Edible Scottish Adventures - June 2018

Thursday 5 July 2018


JULY. How on earth did that happen? School's out for summer! Hasn't the weather been absolutely glorious - long may it continue, as for us this will be a summer of days here and there rather than the usual fortnight abroad (roll on Orlando in October) Meantime the new seasonal logo has been installed, but before July can start in earnest I need to take a look back to June and share what you might have missed. The algorithms of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook don't always want to let my followers see everything I post so this retrospective monthly roundup is my cunning way of attempting to beat the system. Expect culture crawling, kitchen tables, vending machines, chariots of fire, cranachan and peacocks!



The month kicked off with a visit to St Andrews. It's one of my favourite Scottish towns and I'd already visited at the start of the year for the fantastic Eden Mill Gin Blending Experience at Rusacks. The trip this time was to take part in the Chariots of Fire Beach Race. As such some carb loading was required the night before. What better than fish and chips? Tailend is however a step up from your usual fish and chip restaurant. Available to eat in or take out they offer a gorgeous selection of seafood and chips fried in beef dripping. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and loved the look of their monthly chefs gin tasting menu.


Whilst wandering back to our guest house we discovered what surely must be the ultimate vending machine. I've had organic milk, eggs and veg from innovative venders but a 24 hour bakery trumps them all. Especially when that bakery is the renowned Fisher and Donaldson. Offering fudge donuts, stovies, rhubarb and apple tarts, sausage rolls, bridies, scotch pies and Irn Bru to wash them all down with. We did ponder over whether Wills and Kate would have used it in their student days.


If ever there was a race for a foodie, Chariots of Fire Beach Race in St Andrews is it. The annual event takes place on the iconic West Sands with the theme from Chariots of Fire playing. Runners dress in white - bare feet are optional. The reward is a medal, a beer and a fudge donut. It did however take me a week after the race to work out that the medal also doubles up as a bottle opener!


Our friends Keith and Gina eloped to Hawaii to get married but shared their celebrations back home with a reception at The Barn, Banchory. Rum punch, lei and pineapples were the order of the day as were Hawaiian Shirts and Grass Skirts donned by the groom and best man half way through the evening. My favourites were however the Fererro Rocher pineapples. I reckon the Ambassador would love them.


No matter how many times it happens, it's still a thrill to see one of my recipes or articles in print. In June my Wild Garlic Tattie Scones appeared in Scottish Field Magazine and in August I'll be in The Scots Magazine. I reckon my Grandma Corntown would be very proud of me. 


I was delighted to be asked by Hamlyns to create a recipe for their new 'Oat Bars Three Ways' leaflet. What better than Scotland in a flapjack! Scottish Cranachan Flapjacks with Whisky Icing Drizzle bring together all the flavours of this traditional dessert in a bite sized oaty snack. The combination of both oats and oatmeal in this flapjack, combined with honey and raspberry jam create both a texture and flavour sensation. Top them off with a drizzle of whisky icing - slàinte mhath!




The weather could have been kinder but nevertheless we enjoyed a fastastic weekend away with friends staying in Strone House, Loch Lomond. Foodie Boy was in his element in the BBQ Hut but resisted temptation to cook up any of the numerous peacocks! Instead we toasted a 21st birthday with pink champagne and tunnocks teacakes. My AGA skills were put to good use for cooked breakfast for 12 and we even braved the midgies for a game of Mölkky. 


Whilst I don't have any cookbook ambitions of my own I'm always delighted to support my fellow food bloggers with their successful publications. As such I was delighted to share this recipe taken from 'Living on the Veg' by Clive Gifford and Jacqueline Meldrum of Dundee based Tinned Tomatoes blog. Quick Green Spaghetti Sauce with Avocado, Peas and Spinach - a vibrant green sauce for spaghetti that's made in minutes. It's packed with goodness, super creamy and it coats the pasta beautifully.


Through hosting a Kitchen Table Day and participating in the Aberdeen Culture Crawl I raised a fantastic £563 for Maggie's. This is a cause close to my heart as they were a fantastic support to our whole family following my Mum's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The whole day from cakes to culture was emotional and uplifting. To see so many people coming together for such a great cause whist sharing fun and friendship and all that is good about Aberdeen was an amazing experience from start to finish. I'm already looking forward to next year for more of the same! Meantime my Just Giving Page remains open if anyone would like to add to the total. 


Final recipe of the month was a barbecue one, perfect for a long hot summer. No fuss barbecued Chicken Wings with a tasty marinade of Nut Butter and Maple Syrup. Pop them on the BBQ for sticky, sweet and nutty finger lickin' goodness. Ensure they are cooked to perfection with Superfast Thermapen Thermometer. There's a chance to win one in the post - gotta be in it to win it!




Whilst I was running in slow motion to the Chariots of Fire theme I was missing out on a champagne brunch and guided tour of Dundee’s Waterfront area as part of the opening of Brassica. A couple of weeks later with an hour between trains in Dundee we paid a flying visit. Gorgeous space and decor and the menu looked lovely. Alas we only had time for a glass of Champagne! Great location right on the waterfront close to the new V&A.


Is there anywhere better in Scotland for a Champagne Afternoon Tea than Gleneagles? Personally I loved the sandwiches and scones and could have happily skipped the top tier (bar the macaron!) However the selection of patisserie did look excuisite. Strawberry Shortcake, PB&J Macaron, Raspberry & Rose petit gateau, Banana Roulade and Chocolate Paris-Brest. The weather was glorious too and traveling there by train really added to the whole experience. The most perfect girly afternoon although next time we reckon it should include a spa and overnight stay.

Looking forward to July there a a few local openings that I'm excited about. Fresh Mex in Schoolhill on 7th July, Aberdeens's first low fat Indian cuisine at Nurtaj on Justice Mill lane from 17th July, The Greenhoose Veggie/Vegan food truck at the beach 7th July and Carron to Mumbai in Stonehaven on 6th July. In addition to exploring these new eateries, in July I'll be heading to Amiens, France with Newtonhill Pipe Band for United Pipers for Peace, home to The Black Isle to visit my folks and a jaunt to Dundee for a press trip with the V&A and Dundee one city, many discoveries.

Until next month... xxx

1 comment

  1. All hail the 24 hour bakery! The only thing ever better was when the late night toasty bar was open on a Friday night... Tailend has totally spoilt me for fish and chips, it’s hard going back after it. Try their fish tacos next time you’re there, there’re almost the same level of happiness-inducing as those fudge doughnuts.

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