almost a red, red rose
Inevitably, being Scottish, my mind turns to all things Burns-related at this time of year. I find myself humming old favourites we (reluctantly at the time) sang along to at school, flicking through a book of his poems I was given, snatches of which come back to me as I turn the pages.
The Selkirk Grace (not actually written by Rabbie, though attributed to him) will be recited wherever Scots are gathered for Burns Night and I feel it’s particularly poignant, especially in these days of recession.
I recently read a thought-provoking article referring to how households in N Europe are cutting back on fruit and veg and filling up on cheaper, generally unhealthier foods. Yes, that makes sense. That’s where we differ in S Europe. We may also be spending less on food but it means in many cases that we are eating healthier than a few years ago, since fruit, veg and pulses are cheap staples of the Mediterranean diet. “Frugal food”, a “buzzword” in magazines in these times has a different connotation here. I think of courgette burgers, stuffed cabbage or vineleaves , spinach pie, salad made from fresh wild greens…….
As I’ve mentioned previously, our menu follows the seasons, but there is always salad on the table and where possible, fresh fruit. Fish plays an important role and admittedly some kinds are expensive, but who can resist a plate of chargrilled sardines or tiny fried anchovies? Healthy and at the cheaper end of the scale. Or how about succulent salted cod, another staple in winter. Mouth-watering when fried in a light batter (with chips if you fancy) or just as tempting baked in the oven in a tomato sauce.
I didn’t have haggis to commemorate Burns Night, but compensated with another Scottish traditional dish – Cock-a-leekie soup and a couple of oatcakes. Afraid I didn’t toast Burns with whisky, either – I had a cup of Scottish blend tea instead whilst playing in the background was one of my all-time favourite cds -” Eddi Reader sings The Songs Of Robert Burns”, with its evocative melodies and Eddi providing the little something that was lacking all those years ago in the classroom!
We hae meat and we can eat, so yes, we have to be thankful.
