May 1, 2026

Scottish Summer Salad

Posted by HI Cookery under 05 May | Tags: , , , , , , |
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Scottish Summer Salad

May 1: Beltane

Today is considered the first day of summer in Scotland. The holiday known as Beltane is similar to May Day in many other cultures.

This ancient Gaelic and Celtic celebration marks the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Pre-Christian rituals involved bonfires with livestock driven to open pastures. Beltane celebrations waned since the post-medieval period. But some aspects were revived in the modern era, such as the Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. No magic spells as in ancient days—just entertainment, queen crownings and feasts to welcome a new, warmer and brighter season, although some Neopagans celebrate fertility, nature and culture.

Though not traditional, this light salad is perfect for a Beltane first course. It is nothing fancy but is healthy and refreshing, using produce gifted from the earth as the old Scots did. Welcome the next season (early) with a simple Scottish summer salad.

Recipe

(Adapted from Slurrp)

Ingredients

  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1 small cucumber, sliced
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

For the dressing

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a large bowl combine the mixed greens, tomatoes and cucumbers. Set aside. Make the salad dressing.

In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine the lemon juice with olive oil. Stir in the honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well. Portion into serving bowls and sprinkle with feta cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes:

 

July 1, 2014

Chranachan

Posted by HI Cookery under 07 July | Tags: , , , , , , , |
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Chranachan

Chranachan

July: National Berry Month

July is National Berry Month—an appropriate time to have raspberries in a recipe from Highlander’s heritage—chranachan. Similar to an English trifle because of the layered look, chranachan is a summery Scottish dessert that uses raspberries. Other ingredients include heather honey, Scotch whisky, oats and whipped cream. Serve up something simple and sweet to beat the summer heat—cool off with a cup of chranachan!

Recipe

(Adapted from BBC Food Recipes)

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup oats (preferably steel cut/pinhead)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1-2 tablespoons Scotch whisky
  • 3 tablespoons honey (heather or organic)
  • 2 cups fresh raspberries

Directions

In a small pan, toast the oats by mixing over medium-high heat, being careful not to burn them. Set aside and cool. In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream to soft peaks.

Chranachan

Fold in the whisky, honey, toasted oats and raspberries. Scoop into dessert glasses. Garnish with extra toasted oats and a few raspberries (optional). Serve chilled.

Chranachan

Notes

  • Chranachan is derived from Scottish Gaelic: Crannachan.
  • Traditionally, chranachan ingredients (whipped cream mixed with whisky and honey, toasted oats and fresh raspberries) are placed in individual dishes and laid out on the table buffet style so diners can layer their own dessert into their dishes according to their tastes.
  • Any good quality “runny honey” (not crystalized) may be used for this recipe.
  • Toasted oats add texture while raspberries add tartness to this dish.
  • Variations of this recipe include soaking the toasted oats in whisky overnight then mixing it into the whipped cream and pureeing or mashing the raspberries instead of adding the whole fruit.
  • Islander especially loves iced chranachan made with lactose-free vanilla ice cream as a substitute for the whipped cream.