Haggis anyone?

Last weekend was a weekend of several firsts. We had our first "Burn's Night" with our friends I. and L. (names have been withheld to protect the guilty). We didn't even know what a Burn's night was before moving to Ireland... so - for those of you out there (Americans ;) ) that don't know what this is - let me tell you. This sacred night (the 25th of Jan) is a Scottish holiday in remembrance of Scotland's national poet - Robert Burns. Most of you are probably familiar with his work "Auld Lang Syne" (that is sung every New Year's Eve). The evening can be formal or informal... with large groups... or small... but they always require laughter... speeches.... toasts... poetry being recited and...................... (take a deep breath)............... Haggis!

The Haggis was paraded around the room.... addressed with poetry (that was written to it) and eventually eaten.

Haggis.... well............ How should I describe Haggis? I'm not really sure how to explain the smell... and taste of sheep's heart, liver, and lungs.... that is minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt and then is boiled in the animal's stomach for three hours. I'll just let your imagination tell you what it tasted like.... I didn't think that it was all that bad. I don't know that I would order it for dinner anytime soon... but there was something cool about eating a traditional dish that you know has to be thousands of years old.

In the end - Burn's night was a lot of fun. Not so much for the food (although it was cooked perfectly) but more for the friends and the time we got to spend with them. What a fun night of laughter and fun. I can say for certain that it was a night I will never forget.

Here are a few pics for you to enjoy.

Fresh Haggis!





I. carving the Haggis (no joke)





Who wouldn't want that?





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