The Bard

Next Sunday, 25th January, Scotland will celebrate their famous bard Robert Burns. This date being his birthday is when Scots indulge in Scottish fare and remember the famous works of the national poet. The following recipe is for the most traditional meal eaten on this day, taken from 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/haggisclapshotandwhi_92144

Haggis, clapshot and whisky sauce

Celebrate Burns Night with The Hairy Bikers' recipe of haggis, neeps, tatties and whisky sauce.

Ingredients

• 500g/1lb 2oz haggis

For the clapshot

• 500g/1lb 2oz floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or King Edward, peeled, chopped
• 500g/1lb 2oz swede (yellow turnip), peeled, chopped
• 50g/2oz butter
• 75ml/2¾fl oz double cream
• sea salt and freshly ground white pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

For the whisky sauce

• 500ml/17fl oz double cream
• 2 tsp wholegrain mustard
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp whisky
• sea salt and freshly ground white pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• ½ lemon, juice only

Preparation method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
2. Wrap the haggis tightly in aluminium foil and place onto a baking tray. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to one hour, or until cooked through. 
3. Meanwhile, for the clapshot, boil the potatoes and swede in separate saucepans of salted water for 15-18 minutes, or until tender. Drain well. Add the drained swede to the drained potatoes and mash thoroughly. Add the butter and cream and mash again until smooth and well combined. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Stir in the tablespoon of chives. Set aside and keep warm.
4. For the whisky sauce, heat the double cream in a pan over a medium heat. Add the wholegrain mustard, Dijon mustard and whisky and stir to combine. Increase the heat until the mixture is simmering and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes. 
5. Remove the pan from the heat and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Stir in the tablespoon of chives, then whisk in the lemon juice.
6. To serve, divide the clapshot equally among four serving plates. Place a spoonful of steamed haggis alongside each. Spoon over the warm whisky sauce.