A Meal Fit For Rabbie Burns

“Some hae meat and canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it,

But we hae meat and we can eat,

And sae the Lord be thankit.”

On or around January 25 poetry lovers and people of Scottish descent get together to celebrate the life of Scotland's national poet Robert Burns. This celebration includes a Burns supper, a meal of traditional Scottish cuisine, some Scotch whisky, and lots of readings of his works. Naturally, haggis will be a part of this meal, but there's more to Scottish cooking than offal meat and oatmeal cooked in an animal's stomach. Cullen skink is a fish chowder named after the town of Cullen on the coast in northeast Scotland. Try the recipe below if you're looking for a starter for your Burns dinner or a new winter comfort food.

Ingredients

400 g medium potatoes (about 2), peeled and cut into 1 cm cubes
300 mL water
250 g smoked haddock
250 mL whole milk
15 g unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
half a small bunch of parsley or chives, finely chopped

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the onion and fry for 5-8 minutes until they are translucent but not browned. Add the potatoes and the water and bring everything to the boil. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
2. Put the haddock in another pan and cover the fish with the milk. Cook gently for 5 minutes, or until just tender. Remove the haddock from the milk with a slotted spoon (reserving the milk), transfer it to a plate, and leave to it cool slightly. When it's cool enough to touch, flake the fish into large pieces, removing any bones.
3. Add the reserved milk and flaked haddock to the pan with the potato mixture and cook for another 5 minutes. Season and sprinkle over the parsley to serve.

Better Girl Dinners

I don't know as much about feminism as Justin Trudeau does, which is why I don't understand the girl dinner trend. According to TikTok, a girl dinner is any low-effort meal you make when you’re alone. It could be a fruit or vegetable platter, instant noodles, some sliced meat and cheese on a plate, or even leftovers. It qualifies just as long as you post a video of it as Olivia Maher did. These meals are apparently quite liberating for women, as it allows them to take a break from their traditional role of preparing complicated meals for men. I didn't think being too lazy to make something to eat was gender specific, just as I don't think a few pickles and a handful of crackers can be considered a meal. If you must eat a series of snacks for a meal, try to make healthy choices that include protein, produce, fat, and fibre sources.  If you're having trouble coming up with ideas for your next girl dinner, below are some suggestions you may want to try before the next viral sensation comes along.

Ingredients: Caprese Skewers

It's the classic caprese salad in snack form.

16 small fresh mozzarella balls
16 fresh basil leaves
16 cherry tomatoes
extra-virgin olive oil
coarse salt
freshly ground pepper

1. Thread the mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on small skewers.
2. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Ingredients: Eggocado

This meal is a favourite of renowned author, journalist, and speaker Alan Henry.

1 avocado
1 egg

1. Preheat your oven to 220 degrees C. Beat the egg with a fork.
2. Cut an avocado in half and de-pit it. Slice off a quarter's worth off the back of each avocado half so they lay flat. Sprinkle a little salt in each pit hole. Place the avocado halves in an oven-safe skillet, pitted side up, propped against the side to keep them steady.
3. Pour half the egg into the center of each avocado half. Depending on the size of your avocado, you may need to scoop out some of the flesh to make room first. Add any spices or condiments you like on top. Suggestions include hot sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, or lemon zest.
4. Carefully place the skillet in the oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, until the egg is set.

Ingredients: Texas Hash

NOTE: You will have leftovers if you make this.

227 g ground beef
227 g canned chopped tomatoes
50 g uncooked white rice
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
1 large onion, diced
7 g chili powder (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 177 degrees C.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef on the stove. Add the celery, onion, and green pepper, and cook slightly, stirring everything together.
3. Add the tomatoes, rice, and chili powder, and stir to further incorporate everything.
4. Cover and bake for 45 minutes.