress up, eat haggis, sing songs and have a great ‘ol time being Scottish, even if you’re not!

This year I’m actually celebrating the event by being a guest chef contributing to the Burn’s supper event at my local Irish pub, Olde Blinde Dog in Milton GA. Should be good craic as we say, and I may even sell a few more copies of the Shamrock and Peach!

So that’s your cultural lesson for this month, and tune in later this week as I’ll follow up Burns night with a really nice, truly Scottish recipe that is comfort food for cold nights!

So, I’ll leave you with our romantic Robbie burns and a verse of one of his famous poems I love….aaahhh.

Robert Burns ( 1759–1796)

O my Luve's like a red, red rose

That's newly sprung in June

O my Luve's like the melodie

That's sweetly played in tune.

Till next time y'all!

Judie the Irish Foodie