Maybe it's a bit perverse, what with all the talk about Scottish independence, but I found myself watching the pageant yesterday while tucking into a spectacular and rather Scottish food-heavy luncheon, almost all of which was gleaned from the Stockbridge market and featured several Delicious Discoveries. At least I had the Union Jack mug to balance it all out, right?
On the Menu
Admiral Collingswood Cheese: British, actually (from Doddington Dairy), so I don't feel too bad. A delicious, creamy semisoft washed in Newcastle brown ale that reminds me a bit of cheddar. Excellent on an oatcake; takes well to any number of jam or chutney accompaniments.
Organic Gouda from Connage Highland Dairy: Also splendid and creamy, a bit harder and more assertive than the Admiral, also takes well to a number of accompaniments
Alisa Craig Cheese: A beautiful crumbly goat's milk cheese with a sturdy, tangy rind from Dunlop Dairy
Black Pudding Scotch Egg: Slightly crispy on the outside, herby and eggy on the inside, just the way I like it
Olives a l'Escabeche from The French Food Company: Firm and slightly spicy, though that might have been due to the chopped up habanero my husband added
Trotter's Hot Pepper Jelly: More on this later--it deserves its own entry
Oatcakes (naturally) and Cream Crackers (which have no cream in them. Odd)
Tea: Hazelnut from Pekoe Teas in Morningside (more on this later as well)
